SD43 too similar to sub?

[Bruins7]

I have recently acquired my beautiful SD43 and I love it. The more I do look at it, I ask myself this question. Is it too similar to a sub? Let me know your thoughts! I am curious because I feel they are so different but to the average joe I'm sure it looks like a sub to them.

[abbassmaki]

They are totally different, I have the ND Sub though, which is more dressy watch IMO, more clean and discreet look without the cyclops.


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[eyeheartny]

Yep, they're awfully similar to the average eye. Black-dial, steel dive watches. Of course the SD43 is bigger, thicker, etc, but I would 100% never have both in a collection. That said, I'm going for diversity/breadth of a collection rather than a deep look at Rolex dive watches. So it depends on your lifestyle, the rest of your collection, your collecting goals, etc. In terms of pure look, there's little different in terms of how I'd style a Sub versus how I'd style a SD43 in the outfits I would/would not wear them with.

[037]

Can't say I've ever cared what the average Joe thought or whether or not he noticed my watch.

Other than both being dive watches from the same company, the SD43 is nothing like a Sub.

[Wimpydailo]

To me it’s similar enough for me to turn down SubC black when offered by my AD. Still patiently waiting for my SD43

[watchmework]

Yup the increased thickness, HEV, fully graduated bezel, single red text, perfectly proportioned case, wider bracelet, matte dial and new movement make it far too similar to the Sub.

If you truly care what the non-WIS think about your watch, then I suppose go with a Sub for the cheaper option. I bet most folks wouldn’t be able to tell a Sub and black GMT Master apart in the wild though, never mind a SD.

[Flybak]

Originally Posted by watchmework

I bet most folks wouldn’t be able to tell a Sub and GMT Master apart in the wild, never mind a SD.

Good point. Either the SD43 strikes a chord for you or it doesn't. If it does, you'll appreciate the clear distinguishing features between it and the Sub. Either way, always get the one you want.

[watchwatcher]

Sure, it's similar. Too similar? That's totally subjective.

My thoughts: I think similar but not too similar to have both in a collection. Especially if the sub(s) has/have a sunburst dial.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchmework

Yup the increased thickness, HEV, fully graduated bezel, single red text, perfectly proportioned case, wider bracelet, matte dial and new movement make it far too similar to the Sub.

If you truly care what the non-WIS think about your watch, then I suppose go with a Sub for the cheaper option. I bet most folks wouldn’t be able to tell a Sub and black GMT Master apart in the wild though, never mind a SD.

Well said.

In addition, they wear quite differently if that at all matters to the OP

[Bruins7]

Originally Posted by watchmework

Yup the increased thickness, HEV, fully graduated bezel, single red text, perfectly proportioned case, wider bracelet, matte dial and new movement make it far too similar to the Sub.

If you truly care what the non-WIS think about your watch, then I suppose go with a Sub for the cheaper option. I bet most folks wouldn’t be able to tell a Sub and black GMT Master apart in the wild though, never mind a SD.

Totally agree with you. I love my SD43 as i've said but, just wanted to hear out some of the forum members opinions :). Thanks for clarifying the differences because I couldn't agree more!

[Bruins7]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Well said.

In addition, they wear quite differently if that at all matters to the OP

They do wear differently. I remember trying on the LVc when deciding between the BLNR but ultimately chose the BLNR. Loved that watch but as you can see the SD43 has replaced that :). Never was a sub guy but hear I am loving the SD43 ha! So it shows that it's a different watch and wears much better in my opinion.

[mechia]

On a place like the TRF, where you have ppl analysing every millimeter , there is a world of difference between a Sub and SD43.

However for most non watch enthusiasts, they are similar. I bought my SD43c cos I loved my Hulk, but wanted something bigger and black dialed. If I had a black sub I wouldn’t have got the SD cos it’s too close.

[Quailhunter]

The “average Joe” would not know or care about any Rolex watch. Average people care about other, more urgent, stuff than watch differences.

[liu_watch]

But you’re not an average joe, are you? :-)

While they are not the same, I wouldn’t need them both in a collection. I would sell the subc to fund another watch in the list.




