Performance Under Pressure: The Rolex Sea Dweller 1665 Double Red Mark III
Among the highlights of this catalogue is a Rolex that stands in a league of its own: the legendary Sea Dweller 1665 Double Red Mark III, a rare grail watch for collectors and a milestone in Rolex’s history of innovation.
Lot 65. Stainless Steel, 40mm Rolex Sea Dweller Ref. 1665 “Double Red” Mk III – Full Set, Nicolas the Jeweller Christchurch, 14 July 1975. EST. $80,000—$100,000
The Sea Dweller 1665 Double Red
This watch gained its reputation in the late 1960s through Rolex’s collaboration with COMEX, addressing a critical issue faced by saturation divers: helium atoms infiltrating watch cases during prolonged deep dives and expanding rapidly during decompression, risking crystal damage. Rolex’s solution, a helium escape valve paired with a reinforced case, transformed the Submariner into the professional- grade Sea Dweller diver’s watch.
The example offered in this catalogue dates to 1974 and was sold new in 1975 by Nicolas the Jeweller in Christchurch, New Zealand. Its completeness is exceptional, arriving with its original presentation box (even with the outer plastic and model reference sticker), punched warranty certificate, chronometer certification, period-correct booklets, tags, and the original folded link 9315 bracelet.
Collection of Rolex watch tags and accessories, including a red wax seal, green plastic tags, and a metal anchor-shaped item in a plastic bag.
Rolex warranty certificate with green borders, showing guarantee details and handwritten buyer and jeweler information.
The bracelet was replaced during use with a later 93150 Oyster, but the original remains with the set, included, though in need of repair—an important piece of the watch’s history.
The dial is a textbook Mark III and considered the rarest of the Double Red variants. It features two crisp red lines against a matte black background, with the Rolex coronet perfectly aligned and an open six in the depth rating (2000 ft = 610 m).
The watch itself is well preserved, retaining its original Superdome acrylic crystal, helium escape valve at 9 o’clock, and period correct aluminium bezel insert with bold serif numerals. The tritium lume has aged beautifully to a warm cream hue—free from relume or restoration—a testament to decades of careful ownership.
“There’s something special about a watch with a clear history—sold only once in its lifetime, from the original owner to its current keeper, who has cared for it over the past ten years. I had the privilege of handling that previous sale myself, which adds a deeper connection to its story,” says Shaw.
Lot 89 . 18ct Rose Gold, 35.8mm Patek Philippe Calatrava 2551
"Disco Volante" Wristwatch, circa 1950's. EST. $22,000—$26,000
This Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories online auction also features a remarkable Rolex GMT Master 1675 with a unique fuchsia pink bezel fade, an eye-catching and rare variation of the classic GMT Master line. It is one of the only pieces in the 1.8 to 1.9 million serial range to feature this colour change phenomenon making it a rare collector’s piece.
Also included is a Montblanc Exo Tourbillon, a testament to modern horological innovation. This exceptional timepiece was nominated for the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2016, innovating the Tourbillon complication by placing the balance wheel outside the Tourbillon cage—a design that improves precision and reduces energy consumption.
Collectors will also appreciate the selection of Omega Speedmasters, including both a rare pre-Moon reference 145.022 69 ST featuring the hippocampus case back, and the Straight-Writing post-Moon version. These models collectively represent a great record of the Speedmaster’s evolution around the time of the Moon landing, capturing an iconic moment in space exploration history and cementing their place as the official NASA Moonwatch.
Lot 35. A Rare, Highly Collectable, 40mm Rolex GMT Master "Fuchsia" bezel MK1 "Long E" Dial with Original Rivet Bracelet, 1968.
EST. $30,000—$35,000
Lot 17. 18ct Red Gold, 42mm Montblanc Star 4810 Exo Tourbillon Slim, Automatic Wristwatch, 2018.
EST. $40,000—$45,000
Lot 106. Stainless Steel, 42mm OMEGA Speedmaster Professional 145.022-69 "Pre Moon" Hippocampus Case Back Wristwatch, 1971.
EST. $12,000—$15,000
Explore the catalogue for more watches such as these, as well as Patek Philippe, Cartier and many others. Place your bids online now ahead of the auction closing on Sunday 10 August from 8pm—for your chance to own a piece of history, design, and engineering.
Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
Online Auction
29 July—10 August
Launch Event
Tuesday 5 August, 6–8pm
With a special Krug Champagne bar & installation
On view
Wednesday 6 August—Thursday 10 August
Auction Closing
Thursday 10 August, from 8pm
Location
33a Normanby Rd,
Mt Eden, Auckland
Contact
Christine Power AJP (GIA)
Head of Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
christinep@webbs.co.nz
M +64 27 929 5607
Sam Shaw
Manager, Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
sam@webbs.co.nz
DDI +64 (0)9 529 5607