Opinions needed / welcome - SD4k

[Jmbarrack]

Hey Folks,

Merry Christmas. I’ll try to my this brief as I am looking for opinions/feedback on some options here.

I’m looking to change up my collection ... I already sold one piece off and now I have just my 16610 left. I love the 5-digit Submariner line. I use the bezel action all the time for timing things, it’s comfortable and fits the wrist perfect. The reason I’m looking to trade is it’s 11 years old, needs a service and for longevity sake, I’d like a newer reference with the newer bracelet and better movement.

I have a 6.75 - 7 inch wrist. I do not like any of the 6 digit professional references. I’ve owned a BLNR, never really liked it and tried on the 116610 and 114060. They are unflattering and square on my wrist.

Today I went to one of my favorite dealer spots and they had a 116600. I had heard about how this watch fits smaller than the Sub and Sub Date 6 digits. The lugs are slimmer and the lug to lug dimensions shorter making it feel and wear closer to a 5 digit reference than a 6. I always take these kids of claims with a grain of salt because everything when it comes to watches is subjective based on taste.

However, these claims as I saw it were definitely correct. It wears closer to the 5 digit 16610 than any of the other newer reference. It also nestles into the wrist and doesn’t wear nearly as tall as it’s 15mm height would make you think. It really felt good. Tried on a 16600 - just wasn’t as balanced. I also tried on a 16710 which also looked good. But the prices are nearly the same and I just feel like when you compare the two, the 16710 isn’t worth the inflated priced for a 15 year old piece. I Don’t really care about future value or collectability of either. I just want the right one for me.

Question for the group:
- how do you think the 116600 looks on my wrist? I really like it.
- is the extra money I’d spend after I sell the sub worth it for the new bells and whistles?

Any other options on the matter welcome.

Attaching photos. The 16610 is my current piece. The BLNR is an old photo from when I had that for reference.

Thanks in advance.











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[samson66]

Looks like it fits you very well. The new SD would be too large for you so I think the SD4K is a perfect option for you. Get it!

[037]

You mention wanting the SD for the newer movement and bracelet. The movement in your 16610 is the same 3135 as in the SD. You can install a Glidelock bracelet on your current Sub for about $2000 give or take. So, you'd have to ask yourself if the SD is worth twice the price.

Regarding being overpriced, I remember paying $7700 for my 116600 back in 2015. It's no stranger to being overpriced for what it is. That's not to say it isn't worth it but might put the cost into perspective.

You could also install a Daytona crystal on your Sub to get rid of the cyclops.

The SD is certainly a great watch. I've worn SDs for 15+ years including the 116600 for three years. But it's not my first recommendation as an only watch. I dive so for me it was always a tool.

The GMT you're looking at should be priced much lower than the SD. Yes they're also overpriced but the complication is arguably more useful and bidirectional bezel can easily be used for the same timing purposes as your current Sub.

All things to consider. Good luck!

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by 037

You mention wanting the SD for the newer movement and bracelet. The movement in your 16610 is the same 3135 as in the SD.

The SD is certainly a great watch. I've worn SDs for 15+ years including the 116600 for three years. But it's not my first recommendation as an only watch.

Yes, you’re right. The movement is the same, but the parts that make up the movement are newer and improved. That’s what I meant.

Thanks for this insight. Just out of curiosity why wouldn’t you recommend it as a one and only? It’s it merely due to the height and weight of the piece? It didn’t seem to me to be that heavy, more so it just felt solid.



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[037]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Yes, you’re right. The movement is the same, but the parts that make up the movement are newer and improved. That’s what I meant.

Thanks for this insight. Just out of curiosity why wouldn’t you recommend it as a one and only? It’s it merely due to the height and weight of the piece? It didn’t seem to me to be that heavy, more so it just felt solid.

It's fine as an only watch. The height and weight were never an issue for me. But, it's a common complaint among buyers so I rarely suggest an SD to friends looking for the proverbial Rolex dive watch. If it fits you then all the better.

Depending on the year of your Sub, and it looks to be a later one given the engraved rehaut, internal parts are likely identical. The only major update was a Parachrom hairspring and you can get one for your current Sub if you don't already have one (and you very well might). Besides, accuracy is up to the regulation, not the hairspring material, so a new service would get you back to normal. The SD you're looking at might need a service as well depending on the life it lived. Bank on that just in case.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it, rather giving points to consider. It's far too easy to say 'SD4K' and provide nothing to think about.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by 037

I'm not trying to talk you out of it, rather giving points to consider. It's far too easy to say 'SD4K' and provide nothing to think about.

I really appreciate that. This is the sort of information I am looking for.

So if I get the piece serviced by Rolex, the hairspring would likely be replaced with a new parachrome spring.. that’s great to know. Certainly going to be thinking about this a little more now.