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[zjd168]

To the wis community they are very different. To most people they might not be able to notice the difference.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by Bruins7

Totally agree with you. I love my SD43 as i've said but, just wanted to hear out some of the forum members opinions :). Thanks for clarifying the differences because I couldn't agree more!

Enjoy your SD43!

[amh]

My wife wouldn't notice the difference.

But to those who care:
- Power reserve
- Bezel graduations
- Weight
- Thickness
- Bracelet
- Lugs
- Red Text
- Depth rating

It is rather different.

[Wcdhtwn]

Who cares what “the average joe” thinks about your watch? Average joe wouldn’t recognize a Sub. It’s a great watch, wear and enjoy!

[MCO1]

Yes they are very similar! To the average bloke my Daytona probably looks like a Tag and why in the world would I have flipped my Mk1 Explorer for a Mk2? I know they are different though.

If we really cared what the average Joe thought we would all be wearing Timex and Seiko.

Just enjoy your SD!

[kans86]

They are different divers, but virsually similar to most people.

[brandrea]

If it weren’t for small details we wouldn’t have much to talk about here

[007_Omega]

To the average person it is the same watch but bigger. Hell, from a distance you probably could barely tell the difference.

To the watch enthusiast it is a different beast.
3mm Bigger (Significant, trust me)
3mm Thicker
Helium Escape Valve
2mm Wider Bracelet
Countdown Timer from 0-60 on the Bezel
Matte Black Dial (This is a big difference, especially in the sunlight, also creates a contrast effect with the shiny ceramic bezel while the Sub dial/bezel blend together)
Engraved Case Back
Slimmer Lugs (Love this part)
Red Line (Add so much character, especially with a company that plays it quite conservative with their sports lineup)
Sharper Bezel (Easier to grip with gloves for diving and gives it a slightly more menacing look)
Diver Extension

Now that I listed all that on top of my head, you can decide if it's just a Big Sub. In some ways it is and in many ways it is not. Trust me, as an owner it is NOT just a Big Sub but I completely understand the reputation. It's on the wrist that you really can feel/see all these differences.

I think the Date Bubble really plays into this belief. Personally, now that I have had the watch for a bit I have to come the conclusion that I wish the Date Bubble wasn't there. Does it really bother me? No. It's just another iconic Rolex element on a near perfect watch.

This is the best all around Diver that is out. You want versatility and a dressier watch then go Sub. You want something toolier, bigger, and more unique then go with the SD43. Either way, you are getting a fantastic watch.

[Khans14]

I am sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but too similar in my opinion.

[JohnnyRol]

not only do I have a sub and an SD43 I have a 16600. So their not too similar to me. But I’m not sure who you are posing the question to?

[c41006]

They are very different and very similar at the same time. I don't think i'd want an LN sub and SD43 in the same collection but that's just me.

[tac34vt]

Originally Posted by watchmework

Yup the increased thickness, HEV, fully graduated bezel, single red text, perfectly proportioned case, wider bracelet, matte dial and new movement make it far too similar to the Sub.

If you truly care what the non-WIS think about your watch, then I suppose go with a Sub for the cheaper option. I bet most folks wouldn’t be able to tell a Sub and black GMT Master apart in the wild though, never mind a SD.

Yep! I have the black GMT Master II, SubC Date, and SD43, so I guess we know what I like. To me they are all very different, and I don't mind that most of my friends and coworkers never notice the difference when I rotate. My collection is perfect for me and I could not be more satisfied. Doesn't matter the motivation, get what you like and you can't go wrong.


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[kalo925]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

To the average person it is the same watch but bigger. Hell, from a distance you probably could barely tell the difference.

To the watch enthusiast it is a different beast.
3mm Bigger (Significant, trust me)
3mm Thicker
Helium Escape Valve
2mm Thicker Bracelet
Countdown Timer from 06 on the Bezel
Matte Black Dial (This is a big difference, especially in the sunlight, also creates a contrast effect with the shiny ceramic bezel while the Sub dial/bezel blend together)
Engraved Case Back
Slimmer Lugs (Love this part)
Red Line (Add so much character, especially with a company that plays it quite conservative with their sports lineup)
Sharper Bezel (Easier to grip with gloves for diving and gives it a slightly more menacing look)
Diver Extension

Now that I listed all that on top of my head, you can decide if it's just a Big Sub. In some ways it is and in many ways it is not. Trust me, as an owner it is NOT just a Big Sub but I completely understand the reputation. It's on the wrist that you really can feel/see all these differences.

