Rolex

Rolex: the 50th anniversay Sea Dweller

Since its launch at Baselworld, the Sea Dweller 50^th anniversary has courted controversy. Perhaps not helped by leaks prior to the official release, the introduction of the Cyclops is probably the most divisive development of the Sea Dweller yet.

First introduced in 1967, the Sea Dweller was the pinnacle of Rolex’s expertise and know how in the development of divers watches. Considering it was less the a decade and a half earlier that the first divers professional pieces were introduced with the references 6202 and 6204, rapidly followed by the 6200 with the larger Brevet crown- the precursor to the triplock crown, the 1665 was revolutionary watch. It featured a helium escape valve, developed in conjunction with Comex an Doxa. The first valves were seen in the Comex only ref 5513.

By the time the 1665 was developed, the now familiar 40mm case with crown guards and large crown was well established. The 1665 first introduced a date (the Submariner Date was launched in 1969) as well as the HEV.

I can imagine that the introduction of date had it happened today would have rattled a few feathers!! In essence the 1665 was a culmination of all the progress that Rolex had made in the preceding years.

In many respects the new anniversary model follows in its illustrious forefathers footsteps. It is a bringing together of all new technologies, seen with the Deepsea and its new larger case and brilliant bracelet, the ceramic bezel and now a Cyclops because the technology allows it. The anniversary model is a true homage to the history of the Rolex divers watch, with nuances from famous pieces, the red writing (probably more famous from the Red sub 1680 than the early prototype Sea Dweller), the military 5517 inspired bezel, the HEV from the 1665.

It is all the knowledge and know how melded in to one piece.