The Rolex 1665 Double Red Sea-Dweller holds a legendary status among watch enthusiasts. Its iconic "Double Red" dial, featuring the words "Sea-Dweller" and "200m/660ft" in red, signifies a brief but highly sought-after period in Rolex's history. The watch itself, a robust and reliable dive tool, represents a significant milestone in underwater exploration and horological design. However, the cost of acquiring a genuine 1665 Double Red is prohibitive for most collectors, driving a surge in interest for high-quality homage watches, like the Steinhart homage, offering a more accessible route to owning a piece inspired by this iconic timepiece. This article will explore the Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, its "Double Red" variant, the appeal of homage watches, and specifically, the Steinhart homage to the 1665 Double Red, examining its features, quality, and overall value proposition.
The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller: A Diving Pioneer
The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1967, built upon the established success of the Submariner. As the article prompt mentions, its design was based on the Submariner's slim case, but with significant modifications to enhance its suitability for professional saturation diving. The increased water resistance, reaching a depth of 660 feet (200 meters), was a critical improvement, catering to the growing demands of commercial and military diving operations. This increased depth rating necessitated a helium escape valve, a crucial feature to prevent the watch case from imploding during decompression stops. The helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o'clock on the case, allowed helium gas, used in saturation diving, to escape during ascent, preventing damage to the watch.
The 1665 also featured a larger case than its Submariner counterpart, providing better protection for the movement and offering improved ergonomics for divers wearing thick gloves. The robust construction and reliable movement cemented its reputation as a dependable tool watch, capable of withstanding the extreme pressures and harsh conditions of the deep ocean. The dial variations, including the highly sought-after "Double Red," added to its collectability and desirability.
The Allure of the Rolex 1665 Double Red
The "Double Red" dial is what truly sets the 1665 apart. Instead of the standard white or black dial with the "Sea-Dweller" inscription in white, this variant proudly displays both "Sea-Dweller" and "200m/660ft" in bold red. This seemingly minor detail catapults the watch into a realm of legendary status, making it one of the most coveted Rolex models among collectors. Only produced for a limited time, the rarity of the Double Red contributes significantly to its high value in the secondary market. Its unique aesthetic, a blend of vintage charm and rugged functionality, continues to resonate with watch enthusiasts today, making it a timeless icon.
The transition from the double red dial to a single red dial (with only "Sea-Dweller" in red) marked a significant change in the model’s history, solidifying the Double Red's place as a highly sought-after and collectible piece.
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