On the list for 40mm Explorer but Sea-Dweller could be in the running? Questions...

[6SpeedTA95]

Hi folks. LONNGGGGG time lurker.

I was trying to get a 39mm Explorer and they quit making them as we all know. Now that there is a 40mm coming I jumped on the list at my local AD a month or so ago.

I get the feeling there's some games being played though and at prior locations of this AD I wasn't treated particularly well. However, at this second location I've been treated great. Yet I can't get an answer on how many are on the list, what's the wait, etc etc.

They recently received their 40mm exhibition Explorer so I went in to check it out. I really like the size and proportions. It's quite nice.

While there we also looked at a few other pieces just to kill time. The one I liked that didn't expect to like was the 43mm Sea-Dweller. Put it on and it just had that instant connection/feel for me. Hard to explain but I suspect everyone here gets what I'm saying.

I really liked that piece a lot and didn't expect to give it a second though. Only real drawback is the cyclops.

I was looking at the used market on the Sea Dweller and some of the older pieces (pre 2014 it seems) are priced at $8-10k. That seems pretty cheap, but please note I don't know much about the Sea Dweller but they didn't have the cyclops which I think has been around for 7 or 8 years now? Maybe they were all from the 1990s? I was a bit surprised at the used market price and it got me thinking about the Sea-Dweller and whether or not it retains its value?

With the Explorer I don't think I'd ever be be out more than about $1000 and that's assuming I ever decided to sell it, no plans to.

Also, as much as I loved the Sea Dweller I do also have a planet ocean. Which I wore almost non-stop for 10 years, absolutely great piece. I'm wondering about having two top tier divers with black bezels and black dials in my collection.

Anyway, would love to know what you think on my situation.

I hope my AD doesn't play games and not get me the watch I want.

[Miker86]

The 5 digit sea dweller is my favourite Rolex. So much more wearable than the 6 digit.

[rmwill]

LOVE my 16600. Never sell it.

Originally Posted by Miker86

The 5 digit sea dweller is my favourite Rolex. So much more wearable than the 6 digit.

[amphr1]

If you like the planet ocean, you would probably do well in the SD43. I personally love the cyclops. If not the SD4k is a good choice, but getting harder to find because of the short production.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

I bought a PO2500 in 2005 and wore it 7 years straight as my only watch. I love it and I'm wearing it as I write this.

Added several watches after that. Got the SD43 in 2017.

I'm into divers, so for me, they can totally co-exist. Also, they each have their own design language.

In terms of value, the SD43 has not appreciated much over the years since its release. But it's kept its value.

[WatchTimes]

116600 is what its all about!
The 116600 and earlier SDs are all 40 mm.
They did not have a cyclops as when Rolex introduced it they crystals were acrylic and the glue would not hold the cyclops at extreme pressure.
Once the technology caught up to the Cyclops Rolex left it sans cyclops to be maintain its uniqueness. The 43 mm SD is a totally new watch, all it shares with the older ones is the name and the HEV.
Not bashing the new SD just saying its not the same.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

116600 is what its all about!
The 116600 and earlier SDs are all 40 mm.
They did not have a cyclops as when Rolex introduced it they crystals were acrylic and the glue would not hold the cyclops at extreme pressure.
Once the technology caught up to the Cyclops Rolex left it sans cyclops to be maintain its uniqueness. The 43 mm SD is a totally new watch, all it shares with the older ones is the name and the HEV.
Not bashing the new SD just saying its not the same.

How are the bracelets and clasps on these? What's the last generation without the cyclops? is that the 116600?

Some of the vintage rolexes I have experience with have very poor bracelets and clasps.

Also, if you don't like the totally new watch what is it you don't like about it? Is there something that's actually problematic with the design? Is it aesthetics that you simply prefer the older models?

Personally I think some of the pre-cyclops watches look fantastic, I do have concerns regarding the bracelet and clasp and overall build quality?

The current SD is built amazingly well. You can feel it when you put it on and handle it and I like that.

[rkny]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

How are the bracelets and clasps on these? What's the last generation without the cyclops? is that the 116600?

Some of the vintage rolexes I have experience with have very poor bracelets and clasps.

