In 1967 Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller dive watch for civilian use, which established a new standard in performance and technology, with an incredible depth rating of 2000 feet (610 meters), and the first ever helium escape valve (HEV). The earliest iterations engraved with “Patent Pending Rolex Oyster Gas Escape Valve” on their case backs are highly sought after, while later models like the present features the engraving “Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Value” on the case back. Indeed, after compression dives at such depths, where divers would breathe a mixture of pressurized hydrogen-helium-oxygen, tiny helium atoms would penetrate normal dive watches and pop their crystals out during decompression. Rolex solved this problem by inventing the helium escape valve, which allowed the trapped helium to escape. Between 1971 and 1977, Rolex printed the words “SEA-DWELLER” and “Submariner 2000” in red on two lines on the watch’s dial resulting in the watch being dubbed the “Double Red” years later by aficionados.
The present watch is fitted with a Mark IV dial with closed “6” numerals and is in excellent overall condition. Its dial is stunning, with its luminous hour markers having aged to a pleasing, warm beige color. The Sea-Dweller is a sporty and versatile watch that is both highly collectible and suitable for daily wear.