We are working with a private collector to help him sell one of the few genuine ‘Grail’ watches, the Double Red Sea-Dweller. We’re often asked the history of watches and for once we have it….
The watch was first sold in 1978 (5.01million serial number) and our client bought in 1982 from Charles Fox Rolex. He was in the RAF for 30 years and the watch was worn every day seeing action in Ethiopia (for the ‘Live Aid’ and Operation Bushel Famine Relief). He went onto flying for the UN Photo Inspection Team and Chemical Destruction Group in and out of Iraq, and based in Djibouti whilst resupplying the German Army detachment (on a daily basis) in Somalia.
On return to the UK, he resumed routine RAF Hercules flying, firstly commanding the C-130 post graduate training unit (low-flying and air to air refuelling), and later as a squadron commander (converting onto the new C-130J). He finished his flying time commanding the Air Transport Hub in the Middle East during Gulf War Two.
Thereafter he was employed on a raft of UK-based staff tours, with one 6-month detachment to Baghdad to add a bit of excitement (he was the senior coalition adviser to the Head of Iraqi Air Force). He then gave the watch to Steven Hale Watch Restoration for a full service and SHWR have just serviced it again (February 2025). He has 6 Grandchildren and wants to share to share the sales proceeds between them.
The Sea-Dweller was ‘born’ in the 1960’s through a collaboration between Rolex and French deep sea diving company, Comex. The addition of the helium escape valve and, after using the Submariner case, in the 1970’s Rolex gave it a thicker case and it allowed the depth rating to go from 660ft to 2000. The Double Red was produced between 1967 to 1977 so this is one of the last ones made.
The steel case on this example is in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear. The guaranteed original dial and hands are again in excellent condition with only some minor damage between the 4 and 5 hour markers at the edge of the case (I’ve highlighted this on the pictures). The movement is again in excellent condition and we have the service record from SHWR done in 2025. The Rolex bracelet is again in excellent condition and the references are:
End Pieces – 93150 and 580
Deployment Clasp – 93150 and S (dating it to 1994) and U11 (this was replaced in 1994 but the bracelet is original)
The bezel insert was replaced in the late 1980’s so whilst not original it is old. SHWR replaced the pearl.
Sonning Vintage Watches give a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity and provenance on the watch and SHWR give a 2 year guarantee on the movement from February 2025. I have done a wrist video of the watch as the domed lens makes it difficult to capture the beauty of this watch. If you’d like a copy please advise your WhatsApp number.
