Sea Dweller Owners, I’m curious why you chose over the sub?

[TheVTCGuy]

I want to begin this by stating emphatically, that the Sea Dweller (I am talking about the newest 43mm model) is an exceptional watch. I congratulate all of you that own one What I am curious about is what made you decide on the SD versus the sub(?). Is it the 43mm size? (Versus the 41 of the sub). Is it the deeper-depth rating and helium escape valve? (I would guess that very few owners of that watch actually dive to those depths or decompress in a bell for the escape valve). Is it just because it is rated deeper it is a heftier and (probably) more sturdy then the sub? Is it the visible ratio of a bigger dial?

Again, it is an incredible watch, and again I congratulate all of you that purchased and wear one. Just tell me, what made you choose it over the sub?

[BLNR Nairobi]

For me - a mix of things, some of which may appear to clash (see below on how I like it because it is both not a Sub Date but also looks like a Sub Date). Also, the first Rolex I ever wanted was a Milgauss - started my journey with a BLNR before expanding, but interesting my first love was a Milgauss, which I still think is an amazing and under appreciated timepiece. So maybe I am a bit quirky. Especially considering that I’ve been offered the Submariner/Submariner Date many times and have absolutely zero desire of buying one. Yet the SD43 was always something I wanted and was very pleased to get 7 months ago.

On the question - I find the SD43 more interesting than the Submariner Date, which I have never had any desire to purchase. I prefer the matte dial of the SD43 over the glossy black of the Submariner Date, I like the bezel better with graduations throughout, I like the writing on the case back, and of course, the red writing on the dial.

At the same time, and ironically, I like it because it does appear to be like a Submariner Date (I am one of those who like the fact that it has a cyclops for example). That it looks somewhat like it, but is not. I remember telling my spouse how I like the fact that from a distance it looks like a Sub Date, but that I know it is x times more capable.

Whatever the reasons, since I got it I’ve been wearing it nonstop. Almost felt bad for the rest of my collection. The thing about the SD43 is that one HAS to have a flat wrist …it has a protruding case back, and for it to wear well one has to have a flat wrist. More rounded wrists don’t wear it well. However, if you do have a flat wrist then it fits perfectly and I know several people who, like me, once they wore it never stopped wearing it.

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

For me - a mix of things, some of which may appear to clash (see below on how I like it because it is both not a Sub Date but also looks like a Sub Date). Also, the first Rolex I ever wanted was a Milgauss - started my journey with a BLNR before expanding, but interesting my first love was a Milgauss, which I still think is an amazing and under appreciated timepiece. So maybe I am a bit quirky. Especially considering that I’ve been offered the Submariner/Submariner Date many times and have absolutely zero desire of buying one. Yet the SD43 was always something I wanted and was very pleased to get 7 months ago.

On the question - I find the SD43 more interesting than the Submariner Date, which I have never had any desire to purchase. I prefer the matte dial of the SD43 over the glossy black of the Submariner Date, I like the bezel better with graduations throughout, I like the writing on the case back, and of course, the red writing on the dial.

At the same time, and ironically, I like it because it does appear to be like a Submariner Date (I am one of those who like the fact that it has a cyclops for example). That it looks somewhat like it, but is not. I remember telling my spouse how I like the fact that from a distance it looks like a Sub Date, but that I know it is x times more capable.

Whatever the reasons, since I got it I’ve been wearing it nonstop. Almost felt bad for the rest of my collection. The thing about the SD43 is that one HAS to have a flat wrist …it has a protruding case back, and for it to wear well one has to have a flat wrist. More rounded wrists don’t wear it well. However, if you do have a flat wrist then it fits perfectly and I know several people who, like me, once they wore it never stopped wearing it.

A pretty thorough response to a very good question.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I want to begin this by stating emphatically, that the Sea Dweller (I am talking about the newest 43mm model) is an exceptional watch. I congratulate all of you that own one What I am curious about is what made you decide on the SD versus the sub(?). Is it the 43mm size? (Versus the 41 of the sub). Is it the deeper-depth rating and helium escape valve? (I would guess that very few owners of that watch actually dive to those depths or decompress in a bell for the escape valve). Is it just because it is rated deeper it is a heftier and (probably) more sturdy then the sub? Is it the visible ratio of a bigger dial?

