Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jan 18, 2022
LOT 155
Rolex.
Ref. 1665, Oyster-Perpetual Date, Tiffany & Co, Sea-Dweller, Superlative Chronometer Officialy Certified, Tiffany Rail Dial, Stainless-steel
EUR 40,000 - 60,000
USD 45,200 - 68,000 / HKD 354,000 - 530,000 / CHF 41,600 - 63,000
Sold: EUR 49,400
Rare and beautiful stainless steel, automatic center seconds wristwatch wit date, gas escape valve, water resistant to 610m, retailed by Tiffany&co. Screw-down engraved case back and winding crown, gas escape valve to the band, black aluminum insert fitted in the revolving bi-directional bezel calibrated to 60 units. Black matte dial, with white writing so called the “Great white” and “Rail Dial”, luminous triangle, dots and baton indexes, Mercedes hands, outer minute and second divisions, aperture for date, “T Swiss T <25” line at 6 o’clock.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 2 |
Very good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model Sea-Dweller
Reference 1665
Year Circa 1977
Movement No. D212491
Case No. 5721866
Bracelet Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp approx. length 150 mm.
Diameter 40 mm.
Caliber Rolex 1570
Weight 123.1 gr. (approx.)
Signature Case, dial and movement
Accessories Rolex box and guarantee
Notes
The Rolex Sea-Dweller was designed in collaboration with the famous French scuba diving company COMEX (Compagnie maritime d'expertise). In underwater missions, divers have encountered watch failure during decompression, when the glasses exploded due to an internal accumulation of air pressure. Rolex has modified the standard Submariner Ref. 5513 watches to include a helium escape valve to release air while maintaining the water-resistance of the watch. Thus, in 1967, the first Ref. 1665 Sea-Dweller watches were delivered to authorised dealers and selected divers for testing. It was produced until 1980. But what increases the value of this model is the double signature : Rolex and Tiffany. Tiffany & Co. has had a long history of selling timepieces from a variety of top Swiss watch manufacturers, including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and of course, Rolex. Actually, the partnership between Tiffany and Patek Philippe dates back to 1851, when Antoine Norbert de Patek and Charles Tiffany met in New York.
On the other hand, Rolex and Tiffany struck up a co-branding deal around the late-1950s. The deal allowed Tiffany & Co. to print its renowned name on the dials of the Rolex watches that were sold in its boutiques. Early Tiffany Rolex dials were done by hand at Tiffany’s flagship store in New York City but soon after, other Tiffany retail locations began stamping Rolex dials as well. Then, Tiffany & Co. stocked replacement dials at its service center for repair purposes. Consequently, many replacement Tiffany-branded dials were either stamped at one of its service centers or retail locations, rather than being done at its New York City flagship store like the original examples.
On the other hand, Rolex and Tiffany struck up a co-branding deal around the late-1950s. The deal allowed Tiffany & Co. to print its renowned name on the dials of the Rolex watches that were sold in its boutiques. Early Tiffany Rolex dials were done by hand at Tiffany’s flagship store in New York City but soon after, other Tiffany retail locations began stamping Rolex dials as well. Then, Tiffany & Co. stocked replacement dials at its service center for repair purposes. Consequently, many replacement Tiffany-branded dials were either stamped at one of its service centers or retail locations, rather than being done at its New York City flagship store like the original examples.