Also, if you don't like the totally new watch what is it you don't like about it? Is there something that's actually problematic with the design? Is it aesthetics that you simply prefer the older models?

Personally I think some of the pre-cyclops watches look fantastic, I do have concerns regarding the bracelet and clasp and overall build quality?

The current SD is built amazingly well. You can feel it when you put it on and handle it and I like that.

The 116600, or SD4K, is somewhat of a transitional model between the older 16600 and the latest SD43 you tried on. It has the modern ceramic bezel, a solid link bracelet, no cyclops, and the fabulous Glide Lock adjustable clasp.

Due to its short production run and more classic 5 digit proportions (slimmer lugs), it is slowly but surely becoming a coveted model.

If I wanted a date (I prefer the slimmer and lighter 124060 no-date) I’d be all over the SD4K.

But check out the no-date 124060. To me, it’s the perfect Rolex diver. Low profile, but nearly as robustly built as the watch you tried on.

[Jackie Daytona]

Originally Posted by rmwill

LOVE my 16600. Never sell it.

Absolutely!

Sold mine. It was my favorite. Now I ponder getting rid of the LV from time to time and re-acquire it.



If you do have a diver already you wear heavily maybe go with the Exp. It’s a nice change of it all.

[MickCollins1916]

I am lucky to have 214270, 16600, 116600, 126600 amongst my lot.

If I’m putting them in order of favorites, it’s SD4K, 16600, Explorer, SD43.

I recommend the explorer in any form highly. The SD43 is outstanding, but it’s a big lug of a watch, and it sounds like the PO fits that bill for you. The Explorer is low key and very comfortable.

Solid choices to be picking from! Good luck deciding.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by MickCollins1916

I am lucky to have 214270, 16600, 116600, 126600 amongst my lot.

If I’m putting them in order of favorites, it’s SD4K, 16600, Explorer, SD43.

I recommend the explorer in any form highly. The SD43 is outstanding, but it’s a big lug of a watch, and it sounds like the PO fits that bill for you. The Explorer is low key and very comfortable.

Solid choices to be picking from! Good luck deciding.

I'm definitely snagging a 40mm explorer.

I like the idea of finding 116600 down the road.

[Snowballs]

16600 for the win.

IMHO - Comfortable and classy without shouting 'look at me.'

Regular on my rotation cycle ...

[MickCollins1916]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

I'm definitely snagging a 40mm explorer.

I like the idea of finding 116600 down the road.

Very nice - looking forward to incoming pix!

[dannyp]

Something to keep in mind: based on anecdotes and pics it’s hard to imagine two 40mm steel Rolexes that wear more differently than the SD4K and Explorer 40. The difference in dial sizes and thickness will be quite pronounced. So if you haven’t tried the older SD, make sure you do so as it’s probably going to feel more “right” to someone who likes the Explorer 36 but wants a diver, not someone whose idea of a “40mm watch” is the new explorer.

If you liked the 43, you could probably have a competent watchmaker remove the cyclops.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Something to keep in mind: based on anecdotes and pics it’s hard to imagine two 40mm steel Rolexes that wear more differently than the SD4K and Explorer 40. The difference in dial sizes and thickness will be quite pronounced. So if you haven’t tried the older SD, make sure you do so as it’s probably going to feel more “right” to someone who likes the Explorer 36 but wants a diver, not someone whose idea of a “40mm watch” is the new explorer.

If you liked the 43, you could probably have a competent watchmaker remove the cyclops.

I own a 45.5 Planet Ocean and have decent size wrists. I also own an Aqua Terra that's 42or 43mm can't remember now.

[Ketler]

I've owned all 3 of the 6 digit Sea Dwellers...

Very nice watches....But in the end, I sold them all and went back to my trusty 16600...

Easily the most wearable and with the tried and true 3135 movement...

Mine is 23 years old and keeps as close to perfect time as you can get...

You simply can't beat it...!!!


IMG_1945.jpeg

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by Snowballs

16600 for the win.

IMHO - Comfortable and classy without shouting 'look at me.'

Regular on my rotation cycle ...

[UniversalExports]

Does the bezel on the 16600 have as satisfying a turning feel as the 116600?

[Little machines]

Yes both have a great feel .Both are great watches all around design ,movement and true functionality .

