When was the Sea Dweller introduced, 1967 or 1971?

[Stratton]

'Your Rolex Oyster' booklets state that the SD was introduced in 1971 but a lot of people say it was in 1967. I just wondered what the correct year of intro was?

[Tools]

Rolex initially developed the helium escape valve in the early 60's and incorporated it in some Subs for use by COMEX, then released SD's in ref @ 1665 in 1967 to the tune of ~100 or so pieces.

Regular production of the double red Sea Dwellers started in 1971 and ended in approximately 1977, and then of course it's various variations until current models..

So one cannot confuse the introduction of the Sub/SD and it's helium release valve in the late 60's (with Patent Pending) and the regular production run of the Double Red and it's followers patented and engraved so...

[Stratton]

Thanks very much, Tools for your excellent reply. Were the 100 1665s made in 1967 the same as the regular production 1665s introduced in 1971 apart from minor dial variation and the case back markings?

[Stratton]

Thanks very much, Tools for your excellent reply. Were the 100 1665s made in 1967 the same as the regular production 1665s introduced in 1971 apart from minor dial variation and the case back markings saying patent pending?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Stratton

Thanks very much, Tools for your excellent reply. Were the 100 1665s made in 1967 the same as the regular production 1665s introduced in 1971 apart from minor dial variation and the case back markings?

Sea Dwellers are a component of the collector by themselves in many cases.. An entire study of the model itself could be extensive.

Here is an excellent source for information.

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/index.htm

[CPCC]

1967

[Stratton]

Thanks again. Some 1665 Sea Dwellers with no HEVs as well. Fascinating stuff.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Funny to see those early SD's that had this tiny HEV.

The current HEV's are said to be made of Titanium, btw.

[jac67]

Originally Posted by Stratton

Thanks very much, Tools for your excellent reply. Were the 100 1665s made in 1967 the same as the regular production 1665s introduced in 1971 apart from minor dial variation and the case back markings saying patent pending?

I believe the magic number is 114.

Originally Posted by Stratton

Thanks again. Some 1665 Sea Dwellers with no HEVs as well. Fascinating stuff.

Yep.


John.