For the first decade of its existence, the replica Rolex Sea-Dweller bore both the “Sea-Dweller” and “Submariner 2000″ names in red text on its dial face. However, in 1977, Rolex released a new Sea-Dweller – still with the reference number 1665 – that completely abandoned the red text lines and the Submariner name in favor of an entirely black and white dial.
To match the latest dial of the “Great White” Sea-Dweller, the case back of the new generation 1665 features a slightly more elaborate engraving, with the Rolex name curving along the curves of the recesses rather than appearing in a straight line. Aside from the subtle updates to the dial and case back, the new generation of Model 1665 Sea-Dweller watches are very similar to those that came before them with red text; however, the updates on the “Great White” represent much more than the actual changes to the watch itself. 
The Rolex Sea-Dweller started out as a submariner, modified to be more water-resistant to withstand the deeper depths below the ocean’s surface. For the first decade of its existence, the Sea-Dweller also bore the Submariner name on its dial, so it was unclear whether the Sea-Dweller was a separate watch line or simply a special version of the Submariner, designed for more strictly specialized use.
To better understand the difference between these two replica watches, the Submariner has a depth rating of up to 200 meters/660 feet in this era, which is remarkable in itself. This depth rating would eventually increase to an impressive 1220 meters/4,000 feet, a depth that is still maintained by the contemporary Sea-Dweller watches currently produced by Rolex.
While the elimination of the red lettering brought about a fairly obvious visual change, the removal of the Submariner name was the most important change that accompanied the arrival of the “Great White” in 1665. The absence of the Submariner name on the dial was a clear signal to the public that copy Rolex intended to keep the Sea-Dweller as its own watch line, separate from the Submariner, and to fill a slightly different niche in its lineup of highly capable professional dive watches.
If you are familiar with vintage watch collecting, you understand that even the smallest details of a watch are important, not the least of which is the dial. Depending on their rarity, the dial types can be valued for Ref. 1665 on the open market. Although it is not the rarest Sea-Dweller watch Rolex has ever produced, the Ref. 1665 “Great White” has helped make the Rolex Sea-Dweller its unique line of highly specialized, ultra-water-resistant tool watches – independent of the Submariner and designed specifically for the rigorous demands of saturation diving and professional use.
Luxury Rolex Sea-Dweller Jaws Reference 1665
