Give up the Sea for the Sky?

[1Second]

Hey everyone. Been browsing this forum for many years and finally took the plunge on a SD4K from a local AD a few years ago. The information I learned here was extremely helpful. Thanks to all who contribute to this fine forum/club.

The SD4K was/is my perfect watch and is always on my wrist. I still stare at and admire it every day. However, lately the new Sky Dweller (steel with black dial) has really caught my eye. I’m not really into collecting watches and see myself as more of a one (Rolex) watch type of guy. So, if I do end up buying the Sky Dweller, then I will likely sell or trade in my SD4K. Of course, the (big) concern is that I will ultimately really regret letting it go. As we all know, Rolex does not make the SD4K anymore. So, it has become an instant classic in my mind. I never buy anything used... much to the delight of manufacturers. So, if I do get rid of my SD4K, then re-acquiring another (used) one is really not an option... at least for me. And, I’m not a fan of the current Sea Dweller model.

Obviously, only I can make the decision that’s best for me. However, I am curious what the community would do in my situation. So, what do you think?
Should I give up the Sea for the Sky?

I will also add that it might be a little easier to convince the wife that I “need” a new watch, if I sell the existing one.


Regards,
Pete

[joli160]

If you can in anyway add the SkyD, they compliment each other nicely, but if you must choose I'd flip the Sea for the any Sky in a heartbeat.

[VicLeChic]

In your situation I would swap.

[Mephist]

Originally Posted by 1Second

I’m not really into collecting watches and see myself as more of a one (Rolex) watch type of guy. So, if I do end up buying the Sky Dweller, then I will likely sell or trade in my SD4K.

If it was me I would swap, but then again I am more fan of the watches that are a little more dressier. However it seems like it is not the money that is the reason why you will sell your SD4k, it is because you are faithful to only one watch and have no watch on the side

So if you decide to go for the Sky Dweller and sell the SD4K, then I would first buy the Sky Dweller walk around with it for a month or two and if you still think you have done the right choice then sell the SD4K. If you still prefer the SD4K then keep both or sell the Sky Dweller again. If you do it the other way, first sell the SD4k then buy the Sky Dweller and regrets it after 2 months, then you are out of luck and will regret it for the rest of your life as it is impossible for you to get a new SD4K. So if you decide to swap buy first, sell later.

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by Mephist

If it was me I would swap, but then again I am more fan of the watches that are a little more dressier. However it seems like it is not the money that is the reason why you will sell your SD4k, it is because you are faithful to only one watch and have no watch on the side



So if you decide to go for the Sky Dweller and sell the SD4K, then I would first buy the Sky Dweller walk around with it for a month or two and if you still think you have done the right choice then sell the SD4K if you still prefer the SD4K then keep both or sell the Sky Dweller again. If you do it the other way, first sell the SD4k then buy the Sky Dweller and regrets it after 2 months, then you are out of luck and will regret it for the rest of your life as it is impossible for you to get a new SD4K. So if you decide to swap buy first, sell later.

Sound advice. Add first (if possible) and then move one on per above.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Trailblazer]

I have the sd4k as well and after 3 years i still admire the watch, akin to your comments im not a fan of the new sd43 after trying it.

IMO adding the skyd may work to be a better option if that's within means. They won't make another sd4k and it may not be viable even if you can find a NOS should you regret the decision.

I like the blue skyD but still on the fence due to the sheer size and the complication.

[Muxi]

I would try to keep both. I have both and I could not let any of those 2 references go. They’re so different it’s the idea two watch combination.

[Ferdelious]

I would keep the Sea-Dweller. If you love it then why change? You may find that the grass is not greener with the Sky-Dweller and regret your decision. However I am biased and prefer diving watches, although I really do like the look of the Sky-Dweller. My worry would be that the PCL's and size would grow old.

If money is not an issue, add the Sky-Dweller now or further down the road. They will be available most likely and you would have a fantastic 2 watch collection.

[Houston77]

I personally like the Sky-Dweller more than the Sea, but I don't see a compelling reason to swap in your OP, so why change?

[Nav01L]

I think you may end up missing the rotating ceramic bezel with its beautifully cut crisp markings and how they so wonderfully play with light and shadows. It just adds so much interesting complexity to the look of the SD (and Sub/GMT) without ever seeming gaudy or void of purpose. Don’t get me wrong, the fluted bezel is a beautiful thing in its own right, but I think the execution in the SkyD, while technically impressive, is not visually delicate enough for my taste and obviously not as consumed by the watch’s purpose as the SD’s bezel. As a consequence, I would not do that swap. Rather, I’d lose my one watch philosophy and add a DJ41 to enjoy the fluted bezel in its finest expression alongside the SD. What a beautiful pair that would be. And who really cares about the annual calendar, I mean it’s not like the SkyD’s movement is a work of beautifully finished high horology. It’s purely functional and as relates to that function, I’m personally not too convinced I would prefer that over the much more elegant proportions of a Datejust.

[dan993]

You gotta have both. I'm sure your better half will agree in the end!

[1Second]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback/suggestions!

The other issue is: I have not had a chance to even try one on to see how it feels/looks on my wrist. There are no AD’s within a reasonable driving distance who has one for me to see, even one in a precious metal. I have a relatively small wrist (6.5”). So, I am concerned that the 42 mm dial size may be too large for my wrist. I have not found/compared the actual differences in thickness & weight between these two models. Really hoping that the Sky will look and feel the same (or perhaps even a tad smaller) on my wrist than my SD4K. Sometimes, a watch will wear differently than what the specs would indicate.

Count me as another consumer who is not impressed with the Rolex business model regarding product availability.

While not an ideal solution, one local AD who I know well, says I can return the Sky for a full refund if it wears too big and do not like it.

So, this is the route that I will probably take...
- Keep my SD4K
- Buy the Sky and try it on for a few days in the home (while keeping all the protective film on the watch)
- Keep the Sky if it is everything I had hoped
- Keep my SD4K for a while (even though it will likely just sit locked away in its original box/packaging)
- If I find myself never wearing or missing my SD4K, then I’ll sell it

Thanks again, everyone!

Pete