Dial: black matte Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewelsMovement number: D'408'185 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 5'216'905Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspDimensions: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 170mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advances, seconds hack when crown pulled out. CASE: In very attractive original condition. With ssurface wear and marks consistent with age and wear of the timepiece. With minor scuffs to the lug bevels. With more pronounced scratches to the lug profiles. The case back with very minor pin head dings and minor wear, inside of the case back with the serial number repeated. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp. DIAL: in good condition with a homogeneous patina throughout. Silvered date disc. There is some minor spots near to the 10, 11, 2 and 6 o clock numerals. Bracelet: 93150/585 The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was developed specifically for professional divers who required a robust timing instrument that could withstand their gruelling working depths, as well as cope with decompression as the diver made their way to the surface. Specialist measures were put in place, including the helium escape valve to allow for escaping gas, and a heavy domed crystal. Following the success of this model, in 1967 Rolex launched the reference 1665 in further series, which was the first wristwatch designed especially for saturation diving. So rushed was the launch that the final approval for the patent of the helium valve had not been granted, as such we see the case backs engraved with ‘patent pending’. Seven dial variations and three case back configurations can be identified over the ten years the model was in production. This wonderful example is one of the last models in production with a type IV dial.