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[dnpina]

SD4K

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[IR201]

Yikes everything looks great very tough call. But I vote SD4K if you can handle the weight increase from your 16610


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[schoolboy]

I think the 116600 looks great on your wrist

[ikincooper]

I find my SD4K to be a perfect one and only watch and that’s having previously been the owner of a BLNR and a 114060. Like you I have a smaller wrist and just find the lugs fit me so much better in the SD.

I didn’t consider any 5 digits when going down to 1 watch as I truly love the newer bracelets. One thing I did notice, for as long as perhaps a week or 2 was the additional weight. Totally oblivious for it now and not something that was apparent until hours after wearing the SD. Just something to consider as mentioned by a poster above.


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[slus]

I don't believe your 16610 is in any danger of falling apart during your lifetime given proper service, so I would not think of it from longevity standpoint or try to justify the money aspect based on that. I'd focus on those bells and whistles; the bracelet is a major quality upgrade and although the 5 digit bracelet is proven durable, the solid bracelets do feel much more substantial and robust. Couple that with the glidelock clasp and I'm already voting SD4k. Ceramic bezel, newer and more modern, limited run, and the lack of a Cyclops would be icing on the cake for me but may be drawbacks for others.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by slus

I don't believe your 16610 is in any danger of falling apart during your lifetime given proper service, so I would not think of it from longevity standpoint or try to justify the money aspect based on that. I'd focus on those bells and whistles; the bracelet is a major quality upgrade and although the 5 digit bracelet is proven durable, the solid bracelets do feel much more substantial and robust. Couple that with the glidelock clasp and I'm already voting SD4k. Ceramic bezel, newer and more modern, limited run, and the lack of a Cyclops would be icing on the cake for me but may be drawbacks for others.

Yeah and my 16610 is in good shape. The bracelet is tight still and the lugs are sharp. What I really like is the solid bracelet with glidelock and the matte dial. I love the look of the matte dials but they’re only on the newer 43 mm SD and the Explorer. Another reason why this one keeps ticking off the boxes for me.

I didn’t think I would like it because I just have always been turned off by the 6 digit references after my BLNR, but this one I kept gravitating toward when it was in front of me.


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[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Yeah and my 16610 is in good shape. The bracelet is tight still and the lugs are sharp. What I really like is the solid bracelet with glidelock and the matte dial. I love the look of the matte dials but they’re only on the newer 43 mm SD and the Explorer. Another reason why this one keeps ticking off the boxes for me.

I didn’t think I would like it because I just have always been turned off by the 6 digit references after my BLNR, but this one I kept gravitating toward when it was in front of me.


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Lots of good feedback so far. If you love the matte dial, go for it. It looks great on you and you’ll enjoy it. All those watches look good on you. As mentioned, the upgrade is the bracelet and ceramic. Same movement. And ceramic is brittle. I chipped mine.

Plan on a service for either watch. It’s time for yours and the other may need it.

Glide lock is awesome. Amazing. I’d upgrade just for that if it was my one and only.

I had a 116600 back when they were unpopular and discounted. Great piece. Thought about adding it back but went other directions.

Good luck

[LemaniaChrono]

Congrats on the purchase!
I was in a similar situation when I bought mine this past April. I didn't like any of the 6 digit models with their big lugs and cyclops. I like it for all the reasons you mentioned. I bought mine pre-owned and it needed a service. To tell you the truth I was a little disappointed before I got it serviced. It was running fast, the case had a few dings on it the seller didn't disclose and the crown gasket was definitely perished. I sent to RSC for service and I really have grown to like it. I like it and appreciate it for what it is but I could see myself selling it if I find myself really wanting a VC Overseas or AP Royal Oak or if I buy a new car or house. My one issue is the height/thickness. In a business environment it can be difficult to wear under the cuff and many notice the Rolex. I have since purchased a 5 digit GMT, Root Beer, currently being serviced at Rolliworks. It certainly stands out being two tone but since it fits under a cuff and looks "older" and it oddly fits better in a business environment.
In terms of is the 116600 or 5 digit GMTS being overpriced you can certainly look at it that way but who knows. I certainly think about what else I could do with the money when a big expense come around, like buying a car tomorrow.
Rolex tends to keep it's value relative to other brands and hopefully I can get out of the watches 70-80% of what I paid if not better. The watch looks like it fits you well. Enjoy your watch and the journey.

[Token74]

I have a 6.5” wrist and think the 116600 fits fine. Had it over five years and still love it.




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[wach16]

I think it looks great on your wrist. I regret not getting one a few years back pre-owned when they were selling for just north of $7K

[Gimoozaabi]

To be honest - all of the watches from the pics look great on your wrist including the BLNR.

