Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Patent Pending (1967)
Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Patent Pending (1967)
Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Patent Pending (1967)
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 “Patent Pending”, introduced in 1967, is one of the most iconic dive watches ever created. Born from Rolex’s collaboration with COMEX, the French deep-sea diving company, this model set a new benchmark for professional underwater timepieces.
Featuring a helium escape valve, this innovative addition allowed divers to safely decompress without risking damage to the watch. The Ref 1665 was the first Sea-Dweller to be commercially available, capable of withstanding depths of 610 meters (2,000 feet).
Its matte black dial with luminescent hour markers and hands ensures high visibility underwater. The absence of a Cyclops magnifier over the date window maintains a clear and professional aesthetic. The stainless steel 40 mm Oyster case, unidirectional rotating bezel, and robust Oyster bracelet ensure durability and style.
The rare “Patent Pending” marking on early examples like this one signifies the pioneering helium escape valve feature before Rolex finalized the patent.
Year: Circa 1967
Case: 40mm
Reference: 1665
Movement: Automatic Caliber 1575
Set:
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