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

[plyon7627]

I chose the SD43 TT because of size, bezel, bracelet more integrated into watch design and ultimately the name really spoke to me as an aspiration to one day retire to a house on the water and be a "Sea Dweller"

[TswaneNguni]

.

[Driver8]

I bought my SD43 for a number of reasons -

Firstly because it's less of an "obvious" choice than the Sub (although I do also own a 116610LN).

Secondly I just like the aesthetics. I like the way it wears differently to my Sub, with the slightly different case shape. I love the historic nod with the red text (even though it's not actually that pronounced in most lighting). I like the way the matt dial and fully graduated bezel gives it a real rugged and "manly" look.

Thirdly, I like the history of the SD and wanted a piece of that.

And lastly, I just like over-engineered things (even though I will likely never use it to even a fraction of it's potential). I'm the same with cars - I love over-engineered, fast cars. There's just something about knowing something is incredibly capable at what it does even if you don't ever use it 100%.

(I must also confess I also bought it (at the time!) because I foolishly believed the 3235 movement was going to be Rolex's finest 3 hand movement yet. How wrong I was!)

[TswaneNguni]

Its not over or under ,its each has its own charm .

[TswaneNguni]

Important note to the large wristed : SD 50th has the longest bracelet of all Rolex .

[ferrissteve11]

There's just something about the size, heft and presence that the SD43 captures very well. Owned various Subs - always felt small. Had the DSSD - wore for years but could never fully get over the thickness. The SD43 really nailed the perfect in between IMO. And I do appreciate the cyclops for ease of date reading.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by 1William

I own the SD43, DSSD JC and the Hulk and enjoy each of the watches. I have a 7.5-7.75 inch wrist depending on the weather and can easily move between the models. The Hulk is Green and I think the dial is amazing in the right sunlight. The DSSD JC is a big block of a watch and once again the dial is very cool. The SD43 is probably the perfect size and fit for me and the red text is very cool and stands out for me. I have thought about adding a Submariner ND back into the collection but have a Tudor Black Bay Noir that fits that bill and wears great on a leather strap. In my rotation of watches I find every time I wear the SD43 I want to wear it more. Some of the watches are not like that. The SD43 might be the perfect Rolex based on my wrist size, wear and appearance. I am going to go put it on.

Awesome collection

[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.

[slus]

I ended up with black DeepSea not an SD43, but it was the wider bracelet that converted me from a 116610LN Submariner. I hated that skinny bracelet with the big case. It would be a much closer decision with 41mm Submariner as the bracelet width and clasp size is a lot closer now, I look forward to trying one. I believe the clasp width was only 0.5mm less than the SD43/DSSD.

[stockae92]

For me, no offence, but everybody has a Sub. And I mean EVERYBODY.

Not a bad thing, that means Sub is a great watch. But I prefer something a little more unique.

[scubadds]

I have an SD43 arriving in an hour or so. I actually haven't worn a SS one, but did check out a two-tone at my AD last year.
For me, I plan on it being a weekend warrior. I have a Pepsi for more dress days and an Explorer II for the weekends now, and I like the larger feel of the Explorer II for most of the time. I wore a Daytona for years and it wears a bit small, so I thought I would try the other end of the spectrum.

My first Rolex was a sub (bought in 1989) and when I have tried on subs lately they have felt small for some reason....granted I haven't tried the latest one.
Also, I felt that it is a bit more unique, I am drawn to the Red, I haven't paid a premium previous to this purchase; I felt the premium for them wasn't that high relative to the price.

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by scubadds

I have an SD43 arriving in an hour or so. I actually haven't worn a SS one, but did check out a two-tone at my AD last year.
For me, I plan on it being a weekend warrior. I have a Pepsi for more dress days and an Explorer II for the weekends now, and I like the larger feel of the Explorer II for most of the time. I wore a Daytona for years and it wears a bit small, so I thought I would try the other end of the spectrum.

My first Rolex was a sub (bought in 1989) and when I have tried on subs lately they have felt small for some reason....granted I haven't tried the latest one.
Also, I felt that it is a bit more unique, I am drawn to the Red, I haven't paid a premium previous to this purchase; I felt the premium for them wasn't that high relative to the price.

Early congrats, EXPII as a daily and SD43 for weekends is a great combo!

[Sandlapper1960]

Previously owned a 114060 and I now own a SD43. Even though it was "smaller", the Sub looked larger on my 7.75 inch wrist and I also didn't like the gloss black dial. With the 22mm lug / bracelet width, the SD43 is better proportioned watch and I love the red text & matte dial.. I guess the only negative is the thickness...I have knocked it on a door or two !!

[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!

[shredder]

For what its worth, I have both. In my opinion, the SD is not a daily wearer. Its too big and clunky (and I am not a small man.) After a week or two of wearing it, I find myself banking it into cabinetry, door ways, desks, etc. You really have to be conscious that you are wearing it. The sub is sized a little bit smaller and not as tall and is easier to manage every day.

[Kiddodoc]

I prefer a larger diver so the JC DSSD and SD43 both fit me the way I like. I had the 116610LN, LV and 116619 but hardly wore the LN but did wear the LV and LB. Once the new 126 subs came out, I added the 126610 LV then the 126613 and finally the 126619 and love the new dimensions compared to the 116. I still prefer the SD43 and DSSD JC when I am at the coast but now I wear the newer subs more frequently than the 116.

