Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 DRSD Mk.IV, 1977

A fine, first time to market example of the icon that is - The Double Red Sea-Dweller (DRSD). 

The Story:

This stunning Mark IV example of the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665 comes to market for the first time after thought lost for almost three decades!

The watch belonged to the current owner's father, who purchased it in the late 1970s while the family was living in Kuwait. He wore it in rotation with other watches until the family returned to the UK in 1982. A short time later, the watch disappeared, thought lost only to resurface nearly three decades later at the back of a drawer! Now that's a surprise we can get on-board with!

Upon its rediscovery around 2010, the watch underwent its first and only service (aside from the one we've just given it of course), as evidenced by the single service mark on the inner case back.

Whilst the service receipt is not available, from conversations with the owner and inspections of the watch, we assess during this service, the hour and minute hands were re-lumed, the bezel pip was replaced, the case received the lightest of polishes, and the calendar wheel may have been changed - remarkably minimal interventions for a DRSD.

The owner's father rarely wore the watch after the service, and in 2015, he passed it on to his son. Since then, the watch has seen little wear, and the current owner has now decided it is time for this exceptional timepiece to be appreciated by a collector who will cherish it.

The Condition:

The watch is presented in overall excellent vintage condition with one of the best preserved cases we've seen, a reflection of its relatively sparing use (and 30 years in a drawer!). Scroll down for a full condition report.

 The "Why you need to add this to your collection!"

Here are four reasons this example deserves to be added to your collection:

• First Time to Market: Originally purchased in the late '70s and never sold since its initial acquisition.
• One Family Ownership: A touching familial lineage, adding a personal narrative and added collecting appeal.
• Exceptional Case Condition: Among the best-seen, showcasing minimal polishing and well-preserved details.
• Overall Originality: Increasingly rare for DRSD's, this example boasts significant original components and minimal restoration.

The Conclusion:

If you're looking to add an exceptional example of one of the most collectible Rolex's to your collection, this example is worthy of your consideration. Don't hang around though, we already have a couple of trade buyers circling who may snap it up only to re-list it for £10k more!

We've had the privilege of selling our fair share of DRSD's over the years (this example has to be one of the best). Like many of our most special watches they rarely make the website and instead sell direct to our subscribers (if you haven't already, make sure you've signed up here!).