1967 Rolex Sea-Dweller

Reference 1665

Stainless Steel

Black Double Red Dial

“Patent Pending” engraved on the back of the case and clasp. Rolex didn’t release it until closer to 1970. All original.

Size 42mm

Box

This is an ultra-rare vintage dive watch produced starting in 1967. It features a "thin case", a Mark 1 dial with two lines of red text ("Sea-Dweller" and "Submariner 2000"), and a unique caseback stamped "Patent Pending" for its new helium escape valve.

Key Features:

Caseback Engraving: Reads "Rolex Oyster Gas Escape Valve" alongside the rare "Patent Pending" text.

Dial Details: Mark 1 matte black dial with distinct double red lines of script.

Helium Escape Valve: Included for saturation diving, before the final patent was granted.

Rarity: Highly sought after by collectors.

The "Patent Pending" Double Red Sea-Dweller models were produced primarily between 1967 and 1969.

Rolex filed the patent for its revolutionary Helium Escape Valve (HEV) in November 1967. Because they began manufacturing and distributing these watches before the official patent approval was granted in 1971, early production runs featured the famous "Patent Pending" engraving on the caseback. Regular production models made from 1971 onward were updated to read "Rolex Patent".

Matching Components: Collectors look for an original "Pat. Pend." stamped 9315 fold-over clasp extension and matching date stamps inside the caseback (often stamped IV.67).

And fitted with its iconic Tropic 39 Superdome crystal, is one of the most legendary and highly sought-after vintage dive watches in horological history.