Sub v Sea Dweller

[Stephen1888]

Greetings from a newbie!

Hi all hope you are keeping safe and well.

I wonder if I could ask for some advice. Soon I will be celebrating a big birthday and I had intended to treat myself to a no date Sub.
As I am this sure you will know already this has been more difficult than locating Lord Lucan!

This would have been my first Rolex and I have a very limited relationship with my local AD (Tag Heuer 10 years ago). I have been told the "list" is currently closed. I don't want pay double the list for a grey watch.

I have been told I could get a Sea Dweller 126600 in approx 8mths and I am very tempted.
To me the SD43 has more presence than the Sub, the same movement and greater dive range for quite a lot less than a grey Sub.

I am buying this watch to wear but have to consider depreciation. I was thinking in a worse case scenario the watch could lose around 25% Does this sound reasonable? any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Regards

Stephen

[GoingPlaces]

At msrp, don't even worry about value retention/loss. The difference is minimal to none either way. Buy what you like, and wear it. Personally I would go SD all day, rarer, more presence, and more engineering.

[SN13]

126600 -- SD43 -- MSRP 11,700. -- 2nd Hand Price --- $14-15k
124060 -- NDSub-- MSRP 8,100. -- 2nd Hand Price --- $12-13k

Honestly, I know a bunch of guys who have the SD43 and love it.

If you want to buy new from an AD, and you have a decent sized wrist (above 7") Then I don't think you have much to worry about.... also the SD43 is currently selling for MSRP + $2k on the 2nd hand market, so if you don't Love it, you can always sell it at cost and move it quickly.

[Dun]

Sub anytime any day

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum Stephen I’d go with the one you want to wear and enjoy.

Value aside, they are two different wearing watches. The SD 43 is a larger heavier piece and may not be as suitable as a daily, but of course opinions on that vary here.

Good luck deciding

[Politiceaux]

SD43 is absolutely awesome. I had the chance to buy both at retail and the SD43 won by a mile.

[RadSS]

I own both a Sub Date and James Cameron. If I had to pick one (or the first), I would go Sub. No downside about Subs. SD can be a bit big and heavy. I am a big guy, so not too bad for me.

[911991]

Originally Posted by RadSS

I own both a Sub Date and James Cameron. If I had to pick one (or the first), I would go Sub. No downside about Subs. SD can be a bit big and heavy. I am a big guy, so not too bad for me.

Same situation, Sub D disappears on my wrist to the point I check to see if I am wearing it, you will always know the JC is there, for occasional wear maybe but for a go to watch Sub D by a mile...

[franktehtank]

I had both at the same time and sold the SD43. The sub is just so much lighter and more comfortable as a daily watch. Still got the sub.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by franktehtank

I had both at the same time and sold the SD43. The sub is just so much lighter and more comfortable as a daily watch. Still got the sub.

^^Yup. Just to add the protruding case back of SD43 created a comfort issue only to that particular model for many of us. Oddly most found the DSSD or the Sub more comfortable on the wrist than the SD43????? Go for the Sub as your first dip into the Rolex pool as everyone can wear it in comfort.

[Guinness58]

If possible see if you can try the watches on either through the AD or friends as they wear differently as noted above in other responses. If you keep the watch for an extended period (I have a 1997 sub I bought new), the price difference is not an issue. Get what you like.

[gmtsubdweller]

I’m lucky enough to own both. As a daily wearer the Sub cannot be beaten. The SD43 does feel special whenever I wear it. For a first Rolex i would go Sub.


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[Robf52]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

At msrp, don't even worry about value retention/loss. The difference is minimal to none either way. Buy what you like, and wear it. Personally I would go SD all day, rarer, more presence, and more engineering.

This.

[Matty99365]

I have both. The ND Sub wins hands down. The SD43 is a big watch and you know you’ve got it on. The sub is far less discreet.

