Today I like to introduce to you the “Prototype Single Red Sea Dweller Non Valve” from aquanaut Ian Koblick. This super important ref 1665 was given by Rolex T Walker Loyd to Ian Koblick for the “Tektite I” project. In 1967, at the beginning of the Sea Dweller evolution, Rolex already thought they made a super waterproof watch with the non valve version signed on the dial with a depth rate of 500m = 1650 FT. As usual Rolex wanted their new watches being tested in extreme conditions outside their lab. Real explorers would wear this tool watch before it became officially available on the market….

• Here it is, in yet stunning condition with heavy patina on the tritium luminous of the dial that tells us hard core vintage Rolex collectors that it had to be stored for at least 25-30 years in a dark spot. When I told Ian this he was all surprised how I knew. As the original steel bracelet was broken (he gave me the spare parts) they fitted a two tone jubilee bracelet on it and although we collectors would never except such a marriage, it matched perfect with the cream colored luminous. Ian was so  proud about having this special prototype Rolex you could not buy but had to be given for research purpose only, he declined an offer of Rolex themselves changing his watch against 2 x new Rolex watches, a gold one and a steel one. Happily for both of us he was so clever to ignore their proposal 😉

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• A must see is above Tektite Documentary Trailer & Tektite Habitat U.S. Navy Saturation Diving Film for general understanding the projects and Ian Koblick in specific. Mr Koblick told me that Mr. T Walker Loyd from Rolex gave him the watches for the Textite project. In total 7 watches were given and of these 7 there were 5 x Sea Dweller and 2 x Submariner. When Mr Koblick asked Mr Walker Loyd how many Sea Dweller have been made, he answered in total 10 examples were ‘hand made’ in Geneva.

• The marvelous case back, unpolished as you can clearly see the rings on the surface. Ian G. Koblick Tektite I 1969

From the beginning Ian offered me his special Rolex we got a special relationship together, this not only because I was interested to have his watch but also to tell the marvelous story about it. Today I can share another interesting story of the great history of Rolex together with you….

• Ian Koblick and me while holding the special Rolex Single Red Sea Dweller ref 1665

• Up close the patent pending clasp that was attached to the two tone bracelet…

• The co-author of “Living and Working in the Sea” Koblick spent more than 40 years in the Caribbean researching and helping establish manned undersea projects — living at the bottom of the sea.

• During our talk he called legend “Bob Barth” (read the Hodinkee article about him and his Rolex) to ask him about the evolution of the helium valve and I could hear Bob explaining that back in the days they found out that the crystal of some of their Rolex watches exploded during decompression and that made him suggest to Rolex they should add a helium valve to the watch so it could withstand the new deeper depths Rolex was exploring with their new Sea Dweller. Above note that Bob Barth book was called “Sea Dwellers“…

• Below, after I hand polished the crystal…

• On the trip back from the Key largo back to Miami Beach while I put it on a leather nato strap..

The Tektite habitat was an underwater laboratory which was the home to divers during Tektite I and II programs. The Tektite program was the first scientists-in-the-sea program sponsored nationally. The habitat capsule was placed in Great Lameshur Bay, Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1969 and again in 1970. At the Tektite II project Ian Koblick was the leader and arranged everything from financing to finding the aquanauts to the actually program of 58 days of marine scientific studies they where undergoing.

Above an illustration of the actual habitat, Tektite I and below the brochure of the Tektite I expedition…

Ian Koblick’s prototype Sea Dweller with some of the Tektite I & II artifacts…

• Up close the untouched case back of Ian’s prototype Rolex…

Inside the sphere…

Lets continue to explain the provenance of Ian Koblick so here’s a introduction coming from his website: Marine Resources 

2017 is the 50th anniversary of the Sea Dweller. Here’s a close up of the serial number, one of the very first Seadwellers ever made! The first Sea Dwellers has serial number 1.6029.xx, this one is one of the very first with 1.6029.1x…

Bright view of the Sea Dweller face…

And the other side of the case, the serial number which became legendary, ref 1665….

Then, the case back inside, marked correctly with ” II 67″ …

And now check this, the movement, like NEW!! On this picture you actually see a lot of important details. Besides the movement number on the top, we see the 1570 caliber number and the ROW stamp at the button for U.S. import…

You don’t need to be an expert to see that the movement is like new, hardly any use you notice inside. No usage patina, damaged parts or dust / dirt anywhere. The screws are perfectly blue on top and you don’t see any usage on the edge or anywhere, just marvelous! This explains the story Ian Koblick told me that he was very careful and proud having this prototype Sea Dweller.

• At the beach…