VERSUS: Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller 16610LV and 126600

[dbhak22]

Second edition of the "VERSUS" post/picture (first one - VERSUS: Submariner 1680 v. 16610). Thought it would be fun to compare two watches (and only those two watches) and discuss pros/cons by outlining the differences and getting folks' ideas/thoughts/opinions on TRF. We got folks collecting and studying these things for decades to those who are just starting to venture into the crazy world of Rolex and everything in between. So I think it would be fun and educational!

For this edition, it is a "50th Anniversary Duel". We have the Submariner's 50th anniversary with the 16610LV (I know, I know, it's not the 'real' 50th as it's not a flat-4 insert but c'mon) and the 50th anniversary Sea-Dweller 126600.

Some obvious things:

40mm case v. 43mm
Ceramic bezel v. metal


Which do you prefer and why?

[doramas]

I prefer the 16610LV. It has more beautiful proportions

[FTX I]

LV for me as well.

[Quailhunter]

As green is not among my favorite colors, the SD would be my choice. Both look “squinty” to me with the face being too small compared to the bezel and case. For some odd reason, my BLNR doesn’t strike me that way. Weird.

[sensui]

The lv by a mile. Classier dimensions/more versatile on different sized wrists, green (Rolex's official color) insert highlight, bold looking dial with maxi markers and hands, slim and comfortable bracelet....I could go on and on actually heh.

[atticusmittens]

the red line, the dial and wider bracelet link make the SD43 look much nicer...

[Forum-Dweller]

LV for me, simply because of the watch size. I'm fine with the weight and thickness of the SD43, I can't forgive how unrefined it feels on my 6.5in wrist. It's like Rolex's response to the Seiko MM300 that no one asked for.

[travisb]

SD. Proportions, glidelock, ceramic bezel, red-line to name a few.
No disrespect to the LV which is a great watch in it's own but the SD is the perfect SS daily watch in my opinion.

[CPRWATCH]

LV,LV,LV & LV every day of the week . Oh my ,did I want the SD to be the the grail for me , but it's just has to much Heft on my wrist & I nearly cried a silent tear .And before anyone asks how big is his wrist ,my wrist is 7.5" it's the height that kills it for me .

[Dirt]

Neither, simply because they have flat crystals.

But if could only have one then it would be the SD43 because I had an original "Flat 4" Sub which had rather underwhelming lume performance and on balance is one of the main reasons why it's long gone from my collection.

[dr35mm]

I love the timeless design and proportions of the LV.

[Loevhagen]

LV's design flows so much better.

The SD just looks unbalanced.

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Neither, simply because they have flat crystals.

But if could only have one then it would be the SD43 because I had an original "Flat 4" Sub which had rather underwhelming lume performance and on balance is one of the main reasons why it's long gone from my collection.

Wow , sold a "Flat Four " because of the underwhelming Lume . Got to be honest & say I've never looked at any watch with Lume long enough to be disappointed with it, as usually it's before I go to sleep .Unless I'm on government business which I would rather not talk about .....

[JManuel]

SD43 is very nice, its really growing on me.

[Loevhagen]

The SD43 looks like a Steinhart. Too deep chapter ring, oversized and unbalanced.

[watchwatcher]

Hard to compare a 5 digit and 6 digit watch...for wearability, the SD.

For a piece of classic Rolex "awesomeness," the LV.

[dcash0615]

Love both. If I had to decide between the two it would be the LV.

[16610v]

LV for sure that's a super unqiue watch for submariner.

[Vishy26]

16610lv

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by travisb

SD. Proportions, glidelock, ceramic bezel, red-line to name a few.
No disrespect to the LV which is a great watch in it's own but the SD is the perfect SS daily watch in my opinion.

x1,000,000!!

[Golf&Watches]

The LV.
On 90% of people the 43+ cases look too large for the wearers wrists to me.
The 5 digit cases nearly always look better.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Lv

[whizz]

LV as not big fan of bigger case or maxi case on modern rolex subs

[yannis]

Hands down the SD 126600. i have had both.

[Etschell]

eh prob the lv

[1William]

SD43 is the ideal watch for me. Size, bracelet, glidelock, bezel, red font.

[Richmor]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Hands down the SD 126600. i have had both.

I 2 have and love both. Makes a great rotation pair.

[Daytonaman799]

The SD just sings to me more but I do get how the size and heft coukd scare people off. Makes me a bit nervous but I wore an AP ROO for years and it can’t be higher than that.

[Swiss Mad!]

Impossible for me to choose one over the other.

Both are on my 'hit list'

For me, The LV, especially the later ones with the Rolex Rolex Rolex rehaught and random serials are the perfect blend of modern and vintage.

Ok, not technically vintage I know, but as they are now discontinued I'm sure you know what I mean.

They have the modern looks with the maxi dial and are still new enough to make a practical everyday wearer without the fragilities of a real old vintage piece, but still have loads of old school charm with the steel bezel insert etc.

The SD43 however is a completely different animal - a no airs or graces proper full on tool watch and is what I feel the modern Submariner should have evolved into.

It has so much wrist presence it's unreal.

You really do have to see one in the flesh to fully appreciate how perfect it is.

Not for everyone, granted, but for me totally perfect.

Both are great watches in their own rite and it's not really fair to say one is better than the other.

I hope to one day have both sitting side by side in my humble watch box...

Regards.



Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[nick c]

Originally Posted by 1William

SD43 is the ideal watch for me. Size, bracelet, glidelock, bezel, red font.

This will be my choice