This is a very early Rolex 16660 Seadweller Matte Dial in superb condition. The dial on this piece is in perfect condition and 100% matching and original untouched condition. What makes this particular piece so special, is its caseback. As part of the very early batches of Triple 6's, this example is one of the few that has the Mk1 caseback. It was at a period where Rolex was transitioning from the 1665 plexi crystal to a sapphire crystal 16660 shown here. Thus, this caseback is viewed a transitioning to the newer type casebacks where it features a single coronet (Rolex crown) instead of a double coronet apparent on later series Triple 6's.
Most of these Seadwellers were used as true tool watches in its every sense and very few survived scarless through time. Fortunately, this particular example was an original South African piece sourced from its original owner who was a watchmaker there. This watch was found in the owner's drawers untouched as it came. I was told it was a gift from his wife and that the watch was worn a couple of times but because he did not like the weight of it, it sat for the next couple decades before being sold to a collector in Germany. Fortunately, the watch was survived with all its paperwork and trinkets.
As people begin exploring vintage watches they will be told the same advice by veteran collectors that condition is always key. And condition can be determined differently by each collector and to me and most, it's always condition as it should have looked when the watch came off the line at Rolex when it was first produced. Also retaining complete and utter originality is very key. You can always make a look shiny but you can never bring back it's originality to its forms once overly polished. Here are some shots of the true condition of this piece.
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