Again, it is an incredible watch, and again I congratulate all of you that purchased and wear one. Just tell me, what made you choose it over the sub?

Proportions / wrist presence / red text / Matt dial / bezel / bracelet lugs width / heft.
The SD43 wears almost like the new sub which by the way Rolex nailed its proportions this time but the SD43 is still the king of wrist presence.
The difference is similar to the one we find in cars like BMW, Audis and MB with their M, RS and AMG models versus their regular siblings, the look can be similar but the feel is way different.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ghassett98]

Originally Posted by Rori

Proportions / wrist presence / red text / Matt dial / bezel / bracelet lugs width / heft.
The SD43 wears almost like the new sub which by the way Rolex nailed its proportions this time but the SD43 is still the king of wrist presence.
The difference is similar to the one we find in cars like BMW, Audis and MB with their M, RS and AMG models versus their regular siblings, the look can be similar but the feel is way different.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like this analogy and couldn't agree more. The SD43 just has the little something extra over the sub that does it for me.

[shredder]

Originally Posted by ghassett98

I like this analogy and couldn't agree more. The SD43 just has the little something extra over the sub that does it for me.

I agree as well, but I would add that the sea dweller is like driving and parking a full sized F30 diesel pickup around town wile the submariner is more like a 4 door BMW sedan.

[JSolution]

Good question Paul.

I bought the sd43 for quite a different reason. I already own a 114060 and I wanted a sub with a date, but wanted to buy the 126610 to have some variation between models. Where I live and the inability to receive any models from the AD, plus a lack of patience, turned my head towards the sd43, because it was only just over retail. I don’t mind paying over retail but but I kinda have a percentage I’m willing to to over retail - and double is not it.

So combined with my love for the the red text on this model, I went to buy one, tried it on and I loved the fit (divers extension removed) and took it home.

I bought it to be a part of a rotation piece, and its literally taken over my whole collection as a daily goto watch. I’ve never beaten a watch up so much and enjoyed wearing it while doing it either it can really take some abuse.

It’s a real love/hate watch and divides opinions a lot and I think we can conclude it’s mainly down to the shape of the individuals wrist - as size wise it’s actually not that big - strangely the 1mm size increase of the deep sea I find huge on my wrist and I’m a pretty big guy.

[JSolution]

[Andad]

I now don’t have to wear a weight belt.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Andad

I now don’t have to wear a weight belt.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[scooba]

I liked the red text as I already have two DRSD 1665 and a SD4K I felt I had to have it .

I also have the 126610 LV they are different enough to own both imho

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Andad

I now don’t have to wear a weight belt.

Seriously Eddie, I'm like 75kg and over 50 (years) its an easy daily wear for me.

Maybe do some gym time

[longuy7]

I like the matte dial of the SD over the glossy dial of the sub. Also, the splash of red gave some nice contrast. The SD43 really feels like it hasn't lost its no nonsense, tool watch roots. I've got relatively flat wrists so I can pull off wearing the SD43 since it isn't that much bigger/heavier than my Tudor GMT. The main reason why I chose the SD43 was it was the only sports model I could find at the AD.

[crazycarlitos]

The redline got me…

I think it’s still the best Rolex sports reference available today.

[JP.]

The old ones probably don't count but I have them both. :)





As a watch I prefer the Sea-Dweller as it's the hardcore version. On the wrist, however, I prefer the Sub. It wears better on a big wrist (flatter, dial is bigger) and it FEELS "wider".

SD is "high and narrow". But it's a mighty watch. It's like Mercedes 500 SL vs. Mercedes AMG 63 SL.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I want to begin this by stating emphatically, that the Sea Dweller (I am talking about the newest 43mm model) is an exceptional watch. I congratulate all of you that own one What I am curious about is what made you decide on the SD versus the sub(?). Is it the 43mm size? (Versus the 41 of the sub). Is it the deeper-depth rating and helium escape valve? (I would guess that very few owners of that watch actually dive to those depths or decompress in a bell for the escape valve). Is it just because it is rated deeper it is a heftier and (probably) more sturdy then the sub? Is it the visible ratio of a bigger dial?

Again, it is an incredible watch, and again I congratulate all of you that purchased and wear one. Just tell me, what made you choose it over the sub?

