Rolex Sea-Dweller 'Great White' 40MM 1665 Service Dial 1981 | Box & Papers

The Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 Great White is a key model in the history of Rolex’s professional dive watches, produced from 1977 to 1984. Known for its durability and technical innovations, it represents a key step in the evolution of the Sea-Dweller line, following the earlier "Double Red" 1665 model. The name "Great White" comes from the bold white text on the dial, specifically the word "SEA-DWELLER" written in white, as opposed to the red text found on earlier models. This change in dial design gave the watch a cleaner, more understated appearance while maintaining its focus on professional diving. 

The 1665 Great White was designed to withstand extreme pressures, with a water resistance of 610 metres. This was made possible by the introduction of the helium escape valve, which was a crucial innovation for divers working at great depths. The valve allowed for the release of gases that could build up inside the watch case during deep dives, preventing the crystal from popping off during decompression. The 1665 Sea-Dweller, like its predecessors, was aimed squarely at professional divers, especially those involved in saturation diving, a process that exposed divers to high-pressure environments for extended periods.

The Great White version of the Sea-Dweller was also significant for its dial, which marked a shift in design philosophy at Rolex. While the earlier 1665 models featured the distinctive two lines of red text, the Great White opted for a simpler layout with white text. This change reflected a move towards a more practical, streamlined design, while retaining the technical functionality that Rolex was known for in its dive watches.

Though the Sea-Dweller 1665 Great White is considered a relatively rare model today, it is not as scarce as the Double Red version. Nevertheless, it remains highly regarded by collectors due to its historical significance in the evolution of Rolex's dive watches. The transition from red to white text marked a notable change in Rolex’s approach to design, and the Great White’s robust construction and professional-grade features solidified its place as a reliable tool watch for divers. The rarity of well-preserved examples continues to drive interest in the model, making it an important part of the vintage Rolex market.

The 1665 Sea-Dweller Great White is a piece of Rolex history, notable for its contributions to the development of diving technology and its enduring appeal among collectors. For further reading, you can explore discussions on the model’s significance and design on reputable watch blogs like Hodinkee and Bob’s Watches .

The case is in good vintage condition, with scratches visible on the lugs. The watch was serviced in 2023 by the Rolex Service Centre and includes the service card. The bracelet shows light stretch and hairline scratches.

The dial and hands are serviced and remain in a flawless condition.