The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665, affectionately known as the "Great White" due to its stark white gilt text on a black dial, holds a special place in the hearts of watch collectors. Its history is one of robust engineering, iconic design, and a fascinating period of overlap with its successor, the reference 16660. This article delves into the details of this legendary timepiece, exploring its production, variations, and enduring appeal in the context of the broader Rolex Sea-Dweller lineage.
The 1665's story begins in the late 1960s, a period of significant advancements in diving technology. Rolex, already a dominant force in professional diving watches, sought to push the boundaries even further. The Sea-Dweller, born from the need for a watch capable of withstanding the extreme pressures of saturation diving, represented a bold step forward. Unlike its predecessor, the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller boasted a helium escape valve (HEV), a crucial feature allowing for the safe release of helium accumulated during deep-sea saturation dives. This innovation, initially developed for the Comex (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises) divers, distinguished the Sea-Dweller as a truly professional tool watch.
The early examples of the 1665 featured a distinctive "double red" text on the dial, indicating its water resistance rating of 600 feet (200 meters). These "Double Red Sea-Dwellers" are now highly sought-after collector's pieces, commanding significant prices in the market. However, the reference 1665's production story is far from a simple narrative of a single model. The dial variations alone provide a captivating glimpse into the evolution of this iconic watch.
The transition from the "Double Red" to the "Great White" is a key moment in the 1665's history. The change, occurring sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s, saw the replacement of the bold red text with a more subtle, albeit equally striking, white gilt text on a matte black dial. This seemingly minor alteration dramatically shifted the aesthetic, resulting in the cleaner, more minimalist look that defines the "Great White." This change was not merely cosmetic; it reflects Rolex's ongoing refinement of its designs and its responsiveness to market demands. The "Great White" moniker stuck, cementing the watch's place in Rolex lore.
The period of overlap between the 1665 Great White and its successor, the reference 16660, is a particularly interesting aspect of the watch's history. While the 16660 was introduced in 1978, the 1665 continued production for a few more years, creating a unique window where both models coexisted. This overlap resulted in a fascinating blend of old and new technologies, offering collectors a choice between the slightly more rugged and vintage aesthetic of the 1665 and the more modern features of the 16660. This period of coexistence also contributes to the rarity and desirability of the late-production 1665 Great Whites, making them highly sought-after by collectors today.
Exploring the Variations: A Collector's Delight
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