Speaking for myself not a huge fan of the cyclops and love my 16600 SD thats has spent well over 600 hours underwater doing what it was designed for. And all these great depth ratings on watches like the SD range will never be used on the wrist in water by man or superman. But today many buy the mine is bigger than yours W/R rating today. But truth be told doubt if 95% of all dive type watches sold today ever see water except for perhaps a dip in the ocean, pool or shower. But out of the modern ceramic DS range these watches remain my favourites in the Rolex dive watches but still prefer the 5 series.

[FatTuesday]

I prefer the 43mm watch on my 8"+ wrist. Previous sub was too small for my taste.
I love the red lettering, but that is lagniappe.
I despise the date magnification and may have it removed.

[Gerry62]

I have been alternating between Deepsea and SD 16600 for a few years and I think the 5 series is better for daily use proportions and wear.
Then ..... I don't love the SD written in red

[Avs Fan]

Originally Posted by Gerry62

I have been alternating between Deepsea and SD 16600 for a few years and I think the 5 series is better for daily use proportions and wear.
Then ..... I don't love the SD written in red

This is my "go-to" duo also! I have others but these 2 currently get all the wrist time. I was just offered the SD43 and didn't purchase because the 126660 JC is perfect for me. The 16600 gets beach and sports duty. I may regret not purchasing the SD43. It is beautiful for sure!

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I want to begin this by stating emphatically, that the Sea Dweller (I am talking about the newest 43mm model) is an exceptional watch. I congratulate all of you that own one What I am curious about is what made you decide on the SD versus the sub(?). Is it the 43mm size? (Versus the 41 of the sub). Is it the deeper-depth rating and helium escape valve? (I would guess that very few owners of that watch actually dive to those depths or decompress in a bell for the escape valve). Is it just because it is rated deeper it is a heftier and (probably) more sturdy then the sub? Is it the visible ratio of a bigger dial?

Again, it is an incredible watch, and again I congratulate all of you that purchased and wear one. Just tell me, what made you choose it over the sub?

Hi Paul,

I've said this a few times before but you either "get" the Sea Dweller or you don't. Its the subjective, intangibles that make the difference.

Yes its got an HEV and a much deeper depth rating. And now its got that line of red text and a fully graduated bezel. Its also notable thicker, heavier, bigger and has a caseback shape that either works for you or doesn't.

But unless you're at opposite ends of the build/weight spectrum, if you "get" Sea Dwellers, none of that really matters because there's just something about the SD that the Sub doesn't have. And I've had both in 5 digit and 6 digit incarnations.

I traded my 16610 for a 16600. Really liked the Sub, but every time I saw a SD it caught my attention. And when I saw one in the AD window one day that was that. And I loved the SD. Its the only watch I regret selling. And that says a lot.

For me, and others have agreed, there's just something about them you just can't put your finger on.

If you don't "get it", then it may not be for you. Of course if its all about the aesthetics (and there's nothing wrong with that) then its absolutely worth a look. But it may not be a keeper.

[alphadweller]

I got my SD43 in May 2017 from my local AD. My reasons for choosing it over the Sub 116610LN at the time were:

- when I was a teenager, seeing the 16610 next to the 16600 at the window of my local AD, I knew I preferred the one that went deeper at 4000ft against "only" 1000ft, I wanted the more capable one. It’s no longer a criteria these days but perhaps it influenced my decision subconsciously when picking that first iconic Rolex black diver

- the slimmer lugs and nice bracelet integration compared to the supercase Sub

- the larger size, I didn't want a 40mm diver

- the rugged look of the SD43

- the fact this SD is an anniversary edition to commemorate 50 years of extreme (saturation) diving

- the black Sub is the one everyone wants and has, that turns me off a little bit. I like the fact no one has the SD43, feels more special, which is important to me at that price

- the red text, cherry on the cake

If faced with the choice between 126600 and 126610LN today, I would still pick the SD43 even if the issue I had with the supercase has been addressed in the Sub41.

[MINOLI]

Everything he said. I have a larger wrist and wanted something different from the sub. I've yet to see another SD43 where I live.

