SD43 wearability compared to Black Bay

[slimwristy]

Hey guys,

As the name suggests.. I have pretty slim wrists, however I recently tried on a black bay (not the 58) and kinda like the heft and presence. The lug to lug fits to my wrist and it made me begin to wonder about the SD43, I love the single red and tool watch look to the piece and was wondering if anyone could comment on it's comfort and wearability when comparing to a black bay?

Thanks!

[franktehtank]

It will wear larger. Try on the Pelagos, I found they wore very similarly sized when I owned both.

[robinmgb]

I sold my SD43 as it was the most uncomfortable watch I’ve ever worn.
It has an awfully designed protruding case back, however tight I wore it I couldn’t stop the wobble!
I’ve owned both 116660 and 126660 Deepsea models that are obviously thicker and you’d imagine more prone to top heavy wobble yet I had no such issues with them, the case back design fault is limited to the SD43 only

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by slimwristy

Hey guys,

As the name suggests.. I have pretty slim wrists, however I recently tried on a black bay (not the 58) and kinda like the heft and presence. The lug to lug fits to my wrist and it made me begin to wonder about the SD43, I love the single red and tool watch look to the piece and was wondering if anyone could comment on it's comfort and wearability when comparing to a black bay?

Thanks!

Do you have flat wrists? If you do, you will absolutely love the SD43. If you don’t, it will not work for you.

For many people the SD43 is either their favorite watch or one they cannot wear, and it boils down to wrist shape (not size - shape).

[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by franktehtank

It will wear larger. Try on the Pelagos, I found they wore very similarly sized when I owned both.

Good shout on the pelagos, I will give that a try and realise the pelagos also has a relatively beefier bracelet. Thanks!

[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I sold my SD43 as it was the most uncomfortable watch I’ve ever worn.
It has an awfully designed protruding case back, however tight I wore it I couldn’t stop the wobble!
I’ve owned both 116660 and 126660 Deepsea models that are obviously thicker and you’d imagine more prone to top heavy wobble yet I had no such issues with them, the case back design fault is limited to the SD43 only

Sorry it didn't work out for you - I'll be sure to try it on before making a decision, had no idea about the protuding case back!

[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Do you have flat wrists? If you do, you will absolutely love the SD43. If you don’t, it will not work for you.

For many people the SD43 is either their favorite watch or one they cannot wear, and it boils down to wrist shape (not size - shape).

That's so interesting. I do have flat wrists - sounds like it's a bit of a marmite watch in terms of comfortability.

I noticed you have a BLNR - how would you say it compares?

[brandrea]

The SD43 wears nothing like the 58.

Unfortunately you have to try it on and you “might” know whether it’s for you. I say might because I owned one for 3.5 years and just finally had to let it go as I could not get the right comfort fit. I believe it’s the one Rolex (possibly DSSD as well) that you actually have to have sized and wear it for a good long while until you’ll know.

The SD43 is the one Rolex I want to love but unfortunately it just didn’t work out for me. ymmv.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Do you have flat wrists? If you do, you will absolutely love the SD43. If you don’t, it will not work for you.

For many people the SD43 is either their favorite watch or one they cannot wear, and it boils down to wrist shape (not size - shape).

This is bang on. I have one and it’s one amongst many other more expensive watches in my collection, and it’s also my favourite to wear on a daily basis it’s an absolutely perfectly executed watch I mean I choose this to wear every day over a day-date.

I don’t understand the case back issue some people have at all it’s non existent for me and the most comfortable watch. I sleep with it on it doesn’t come off my wrist ever unless I put something a little more flashy on.

It’s a love/hate watch from what I have gathered and will probably be the responses you get on this post. Best to buy and try hopefully you’ll love it as much as me and many other owners do.

[samson66]

Have both pieces and they do wear similarly. The SD is 2mm larger and I would say both wear pretty close to their stated size. In terms of thickness and lug to lug height they are very similar. So if you can wear one you can wear the other just as easy, but like I said the SD43 visually will appear larger.

In terms of comfort I would say they wear a little different. The BB may be more comfortable due the the caseback not protruding as far, HOWEVER the more protruding caseback of the SD makes it hold it's position on the wrist a little better - kind of sinks into the skin and stays nicely in place

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

The SD43 wears nothing like the 58.

Unfortunately you have to try it on and you “might” know whether it’s for you. I say might because I owned one for 3.5 years and just finally had to let it go as I could not get the right comfort fit. I believe it’s the one Rolex (possibly DSSD as well) that you actually have to have sized and wear it for a good long while until you’ll know.

The SD43 is the one Rolex I want to love but unfortunately it just didn’t work out for me. ymmv.

I think the OP is talking about the standard 41mm black bay, not the 58, unless I read it wrong.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

I think the OP is talking about the standard 41mm black bay, not the 58, unless I read it wrong.

You’re right Mike ... the operative word “not” was missed

This hasn’t been my finest week on TRF

[Weinboyz]

Originally Posted by franktehtank

It will wear larger. Try on the Pelagos, I found they wore very similarly sized when I owned both.

+1.

I bought a Pelagos for my son and wore it a bunch of times. It's one of the most comfortable watches I have ever worn. The titanium makes it a lot lighter compared to the SD43.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You’re right Mike ... the operative word “not” was missed

This hasn’t been my finest week on TRF

No problem buddy, we all have our off weeks

Just realized you are approaching 50K posts. Holy smoke!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

No problem buddy, we all have our off weeks



Just realized you are approaching 50K posts. Holy smoke!