I think the Date Bubble really plays into this belief. Personally, now that I have had the watch for a bit I have to come the conclusion that I wish the Date Bubble wasn't there. Does it really bother me? No. It's just another iconic Rolex element on a near perfect watch.

This is the best all around Diver that is out. You want versatility and a dressier watch then go Sub. You want something toolier, bigger, and more unique then go with the SD43. Either way, you are getting a fantastic watch.

Well written..

[007_Omega]

Originally Posted by tac34vt

Yep! I have the black GMT Master II, SubC Date, and SD43, so I guess we know what I like. To me they are all very different, and I don't mind that most of my friends and coworkers never notice the difference when I rotate. My collection is perfect for me and I could not be more satisfied. Doesn't matter the motivation, get what you like and you can't go wrong.


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haha I've considered all those watches and I thought the same thing when I bought them..all the non-WIS are going to think they are the same watch.

My next watch is the Explorer I or Milgauss GV though. I want something different than my Speedy/SD43. The 5 digit Pepsi GMT is a distant third option.

[gttime]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

To the average person it is the same watch but bigger. Hell, from a distance you probably could barely tell the difference.

To the watch enthusiast it is a different beast.
3mm Bigger (Significant, trust me)
3mm Thicker
Helium Escape Valve
2mm Thicker Bracelet
Countdown Timer from 06 on the Bezel
Matte Black Dial (This is a big difference, especially in the sunlight, also creates a contrast effect with the shiny ceramic bezel while the Sub dial/bezel blend together)
Engraved Case Back
Slimmer Lugs (Love this part)
Red Line (Add so much character, especially with a company that plays it quite conservative with their sports lineup)
Sharper Bezel (Easier to grip with gloves for diving and gives it a slightly more menacing look)
Diver Extension

Now that I listed all that on top of my head, you can decide if it's just a Big Sub. In some ways it is and in many ways it is not. Trust me, as an owner it is NOT just a Big Sub but I completely understand the reputation. It's on the wrist that you really can feel/see all these differences.

I think the Date Bubble really plays into this belief. Personally, now that I have had the watch for a bit I have to come the conclusion that I wish the Date Bubble wasn't there. Does it really bother me? No. It's just another iconic Rolex element on a near perfect watch.

This is the best all around Diver that is out. You want versatility and a dressier watch then go Sub. You want something toolier, bigger, and more unique then go with the SD43. Either way, you are getting a fantastic watch.

If I didn’t already own one I’d go buy one after reading these comments.

In other words it’s perfect!!

[Bruins7]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

To the average person it is the same watch but bigger. Hell, from a distance you probably could barely tell the difference.

To the watch enthusiast it is a different beast.
3mm Bigger (Significant, trust me)
3mm Thicker
Helium Escape Valve
2mm Thicker Bracelet
Countdown Timer from 06 on the Bezel
Matte Black Dial (This is a big difference, especially in the sunlight, also creates a contrast effect with the shiny ceramic bezel while the Sub dial/bezel blend together)
Engraved Case Back
Slimmer Lugs (Love this part)
Red Line (Add so much character, especially with a company that plays it quite conservative with their sports lineup)
Sharper Bezel (Easier to grip with gloves for diving and gives it a slightly more menacing look)
Diver Extension

Now that I listed all that on top of my head, you can decide if it's just a Big Sub. In some ways it is and in many ways it is not. Trust me, as an owner it is NOT just a Big Sub but I completely understand the reputation. It's on the wrist that you really can feel/see all these differences.

I think the Date Bubble really plays into this belief. Personally, now that I have had the watch for a bit I have to come the conclusion that I wish the Date Bubble wasn't there. Does it really bother me? No. It's just another iconic Rolex element on a near perfect watch.

This is the best all around Diver that is out. You want versatility and a dressier watch then go Sub. You want something toolier, bigger, and more unique then go with the SD43. Either way, you are getting a fantastic watch.

Agreed and very well written! But I feel like you can get away with dressing this watch up but I do understand some folks will say that it’s too big. I am enjoying my sd43 and appreciate your perspective.


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