Important collector's watches, wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Apr 13, 2002

LOT 124

Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, "Sea-Dweller - Submariner 2000, 2000 ft=610 m.", Superlative Chrono-meter, Officially Certified, Ref. 1665, 1970's. Fine and rare center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant to 2000ft/ 610 m., stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with date, gas escape valve and stainless steel "Fliplock" Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a fitted box.

CHF 35,000 - 40,000

EUR 23,000 - 27,000 / USD 20,000 - 24,000

C. three-body, polished and brushed, screwed case back, graduated revolving bezel for decompression times, "Triplock" winding-crown, at 9 o'clock, on the band, the gas escape valve, crystal with "Cyclops" lens. D. black with tritium-coated round, triangular and bâton indexes, aperture for the date, the words "Sea-Dweller - Submariner 2000" in red. "Skeleton" tritium-coated hands. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and 5 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-01

Fair

HANDS Original

Notes

The Sea-Dweller 2000 was the first water-resistant watch in the world to bear a helium valve for decompression time indication. Launched in the 1970?s, it is guaranteed water-resistant down to 610 m/2000 ft. This calendar-chronometer was made in stainless steel only. This model, bearing the words "Sea-Dweller and Submariner" in red on the dial, is particularly sought after by collectors. In June 1972, divers Alain Jourde and Claude Bourdier again went down to 2000 feet, in an experiment which lasted 28 days. The divers remained at the lowest point, 2000 feet under sea level (610 meters), for 50 hours, a record-breaking feat, while wearing Rolex Sea-Dweller watches. At 2000 feet, the atmosphere contains a high percentage of helium gas, which can penetrate even a water-tight watch case. The gas cannot escape quickly enough upon resurfacing, and as the outside pressure decreases, the pressure remaining inside the watch due to the built-up gas can cause the watch to explode. The Rolex Sea-Dweller watch is fitted with a special helium valve, allowing the gas to escape quickly during decompres-sion. The watches made by Rolex for the Comex company bear the word "Comex" on the dial. A similar watch is published in "Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova,2001, pp. 314-315.