Rolex Great White in Naples

The later 1665 Sea-Dweller — all-white dial text after the Double Red.

Reference

1665

Years

1977–1983

Also called

—

Bezel / dial

Black, all-white text

The Great White, explained.

The Rolex “Great White” is the later reference 1665 Sea-Dweller (about 1977–1983), produced after Rolex switched the dial from two lines of red text to all white. It shares the 1665's helium escape valve and deep-dive rating with the earlier Double Red.

Below: what makes the Great White (1665) distinctive, what to verify before buying, and how it fits the Naples collector scene.

When Rolex retired the red dial text on the Sea-Dweller around 1977, the resulting all-white-text 1665 became the “Great White.” It carried the line to the end of the 1665's run before the 16660 took over. More plentiful than the Double Red, it is the more accessible way into a vintage 1665 Sea-Dweller.

What to verify

Checking a Great White before you buy.

Confirm the all-white dial text on a genuine 1665 (no red lines).
Check the helium escape valve and domed acrylic crystal without Cyclops.
Assess tritium patina and dial originality.
Match serial to the late-1970s to early-1980s window; verify service history.

In Naples

The Great White around Naples.

The Great White is the entry point to vintage Sea-Dweller ownership — rarer than a vintage Sub but more available than a Double Red. As with any 40-plus-year-old tool watch surfacing in Naples, originality and service history matter most.

We are an independent reference, not a dealer: we cannot sell you a Great White or appraise one. What we can do is help you read the reference and know what separates a correct example from a cobbled-together one.

Great White FAQ

The Great White, answered.

What is the Great White Sea-Dweller?

It is the later all-white-text reference 1665, made after Rolex dropped the red dial text around 1977. It is the same reference as the Double Red, with a different dial.

Is the Great White more affordable than the Double Red?

Generally yes. The Great White was made in larger numbers and lacks the red text premium, making it the more accessible vintage 1665.

Does the Great White have a Cyclops?

No. Like other vintage Sea-Dwellers, the 1665 omitted the Cyclops date magnifier to preserve crystal strength at depth.

Can I buy a Rolex Great White in Naples?

Naples has an active Rolex market through retail, boutiques, and private sales — but Naples Rolex is an independent reference, not a dealer. We don't sell or broker watches. Use this guide to verify a Great White before you buy, wherever you find it.

Keep reading.

Sea-Dweller hubThe full reference guide.Double Red in NaplesThe first Sea-Dweller - two lines of red dial text, the prized DRSD.James Cameron in NaplesThe Deepsea with the blue-to-black dial - honouring the Mariana Trench dive.