No love for the anniversary SD43?

[Oldwoods]

Originally Posted by subdweller

i have a larger wrist and love mine. no comfort issues. i'm a big fan of the matte dial and red text

Agree. Mine gets a huge amount of wrist time.

[Gebbeth]

It's the watch that Rolex snobs love to hate. But this is the problem with the Rolex fan clubs.

They b*tch and moan about it having a cyclops for example. Sea-Dwellers and Deep Seas are never, ever, ever, every supposed to have a cyclops. Why....that's an insult to humanity.

It's too big. But the Deep Sea is not. And that monstrosity of the Deep Sea Challenge....well, that's a technological marvel!

It's too big! It's too small! It's too medium!

The red text....that's an insult to the 1680! The Rolex Bible say "Thou shalt never have a Submariner like watch with red text other than a 1680 revival. If thou forsake such commandment, thou shalt suffer the consequence of lower resale value!!!!"

Seriously, it's an awesome, handsome, watch that is more capable than the regular Sub-Date and Sub, and infinitely more wearable than a Deep Sea, everyday wearable.

The cyclops does make the hilariously small date windows on Rolex sport watches more legible, and if it's good on regular Subs and GMT Master IIs, Day-Dates, Date-Justs, Yachtmasters, Sky-Dwellers.....I have no idea why there is such an reaction against the SD43 having one.

To me, it's the sweet spot of the Rolex Sub line, and in its current form, standout from the earlier SD line, which to me, did not distinguish itself apart from the Sub in pretty much every way possible.

[alphadweller]

For me, it's the best looking Sea-Dweller ever made, the best all-around diver there is and my favourite Rolex piece. I'm fine with the fact it's not popular, makes it even more distinct and special, if anything.

The regular Sub is objectively a great piece of course, but to me it's nothing special. I never wanted one, not even when I started this hobby 20 years ago. The SD43 adressed the issues I had with the Sub40 116610 (supercase, smallish size and ubiquity). I own a TT blue Sub41 because there is no TT blue SD43.

I look at my SS SD43 and it's purposeful, has a gritty demeanour, looks badass. Great size and proportions. Unique charcoal dial, almost tropical. The single red line reminds us of its pedigree. The sexy lugs are almost integrated with the end links of a generously wide bracelet perfectly tapered at the clasp. My ageing eyes are grateful of the cyclops' excellent magnification. Sharp cutting teeth on the bezel to remind us of its predatory nature. Make no mistake, it's a beast, a killing machine. This thing hits you hard. Nothing comes close in terms of overall package. To me, it's perfect.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw it at the AD in 2017 and tried it on, a mic drop moment. The kind of first impression you won't forget in a lifetime. I took it home, of course. So glad I did.

[koronet-kid]

I wear mine 90% more than my LV sub SD is best diver in the line up IMHO

[nnicot]

Still looks and feels great every time I wear it, although I have mine on a rubber strap (darn nickel allergy). Putting on a sub feels like something's missing after living with the SD43

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Plenty of love if you can wear it comfortably but it was the most uncomfortable Rolex watch for most of us that has owned it. That raised tapered case back digs in to the wrist unlike any other Rolex model including its big brother DSSD. Creates a painful pressure point regardless how it is sized.

Exactly, can’t believe Rolex ever put this in to production, the protruding case back is a major design flaw

[cleansocks]

If it had a glossy black dial rather than matt I would want it

[Saoirse32]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

It's the watch that Rolex snobs love to hate. But this is the problem with the Rolex fan clubs.

They b*tch and moan about it having a cyclops for example. Sea-Dwellers and Deep Seas are never, ever, ever, every supposed to have a cyclops. Why....that's an insult to humanity.

It's too big. But the Deep Sea is not. And that monstrosity of the Deep Sea Challenge....well, that's a technological marvel!

It's too big! It's too small! It's too medium!

The red text....that's an insult to the 1680! The Rolex Bible say "Thou shalt never have a Submariner like watch with red text other than a 1680 revival. If thou forsake such commandment, thou shalt suffer the consequence of lower resale value!!!!"

Seriously, it's an awesome, handsome, watch that is more capable than the regular Sub-Date and Sub, and infinitely more wearable than a Deep Sea, everyday wearable.

The cyclops does make the hilariously small date windows on Rolex sport watches more legible, and if it's good on regular Subs and GMT Master IIs, Day-Dates, Date-Justs, Yachtmasters, Sky-Dwellers.....I have no idea why there is such an reaction against the SD43 having one.

