Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 222

Ref. 16660 Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea Dweller 4000ft=1220m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified?, Ref. 16660. Made in 1982. Fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with second generation gas-escape valve, date and stainless steel ?Oysterlock? bracelet. Accompanied by its original warranty (now void), booklets, hang tag, anchor and original fitted box.

USD 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000

Sold: USD 23,400

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down engraved case back, graduated unidirectional revolving bezel for the decompression times, "Triplock" winding- crown protected by the Crown Guard, gas escape valve at 9, sapphire crystal. D. Black with luminous steel round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, aperture for the date. Luminous steel "skeleton" hands. M. Cal. 3035, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, free-sprung monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 15 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-9

Very good

Scratched
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

In 1980, the Sea Dweller ref. 1665, was replaced by the first sapphire crystal Sea Dweller, reference 16660. The new Sea Dweller was rated to an incredible 1220 meters (4000 feet) and was produced with an improved gas escapement valve. The 16660 was a transitional watch for Rolex, it was made with the new caliber 3035 movement but the first version retained the old matt dials.