The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, particularly the variant boasting the highly sought-after "super dome" crystal, stands as a pinnacle of vintage dive watch collecting. This iconic timepiece, often affectionately nicknamed the "Great White" due to its stark white dial and robust construction, represents a significant chapter in Rolex's history and continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves deep into the nuances of the Rolex 1665 super dome, exploring its history, distinguishing features, desirability, and the factors that contribute to its legendary status within the Rolex and broader watch collecting communities.
Rolex Dive Watch 1665: A Legacy Forged in the Depths
The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1967, marked a significant evolution in professional dive watches. Preceding the modern Sea-Dweller line, the 1665 represented a crucial bridge between the early experimental dive watches and the sophisticated models we see today. Its development was directly influenced by the demands of professional divers, pushing the boundaries of water resistance and reliability in extreme underwater environments. The 1665 was designed for saturation diving, a technique where divers spend extended periods at significant depths, requiring a watch capable of withstanding immense pressure and maintaining accuracy.
This robust design philosophy is evident in the 1665's construction. Its oversized 40mm case, compared to its predecessors, provided ample space for the movement and offered improved legibility. The helium escape valve, a crucial feature for saturation diving, allowed the escape of helium gas accumulated during decompression, preventing the crystal from imploding. This valve, initially situated at 9 o'clock, became a defining characteristic of the Sea-Dweller lineage.
The Allure of the Super Dome Crystal: A Distinctive Feature
While the standard 1665 is highly collectible, the variation featuring the "super dome" acrylic crystal elevates the watch to another level of desirability. This thicker, more pronounced dome-shaped crystal is a key differentiator and a significant contributor to the 1665's unique aesthetic. The super dome crystal offers several advantages beyond its visual appeal. Its curvature provides increased scratch resistance compared to a flat crystal, a crucial benefit for a dive watch subjected to potential impacts and abrasions. Furthermore, the curvature enhances legibility, especially in challenging underwater conditions, by reducing reflections and glare.
The super dome crystal's production involved a specialized process, resulting in variations in its shape and thickness across different examples. These subtle variations add to the character and uniqueness of each individual watch, contributing to the charm of vintage collecting. Identifying a genuine super dome crystal requires careful examination, as aftermarket replacements are available, and discerning collectors often rely on experienced watchmakers or experts for authentication.
Rolex 1665 Review: A Collector's Perspective
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