A rare 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Great White" Sea-Dweller divers watch model number 1665 with a highly sought after so called "Rail Dial". This example was originally purchased in 1979 by a Royal Canadian Navy Diver and Captain who served on the HMCS Discovery & HMCS Malahat as the Ships Diving Officer. It was not military issued, but purchased (partially subsidized by the Department of National Defense) from Montecristo Jewelers in Vancouver, Canada. When the Captain was asked why he chose to purchase the Sea-Dweller his response was "I needed an accurate and dependable watch, that's why I chose Rolex, because time underwater is life or death". The original owner sold the watch to the current owner in 1988, but he has recently been able to re-connect with the original owner to acquire his story. This timepiece has been well used as a tool in the trade it was designed for and shows lots of external wear on the case and bracelet, but remarkably, and a testament to its design and craftsmanship, the dial is absolutely superb in near mint condition. The "Rail Dial" is differentiated from a standard "Great White" dial by the placement of the words Superlative Chronometer and Officially Certified with the "C's" vertically aligned. The original hands match perfectly with just a small discoloration in the lume of the seconds hand. A superb vintage Rolex tool watch with an incredible military service history.
Style: Sport, Divers Tool Watch
Circa: 1979
Case: Fully signed all original solid stainless steel case with helium escape value at 9:00 and bi-directional rotating bezel and original screw down crown. Measures 40mm in diameter with 20mm lug spacing. Signed between the lugs at 12:00 with model number 1665 and at 12:00 with the serial number dating the watch to 1979. The back is stamped Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Valve, then inside Montre Rolex SA, Geneva, Switzerland, Patented, Stainless Steel, 1665. The case has been polished over the years and shows surface wear from daily use, but not major dings. The bezel also shows wear along with the original bezel insert that has a few scratches and is also cracked at about the 5 minute mark. The original 9315 bracelet with 380 end links shows equal wear to the rest of the watch, probably about 60% from new. Overall the watch is still superb on the wrist and with all that wear carries a wonderful sense of history.
Dial: Incredible 100% original Rolex Sea-Dweller dial in superb near mint condition with rare "Rail dial" configuration. Signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, Sea-Dweller, 2000ft = 610m, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, T Swiss T <25. The luminous plots are near perfect and a beautiful cream colour matching the original hands to perfection.
Movement: High grade Rolex in-house caliber 1570 Chronometer grade automatic movement, fully signed Montre Rolex SA, 26 Jewels, Adjusted 5 Positions, Geneva Swiss, 1570. Good working condition.