Originally Posted by alphadweller

I got my SD43 in May 2017 from my local AD. My reasons for choosing it over the Sub 116610LN at the time were:

- when I was a teenager, seeing the 16610 next to the 16600 at the window of my local AD, I knew I preferred the one that went deeper at 4000ft against "only" 1000ft, I wanted the more capable one. It’s no longer a criteria these days but perhaps it influenced my decision subconsciously when picking that first iconic Rolex black diver

- the slimmer lugs and nice bracelet integration compared to the supercase Sub

- the larger size, I didn't want a 40mm diver

- the rugged look of the SD43

- the fact this SD is an anniversary edition to commemorate 50 years of extreme (saturation) diving

- the black Sub is the one everyone wants and has, that turns me off a little bit. I like the fact no one has the SD43, feels more special, which is important to me at that price

- the red text, cherry on the cake

If faced with the choice between 126600 and 126610LN today, I would still pick the SD43 even if the issue I had with the supercase has been addressed in the Sub41.

[rmlovett1]

Pretty simple for me…
-this isn’t a big factor but it does come into play just a little…of all Rolex I see in the wild, (which isn’t many) sub is by far the most common
-size
-fully graduated bezel
-red text is really a great feature and I love it, but not a deal breaker.

[1st amg]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Pretty simple for me…
-this isn’t a big factor but it does come into play just a little…of all Rolex I see in the wild, (which isn’t many) sub is by far the most common
-size
-fully graduated bezel
-red text is really a great feature and I love it, but not a deal breaker.

Exactly this!

[samson66]

A bunch of different reasons for me, many of which I see in the above posts:

I have a 7.5" wrist and prefer watches in the 42-43mm diameter range

I liked the proportions better on the SD vs the "blocky lugs" 40mm Sub

That red line! Not sure why that's such a big deal but I love it

Prefer the more symmetric look of the fully graduated dial

One of the very few Rolexes with printing on the case back

I like a little more heft and thickness to my watches

The 22mm bracelet suits me over the 20mm Sub bracelet

The HEV is just a neat feature and great conversation piece. I get a lot of "what is that thing on the left side?" questions that turn into good conversations

I really think they nailed the dial at somewhere between matte and glossy

And it's a more interesting and much less common watch than a Sub. You don't see nearly as many in the wild. I like that

Love this watch. Feels like you are wearing a little tank on your wrist, but it's still very wearable and can easily be a daily. No watch is perfect but this is the closest Rolex I have found

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Pretty simple for me…
-this isn’t a big factor but it does come into play just a little…of all Rolex I see in the wild, (which isn’t many) sub is by far the most common
-size
-fully graduated bezel
-red text is really a great feature and I love it, but not a deal breaker.

This pretty much sums it up for me.

[Boaters]

I actually traded my sub and some cash for my Sd43. I have about 7.75 inch wrists and was looking for something a little bit bigger. I really like it no regrets at all. Some folks have a problem with the fit but not me one of the best fitting most comfortable pieces I own..Plus the splash of red text on the dial doesn’t hurt either.

[brandrea]

I love the SD43 reference and owned it for about 3.5 years.

I went the “other way” and moved it on and bought a Submariner. I just couldn’t get a comfortable fit due to the caseback design.

My original reason for buying the SD43 was the same as many above. Also, it was born in 67 (same as me) and the SD was my first Rolex, so I’ve always had this love affair … sadly, it broke my heart.

[7enderbender]

I know it’s not what you’re asking but I chose a 16600 over any of those. I don’t like anything bigger than 40mm usually. And it has the perfect balance of date but no cyclops, enough heft while still being very comfortable, and tells its own story.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I want to begin this by stating emphatically, that the Sea Dweller (I am talking about the newest 43mm model) is an exceptional watch. I congratulate all of you that own one What I am curious about is what made you decide on the SD versus the sub(?). Is it the 43mm size? (Versus the 41 of the sub). Is it the deeper-depth rating and helium escape valve? (I would guess that very few owners of that watch actually dive to those depths or decompress in a bell for the escape valve). Is it just because it is rated deeper it is a heftier and (probably) more sturdy then the sub? Is it the visible ratio of a bigger dial?

Again, it is an incredible watch, and again I congratulate all of you that purchased and wear one. Just tell me, what made you choose it over the sub?

the red text, larger and fully graduated bezel, insane depth rating and it celebrates the 50th anniversary.