Lol, thanks my friend

Lots of free time these days, and this place is where I enjoy hanging out

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[crazycarlitos]

Pelagos is titanium casing and bracelet which makes it super light. It also wears very differently from the sd43 on the wrist due to the light weight and different case back design. I don’t think trying one on will give u proper feel for sd43. Even trying on one at local AD will not not give u true feel if it’s not sized correctly. Like others said, it’s not for everyone. Maybe that’s another reason I love my sd43 even more. Lol

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Lol, thanks my friend

Lots of free time these days, and this place is where I enjoy hanging out

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Agree. I'm on probably a half dozen forums but this one gets the vast majority of my time. Great place and one of the few you where you can engage in intelligent conversation these days.

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[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by JSolution

This is bang on. I have one and it’s one amongst many other more expensive watches in my collection, and it’s also my favourite to wear on a daily basis it’s an absolutely perfectly executed watch I mean I choose this to wear every day over a day-date.

I don’t understand the case back issue some people have at all it’s non existent for me and the most comfortable watch. I sleep with it on it doesn’t come off my wrist ever unless I put something a little more flashy on.

It’s a love/hate watch from what I have gathered and will probably be the responses you get on this post. Best to buy and try hopefully you’ll love it as much as me and many other owners do.

Thanks for your input, it's such a cool looking watch. Congrats on it! I'm going to have to have a hunt at the AD's when things open up again.. let's hope it doesn't discontinue by then!

[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You’re right Mike ... the operative word “not” was missed

This hasn’t been my finest week on TRF

All good Brian! thanks for commenting on the post and sorry it didn't work out with the watch.

[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

Pelagos is titanium casing and bracelet which makes it very light. It also wears differently from the sd43 on the wrist. I don’t think trying one on will give u proper feel for sd43. Even trying on one at local AD will not not give u true feel if it’s not sized correctly. Like others said, it’s not for everyone. Maybe that’s another reason I love my sd43 even more. Lol

Thanks for the photos, man the SD43 just looks awesome. Congrats it looks great on your wrist.

As some have said it might be a buy it and try it for a while. To be honest, I don't think you ever really try a watch until after the honeymoon period to know if it's for you.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by slimwristy

All good Brian! thanks for commenting on the post and sorry it didn't work out with the watch.

Good luck, its one heckuva timepiece.

20180223_100944.jpg

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[slimwristy]

Originally Posted by samson66

Have both pieces and they do wear similarly. The SD is 2mm larger and I would say both wear pretty close to their stated size. In terms of thickness and lug to lug height they are very similar. So if you can wear one you can wear the other just as easy, but like I said the SD43 visually will appear larger.

In terms of comfort I would say they wear a little different. The BB may be more comfortable due the the caseback not protruding as far, HOWEVER the more protruding caseback of the SD makes it hold it's position on the wrist a little better - kind of sinks into the skin and stays nicely in place

This is super handy to know, thanks! It also looks like the SD's lugs may curve more than the BB.. i think i just need to try it on.. and size it. When i tried the BB on without sizing the bracelet I was sure it wasn't for me until I took a punt and bought it, after sizing the bracelet it's a great fit!

[JSolution]

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[JSolution]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Good luck, its one heckuva timepiece.

Attachment 1207753

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Mate that looks so good on you what a shame it didn’t fit you.

How the hell do you keep the bezel so clean mine always looks smudged and not so shiny? Just fingerprints i think maybe i touch it too much

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by slimwristy

That's so interesting. I do have flat wrists - sounds like it's a bit of a marmite watch in terms of comfortability.

I noticed you have a BLNR - how would you say it compares?

How it compares? Well, picked up a SD43 this December. Literally haven’t worn any other of my watches since then. Fits me so perfectly it’s almost ridiculous.

But, for most people, the BLNR will fit better. But if you have flat wrists, then there’s no watch like the SD43.

[Saoirse32]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I sold my SD43 as it was the most uncomfortable watch I’ve ever worn.
It has an awfully designed protruding case back, however tight I wore it I couldn’t stop the wobble!
I’ve owned both 116660 and 126660 Deepsea models that are obviously thicker and you’d imagine more prone to top heavy wobble yet I had no such issues with them, the case back design fault is limited to the SD43 only

Yup-
The DeepSea is one of the most comfortable watches I've ever worn.
Could not get the SD43 comfy.
OP- I have a BB (not 58) and it wears smaller and it's comfortable vs the SD43


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Mate that looks so good on you what a shame it didn’t fit you.

How the hell do you keep the bezel so clean mine always looks smudged and not so shiny? Just fingerprints i think maybe i touch it too much

Funny you mention that Jay ... mine are the same as yours, I just give them a wipe with my tee before photos

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[JSolution]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Funny you mention that Jay ... mine are the same as yours, I just give them a wipe with my tee before photos

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Hmm I do this too sometimes - I lick my thumb then wipe it before I use the t shirt maybe this is where I’m going wrong

[SaddleSC]

I guess this is a real YMMV situation, but I took delivery of my new SD43 recently and it wears like a dream. I have a fairly small (but flat wrist). 6.5 to 6.75" range. I actually like that the case back slightly protrudes because it allows airflow under the watch and causes it to "lock" into place on my wrist. I used to own the Pelagos also and it is very light but has a flatter case back. To me, the protruding case back is more comfortable, but everyone is different.

I also have the Hulk and so far, the SD43 is equally as comfortable as the Sub. It is just perfection. This watch is chunkier than the Sub, but infinitely more wearable than the DSSD, which I have owned on 2 separate occasions and could never get comfortable with. If you get a chance to see one in person, I am sure you will fall in love with it. Hopefully, the fit works for you!

[watchwatcher]

I find they wear pretty similarly.

For whatever reason, the BB fits my wrist better, which is saying something considering it is the only non-adjustable clasp in my collection. To be fair, though, I've been toying with the idea of doing some link swapping on the SD43-having lost a good bit of weight lately-but just haven't got around to it.