Back in the day, the Sea-Dweller served as the perfect time-telling companion for serious divers. Rolex designed the Sea-Dweller as the iconic Submariner’s deeper diving sibling. While the Submariner could reach up to a depth of 660ft, its deeper brother could go down 2000ft.
So with the efficiency of going down to such a staggering deeper depth underwater, the Rolex Sea-Dweller achieved iconic status and global recognition as an ultra-efficient professional dive timepiece in the world. Now:
Some of the earliest iterations of Sea-Dwellers featured ‘two red’ texts lines on the dial that read “SEA-DWELLER/ SUBMARINER 2000”. Eventually, they attained the moniker “Double Red” Sea-Dweller (DRSD).
The “Double Red’ Rolex Sea-Dweller is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after vintage watches globally. However, the interesting fact is that most of you can easily presume why the watch is popular. But there are a few facts that you (probably) do not know about this famous professional dive timepiece.
Thus, let’s explore some of the lesser-known facts about the iconic vintage “Double Red” Rolex Sea-Dweller. And those who want to know the value of their Rolex Sea-Dweller can fill up the online form and get a free competitive quote. Or you can call on 0207 242 9160 for an instant valuation & know how to sell your Rolex.
The Unknown Facts About the Vintage Rolex “Double Red” Sea-Dweller
1. Rolex Developed the Sea-Dweller On a Request
Rolex had a good collaboration with the famous commercial diving company of the 1960s – COMEX. And what you did not know (possibly) is that COMEX requested this Swiss watchmaker to produce an upgraded wristwatch that could reach great depths and also could depressurise and return safely to the surface.
So Rolex designed the Sea-Dweller and produced a batch of these exceptional timepieces on COMEX’s request.
2. The Sea-Dweller Was an Upgraded Version of the Submariner
The specially created Sea-Dwellers were the refined deeper siblings of the Rolex Submariner 5513. Rolex customised the watches with its patented Helium Escape Valve.
- This innovative mechanism helped in releasing the trapped helium gases from the case during decompression.
- Eventually, it prevented the built-up pressure from damaging the timepiece.
Following the success of these modified, ultra-professional dive watches, Rolex released a new Sea-Dweller Reference 1665 in 1967. The timepiece featured a broader case, the Helium Escape Valve, a more expansive domed crystal and a dial with the red texts “SEA-DWELLER” / “SUBMARINER 2000”.
These red texts written in two separate lines gave the nickname “Double Red” Sea-Dweller. However, the watch could do down as far as 2000ft, appealing to the deep-sea explorers.
3. The Sea-Dweller has Engravings on the Caseback – Only a Few Rolex Watches Have it
If you research how to verify the authenticity of a Rolex watch, one of the quick tricks will dictate you to avoid the models with engraved caseback. Well, the fact is –
Rolex usually does not produce its watches with engravings in their caseback. But there are exceptions to this rule, and keep note that the “Double Red” Sea-Dweller watch is one of them.
The “Double Red” Sea-Dweller models have many engravings on their caseback. For example, you will find the texts “gas Escape Valve”, the Rolex logo and “Oyster”. Moreover, some versions have the brand’s logo inscribed across the casebacks. On the contrary, some models have the logo etched around the circumference.
4. The “Double Red” Sea-Dweller has Four Dial Variations
Rolex produced the “Double Red” Sea-Dweller or DRSD between 1967 and 1978. During this time, the watchmaker had created several dials that were popularly known as Mark I, II, III & IV. The significant fact is that all these dial variations are profoundly sought-after among collectors.
Do you own a Rolex “Double Red” Sea-Dweller? Find out its accurate value now by filling up our online form or call on 0207 242 9160.
At The Luxury Hut, we buy all Rolex watches, vintage or contemporary, for the most accurate and competitive prices in the market. Sell your Rolex watch online or via appointment in London or from anywhere in the UK.
