The Rolex Sea-Dweller, specifically the reference 1665, affectionately nicknamed the "Great White" due to its striking white dial, holds a legendary status amongst watch collectors and enthusiasts. More than just a tool watch, the 1665 represents a significant milestone in Rolex's history, a testament to its relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of underwater exploration and horological innovation. This article will delve into the fascinating history, design features, and enduring appeal of the Rolex 1665 Great White, exploring its place within the broader context of rare Rolex Sea-Dweller models and examining why it continues to command such high prices on the secondary market.
From Submariner to Sea-Dweller: The Genesis of the 1665
The story of the Rolex 1665 Great White begins not with a clean slate, but with a modification of an existing design. The Rolex Submariner, already a pioneer in diving watches, served as the foundation for the Sea-Dweller. In the late 1960s, Comex, a French commercial diving company, approached Rolex with a need for a watch capable of withstanding the extreme pressures encountered at significant depths. The Submariner, while robust, wasn't quite up to the task for the increasingly demanding underwater operations Comex was undertaking.
This collaboration led to the development of the Sea-Dweller, a watch designed to meet the stringent requirements of professional divers. The 1665, introduced in 1967, represented a significant leap forward. Crucially, it incorporated a helium escape valve, a groundbreaking feature that allowed helium atoms, which could build up inside the watch case during saturation diving, to escape safely, preventing damage to the crystal. This innovation was a game-changer, allowing divers to spend extended periods at depth without compromising the integrity of their timepiece.
The Distinctive Features of the Rolex 1665 Great White
The Rolex 1665 Great White is instantly recognizable for its distinctive white dial, a feature that sets it apart from other Sea-Dweller references. This stark white canvas provides a striking contrast to the black markers and hands, ensuring excellent legibility even in low-light underwater conditions. Beyond the dial, several other characteristics define the 1665:
* Helium Escape Valve: As mentioned earlier, the presence of the helium escape valve on the left side of the case is a defining feature of the 1665. This valve, initially marked with a small triangle, later transitioned to a more prominent circular marking, a crucial detail for collectors identifying different production periods.
* Case Size and Construction: The 1665 boasts a 40mm case, a size that, while relatively modest by today's standards, was substantial for its time. The case, typically constructed from stainless steel, is known for its robustness and resilience, capable of withstanding the extreme pressures of deep-sea diving.
* Movement: The 1665 typically houses the caliber 1575, a robust and reliable automatic movement known for its accuracy and longevity. This movement, a workhorse within the Rolex family, contributed significantly to the watch's overall performance and reliability.
* Crystal: The 1665 utilizes a thick acrylic crystal, which, while prone to scratching, provides excellent impact resistance and contributes to the watch's overall vintage aesthetic. The slightly domed profile of the crystal is another characteristic detail.
current url：https://vicpcy.e257z.com/products/rolex-great-white-28027