1982 Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 'Great White' MK4 dial

When the Double Red Sea-Dweller bowed out in the mid-1970s, a new chapter quietly began. Rolex retained the reference number 1665, but stripped away the red lettering and introduced new dial fonts, birthing what would come to be known by collectors as the ‘Great White.’

 

The shift was subtle but significant. The Great White was the first Sea-Dweller to feature only white text on the dial, and while the case, domed acrylic crystal, and 2000ft/610m depth rating remained unchanged, the watch took on a cleaner, more function-first appearance. It was the final iteration of the vintage Sea-Dweller, still powered by the caliber 1575, still born of the COMEX collaboration, and still made to withstand the rigors of saturation diving—but now fully devoid of ornament.

 

Produced until roughly 1983, the Great White marked the end of the matte dial era before the Sea-Dweller adopted sapphire crystals and deeper ratings. For many collectors, it’s the last of the true tool watches in the line: a diver’s instrument, not yet softened by luxury’s polish.

The example offered here is a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 ‘Great White’ with MK4 dial which dates to 1982.

 

The final batch of production MK4 black matte dial is flawless with little to no visible aging at all. The oversized ‘maxi’ lume plots present a rich, vivid, creamy patina hue. The original hands have aged a few shades darker, adding just the perfect balance of contrast.

 

The case is in very strong condition. It retains thick, sharp lugs with factory bevels— probably remaining unpolished, or with an old and light sleeve polishing at the most. It shows normal signs of wear, as this watch was worn as intended—as a tool watch. However, there are no mayor dents or scratches. The case back is also crisp, with all engravings clearly visible and normal signs of use.

 

It is fitted on a very cool insert, which could most probably be custom-made, faded to a grayish-blue while showing a lavender hue when under the sunlight, and featuring super fat 'Kissing 40' font. The tritium pip/pearl matches in patina too. It has some signs of wear. The original black MK3 insert is also included in the sale (as pictured in the last photograph). This one remains in crips condition with little to no visible signs of wear and a pip/pearl that also has a matching patina.

 

The original super-domed crystal is also in great condition, magnifying even more the ‘maxi’ hour plots giving them a kind of egg-shape. It presents minor marks that could be easily polished away if wanted.

 

It comes suited on its original Rolex Oyster 93150 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 585 end links, clasp code H and diver’s extension that remains very crisp and with hardly any stretch for its age.

 

The watch is running great and keeps accurate time, although service history is unknown.

 

For those drawn to Rolex at its most utilitarian, the Great White is a definitive piece—the final breath of the vintage Sea-Dweller, built for the deep, and revered for its quiet, enduring strength.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as movement and inner case back pictures.