Rolex Sea-Dweller

Model Ref:1665 Double Red

Personally speaking I believe that the Rolex Sea-Dweller, especially the “Double Red” Sea-Dweller epitomises the very essence of a Rolex Sports Watch. Its origins & development are closely linked with the evolution of deep sea diving (see Rolex & Comex article), it is both aesthetically pleasing with the double red writing and also the most rugged of sports watches, with a staggering depth rating due to the innovative helium gas escape valve. It is the only Rolex watch to carry engravings on the caseback.

The “Double Red Sea Dweller” was produced from 1967 and until approximately 1977.
At least five known variations of the “Double Red” dials have been produced, I have tried to summarise each one as follows: –

Mk I – DRSD Dial (Patent Pending) – 1967

On the 1st Version of the DRSD, the Double Red writing was applied first in White on Black and then Red over the White paint, so as to highlight the Red Writing. .
Both of the lines of Double Red writing are similar in font and size. They should read:

  • SEA-DWELLER
  • SUBMARINER 2000

Of the known examples that still exist the red writing on many has faded to a pink, white or a yellow colour. This was due to reaction of the red paint applied over the white paint, hence the dial is often referred to as the “Double Pink” or “Double Yellow”. The coronet is quite sharp with the 5 tips of the crown and oval at the base clearly defined.

Only a very limited numbers of these dials were produced, and they had “patent pending” engraved on the caseback.

Mk II – DRSD Dial – 1967 to 1970

On the 2nd Version of the DRSD, the Double Red writing is written in a clearly distinguished & vibrant Red colour, usually directly applied to the dial.
Both of the Double Red Lines are different in size (The 2nd line is smaller). They should read:

  • SEA-DWELLER
  • SUBMARINER 2000

As the Mk2 dials age, they often changed colour from a matt black to an attractive chocolate brown colour, and are sometimes referred to as a “chocolate” dial. The coronet spikes are distorted or smudged and the oval at the base of the cornet is small & hard to distinguish.

Mk III – DRSD Dial – 1970 to 1973

On the 3nd Variant of the DRSD, the double red writing appears to be written directly on the dial and is often a darker & less vibrant in colour than earlier versions.
Both of the Double Red Lines are different in size (The 2nd line is again smaller). They should read:

  • SEA-DWELLER
  • SUBMARINER 2000

The coronet is quite distinguished with the 5 tips of the crown and oval at the base clearly defined, the application of both white and red paint however is thinner and less intense in its colouring, than on Mk’s I & II

Mk IV – DRSD Dial – 1977 to 1974

The 4th original version of the DRSD is the most common variant as it was produced and marketed for the mass-market appeal (often referred to as the Garden Variety). The colour of the double red writing is written directly on the dial and often a mid red colour, brighter than the Mk3 but less intense than the Mk2.
Both of the Double Red Lines are different in size (The 2nd line is again smaller). They should read: –

  • SEA-DWELLER
  • SUBMARINER 2000

On the coronet 5 tips of the crown and oval at the base clearly defined, but the overall impression of the fonts is not as sharp in its application, this may be due to the application of both white and red paint, which when inspected under a loupe appears to be made up of a series of dots, rather than direct brush strokes or application.

Mk V – DRSD Service Replacement Dial – 2003 to 2005

Until recently it was not confirmed that a genuine Rolex “Double Red” service replacement dial existed. The few possibilities that had been seen previously were unconfirmed and doubts raised over authenticity.
However the DRSD MkV service replacement dial pictured below was provided directly to LondonWatchCompany.com by Rolex Geneva, In November 2005, after a lengthy service (4 months) of an original DRSD ref 1665 with serial number dating to 1974.
Characteristics of the MkV dial are as follows. Both lines of the “Double Red writing” are different in size to each other(The 2nd line is again smaller) and similar in style to Mk3, the DR lines read: –

  • SEA-DWELLER
  • SUBMARINER 2000

On the coronet the 5 tips of the crown and oval at the base are clearly defined, the overall impression of the fonts is sharp and clear.
The colour of the Double Red writing is strong and vibrant, but with a pinkish tone.
The first real difference though between the original dials and the service replacements is the application of Luminova instead of Tritium.(although the dial is still marked Swiss -t<25 at 06:00). However the key difference can be seen in the depth rating. On all variants of the DRSD dials the fonts used are straight, however on the DRSD replacement dial the “f” of ft. is in Italics. A subtle, yet clear variant by Rolex to define the service replacement dials.