If I was you, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the 16610 for 116600 SD4K, the reasons:

The SD is more niche watch, Subs date are great but they are dime a dozen. Moreover the SD:

Has the date but lacks the cyclops;
Has matte dial;
Is rarer as it was produced only for 3 years;
Has better bracelet w. glideloc clasp and flip lock (if this is important to you);
Has ceramic bezel;
Has form-factor which makes it wear closer to 5 digit Subs (you mentioned that in your post);

On the minus side:
It is much heavier than the 5 digit sub but is well balanced on the wrist - for proper sizing remove the flip lock if it is not important to you;
It is taller - 15mm but if you have flat wrists you should be ok;
The SELs are not flush with the case.

Having said all that, IMO the SD4K is just one very cool and 'badass' watch! Icing on the cake is that its value will be rising as it is limited production and is the first modern ceramic SD and the last 40mm SD sans cyclops. I am enjoying mine ;)

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by Gimoozaabi

If I was you, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the 16610 for 116600 SD4K, the reasons:

Has the date but lacks the cyclops;
Has matte dial;
Is rarer as it was produced only for 3 years;
Has better bracelet w. glideloc clasp and flip lock (if this is important to you);
Has ceramic bezel;
Has form-factor which makes it wear closer to 5 digit Subs (you mentioned that in your post);

On the minus side:
It is much heavier than the 5 digit sub but is well balanced on the wrist - for proper sizing remove the flip lock if it is not important to you;
It is taller - 15mm but if you have flat wrists you should be ok;
The SELs are not flush with the case.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with all of the above.

In particular I found the watch to be very balanced for its height. My wrist is 6.75 inches but it’s a flat 6.75. I also like to wear my watches tight with no play and and above the wrist bone. So the case back on the SD, while tall, nestled right into my wrist. It didn’t feel like it was a 15mm thick watch at all. I could see how a wrist which was rounded, even larger in diameter, the watch wouldn’t sit right.

I’ve owned a Doxa sub 300 before, which is a 42mm case but a short 45 lug-to-lug span, and found that fit very well on my wrist because of flatness, not necessarily how big my wrist was overall.




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[oneev]

The SD4k combines advantages from the 5 and 6 digit series and has plenty of charm with a modern touch. Also it’s perfect for small to medium wrists. I love that it’s a niche watch that’s almost impossible to see in the wild unlike the majority of other rolexes. I can’t recommend it enough.

I made an extensive review with plenty of pictures here. It’s in French but you can give it a go with google translate. Btw I love the SELs, I explain why the review. It gives it better depth and makes it less massive.

[mhester]

Get the SD4K you won’t regret it.

I have smaller wrists and it’s the perfect all round watch for me.

It does feel quite heavy sometimes compared to my other watches when you move your arms around vigorously and it is harder to get under a shirt cuff than my Sub LVC.

My Daytona’s look great but it’s harder to tell the time, they have no date and I never use the chrono! I too find the functionality of the bezel really useful on dive watches.

[sensui]

Looks stellar on you. Best modern Rolex diver in my eyes.

[tymonster]

100% on the SD4K. I recently sold my 14060 and got my SD4K and there is no looking back.

It is the best Rolex reference in my opinion. The perfect diver. And it looks right at home in your wrist. Get it.

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[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by tymonster

100% on the SD4K. I recently sold my 14060 and got my SD4K and there is no looking back.

It is the best Rolex reference in my opinion. The perfect diver. And it looks right at home in your wrist. Get it.

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Thanks. I also had a 14060 reference prior to the 16610. What is your wrist size? Do you find this to be good as a daily all-around watch? Thanks!


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[tymonster]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Thanks. I also had a 14060 reference prior to the 16610. What is your wrist size? Do you find this to be good as a daily all-around watch? Thanks!


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6.75"

It's been my daily since I got it in October and will be one of two watches I have left once I sell my Pelagos LHD.

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[Nikrnic]

I'm a fan. I own and love my 16710 and 116710 but I have to say it looks like you found your next piece. Go for it, you can not go wrong with this one. And yes it looks fab on your wrist...Its also good to hear your attitude of buying what you like and not for future value, however the 116600 is destined to be a future collectible piece anyway.

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[Muxi]

My SD4k is my only dive watch.

[TurboTim14]

I love the SD4K but I can't get past the end links sticking past the lugs. It's the only Rolex I've seen like that. Does anyone know if there is an end link that can be swapped on the SD4K that doesn't stick out? From another model perhaps.

[phillycheez]

Originally Posted by TurboTim14

I love the SD4K but I can't get past the end links sticking past the lugs. It's the only Rolex I've seen like that. Does anyone know if there is an end link that can be swapped on the SD4K that doesn't stick out? From another model perhaps.

Actually there are other models that do this. SD4K just gets all the flack for it.

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[samson66]

The only two things that bother me about the SD4K are the mismatched end links and the inset date window. If you can live with those two things I think it is a great watch for a 6"-6.5" wrist. My 7.25" wrist does much better with the SD43. Nice to have options...

[kans86]

I had a SD4K but then sold it because I couldn’t get used to its height. If that is ok for you then it would be a great watch.