Rolex
Sea-Dweller Rail Dial Stainless Steel 1665

Our Opinion

Offered here is a superb example of the Rolex Seadweller “GREAT WHITE” with the most sought-after and rare MKII Rail Dial reference 1665 manufactured circa 1979.
This example has the correct MKII Rail Dial for its 573---- serial number range. The reference 1665 Seadweller is a truly impressive vintage professional tool watch.

The 1665 ‘Rail Dials’ are becoming very rare nowadays since ‘Rail Dials’ were made by the Stern Company which made the 600 meters COMEX 1665 dials between circa 1977 to 1979 in the 5 million serial number range.

The text style and spacing of the ‘Rail Dial’ are the same as used on the 600-meter COMEX dials.

Excluding the Mk0, the MKII dial is the rarest configuration. The layout of the wording SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER over OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED creates a symmetry between the first two and last two words, leading to what has come to be known as the ‘Rail Dial’.

History And Description Of The Seadweller ‘GREAT WHITE’

In 1977 the Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 received an updated dial configuration. This new dial layout is sometimes referred to as the "Great White". This updated dial differs from the previous variants, as the dial states the model as ‘SEA- DWELLER’ and the writing ‘SUBMARINER 2000’ which was located below ‘SEA-DWELLER’ of previous models is now absent from the dial.

In addition, ‘SEA-DWELLER’ is now in the white text as opposed to red which was standard on all sea dweller dials since the model's first introduction in 1967.

CONDITION AND DETAILS

The overall condition of this vintage ‘GREAT WHITE’ Seadweller is excellent. The case appears to have been professionally detailed in the past and retains symmetrical lugs and crown guards along with the brushed finish to the top edges and chamfers remaining very well defined.
The matte black dial is in beautiful condition with no flaws, along with the tritium hour markers, the hands were replaced when last serviced by Rolex and appear slightly lighter in colour.
The Plexiglass is the correct T39 profile, it is free of any scratches or marks.

This Sea-Dweller also retains its original ‘thick font MKIII’ bezel insert, complete with its factory pearl at the 12 o'clock triangle which has taken on a wonderful off-white colour.

The watch comes on the correct Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet date stamped VD advising it was manufactured the same year as the watch and 585 end links. The bracelet is showing only light wear and minor stretch.
This stunning “GREAT WHITE” Seadweller is accompanied by its Rolex inner and outer boxes and Rolex service certificate/cards dated 2006 and 2019.