• cal. 1570 automatic nickel lever movement, 26 jewels • matte black dial, luminous triangular, dot and baton indexes, luminous Mercedes hour hand, centre seconds • Oyster case, black rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down back and crown with protective shoulders, helium escape valve to the band • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and flip-lock folding clasp

Movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in good condition with some tarnish to the indexes from natural ageing. Case with scuffs throughout and mainly to the lugs. Overall a very rare version of the double red sea-dweller. Ref number between the lugs 1665 matching inside case back, serial number between lugs 1758298.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The first generation of  the reference 1665 Double Red Sea-Dweller were produced in 1967. At the time, the case back was engraved with words 'patent pending'  since Rolex was still waiting for the helium valve escapement patent they developed together with COMEX divers, testing this new technology on Submariner references 5513 and 5514. This model was sent into production before the official patent for the new helium valve was given, it resulted in the inscription on the case back 'patent pending' making it so much sought after by collectors. According to most Rolex scholars, the production from the period is only 150 pieces with serial numbers ranging from 1.7 and 2.2 million. 

Later models such as the Mark II, Mark III and Mark IV generation of the 1665 Double Red Sea Dweller have now been identified by most collectors and are recognizable through the printing and writing on the dial as well as the engraved 'Rolex Patent' on the case back.