Rolex “Red Writing” Sea-Dweller 126600 (RRP £11,750)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000 126600. Automatic Chronometer Movement. Brushed And Polished Steel Case 43mm Diameter Which Is Water Resistant To 1,220 Meters 4,000 Feet. Black Dial With Index Hour Markers. ‘Sea-Dweller’ In Red Writing. Ceramic Bezel. Steel Oyster Bracelet With Safety Catch, Fliplock And Glidelock Extensions. Box and Papers dated May 2017.

(RRP £11,750)

The “Red Writing” Rolex Sea-Dweller refers to a specific historical variation of the Rolex Sea-Dweller model, known for its distinct red text on the dial. Here’s a brief history of the Red Writing Rolex Sea-Dweller:

In 1967, Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller as a professional diver’s watch, following the success of the Submariner. The Sea-Dweller was designed specifically for deep-sea exploration and featured enhanced water resistance and innovative technologies to meet the demands of professional divers.

The first generation of Sea-Dweller models, commonly referred to as the “Double Red Sea-Dweller” or “DRSD,” featured two lines of red text on the dial. The top line read “Sea-Dweller” in red, while the second line displayed “Submariner 2000” in white. The red text was a notable departure from the typical white text found on Rolex dials.

The “Red Writing” Sea-Dweller models were produced from the late 1960s until the early 1970s. During this time, Rolex made several updates to the Sea-Dweller, including increasing the depth rating from 2000ft (610m) to 4000ft (1220m) and replacing the red text with all-white text.

The Red Writing Sea-Dweller models are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and limited production. They represent an important era in the evolution of Rolex’s professional dive watches and are considered iconic timepieces within the Rolex lineup.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, Rolex has released modern versions of the Sea-Dweller, such as the Sea-Dweller 126600, which pays homage to the vintage Red Writing models by incorporating red text on the dial to commemorate their heritage and appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance of the Red Writing Sea-Dwellers.