To me, it's the sweet spot of the Rolex Sub line, and in its current form, standout from the earlier SD line, which to me, did not distinguish itself apart from the Sub in pretty much every way possible.

This ^^^. And well said. I’m on my second go round with it and for whatever reason, it’s just as comfortable as my DSSD.
I like “bigger” Rolex, so to me it checks all the boxes.


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[DadsSub]

It's an absolutely legendary Rolex and my favorite. It's a chunky stainless steel dive watch. And should be worn with the dive extension at all times. Any wrist size can wear it if it's fitted correctly. You just have to take the time to move the links around. My wrist is 6.75 and it fits like a glove.

[Gladiat0r]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Plenty of love if you can wear it comfortably but it was the most uncomfortable Rolex watch for most of us that has owned it. That raised tapered case back digs in to the wrist unlike any other Rolex model including its big brother DSSD. Creates a painful pressure point regardless how it is sized.

This ^

[1st amg]

Wait until this finally gets discontinued one day....then everyone will want one.

[2thdock]

I love mine. I like that it’s a little different then the Sub. Love the cyclops. There is lots of love for DayDate, and it has a cyclops , so I don’t get the hate. Rolex trademark in my mind.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by amh

That may be true for some people, likely depends on wrist shape and size. It's never been painful for me, feels like my other "flat" watches.

Also depends on how you wear it. I like my watches loose enough to get a finger in between my wrist and the bracelet and consequently my SD43 wears very comfortably and I love it.

I can see if you were a "wear 'em tight" fella with prominent wrist bones the shape of the case back might be a problem.

[Will866]

I love it. If you see one near retail, grab it

[rmlovett1]

Don’t own one now, but I have in the past, and probably will own one again at some point. Great watch IMO !

[shalako]

Wait for it to be discontinued and it will be the best Rolex ever made - just like the SD4000 was, which no one wanted when it was readily available.
I think they are superb, very underrated.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

Wait until this finally gets discontinued one day....then everyone will want one.

[Bartolo]

I just like the proportions of the 16600 much better, much like I vastly prefer my 16610LV to newer iterations.

The wider bezels make my eye "shrink" or "crowd" the crystal and dial; whereas on the older models the thinner bezel compliments the crystal and dial in a different way.

[Manamana]

The SD43 is my favorite of all the Rolex divers and GMTs I own.

[stockae92]

I am not crazy about it because its a little bland. I ended up getting the two tone SD43 and love it.

[subdweller]

luckily rolex has produced a bunch of different models and versions of their watches over the years so theres something that fits everyones taste. lots to enjoy and appreciate even if they dont fit one's individual taste

[watchwatcher]

I've found, over the years, the only love that matters for any watch I have is mine.

Everything else is just white noise.

[Akacoke]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

For me, it's the best looking Sea-Dweller ever made, the best all-around diver there is and my favourite Rolex piece. I'm fine with the fact it's not popular, makes it even more distinct and special, if anything.

The regular Sub is objectively a great piece of course, but to me it's nothing special. I never wanted one, not even when I started this hobby 20 years ago. The SD43 adressed the issues I had with the Sub40 116610 (supercase, smallish size and ubiquity). I own a TT blue Sub41 because there is no TT blue SD43.

I look at my SS SD43 and it's purposeful, has a gritty demeanour, looks badass. Great size and proportions. Unique charcoal dial, almost tropical. The single red line reminds us of its pedigree. The sexy lugs are almost integrated with the end links of a generously wide bracelet perfectly tapered at the clasp. My ageing eyes are grateful of the cyclops' excellent magnification. Sharp cutting teeth on the bezel to remind us of its predatory nature. Make no mistake, it's a beast, a killing machine. This thing hits you hard. Nothing comes close in terms of overall package. To me, it's perfect.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw it at the AD in 2017 and tried it on, a mic drop moment. The kind of first impression you won't forget in a lifetime. I took it home, of course. So glad I did.

You spoke my mind sir.

[samson66]

My favorite watch. Had it nearly five full years now. Fits me perfectly and comfortably. Smaller wrist folks should go to the Sub, but if you have the wrist for it the SD43 is the greatest diver out there IMO.

[Toproll85]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

For me, it's the best looking Sea-Dweller ever made, the best all-around diver there is and my favourite Rolex piece. I'm fine with the fact it's not popular, makes it even more distinct and special, if anything.

The regular Sub is objectively a great piece of course, but to me it's nothing special. I never wanted one, not even when I started this hobby 20 years ago. The SD43 adressed the issues I had with the Sub40 116610 (supercase, smallish size and ubiquity). I own a TT blue Sub41 because there is no TT blue SD43.

