No. 2530 - A beautiful and highly recommended example! Introducing the Rolex Red Sea-Dweller 1665 MK2 Dial from '72!

Hello!

Kaneko from Commit Ginza here to introduce a recommended watch!
Today, we have a rare vintage "Red Sea-Dweller" with an MK2 dial!!

Rolex Red Sea-Dweller MK2
Ref.1665, Serial: 30xxxx (manufactured around 1972)
Cal.1570, Folded link bracelet 9315/FF280, Clasp code: 72.1, Case back: 72.1
Accessories: International Service Warranty (dated March 2009)
Store Price: 7,678,000 yen (tax included)

Born in 1967 through a joint development with the deep-sea research company COMEX, the "Sea-Dweller/Ref.1665" is one of Rolex's quintessential professional diver's watches.

Based on the Submariner but developed for more serious deep-sea diving, it was a professional model that boasted extremely high specifications for its time, including the addition of a helium escape valve!

The piece I am introducing today is a rare early version of the Ref.1665. It is commonly known as the "Red Sea-Dweller" because of the two lines of text, "SEA-DWELLER" and "SUBMARINER 2000," printed in red on the dial.

Known internationally as the "DRSD" (Double Red Sea-Dweller), it is no exaggeration to say it is the representative model of vintage Sea-Dwellers!

Including the prototype MK0, Red Sea-Dwellers are classified into five versions up to the MK4.

The piece introduced here features the highly rare MK2 dial. It’s characterized by that charming, "plump" crown logo.

MK2 dials are known to be prone to fading from black to brown due to aging.

If you look closely at this piece, you can see a slight brown tint near the center of the hands, but overall, the dial retains a beautiful black color.

While the Red Sea-Dweller was produced for about 10 years until around 1977,
it is a rare model that is significantly less common on the market than the "Red Sub."

It is difficult to find an MK2 dial in such good, well-maintained condition, and this is our first one in a long while.

I highly recommend this piece for its excellent dial condition!!

Though there is minor age-related degradation visible under a loupe, the surface of the black dial remains in remarkably clean condition.

The luminous indices are also in good shape, with the tritium lume having aged to a beautiful cream color.

The lume on the hands is also natural with no signs of restoration, and the colors match perfectly.

The bezel insert is a period-correct MK3! It is equipped with a high-quality "fat font" MK3 insert, which gives the watch a fantastic look!

The case back features the straight logo, and the serial number is engraved on the inside.

While there are signs of use on the case and bracelet, the condition is overall quite good!!

The mid-case is in great condition without any excessive polishing!!

The hairline finish on the lugs remains beautiful, and the edges are still sharp!

The watch is correctly equipped with a 9315 folded link bracelet!

The clasp code is from the 1st quarter of 1972.

The period-correct folded bracelet is also in good condition!

The thick bezel and case of the Ref.1665 are simply irresistible!! I love this side-profile angle, as it carries a distinct charm unique to vintage models. This is highly recommended for those who simply want a rugged and cool watch!!

Wrist shot!! What a great look!!
It’s a deeply classy vintage piece with a stunning aesthetic!!

Exuding an incredible vintage aura, this "Red Sea-Dweller 1665 MK2" is a rare find in such a wonderful total condition!! Pieces this well-preserved are hard to come by, so don't miss out if you've been looking for one! This will be posted on our website after undergoing an overhaul at our partner workshop. For those searching for the ultimate cool 1665 DRSD MK2 dial, I invite you to please consider this one.