SD43 or Black Explorer 2

[ndls]

Hey all, I’m trying to decide between an SD43 and a Black Explorer 2. I’ve tried on both, and enjoy both but the heaviness of the SD43 worries me a bit. Both fit my 6.75 wrist, but Black Explorer 2 sits a bit better. Price doesn’t matter that much, but it’s amazing that the Explorer 2 is quite a bit more reasonably priced compared to the SD43. The Explorer 2 sounds like a better “deal”.

Thanks for any insight! I know these questions get tiresome and annoying, so apologies in advance.


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[shammad10]

Love the new Explorer 2. I can’t decide between the black and white. But it’s incredible.

[Malum]

Both are great references you can’t go wrong with either . Do you want the gmt function or a straight diver ?

[karleone]

Really depends if you wear it as a daily. SD43 has a ceramic bezel so very scratch resistant. The Explorer 2 bezel is brushed and will easily gets scratched.

[rph08]

SD43 over the Explorer II. I can't stand the orange on the dial of the Exp II. The SD is a dang good looking watch.

[S7gpt]

Originally Posted by ndls

but the heaviness of the SD43 worries me a bit.
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my experience if not sure is then don't do it, it will always bother you...

[stap]

I wouldn’t worry about the heaviness. You will get used to that fairly quickly. To me, the SD43 is a much better looking watch. YMMV

[amphr1]

I fins the GMT feature mostly useless. And being a perfectionist, I still set the GMT time so it just takes longer to set with no benefit to me whatsoever. Also I'm a fan of ceramic bezel. So no explorer II for me.

[inadeje]

Aesthetics aside, Be very aware of the fact that these two watches wear very differently. You should ideally try both and keep on wrist for a good few minutes. Whereas the exp II is extremely lithe and flat, the SD43 has a protruding bulbous caseback that I personally found very displeasing (I have a 7 3/4 wrist), to the point I traded it after just 3 or so weeks.

[Willyjo]

SD43 IMO is the most underrated rolie. I love it and wear it a lot. Have the EXP Ii as well, also an underrated and cracking piece.

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[GrantD]

For me the SD43, now had you said polar.

[Shadow Play]

SD43 for me. An amazing watch IMHO.

[zengineer]

The SD is way too much watch for your wrist.

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[tmoy810]

I have the polar explorer II and I wanted to add the black dial last year. I always find myself gravitating to the explorer over my other watches. It’s so sleek but yet fun with the orange gmt hand. The GMT feature almost seems like a steal if you compare it to the other “usefull” complications with the other professional models.

If my AD ever offers me the chance to buy the black dial I would jump at it with no hesitation.

[SS Oyster]

Explorer II will be far more comfortable, but depends what functions you want from the watch. Diver vs GMT.


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[tymonster]

I would not get the SD43 with a 6.75” wrist. Same size as mine and it’s too much watch IMO. Now the SD4K on the other hand is perfection on a sub 7” wrist and I’d strongly consider finding a nice example. No cyclops, same matte dial and graduated bezel, glidelock, and a collectors piece for the ages.


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[Galion]

SD43>Exp II
A Sub will fit much better on a 6.75” wrist

[noshame]

I know this isn't what you asked, but I also agree with the posts that say SD43 will most likely be too big on 6.75". Even a Sub will have presence on 6.75". And then it really comes down to personal preference. Both are great watches ... for me it would be the diver. Good luck.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by ndls

Hey all, I’m trying to decide between an SD43 and a Black Explorer 2. I’ve tried on both, and enjoy both but the heaviness of the SD43 worries me a bit. Both fit my 6.75 wrist, but Black Explorer 2 sits a bit better. Price doesn’t matter that much, but it’s amazing that the Explorer 2 is quite a bit more reasonably priced compared to the SD43. The Explorer 2 sounds like a better “deal”.

Thanks for any insight! I know these questions get tiresome and annoying, so apologies in advance.


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Yeah I'm voting no for a 6.75" wrist for a SD43...if it was me.

[afmars]

100% explorer II. The most comfortable watch I’ve ever owned and a great value.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Explorer II will be far more comfortable, but depends what functions you want from the watch. Diver vs GMT.


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Have to agree

This from someone who owned the SD43 for almost 3 years and ultimately had to give up due to the uncomfortable caseback design. If Rolex fixed that, I’d still own it.

It bothers some and not others, so it’s basically a crap shoot. YMMV

[Joearch]

SD43 would be my choice, but depends what else you have.

[sheldonsmith]

I have the SD43 and wear it everyday on a 6 ⅝” wrist without issue. I did own an Explorer II for five years and found the flatter caseback would cause the crown to dig into the back of my hand. I sourced a Glidelock clasp and the greater adjustability helped with the crown problem by wearing the bracelet tighter.

I also have the 116600 and that watch fits well, but the SD43 has much more visual depth.

The bubble caseback is also a plus for me (no crown digging back of hand) and the extra weight is no problem; the trick is to wear the bracelet snug which is easily accomplished with the Glidelock clasp.

I have plenty more picts and comment at www.minus4plus6.com on my experiences with all these watches.

TLDR version -> I’d go SD43

~ Sheldon

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

I have the SD43 and wear it everyday on a 6 ⅝” wrist without issue. I did own an Explorer II for five years and found the flatter caseback would cause the crown to dig into the back of my hand. I sourced a Glidelock clasp and the greater adjustability helped with the crown problem by wearing the bracelet tighter.

I also have the 116600 and that watch fits well, but the SD43 has much more visual depth.

The bubble caseback is also a plus for me (no crown digging back of hand) and the extra weight is no problem; the trick is to wear the bracelet snug which is easily accomplished with the Glidelock clasp.

I have plenty more picts and comment at www.minus4plus6.com on my experiences with all these watches.

TLDR version -> I’d go SD43

~ Sheldon

Totally Agree

[Boaters]

Love this piece

[daveswordfish]

I have both an SS43 and an EXP2, although it’s the polar. They are my two favorite Rolexes.

If I had to choose, with your wrist size, I’d go EXP2. I find it to be one of the most versatile watches I’ve owned.

Good luck!


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[Galion]

SD43 is the nicer watch but wears borderline big on my 7.5” wrist, it’s wearable on a >7” wrist but not ideal. If I were you I’d the EXP II or a SUB.

[franktehtank]

Looks, SD43.

Everyday comfort, Explorer 2. but I'm much more partial to the polar dial.

[WatchesNBlondes]

Hard decision. Both look awesome.

[7enderbender]

I’m going to say both are too big for your wrist size.