No Date Sub and SD43 in the Same Collection?

[mquarter]

They're really too similar aesthetically to keep in the one collection imo. If you like the SD more than the sub, then replace the sub with another watch you really like.

[1William]

Both. Great watches.

[rolexjackson]

I was once faced with the EXACT same dilemma. The sd43 is my favorite watch as well. What I did was sell the nd sub to a friend who really wanted it. And used the cash to buy a hulk. I’ve always wanted one and I’ve never looked back.

Congratulations on the pick up!

[2thdock]

I'm in the sell the sub camp, assuming after several months you still love the SD43. I love mine. I like the older all black GMT ( easier to get)as a second or an Explorer I or II.. I am eyeballing some older Polar Explorer II's in 40mm's.

[BMWMotoRider]

FWIW, I prefer the Sea Dweller 43 over the current Subs. I feel the thicker watch is proportioned better for the case size even though I have a small wrist. The Subs seem a little thin and the Sea Dweller more robust.

That being said, I'd keep both. I would love to have a white gold sub at some point. Enjoy!

[Gladiat0r]

Wait a bit more before you make a decision. I went from a sub, to an SD43 and 2 DSSD, back to a sub 41mm and found it overall to be the best. At the time when I had the SD43 I thought that was perfect. But after 6 months or so ownership, my taste changed a bit and I found it becoming uncomfortable. Maybe that won’t happen to you but what I’m saying is just wait a bit longer and really try wearing both. You may come to appreciate the Sub more than you do now.

[Smobews]

I have both and love the differences in the way they wear and look. The SD43 is a beast and has the cyclops. The Sub is small and thin, and had a clean, symmetrical look. Keep both and add a third Explorer2 to the mix. I have that one too. You’ll have a 41, 42, and 43mm Rolex rotation.

[B2 Stealth]

Submariner was my first Rolex and I purchased a SD43 last year. Now my wife wears the Sub on an orange Rubber B strap while I enjoy the spectacular Sea Dweller. If forced to choose the SD43 ticks all the boxes--robust more rare beast which looks great on my over 8'wrist.

[JohnGingerwood]

I owned the same ones and had that dilemma. I decided to get the Date Sub, which is a combo between the two and it fits me better. I am not a huge collector so I normally do not have more than 3 watches at a time. I know there are big collectors that have multiple subs and SDs. I guess it depends what kind of collector you are.

[worldofoyster]

both looks very good, you will enjoy them differently

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by TomInNJ

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the thoughts. This was a helpful exercise. I’m going to do nothing for at least 6 months, and then come back to it. I think I’m somewhat more likely to just keep both, but we’ll see.

Perfect plan. Wait until the honeymoon wears off and things even out a bit on both. Then decide.

[CAPTMEO]

I have an SD43 and a Sub 41. I put my SD43 on a Rubber B strap and kept my sub on the bracelet. I feel like I have 2 similar, but different watches now. Admittedly, I wear the SD on rubber as my daily. I suppose, the sub would be a great watch to have on a nato too. I’d keep both.

[Kisara]

You're in a unique position to try both, long term. Something most of us do not get to do. As others have said, after time you will know which one fits you the best.

[zoro4now]

They're both classics, keep them both.

[youneswatches]

I think both watches can serve different purposes, you should keep both.

[Chris_80]

Originally Posted by Meyrin

I'd keep both for the moment. Whatever you do don't rush into selling your Submariner (no date)...it´s far too much of a classic, imo! See how you feel about both watches in maybe a few months!?

Came here to say exactly this!

[Rori]

What a combo!
I would keep both and let the no date live on your lady's wrist :-)

[Rentalcarman]

I don't think it's redundant in any way. While they are both "divers" watches, they are two very different animals. The sub is nice for when you really don't care what day it is and its very casual and sporty. The SD43 is a nice tough good-looking watch that can be worn for any occasion. Either one looks good in virtually any situation. If affordable, I would keep and enjoy both. Good luck to you and enjoy your watches!

[TomInNJ]

Update: I took everyone’s advice and waited until the honeymoon with the SD43 was over. After a a while, I found myself consistently picking the SD43 over the Sub, and eventually I just put the Sub in my safe deposit box until the day came when I was ready to make a final decision on what to do.

Then last week I noticed that Takuya Watches had a Sub LV/Cermit/Starbucks Mk2 that was brand new (never worn/never sized). I reached out to him about a trade. Thanh was very reasonable in the price he gave me for the no date, and his asking price for LV was reasonable. So we struck a deal and I had the LV in no time. (Definitely recommend him 100%).


And I’m thrilled with my decision. Still love the built-like-tank feeling of the SD43, but also love the wearability of the Sub. And the green bezel on the LV gives it an amazing, differentiating splash of color. I much prefer the lighter and brighter green of the Mk2 LV over the older version. The older one always looked too muted for me.


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[TomInNJ]

Here’s a pic of both of them together. Quite a pair!




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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by TomInNJ

Here’s a pic of both of them together. Quite a pair!




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Congratulations

[Copasetic]

You’re getting good advice here to wait a few months and see how you feel.

[LuxLemon]

Tough big brother, and fun sporty little brother. Amazing.

[L_S_SHOE]

For me, one of the essential functions of a watch is to tell me the date. So, I would not hesitate to move on from your no date Sub in favor of the SD43.


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[L_S_SHOE]

Also, I personally don’t feel the no date Sub is a classic.

For 40+ years I’ve seen countless Subs in the wild and they almost all had the date, so something tells me the date is an essential part of the Sub’s identity.


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[B2 Stealth]

I gave the Sub to my wife who rocks it on an orange RubberB strap. SD43 fits my massive wrist. Winners both!

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by TomInNJ

Update: I took everyone’s advice and waited until the honeymoon with the SD43 was over. After a a while, I found myself consistently picking the SD43 over the Sub, and eventually I just put the Sub in my safe deposit box until the day came when I was ready to make a final decision on what to do.

Then last week I noticed that Takuya Watches had a Sub LV/Cermit/Starbucks Mk2 that was brand new (never worn/never sized). I reached out to him about a trade. Thanh was very reasonable in the price he gave me for the no date, and his asking price for LV was reasonable. So we struck a deal and I had the LV in no time. (Definitely recommend him 100%).


And I’m thrilled with my decision. Still love the built-like-tank feeling of the SD43, but also love the wearability of the Sub. And the green bezel on the LV gives it an amazing, differentiating splash of color. I much prefer the lighter and brighter green of the Mk2 LV over the older version. The older one always looked too muted for me.


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Well done.

Congratulations on both

[Buck I]

Great decision and well thought out. Congratulations, what a wonderful pair!

[Bill2e]

This is easy, drop a Rubber B or Everest Strap on the Sub.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Another vote for both. Don’t rush into a decision, anything you can sell now you can sell later. Enjoy the pair, they are not redundant.