I look at my SS SD43 and it's purposeful, has a gritty demeanour, looks badass. Great size and proportions. Unique charcoal dial, almost tropical. The single red line reminds us of its pedigree. The sexy lugs are almost integrated with the end links of a generously wide bracelet perfectly tapered at the clasp. My ageing eyes are grateful of the cyclops' excellent magnification. Sharp cutting teeth on the bezel to remind us of its predatory nature. Make no mistake, it's a beast, a killing machine. This thing hits you hard. Nothing comes close in terms of overall package. To me, it's perfect.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw it at the AD in 2017 and tried it on, a mic drop moment. The kind of first impression you won't forget in a lifetime. I took it home, of course. So glad I did.

+1 !

The subject comes up sometimes, and I wrote this about it.

...Personally I like this watch. This is the demonstration of Rolex in the quest for resistance to pressure. For what it offers in waterproofing, it's not that thick. The 43 doesn't really do that, and the whole thing is well proportioned. I think we have one of the best bezel on the market here, sound and feel. The matt dial, the red line, the valve. The bracelet we know, it's the best. It's overall built like a tank, not too much of a precious side. It really is "something else". What advantages. Much appreciated...

So if you already have a traditional Sub or have noticed that everyone has one, and you want something different and/or more advanced, this is for you.



(you can even have both, see several versions, even watches other than this brand and vary the pleasures, it's not yet forbidden!)

[Peter Toronto]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

For me, it's the best looking Sea-Dweller ever made, the best all-around diver there is and my favourite Rolex piece. I'm fine with the fact it's not popular, makes it even more distinct and special, if anything.

The regular Sub is objectively a great piece of course, but to me it's nothing special. I never wanted one, not even when I started this hobby 20 years ago. The SD43 adressed the issues I had with the Sub40 116610 (supercase, smallish size and ubiquity). I own a TT blue Sub41 because there is no TT blue SD43.

I look at my SS SD43 and it's purposeful, has a gritty demeanour, looks badass. Great size and proportions. Unique charcoal dial, almost tropical. The single red line reminds us of its pedigree. The sexy lugs are almost integrated with the end links of a generously wide bracelet perfectly tapered at the clasp. My ageing eyes are grateful of the cyclops' excellent magnification. Sharp cutting teeth on the bezel to remind us of its predatory nature. Make no mistake, it's a beast, a killing machine. This thing hits you hard. Nothing comes close in terms of overall package. To me, it's perfect.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw it at the AD in 2017 and tried it on, a mic drop moment. The kind of first impression you won't forget in a lifetime. I took it home, of course. So glad I did.

That synopsis perfectly mirrors my thoughts and you said it far better than I probably could have.


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[Brian Page]

Had one, don't anymore. I had the wrist poking issue which is funny because I never had an issue with either of my DSSD's. The other thing for me was the cyclops - I don't think it belongs on a sea dweller.

[time4no1]

Love mine. Mk1 dial. Great on my 8.25" wrist.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Akacoke

You spoke my mind sir.

Originally Posted by Toproll85

+1 !

The subject comes up sometimes, and I wrote this about it.

...Personally I like this watch. This is the demonstration of Rolex in the quest for resistance to pressure. For what it offers in waterproofing, it's not that thick. The 43 doesn't really do that, and the whole thing is well proportioned. I think we have one of the best bezel on the market here, sound and feel. The matt dial, the red line, the valve. The bracelet we know, it's the best. It's overall built like a tank, not too much of a precious side. It really is "something else". What advantages. Much appreciated...

So if you already have a traditional Sub or have noticed that everyone has one, and you want something different and/or more advanced, this is for you.



(you can even have both, see several versions, even watches other than this brand and vary the pleasures, it's not yet forbidden!)

Originally Posted by Peter Toronto

That synopsis perfectly mirrors my thoughts and you said it far better than I probably could have.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What can I say? Great minds think alike!

[Cassidyanne]

Originally Posted by Spaniard1675

The 50th anniversary Sea Dweller 126600 is bulked up to 43mm with red lettering and cyclops date.

I'm curious as to why it is pretty much the only Rolex Professional selling on the secondary market for less than retail.

I had one and sold it because I felt the proportions were off (hands too small) and I also felt the bezel had too much play.

Curious as to how others feel about this model and why the "poor" performance on the secondary market.

You answered your own question. People sold it for the same reason you did. What’s so hard to understand?