1665 “MK1 Great White”

We’re happy to offer you guys this vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller, a reference 1665 from 1979 and better known in collector’s circles as the “Great White”. This timepiece represents a crucial era in diving watch evolution, embodying Rolex’s commitment to precision, durability, and innovation. It is a watch that has achieved legendary status in the horological realm, and it was the last Sea-Dweller model to feature a plexiglass crystal, adding to its all-over vintage appeal. Despite the introduction of the Sea-Dweller reference 16660 in 1978, the Great White continued production into the early 1980s. As such, the 1665 holds a special place in the hearts of collectors as a bridge between two eras of Rolex’s dive watch legacy.

The 1665 Sea-Dweller earned the nickname “Great White” due to its distinctive dial featuring only white text, instead of the traditional red lettering found on the earlier ‘Red’ models. This change in color was primarily for improved legibility and visibility underwater. The Great White designation distinguishes this particular variant from its predecessors, emphasizing its unique characteristics within the Sea-Dweller lineage. The non-serif lettering of the ‘ft.’ indication is one of the distinguishing features of these early Great White dial versions, in this case better known amongst collectors as the MK1 variant. The dial remains in excellent, damage-free condition and has attractive creamy Tritium lume plots. The hands are also still Tritium filled, but as you can see, are a bit lighter in color. The case is in an overall wonderful condition and still shows signs of the original chamfers on all four of the lugs. The original 93150 Oyster bracelet with 585 end-links and fliplock folding clasp shows a VD clasp-code and is therefor also manufactured in 1979. This bracelet is still in a great condition and will last you another 50 years. Also notice the silver date-wheel, these are original to the 1665 and feature flat 4’s and open 6 numerals, printed in that wonderful vintage Rolex font we all love so much.

The movement on this die-hard Rolex Toolwatch was fully serviced by our Rolex trained watchmakers, but we did not do any polishing or brushing to the case and/or bracelet. As always, this 1665 “MK1 Great White” will be sold with our extensive two year warranty.

reference: 1665
case number: 617XXXX
year of production: 1979
case diameter: 40mm
movement: self-winding, Rolex caliber 1570
box and papers: no

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