Rolex

Baron - Mr Red
14613

• Show profile
• Show other posts

My pictorial tribute to the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 1665 comes in several formats. Over the years I have written about it on a number of occasions. My fondness for the reference is very strong. Seeing Bill post his DRSD certainly made me think of my 1665s. So much so that i thought it was about time to post a small tribute to the reference. 

Mk1 Patent Pending "Double-Pink" .... this one came to me as part of a pair of consecutive serial numbered Sea-Dwellers. 

And the second of the pair....the "Double Red"

 

The Mk2 Patent Pending Double Red..... one of the earlier 1665s that entered my collection. This Mk2 gives endless pleasure. All the other 1665s I have come with papers and documentation. The Mk2 comes with nothing other than its obvious appeal. The dial is turning ever-more tropical. This scan catches the light well and with it the tropical nature of the dial. It has turned increasingly tropical over the last 2 years.

Last, but I guess not least, the Oman Khanjar Gold. 4 known to exist, three of which fall within a 10 serial number range. One was unfortunately relumed. As you may see from the scan, there is no lume on this watch at all. The original versions came with no lume. It gives the dial an incredibly crisp feel. 

I have mixed feelings about the 1665s that I own. Each gives pleasure in a slightly different way. The Mk1s are, from an historical perspective, important to the Rolex history. That is always an important factor for me. Knowing how a watch fits into the history of Rolex adds a lot to its relevance in my collection. The Mk2 is not unimportant historically, but to me its pleasure comes from the sheer joy of the dial. Those that have seen it in the flesh know just how remarkable the dial is. It is no secret, it is my favourite watch to wear. The Rail dial gives a different feel. The lack of logo or red writing makes the dial feel very different. It is perhaps in the shade of the "Reds", but once it is on my wrist, I don't think of other watches. The Khanjar carries with it the history of the Rolex link to Oman, the typical connection between Sea-Dweller Qaboos and Khanjar and the British SAS as well as the sheer rarity of the watch. Yes, knowing just three others share the feeling sends a certain something up my spine!