Rolex Submariner 5514
Before Rolex released the Sea-Dweller as we know it, they produced a specially prepared Submariner for the French dive company COMEX. On the left side of the case Rolex installed a so called Gas Escape Valve. This was done to a regular Submariner reference 5513, a Submariner without date. After COMEX tested this watch and was convinced of the succes of the Gas Escape Valve, theyplaced a large order and Rolex renamed it to Submariner reference 5514.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Submariner 500m
Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 - Single Red
The Double Red Sea-Dweller has two lines of red text on the dial, which is usually white in color. Hence the name 
Like Rolex always does, there are quite some different models and it’s hard to say exactly in what year they changed to another model. Especially when it comes to the Double Red dials there are some difficulties, but it’s generally excepted that the first Double Red Sea-Dwellers where produced in 1967.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 - Mark II dial
Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 - Mark III dial
By the end of the 70′s Rolex changed the dial with two red lines of text to a dial with all white text, the so called Great White. Since Rolex doesn’t change supply to different parts of the world all at once and since Rolex used alreadu produced parts before producing new parts, the change from Double Red Sea-Dweller to Great White didn’t happen overnight. Some Great White’still had a Double Red caseback and in the far east Double Red’s where deliverred much longer, some even reported until the early 80′s. In the USA nd Europe the change to Great White was made in 1977.
Great White with Mark I dial
Great White with older Patend Pending caseback
And to conclude, here are a few quick and dirty photos of my Great White
Rolex Sea-Dweller Great White wristshot
Rolex Sea-Dweller Great White wristshot
Since there’s just too much to say about vintage Rolex Sea-Dwellers i’ll suggest some websites for thos who like to read more about this magnificent mother of all divewatches.
BSJ Online
Vintage Submariner
Double Red Sea-Dweller
