Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1665
    Movement No: D837’612
    Case No: 5’804’625, repeated inside caseback 1665
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller, “Rail Dial”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Enhancing its rarity, the present example Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 features a MK II “rail dial” that was only in production for a mere two years from 1977 to 1979 with its serial ranging from 5.7 million to 6.2 million. These “rail dials” were made by the famous Stern Company instead of Singer. Distinguished by subtle details on the dial, the “C” of “CHRONOMETER” lines up perfectly with the “C” from “CERTIFIED” creating an unusual vertical corridor or rail between the last two lines of the designation. Another trait of that separates it from the rest is that it features “T SWISS T <25”.

    The present example Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 with a 5.8 million serial from circa 1978 features the rare and elusive MK II Rail Dial that is well-preserved with attractive lume plots and a ghost bezel that elevates its vintage appeal.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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912

Ref. 1665
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, gas escape valve, “rail dial” and bracelet

Circa 1978
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 250,000 
€13,900-28,900
$15,400-32,100

Sold for HK$127,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023