Rolex 1665 DRSD and Rolex Comex 5513 at Sea
Vintage

Rolex 1665 DRSD and Rolex Comex 5513 at Sea

By Bill · Apr 6, 2014 · 26 replies
Bill
WPS member · Rolex forum
26 replies6823 views5 photos
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Bill presents a captivating comparison of two iconic Rolex diving watches, the Ref. 1665 Double Red Sea-Dweller (DRSD) Mark III and the 1970 Rolex Comex Ref. 5513. He delves into a long-standing debate among collectors regarding the production and sales timelines of early DRSD models, particularly those with Mark II dials and lower serial numbers.

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Great weather and an opportunity to take a couple of pictures of the two Rolex diving legends.

The Rolex 1665 Double Red mk III together with the 1970 Rolex Comex 5513.

An interesting fact to which some agree while other don't. There are Rolex 1665 with mk II dials with serial numbers in the 1.7 - 1.9 which put them in the 1969 time frame but the interesting point is Rolex did not sell theses watch to the public until 1972/73 time frame. What I mean to say is it seems possible that the cases with early serial numbers where used at a later date until the stock of old cases was used. This ties into the the patent pending vs patented. I would be interested to see mk II watches that have sales recites earlier than 1972 ish.

Anyway some pictures for fun as summer is nearly upon us.

Bill



















About the Rolex great white Ref. 1665

The Rolex Reference 1665, known as the "Great White," is a specific iteration within its model family. This particular reference is distinct from the Reference 1680, which the collector notes as a separate model undergoing a makeover.

This example features a case described as being in good condition. The movement is a caliber 1570. The dial is a servicedial with Luminova, marked as a Tritium dial.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking specific variations within the Rolex lineup. The presence of a servicedial with Luminova, marked as Tritium, is a notable characteristic for those interested in dial variations.

Specifications

Caliber
1570, 1575
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
610m (2000ft)
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BI
Bill
Apr 6, 2014

Any thoughts on how a case with a 1.7 - 1.9 serial can be sold years later as they did not sell for sure in 1969?

AM
amanico
Apr 6, 2014

They came out from the Manufacture. I remember several GMTs ( I've seen in the flesh several 16750 sold 5 ( yes, 5 ) years after the date Chronometry paper. Same for GMTs, the record to be broken was a Milgauss, with a serial number dating it from 1970, sold 15 years after! Same for Subs, which were commonly sold 2, 3, 4 years after. So, I am not sure this is a criteria. Best, my friend. Nicolas

れい
れい
Apr 7, 2014

I still regret selling my beautiful 5513 long long time ago...

MA
marcello pisani
Apr 7, 2014

btw case numbers in the range from 1.7 to 1.9 are shared fom 1967 to 1969. some 1665 were sold by Rolex AD before 1971 ( such as the famous mk2 with case number in the 1.76 range sold at the end of 1969 by a NY official dealer in Brooklin ).

GE
gensiulia
Apr 7, 2014

1665 PP DRSD MK1 2.1mil sold in San Francisco on 16/06/1970 btw. nice couple Mr. Bill, i like very much the MK3 dial darkness :)))

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Apr 7, 2014

....and to me personally too. I have had a Mk2 case with a Mk3 dial, but knew for a fact that the watch was born as such. I have also discussed at length the fact that there was often a very long crossover period between when a watch was put together and when it actually got sold, as well as when a watch was actually put together! I think at the time of the early 70s, DRSD were just not the most popular watch in the world. It would quite often be the case that as new dials were developed, an eno

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