[SDGT3]

Many of the reasons to purchase the SD43 have already been mentioned. I looked at the 40mm Sub and it was just too small for my 7.75" wrist. Then the 41mm sub came out and it fit much better, but the proportions of the SD43 dial, bezel and wider bracelet just fit perfectly.

The fact it was not a Sub and more rare/unique was a big reason as well. After purchasing it, I could not stop looking at how beautiful it was. In the right sunlight, it just "pops" kind of like the Hulk dial or the sunburst Bluesy does.

It's been about 7 months and I honestly can't take it off my wrist. With a collection of appx. 12 other watches, none get any wrist time. The fact that it can be tough as nails and also great for going out is a plus as well.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

Many of the reasons to purchase the SD43 have already been mentioned. I looked at the 40mm Sub and it was just too small for my 7.75" wrist. Then the 41mm sub came out and it fit much better, but the proportions of the SD43 dial, bezel and wider bracelet just fit perfectly.

The fact it was not a Sub and more rare/unique was a big reason as well. After purchasing it, I could not stop looking at how beautiful it was. In the right sunlight, it just "pops" kind of like the Hulk dial or the sunburst Bluesy does.

It's been about 7 months and I honestly can't take it off my wrist. With a collection of appx. 12 other watches, none get any wrist time. The fact that it can be tough as nails and also great for going out is a plus as well.

I feel exactly the same about. I’ve bought 4 or so watches since and this one always finds its way straight back onto my wrist I feel like it was made for me.

Now I just need the full gold SD43 and I’m outta here :)

[lewahooligan]

I bought a SD43 in July 2019 before the 126610LN was introduced. My reasons are similar to previous posts, namely:

I primarily chose the SD43 over a sub as its size is proportional to my large arm/wrist.

Red Text

Fully Graduated bezel.

Wider bracelet.

Not as ubiquitous as a submariner. Its different. It's unique.

[Cheng]

To each his own, I go with what I love not what others are buying.

[Judge]

Ok still applicable just to keep the thread alive..

I have a DSSD MK1 and the reason for my purchase over the "common sub" are:

The weight, love a heavy watch.
The helium release valve, won't need it but technology advances over the common sub.
The depth rating, again won't need it, but go big or go home.
No cyclops, love the sister of the 16600 and the history that goes with it. Carries on the tradition.
It is a true Rolex conversation piece with people who know Rolexes.

The main reason is though It is not a common Sub.

Stand out, Stand proud.

[Zoomerang]

My wrist size is 7.5"-7.625" and I went the other way. I owned the SD43 multiple times... and I just couldn't get past the protruding case. I loved the case and bracelet dimensions but the didn't like the thick rehaut, small dial (same as 40mm watches).
The red text is gorgeous but didn't do much for me, neither the matte dial and the 60 second markings.

So clearly I'm in the minority here but for me, the Sub41 is a perfect watch.

[sheldonsmith]

I have my thoughts on the SD43 posted here: https://www.minus4plus6.com/SD43.php

[Couchpotato]

Always wanted a sub, until I got my sea dweller. Then after a while, the sub just feel, how can I put it, ‘flimsy’. Nowadays my wife wears my sub more often than I do. I’ve put my name down for a SS SD43, if I’ll get one,awesome, if not, I still love this TT one.

[teabags001]

I bought the SD43 because of the wrist presence. It’s a great watch. It was my daily for a year. I always thought it was a tad thick.

To answer your question truthfully I bought it because the sub 41 didn’t exist yet. To me the sub 41 is the perfect watch. It has all the sexy lines of the SD43 and it’s a lot thinner. I wear the LV version now so it has a lot of wrist presence.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[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.

[watchwatcher]

I didn't so much 'choose' the SD over the sub, rather, I just bought it when it first came out...then, over time, it became clear to me I didn't need another black on black diver as long as it was in the collection.

Now, PM or green bezel subs, that's another story...

[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.

[Wcdhtwn]

I have an Omega Seamaster circa 1998 that has the same depth rating as the Sub, thus making the Sub redundant in my eyes. Also I have a GMTII LN, the case size and shape, super case, and the all black bezel also made the Sub feel redundant. The SD43 however is differentiated in its size and the lugs, also I like the fully graduated bezel over just the first 15 minutes.

[Jackie Daytona]

Although mine is a 5 digit 40mm model. My reasoning is much the same as those above. It’s kind of funny how there’s so many similar opinions about the Sea Dweller it sort of seems to have its own subculture within Rolex.

Aesthetically I really like the lack of cyclops. The thickness of it I actually like as well. It feels large and substantial on the wrist but still comfortable. As mine is a 5 digit although I just mentioned I like the larger feel to it, I like the smaller more vintage proportions of it, it really gives it a bit of a more nostalgic classic feel.

Additionally I like reading the history of all the real tool watch lines of Rolex. So I appreciate it as it feels a little more special and unique than a Sub from the history of it. Nothing wrong with the Sub of course, but I really like the uniqueness of it. It’s almost an oddity but in a really special way.

I’m not a diver but would love to learn one day. Even if I do learn I will never come close to the depth rating of it. It’s a special piece just knowing what it’s capable of. It still feels like a tool, albeit a very nice tool but still retains that vintage tool feel.

Someone above summed it up nicely that there’s just something about them that you can’t put your finger on, but they just feel special. In my opinion the combination of reasons I listed above really go towards that as well. It has a history and you can really sort of feel it in a way just having and wearing it.