Thoughts on Sea Dweller 43

[Buck I]

Having a Sub C and a TT GMT, which are fantastic. There is nothing better than looking at this Sea Dweller in the sunlight with that red text. What a watch! Don't get me wrong, the Sub and GMT have their place and are stunning, but I never imagined how the red text would seem in real life vs. Internet images. It's something else and for me, a standout. I don't post much but felt the need here. Anyone else enjoying their red text dial?

[Bracton]

I fully agree. I have other Rolexes (Pepsi, Batman, Starbucks, Daytona, etc) but the SD 43 is the prettiest with a stunning dial. Also it sits specially well in the wrist. A very special watch to keep and give some day to your children.


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[Smobews]

Such a great detail, and homage to its history

[Buck I]

Originally Posted by Bracton

I fully agree. I have other Rolexes (Pepsi, Batman, Starbucks, Daytona, etc) but the SD 43 is the prettiest with a stunning dial. Also it sits specially well in the wrist. A very special watch to keep and give some day to your children.


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The dial on this SD 43 is WAY different than the Sub. BTW, my wrist size is above 8". Large wrist guys, try it in person.

[racerx]

Good size for a large wrist. I prefer my 16600.

[Smobews]

By the way…

I have an SD43 that was manufactured in 2019 and did not have the AR coated crystal. The newer ones do. I’m not sure what year they started putting it on them. I had the crystal swapped at my AD for an AR coated one for about $180 out the door. Soooo worth it if you have the older crystal. People have said the difference is like switching from standard def to 4K. Totally is.

[Buck I]

Originally Posted by Smobews

By the way…

I have an SD43 that was manufactured in 2019 and did not have the AR coated crystal. The newer ones do. I’m not sure what year they started putting it on them. I had the crystal swapped at my AD for an AR coated one for about $180 out the door. Soooo worth it if you have the older crystal. People have said the difference is like switching from standard def to 4K. Totally is.

Great information there. I did not realize the nuances of the dials. Thank you very much for that information. It is appreciated.

[ghassett98]

Originally Posted by Smobews

By the way…

I have an SD43 that was manufactured in 2019 and did not have the AR coated crystal. The newer ones do. I’m not sure what year they started putting it on them. I had the crystal swapped at my AD for an AR coated one for about $180 out the door. Soooo worth it if you have the older crystal. People have said the difference is like switching from standard def to 4K. Totally is.

Which AD did you do the swap?


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[Manu74]

It's a great watch if your wrist can handle it.

[1William]

The SD43 is a great watch and visually the red text and dial do it for me.

[Texasjim]

Love the watch… I have a larger wrist size, so it works for me. The SD is also a great value right now!

[brandrea]

The SD43 is one of the best looking professional dive watches in existence IMHO.

In addition to the red text, the dial is a true chameleon … it goes from looking gloss black to matte black, to an almost bronze/vintage color depending on the light.

[BlondesNwatches]

I tried one on and it just doesn’t fit right. It’s just an odd watch. I like the James Cameron better honestly.

[Smobews]

Originally Posted by ghassett98

Which AD did you do the swap?


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My local AD in Chicago suburbs. They have RSC level service center. They even have the equipment to pressure test the SD43 after reassembly. I do not know if all ADs have watchmakers on staff that can do all levels of disassembly. If they don't, they can probably send it to RSC service center.

[Ravager135]

I may be in the minority, but I preferred the 40mm Sea-Dweller without the cyclops. I totally understand, however, why Rolex increased the size. I look at it the same way Rolex increased the size of the Explorer II: to draw additional contrast from the GMT-Master II. It clearly has made the Sea-Dweller a more popular model and was the right choice.

[colonelpurple]

I love the SD, it is my next watch. I have tried the sub on endlessly to try and like it, but it leaves me cold. The SD, however, has the cool chunkiness that a diving what should have, whilst still being svelte imho and also the lug to lug of 50mm is perfect for my smallish 6.7” wrist

[AR430i]

I just got my SD43 and I love it. The red text makes the dial stand out and for me the fit is just right. I plan on keeping it for a long time.

[Buck I]

Originally Posted by AR430i

I just got my SD43 and I love it. The red text makes the dial stand out and for me the fit is just right. I plan on keeping it for a long time.

Congratulations! Very well done.

[Curated]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I may be in the minority, but I preferred the 40mm Sea-Dweller without the cyclops. I totally understand, however, why Rolex increased the size. I look at it the same way Rolex increased the size of the Explorer II: to draw additional contrast from the GMT-Master II. It clearly has made the Sea-Dweller a more popular model and was the right choice.

Totally agree, they should have kept the size at 40mm with no cyclops. If they had done that and added the red text they would have had a home run. I actually think the larger size had made the Sea Dweller less popular.

[worldofoyster]

it's a great watch, just make sure it's not too big for your wrist.

[Buck I]

Originally Posted by Curated

Totally agree, they should have kept the size at 40mm with no cyclops. If they had done that and added the red text they would have had a home run. I actually think the larger size had made the Sea Dweller less popular.

I feel different, I love the cyclops. As JJ said, Rolex = cyclops. And I agree! Give this watch a chance. A great buy.

[PMDAY]

I admit the SD43 is not for everyone, but what watch is? I wear mine about 75% of the time compared to my 116610ln. Just so much better!

[B2 Stealth]

Great watch! Liked it so much I sold it and am looking for a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms to add to my collection Need to expand out of exclusively Rolex.

[HiDive]

The SD43 is my favorite Rolex of all time. The size, the movement, the bracelet and yeah the red text on the dial.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by brandrea

The SD43 is one of the best looking professional dive watches in existence IMHO.

In addition to the red text, the dial is a true chameleon … it goes from looking gloss black to matte black, to an almost bronze/vintage color depending on the light.

Agree! Love this watch!

[Saoirse32]

One of my favorites.
Owned it once, sold it and regretted it and bought a MK1 last year from DSW and glad I was able to get one back in the fold. The dial is amazing.


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[travisb]

Great watch! The matte dial with red text look fantastic together.

[aiif]

I like the look and it draws attention even from long distance once your wrist can handle it

[TBS]

If you are on the fence, I suggest you try one on to understand the fit and feel. They are not for everyone.
Personally, I like my SD43 due to its 43mm size on my 8in wrist. Also, as I get older, I find the cyclops to be a blessing.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Smobews

By the way…

I have an SD43 that was manufactured in 2019 and did not have the AR coated crystal. The newer ones do. I’m not sure what year they started putting it on them. I had the crystal swapped at my AD for an AR coated one for about $180 out the door. Soooo worth it if you have the older crystal. People have said the difference is like switching from standard def to 4K. Totally is.

Hmm mines going in for a service I might look into this