Double Red Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000

[Barracuda]

I'm a newbie to Rolex & timepieces in general, so if I use the wrong nomenclature please forgive me. I recently had a Double Red Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 literally fall into my lap. I've posted to a couple of forums, added pics of the watch and been handed some very useful information. I just found out about this forum from another forum, and from the traffic this site generates, I thought I'd at least try to gain more insight from your users.

I've been told I have a historical timepiece, an extremely rare timepiece and a timepiece that's sought after by many. I've been told not to touch it, not to have it refurbished by Rolex, don't sell it, sell it, insure it, don't insure it, stick it in a safe deposit box and forget about it etc.

The watch is in pretty bad shape. It was owned by a diver and water apparently found its way into the movement. According to someone local that I spoke with, everything can be fixed, but can it and should it be?. The case is fine, the wristband is broken, the end pieces are missing, but the links and clasp are intact. It's all original and it is in fact an original Rolex and not a fake. I only have the watch, no paperwork, no box...just the watch and band.

I have yet had anyone tell me EXACTLY what I have here. I'll post some pics of the piece here in a few minutes, but what I'm really looking for is information. I get confused with the whole MkI,MKII,MKIII,MKIV and so on and so forth.

Details of the watch.

1. DRSD 2000
a.Questioned: (MKII,at least that's what some are saying, due to chocolate patina on face I'm assuming)

Serial # 2661xxx
Patented
Gas Valve













Sorry about the quality of pics, I'm a lousy photographer. I've had people ask to have the crystal removed and a pic of the dial without it in place, but should I and who do I go to, to have it done? My Rolex dealer deals exclusively with newer models, I had to repeat to them what I had, the guy had no clue. I'm afraid of having ANYTHING removed, I'm certainly not going to do it with a pair of vice-grips or whatever.

If it's to be sold, is this the time to do it? Should I spend whatever it takes to refurbish it...by Rolex or someone else? I've been told if I send it into Rolex, they'll replace the dial and that's a big no-no.

What the heck would you do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, the history of this particular model would also be greatly appreciated. My eyes are beginning to cross reading all this stuff on the Internet. I'd just really like someone to tell me in layman's terms what I have here.

I collect old muscle cars, not watches. Thanks in advance for any help you might have to offer.

Cuda