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Free Valuations & Sales Advice on Your Rolex Sea-Dweller

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was originally commissioned for a specialised group of saturation divers, meeting the demands of deep-sea expeditions with enhanced water resistance and a helium escape valve. This rugged, high-performance timepiece quickly gained a reputation among divers and collectors alike for its engineering and reliability. Over the years, the Sea-Dweller has become an icon in the world of vintage sports watches, celebrated for its rarity and durability. Early editions of the Sea-Dweller are especially sought after, with certain models achieving comfortable six-figure sums at auction due to their scarcity and historical appeal.

At Mark Littler Ltd, we specialise in helping you accurately value and sell your Rolex Sea-Dweller watch. Our experts can guide you through identifying key features that enhance its value, and provide a free, no-obligation valuation. From there, we’ll help you explore selling options, whether it be through auction or private sale, to ensure you achieve the best price possible.

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Expert Rolex Watch Valuation

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    How To Value Your Rolex Watch

    How It Works
    Simply complete our contact form, and we’ll begin working on your behalf. We offer trusted, independent advice to help you sell your Rolex watch for the highest possible price. Our team will guide you through various options, whether it’s auction or private sale, to ensure you find the best solution tailored to your needs.

    How to Sell
    If you’re considering selling your Rolex watch at auction, this can be an effective way to reach competitive buyers. However, not all auctions offer the same advantages, so selecting the right auction house is essential. While the internet may appear to level the playing field, each auction house has its unique strengths. Mark Littler Ltd can introduce you to the most suitable auction house based on your location, free of charge, giving you confidence that your Rolex will achieve the best possible price.

    If a private sale is more advantageous, we can help negotiate this option, often saving you significantly on commission fees. Private sales can also be arranged swiftly, allowing you to receive payment more quickly than an auction might provide.

    Rolex Valuation Tips
    To ensure the most accurate valuation of your Rolex, please provide the following details.  Note – if you don’t have this information to hand, don’t worry.  Just send over as much as you can.

    1. Model and Reference Number: Include the model and reference number (often found between the watch lugs or on paperwork), as it’s essential for determining the exact variant.
    2. Condition: Let us know if the watch is operational and if it has any cosmetic wear. Even minor details like scratches can impact value.
    3. Year of Production: Knowing the approximate year of production can help refine our valuation, especially for vintage or rare models.
    4. Provenance: If the watch has a notable history—such as being owned by a prominent figure or handed down within a family—please share it, as this can add unique value.
    5. Boxes and Paperwork: Original box, warranty card, and service history records can significantly impact value, so be sure to include this information if available.

    Key Rolex Sea-Dweller Models

    Notable vintage Sea-Dweller models include the highly sought-after Reference 5513/5514, known as the COMEX editions, and the iconic Reference 1665, which comes in two celebrated variations: Edition 1, the Double Red Sea-Dweller, and Edition 2, the Great White Sea-Dweller. The Reference 16660, often referred to as the ‘Triple Six’ Sea-Dweller, and Reference 16600 are also cherished by collectors for their unique place in the model’s evolution. Among modern Sea-Dwellers, collectors look to the robust Reference 116660, the streamlined Reference 116600, and the innovative Reference 126600, which continue Rolex’s legacy of crafting dive watches with exceptional durability and precision.

    Six things to look for in your Rolex Sea-Dweller

    Rolex-Sea-Dweller-Double-Red-Dial

    Dial Colouring

    Subtle variations in the dial and text decoration on your Rolex Sea-Dweller can help you to identify not just your model but the specific edition of that model. Things to look for:

    • Is ‘SEA-DWELLER ’ written in red or white?
    • What is the colour & depth of the the waterproof rating?
    Rolex-Sea-Dweller-COMEX-dial

    Comex editions

    There are a limited number of Sea-Dweller watches made especially for Comex. These editions are usually marked with the Comex logo on the face and were engraved on the back. If you have one of these models provenance will add value to your watch.

    • Is it depth rated to 200m, 600m or 610m?
    Rolex-Sea-Dweller-Single-Red-Dial

    Age

    There are editions of the Sea-Dweller that are still readily available and so it is the older, vintage models and limited editions that command the most interest from collectors.

    Models with the smaller gas escape valve (on models prior to the 16660) are generally more sought after.

    Rolex-Box-&-Papers

    Box & Papers

    When looking to value your vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller the original box and papers should be present to get the best valuation for your timepiece.

    If your Sea-Dweller has an interesting history or story to tell, you should also source the proper proof and provenance (paperwork, photographs etc.) in order to get the best prices and attract collectors.

    Rolex-Submariner-5510-Tropical-Dial

    Condition

    When considering the condition of your Rolex Sea-Dweller first check that wear is the same all over. If a certain part of the watch shows more, or less, wear than the rest this would indicate that some parts have been replaced or repaired, which can impact the value. However, damaged watches can still be valuable, especially if they are pieces with provenance.

    Rolex-Model-and-Case-Numbers

    Reference & serial No.

    Found at the 6’oclock side of the case on vintage Rolex, the serial number is the watch’s unique identity and shows when it was made. The reference number is on the 12o’clock edge and describes the model and what your Rolex Sea-Dweller is made from. The model and time of production are two of the most important factors in determining the value of your Rolex.

    The Process of Selling Your Sea-Dweller

    The process to get a no-obligation quote for your vintage watch is easy.

    Sell A Cask of Whisky (4)

    Send us details about your watch using the form above.

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    We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.

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    If you decide to proceed with an offer we issue you with a contract.

    Mark Littler LTD can help collect and delivery your items with our fully insured service.

    Send us your watch. We have a fully insured courier service available.

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    We complete the sale with the buyer and send your funds via BACS.