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by Miker86

The 5 digit sea dweller is my favourite Rolex. So much more wearable than the 6 digit.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

I own a 45.5 Planet Ocean and have decent size wrists. I also own an Aqua Terra that's 42or 43mm can't remember now.

In that case, my guess is that a 40mm SD would feel small to you.

FWIW, I tried on the Explorer 40 over the weekend. From a distance in a mirror it looked fine, if a little big, but up close it looked/felt like a clock on my wrist. However no way it wars larger than a 42mm+ AT.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by dannyp

In that case, my guess is that a 40mm SD would feel small to you.

FWIW, I tried on the Explorer 40 over the weekend. From a distance in a mirror it looked fine, if a little big, but up close it looked/felt like a clock on my wrist. However no way it wars larger than a 42mm+ AT.

How big are your wrists? I’m about 7 and 5/8 inches. 38-43mm usually fit me fine and with shorter lugs can go bigger.

[Lol-x]

I want the 40mm Explorer trying really really hard to get it...but AD's giving me no joy at the moment.

Its like baseball, you've got to keep your head in the game, keep up the contact, you are gonna strike out again and again but sooner or later even in the 20th innings you might just hit a home run!!!!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

How big are your wrists? I’m about 7 and 5/8 inches. 38-43mm usually fit me fine and with shorter lugs can go bigger.

About 7in. Admittedly, I prefer smaller watches and consider 36mm the ideal size for myself. But, a lot of it has to do with proportions, too. I traded my 40mm Explorer II for an Explorer 36 because the former was bigger than I wanted. But, unlike the new Explorer 40, I never looked at it on my wrist and said "too big" because it had a pretty thick bezel (and wasn't all dial).

My feeling on size has also always been that watches were better when they were sized according to what they needed to be - form follows function.

Legibility, water resistance, feature accommodation, PR, shock absorption were the primary considerations. The watch cases were built around those specifications. That's why Rolexes up to, and including, the five-digits have the best proportions in my mind.

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I want the 40mm Explorer trying really really hard to get it...but AD's giving me no joy at the moment.

Its like baseball, you've got to keep your head in the game, keep up the contact, you are gonna strike out again and again but sooner or later even in the 20th innings you might just hit a home run!!!!

These games are absolutely absurd IMO. I’m going to give my AD six mo. If I don’t have it in hand by then I will call a few out of state dealers and then probably move in to Omega (they have several fabulous pieces I don’t already have) or maybe wait to see if the SD gets a redesign. I’d love a no cyclops SD.

[samson66]

The SD and PO will inevitably compete for your wrist time. If you love that PO, and it sounds like you do, I'd go a different direction with the Rolex personally

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by samson66

The SD and PO will inevitably compete for your wrist time. If you love that PO, and it sounds like you do, I'd go a different direction with the Rolex personally

That's why the 40mm explorer will hopefully be the first Rolex. Buttttt I'm not gonna play games for years to get them to take my money. That's just a shit experience. It's bummer brands are doing this. At a point where I can afford some nice things, but brands like Ferrari and Rolex (at least the ADs) want to ruin the experience.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

That's why the 40mm explorer will hopefully be the first Rolex. Buttttt I'm not gonna play games for years to get them to take my money. That's just a shit experience. It's bummer brands are doing this. At a point where I can afford some nice things, but brands like Ferrari and Rolex (at least the ADs) want to ruin the experience.

Agree it sucks. I hate the games too, which is one of the reasons I don't bother with Rolex anymore for the most part. Just put your name in at a bunch of places. It's not a hugely popular model. One will come in when you least expect it. Good luck.

[watchwatcher]

As best I can tell, you actually have 3 watches in the running...the EXP, SD43, and the pre-ceramic SD.

Take your time, try on as many as you can, do some research and reflection on which fits your lifestyle the best, and then pull the trigger. Good luck,

[6SpeedTA95]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

As best I can tell, you actually have 3 watches in the running...the EXP, SD43, and the pre-ceramic SD.

Take your time, try on as many as you can, do some research and reflection on which fits your lifestyle the best, and then pull the trigger. Good luck,

SD4k is ceramic and no cyclops 😁