[Seddyspaghetti]

You wont be paying double for a Sub. Most likely 2-3k over msrp. It’s worth considering if you don’t want to hopelessly wait or care to build history with an AD

[Zoomerang]

Originally Posted by Mystro

^^Yup. Just to add the protruding case back of SD43 created a comfort issue only to that particular model for many of us. Oddly most found the DSSD or the Sub more comfortable on the wrist than the SD43????? Go for the Sub as your first dip into the Rolex pool as everyone can wear it in comfort.

+1 from someone with 7.625" wrist. I tried to make the SD43 work a couple of times.

[aka Mac]

All depends on your wrist size and personal tastes. The Sea Dweller 126600 is gorgeous, but just a bit too bulky for me, whereas the Submariner 126610 is simply Goldilocks perfect size, weight, and balance wise. My only wish is that the Submariner had the matte black dial like the Sea Dweller instead of glossy black for more toolness goodness. Really wish the bezels on both were matte too instead of glossy. Good luck deciding!

[CoveWatch]

I prefer the sub, but mainly because the sd43 is too large for me

[Shazbot302]

I love the SD43, but it sits awkwardly on the wrist IMO. You can feel it’s weight pulling it towards one side of your wrist, or the other, most of the time.

If you’re willing to deal with that, then go for it. It’s a killer watch. If you think that’ll get old after a while, go with the sub. The ND sub is perfection.

[goliat]

I prefer the looks of the SD, but not many can pull off that big ass slab of metal on their puny wrists, mine included. That's why the Sub gets my vote.

[Chester01]

So its hard. The sub is the more versatile watch. Bigger and heavier are not better for a watch and make it less versatile. I would not settle. Now, that said. Deals can be had on the 5 digit subs, if you are comfortable with preowned. If you intend to have other watches over time, get the SD. Its a great watch. If you are looking to have it be your daily and have one nice watch, wait and hunt for the sub.

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by Stephen1888

I am buying this watch to wear but have to consider depreciation. I was thinking in a worse case scenario the watch could lose around 25% Does this sound reasonable? any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Forget about depreciation
No Rolex sports model will lose value from msrp.

FYI
New sd43 msrp is $11.7 usd.
Used ones are selling around $14k.

Also, as much as I love my sd43, I would advise u to get the watch u really want.. and not settle.
Sd43 is picky about its owner anyways.

Try other ADs, if possible.
Enjoy the hunt.

[101031-28]

Hands down SD43. Unless size/weight make a no go for you.

[Judge]

Sea Dweller. Be different don't be a sheep.
Look for a 16600 if you are inclined. The perfect watch if you like the sub reference but do not want to be like everyone else.

Yup, I said it.

[ghassett98]

Had both, 126600 is a cut above.


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[SDGT3]

Have both but the SD43 gets everyday wrist time because it's more special/not as common as the Sub. No knock on the Sub. If wrists are smaller than 6.75" then go Sub.

Also, don't waste your time with AD's, you will never get one unless you are buying other watches or jewelry you don't want. Pay the grey price and enjoy today.

[Manamana]

SD43 is a no brainer if you have the wrist for it, and price difference at retail is no problem. More presence on the wrist than the Sub, and less common.

[alphadweller]

I own the SD43 and considered adding a Sub41 ND at some point. However, the thing is I prefer a larger diver on my 7.2in/18.5cm wrist and the Sub feels a little bit on the smaller side for a sports watch. It really depends on your wrist size and taste. The SD43 feels more empowering and special to me. Also, I prefer having a date. No bad choice whatever you decide, both qualify as a great first Rolex.

[tigerlam92]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

At msrp, don't even worry about value retention/loss. The difference is minimal to none either way. Buy what you like, and wear it. Personally I would go SD all day, rarer, more presence, and more engineering.

Completely agree with this and for me I have a 2005 Sea Dweller 16600 and love it. Definitely buy whichever you like best and two different watches.

Recommend viewing the Youtube video title "Story of an Icon: Rolex Sea-Dweller History"
https://youtu.be/2IgRegaeUbQ

[CoolChris909]

The SD43 is indeed a nice watch, but maybe going back to the 116600 or the 16600 could be an option as well. I think the lack of cyclops would give you the look of a "no date" as it blends really well with the rest of the dial.