Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 210

Double-Red Patent Pending Mark I Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea-Dweller, Submariner 2000, 2000 ft. / 610 m., Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified," Ref. 1665. Made in 1967. Fine and extremely rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with double red Sea- Dweller logo, helium escape valve, date and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet. Accompanied by the original warranty (now void), chornometer certificate, instruction booklet and original fitted box.

USD 150,000 - 200,000

EUR 100,000 - 135,000

Sold: USD 237,600

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, helium escape valve at 9, graduated bi-directional revolving black bezel for the decompression times, Triplock winding crown protected by the crown guard. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, aperture for the date, "Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000" printed in red. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 17 mm


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-10

Good

Patinated

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The first version of the Double Red Sea Dweller (DRSD) was produced in 1967. It is believed that somewhere between 50 to 100 early versions were sent to dealers for promotional use. The helium valve had been developed and the patent had been applied, but Rolex had not yet received final approval. Therefore, these watches were engraved on the case back with word 'Patent Pending.' There are some notable differences between the first version of the ref. 1665 and the later production: (i) the case was thinner; (ii) the case back was engraved with 'Patent Pending' in parenthesis; and (iii) the diver's extension link was stamped 'Pat. Pend'. The double red writing was applied first in white on the black dial and then with red painted over the white paint, so as to highlight the red writing. Both of the lines of Double Red writing are similar in font and size. They read: 'SEA-DWELLER' and under that 'SUBMARINER 2000'. On the few examples that still exist, the red writing has faded to a pink, white or a yellow color. This was due to reaction of the red paint applied over the white paint, hence the dial is often referred to as the 'Double Pink'. The coronet is quite sharp with the five tips of the crown and oval at the base clearly defined. Only a very limited numbers of these dials were produced, and they had 'patent pending' engraved on the case back and stamped on the diver's extension link of the bracelet.