Sea dweller vs 4000

[watch009new]

Sorry if a topic like this already exists, but what do you prefer; the new sea dweller 4000 or the version before?

Here is what I like and dislike about each:

4000
What I like: Ceramic bezel, blue lume
What I dislike: thicker lugs, thicker hands? Also thicker crown guards and the plain style clasp I dislike

Classic
Like: Lugs, clasp style, crown guards.

I would say I prefer the classic style. What do you prefer?

Do you like the chunkier look of the 4000?

[jamesbondOO7]

I prefer the 16600: case design, bezel and clasp.
They are both 4000 feet.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by watch009new

Sorry if a topic like this already exists, but what do you prefer; the new sea dweller 4000 or the version before?

Here is what I like and dislike about each:

4000
What I like: Ceramic bezel, blue lume
What I dislike: thicker lugs, thicker hands? Also thicker crown guards and the plain style clasp I dislike

Classic
Like: Lugs, clasp style, crown guards.

I would say I prefer the classic style. What do you prefer?

Do you like the chunkier look of the 4000?

You have encapsulated the conundrum for many of us...

[watch009new]

Also forgot to add the the price on the 16600 is much more attractive :)

[landroverking]

I'm a Sea Dweller fan first. Have not seen the new SD in person and will withhold judgement until I do. From pics don't see the lugs as a negative.
The bezel maybe.

[kurtiss]

I have worn the 16600 24 hours a day for the past several years and have loved the watch. Last year I picked up a Deep Sea and started using this as my daily watch. It was great for the first few months. However, the weight and the size started bugging me once the honeymoon was over. I LOVE the Deep Sea. It was just simply not as comfortable as my 16600 and sometimes I could not wait to get it off of my wrist. Especially after being on a boat all day diving and in and out of the water. Ultimately I just found it to big and just not comfortable to wear when being really active. So I started wearing my 16600 again.

The problem is, the ceramic bezel, maxi dial, lume, and glidelock bracelet on the Deep Sea really spoiled me. My 16600 really felt like an old watch. I thought about getting the SubC, but when they announced the SDc, I know this is what I wanted to get for a daily wearer. So, I bought the new SDc and have been wearing it exclusively for the past several days. It is a great modern update to the 16600 and so far I am very happy with it. I LOVE all the updates. they really nailed the shape of the case. The only thing I am getting used to is the satin/matte dial. I like the deep black dial of the 16600 and the Sub c. The Deep Sea has a very similar matte dial, but because of the dome, it behaves differently. Overall the new SDc is a winner.

[WAK4]

I went for the new. Overlap on ownership was just over a week, and I decided to sell the old.

Why?

The updated bracelet allows for quick adjustments, matte dial, and it wears bigger without being the Deep Sea. And a big part was I just found it to be more comfortable overall. Yes, there is more weight but I don't feel it so much since it is well balanced that I don't have the top heavy flop I had with the 16600 if too loose.

Don't get me wrong - if the new 116600 hadn't been released, I'd still be wearing the 16600. But I found the updates to be worth going with the new.

[REFZ]

I traded my 16600 for a 116600 because I realy like the new models and the bracelet with glidelock clasp is way better in my opinion.

[Tobbe.l]

Originally Posted by WAK4

I went for the new. Overlap on ownership was just over a week, and I decided to sell the old.

Why?

The updated bracelet allows for quick adjustments, matte dial, and it wears bigger without being the Deep Sea. And a big part was I just found it to be more comfortable overall. Yes, there is more weight but I don't feel it so much since it is well balanced that I don't have the top heavy flop I had with the 16600 if too loose.

Don't get me wrong - if the new 116600 hadn't been released, I'd still be wearing the 16600. But I found the updates to be worth going with the new.

Can't agree more!

[towernick]

Prefer the old SD to the new.

[harrjaso]

I like the older SD (the older, the better) but I do appreciated the fully graduated bezel.


Sent from an iPhone on a secluded island

[Clay]

The 16600…No question…

[Swegin]

Have to say that i love both. I have been surprised at how well the new one wears - extremely comfortable and just sits on my wrist perfectly.

With that said, i dont think i am ever parting with the older non ceramic brother.

[Roselló]

I like both Rolexes. The SD 4000 is the only Rolex c that I actually like.

[Karbo]

16600 all the way and i buy a 16710 with the price gap

[tkerrmd]

I like all the upgrades of the newer version, that's why it is new and upgraded.
if nothing else the clasp is a huge difference. I had the old style sold it when the DSSD came out

[Urosfan]

I like the new one because of the bezel braclet

[Psmith]

I wouldn't confer 'classic' status on any one particular reference. Like the Submariner, GMT, DJ, etc. the SD is a design classic period.

As to the OP's question, it just comes down to personal preference. Many here enjoy both new and old models - there's no right or wrong, good or bad. My personal preference is for the comtemporary models, but I've owned a number of previous-gen models as well. I prefer the more solid and 'engineered' feel of the current range, along with the improved lume and clasps - Glidelock in particular

Best thing is to take all of the opinions with a pinch of salt, and try both models several times - hopefully one will 'speak' to you in particuar