Should I keep my new SD43 126600?

[rolexero]

Fellow TRFers, I need advice. This is not a trolling thread.

A couple of days ago, I stopped at my favorite local AD in the US, and they showed me a new SD43 from the back room. I am a relatively good customer there. After mulling it over a fair bit, I bought it. Now I am questioning the WISdom of my decision.

I could either

1. Keep it. It has the Mk1 dial (mild rarity) and it is a great looking tool watch. Arguably the best wearable diver Rolex or anyone makes. (SDDS is not wearable for my wrist at least.) I like the bezel better than the SubC. I can sell it (at mild premium or minimal loss?) in the future if I really do not like it. Although if the economy turns or the bubble busts, I may be stuck with it for years.

2. Sell it now while it's unworn. It was an impulse purchase, and the money is not inconsequential to me. It is also bulkier and heavier than my SubC date, and I do not see it replacing the Sub as my daily wearer. On my wrists, 39-40mm is ideal. In fact, other than occasionally wearing the SD as a statement / fun watch I don't see when I will wear it, and I have other watches for that purpose. Although who knows, I may grow to like it.

What is your advice? Please add some "because" reasoning. Especially those of you who also have Subs, where does the SD fit in?

[lhawli]

It’s clear as day... sell it as it was an impulse buy driven by the hype on forums!

The SubC is and always will be THE icon and if you want something different go for the LV like I did.

I buy what I like and not what’s hyped, and I related with you very much. My AD called me as soon as they received the SS BLRO, went to see one and could have walked out with one at MSRP, knowing well that the waitlist now is over a year. I didn’t get it cause I love my BLNR more and I knew deep down it would have been an impulse buy.

When it comes to watches I never let extrinsic factors influence my intrinsic feeling towards a piece I am buying.


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[kalo925]

Originally Posted by lhawli

It’s clear as day... sell it as it was an impulse buy driven by the hype on forums!

The SubC is and always will be THE icon and if you want something different go for the LV like I did.

I'd say the cartoonish LV is more hyped than the Sea-dweller. Those with small wrists and scrawny arms should be cautious of the SD50 though. ;)

[lhawli]

Originally Posted by kalo925

I'd say the cartoonish LV is more hyped than the Sea-dweller. Those with small wrists and scrawny arms should be cautious of the SD50 though. ;)

Don’t see the point of you comment. I wasn’t comparing the LV to the SD43, simply saying buy what you want and not the hype. I bought the LV cause I love it and it was different to my otherwise black dial dominated collection. My wrist size is 7” and can easily pull off the SD43 but I prefer the LV. My reply was in response to the OP.


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[Brian Page]

Sounds like you should get rid of it.

[BT1985]

I did the same thing. Bought SD43 on a whim and own a date sub. I fell in love with SD43 though. Going to sell my 16610 because two black Rolex divers with a date I find redundant. May add a no date sub though.


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[HNIC]

I felt the same way about the size of the SD43 and it being an occasional piece to wear. After wearing it for a few weeks and it never leaving my wrist, I feel the sub is underwhelming. 7.25” wrists btw....

Keep it, depending on your wrist size the subc might end up being the one to go.


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[Green Arrow]

You like the 40 mm size the best on your wrist. Go with your gut.

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by HNIC

I felt the same way about the size of the SD43 and it being an occasional piece to wear. After wearing it for a few weeks and it never leaving my wrist, I feel the sub is underwhelming. 7.25” wrists btw....

Keep it, depending on your wrist size the subc might end up being the one to go.


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Do you have a wrist shot? Same size as me and I wonder if the 43 is too big. I have flat wrists. Thx!🤙


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[HNIC]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

Do you have a wrist shot? Same size as me and I wonder if the 43 is too big. I have flat wrists. Thx!🤙

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[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by HNIC

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Thanks a bunch! That helps!


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[Pmt2]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

Thanks a bunch! That helps!


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That watch looks perfect on you!

[samson66]

Honestly would be best if you post wrist shots of both watches to see the fit

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[Whiskey Tango ...]

MK1! And as you say arguably Rolexes best wrist presents piece. I would keep it A bit longer it will probably grow on you become your favorite.


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[Bruins7]

I have smaller wrists than you. I actually prefer the sd43 over a sub. I think its the best dive watch Rolex has made. If I had the actual wrist size to wear it I would. The tapered lugs make it doable but like you said 40 mm is the perfect size for my wrists as well. It being too too heavy, I had to let it go. Stinks because I wanted to love it so much

[watchwatcher]

Depends. If you love it and want it in your collection, then by all means, keep it. If not, well then...move it on to somebody who will enjoy it.

[rgwrjs]

I have been in your position in the recent past. I would advise with going with what you like and wear, it what is more popular or is perceived as a better future value.

For me, I bought the subC and later the SD 43. I personally much preferred the fit and feel of the SD43 and gave the sub to my son as a wedding gift, which he was thrilled to receive.

