Explorer ii vs SD43 wearing comfort

[Roddypeepa]

I’ve currently got a sub 11 series and an explorer ii 226570

My preference is for slightly larger watches - the explorer ii has all links in situ and wrist is about 19cm/ 7. 1/2 inches.

For those that own both is the SD much more cumbersome than the sub? Much more weighty than the explorer. I find the Matt dial and the more engraved diving scale much more aesthetically pleasing.

Would appreciate honest responses.

Cheers! And have a nice weekend.


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[brandrea]

The EXP2 is lighter and has a flatter caseback. It’s a much more comfortable watch (to me) :2

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by brandrea

The EXP2 is lighter and has a flatter caseback. It’s a much more comfortable watch (to me) :2

Shame but thanks for the feedback.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

Shame but thanks for the feedback.


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That’s not to say you won’t find the SD43 comfortable.

It’s noticeably heavier, but some people like that. It also has a convex caseback which for some is comfortable and others not so much.

You really have to try them on to get a sense of what works best for you

[Ravager135]

The Explorer II is my largest Rolex and easily my most comfortable. This seems to be a reoccuring highlight with this watch so I won't say it's total luck, but to be fair comfort (to me) has lot more to do with correct sizing of the bracelet than case shape.

There are some watches where no matter how size them or microadjust them, they just aren't as comfortable as others. As a brand, Rolex ALWAYS seems be my most comfortable waches. The only one that was never perfect was a Milgauss I owned and now having owned many other watches and brands, I wish I had it back.

Submariners you can make comfortable no matter what, but I like to size them with the glidelock completely closed so it has its maximum utility should I wear it over a wetsuit (which I do very infrequently). My Explorer II just seems to fit perfect. I don't know if its luck: the case size, the number of links used, etc. It's never too tight or too loose. My Jubilee bracelet watches: GMT-Master II and Datejust come last, but again they still exceed the comfort of all my Omegas and IWCs. I seem to have a harder time sizing Jubilee bracelets, but they are extremely comfortable.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

That’s not to say you won’t find the SD43 comfortable.

It’s noticeably heavier, but some people like that. It also has a convex caseback which for some is comfortable and others not so much.

You really have to try them on to get a sense of what works best for you

Brian is correct as usual. It's very individual as to whether you find the SD to be comfortable on the wrist or not. I have never had any issues at all on my wrist, like ever. But plenty of others on this board have struggled with it. Go see if you can find an AD with a display piece to try one on. YMMV

[Roddypeepa]

Some brilliant and sensible answers on here as always. Really encouraged by the top heavy bracelet opinions.

Of course the right answer is “ try it and see”‘but it’s given some encouragement that it might be a goer!


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[Malum]

Mark , Definitely try the SD43 . The SD43 is a love it or hate piece , personally I have divested much of my Rolex collection. I have sold my GMT , D-Blue , Explorer and Datejust . The SD 43 is my favorite Rolex , I love everything about this reference and know it’s a very polarizing piece. It’s not popular with the Rolex (fan boy - fan girl) crew . But , I say give it a go .

[Wilco68]

The same two models I was chewing over at the start of this year.

Went with the SD43 in the end & no regrets whatsoever with that decision. Although both references are great for sure.

[oldsheepdog]

I would encourage you to consider the SD43. I avoided it initially because I was worried it would be too bulky / heavy for me, but I liked the look of it so much I finally took the plunge. The case back sits comfortably on my wrist. I wear it a bit tighter to help prevent flop although the bracelet weight does a good job of that. I also love my polar Explorer and find it to be comfortable as well. The big difference for me is use. I wear the SD every day and it seems to fit any circumstance. As much as I love my Explorer, in my mind, it is more limiting aesthetically. They are both fantastic watches but if I were to choose, I would pick the SD. You really can’t go wrong with either. Good luck.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by Malum

Mark , Definitely try the SD43 . The SD43 is a love it or hate piece , personally I have divested much of my Rolex collection. I have sold my GMT , D-Blue , Explorer and Datejust . The SD 43 is my favorite Rolex , I love everything about this reference and know it’s a very polarizing piece. It’s not popular with the Rolex (fan boy - fan girl) crew . But , I say give it a go .

Tried on the sea dweller just now. Thickness is absolutely fine - in fact much of the thickness is not due to “slab sides” but the concave caseback.

Size and weight fine on my wrist. Looked really good thanks


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[ssaka]

As someone who owns both with a 7 3/8" wrist I personally find the Explorer II wears more comfortably weight and the way the case lays on my wrist. The SD43 is a noticeably larger watch given its thickness.

However, you have far more bracelet adjustment range on the SD43 with its glidelock vs the easylink adjustment on the EX2.

I find myself wearing the Polar often, where I find myself wearing my Tudor Pelagos LHD more than my SD43 when I am in the mood for a full bracelet black diver.

Of course, ymmv

[Bill2e]

I have both the SD43 & Explorer II Polar.

They are both comfortable, Exp is lighter as said.

I like the glide lock better.

Both watches wear great and now to complete the Land Air Sea. Not sure if I want to go Sky Dweller Blue or BLNR.

[B2 Stealth]

Had both; now only Polar ExplorerII remains in my collection.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

Tried on the sea dweller just now. Thickness is absolutely fine - in fact much of the thickness is not due to “slab sides” but the concave caseback.

Size and weight fine on my wrist. Looked really good thanks


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Sound like it might work for you.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

Tried on the sea dweller just now. Thickness is absolutely fine - in fact much of the thickness is not due to “slab sides” but the concave caseback.

Size and weight fine on my wrist. Looked really good thanks


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Are you going to take the plunge Mark?

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Are you going to take the plunge Mark?

I might do but thinking a swap on the secondary market might be the best way rather than from an AD and then selling the sub?


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

I might do but thinking a swap on the secondary market might be the best way rather than from an AD and then selling the sub?


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You can definitely find one much cheaper going gray.

I always like to add first and trade second, just to be sure it works out


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[Roddypeepa]

Here no is the sub on the wrist for comparison. Clearly the SD is bigger but not ridiculously so on me.


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[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You can definitely find one much cheaper going gray.

I always like to add first and trade second, just to be sure it works out


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Yes absolutely. Just wonder first if I should check out the SD 40 though as that could be a future classic.


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[Bambooshoot]

I have both and find them both comfortable despite what many say about the SD43. I would say the Explorer II is more comfortable as it is lighter and it is flatter but I would say try it on and see.

[1William]

The Explorer II has a flatter case back and I find it an easier wear.