[Old Geezer]

Give it more time before you sell. I also acquired my SD43 somewhat impulsively. After having it a few weeks, I love it. I have a LVc, 16610, BLNR, TT GMT2c and my recently acquired Daytona C. I wear the SD43 mostly on weekends and find it supremely comfortable. I wear my LVc, GMTs and Daytona during the week. They fit marginally better under my long sleeved dress shirt.

[4rnold]

Keep it, It will grow on you. It has more presence than the submariner

[Rashid.bk]

Sell it. You went into a store and bought the hype. Ten years ago no one did this, people bought watches they liked, not investments or what's popular in social media.
For as hyped up as the BLRO or 5711 are, great watches sure, but they do nothing for me.

[VicLeChic]

I was amazed by the SD43, really blown away, it's the super Sub I wanted. I don't own a Sub because I find it to be on the small side for a diver and I'm not a fan of the super case. A friend of mine let me try his 114060 and I also had a good look at the Hulk at the AD some time before. I own a YM 40mm and I'm ok with the size because it's dressier but really I would have preferred it in 42mm. So when I tried the SD43 I knew it was the one, I felt it in my gut, no hesitation. It ticked all the boxes. Without this I would have never spent 10 grand (euros).

Going from a large sports watch to a smaller one feels underwhelming at first although there's always room for mental adjustment I find. And the opposite is true to some people who prefer smaller sizes, whatever their wrist size. It's really down to preferences.

You seem to much prefer the Sub, so it's clear to me which one you should keep. Don't overthink it, forget about the potential collectiblility, it's all speculation. You have to like it first, be thrilled, otherwise what's the point of this hobby, get rich? Ain't gonna happen. Yes the resale value is a nice plus to have at the back of one's mind but it should never be the first reason for buying IMHO. If I ever get the call for the steel ceramic Pepsi and feel underwhelmed, I won't be buying it, I'll wait for the Coke or something else that feels great.

In your situation I'd speak first with the AD, maybe they have a return policy? If not then sell. Resellers have been paying MSRP for it so you shouldn't lose.

[Tlon]

I did something very similar (50th birthday, was calling ADs within 90 miles to see if any had a new sub LN in stock, randomly found an AD close enough by who had just received an SD43 the day before, drove an hour, and bought it impulsively on the spot). I spent the better part of a two weeks just admiring it in the box, trying it on at home only to put it back, thinking I'd sell it once a subc became available. Now I'm not so sure.

I'm not a big guy (5'8" 170lbs) but I have a 7.5" wrist and 42mm is my sweet spot, I think, depending on the bezel/glass ratio and lug width. The 43mm is a pretty nice size. In some ways, because the glass is about the same as the sub, it doesn't look that much larger on the wrist. Removing the diver extension as many here do (and I did) helps. It's taller, of course, but it fits well under a modern dress shirt (most are sized for larger watches these days, I've found). In other ways, it wears a lot larger (it's much, much heavier). I decided after a couple of weeks to wear it to work under a dress shirt and to baby it, just in case I decide to sell it. That said, it's growing on me.

I may still decide to sell it, but there are a lot of positives. It really does feel like the latest and the greatest Rolex has to offer in a SS watch. The 70 hour reserve is really impressive and makes a major difference if it's not your only watch. The 22mm watch lug makes the watch look better, IMHO, and it feels like it's built like a tank.

Speaking of tanks, the weight is the thing that I'm still concerned about. After a few days of getting used to it, I don't necessarily notice the weight it...unless I think about it. If I do think about it, it immediately feels heavy. Maybe it's just a psychological thing. The small back also means the weight is pressing on a smaller surface area. I have a couple bigger 44mm watches, but this one definitely weighs the most. No two ways about it, it's a heavy watch.

My suggestion, FWIW, is to ask yourself how much you'd lose on a resale if you were to wear it for a bit versus selling it as is, unworn. If you can bear that difference, which I'd guess would not be that much, you should wear it for a few weeks to see how it feels on your wrist.

[Calatrava r]

I saw one and passed. 43mm is too big for me.

[KBM]

Doesn't seem like you want to keep the watch.

[mas12]

I just tried one a DeepSea at a local AD in NoVA (posted it's availability in another thread) and didn't love the thickness of the watch. Too much for me. The Sub is perfect. Patiently waiting for mine!

Go with your gut - sounds like it's telling you to sell

[WJGESQ]

No rush. Give it sixty days.

[rolexero]

Thank you all for the advice! More is welcome of course.

My wrist is 6.75 inches, with a little give or take during the day.

I did not know the divers extension was removable. That thing makes the clasp humongous, and I bet without it the visual appeal and comfort will both improve.

And yes, the latest movement with extra power reserve is nice. I have one in the CHNR, which is not a daily wearer, and it surprises me to find the watch still running.

My main issue with my SD is the cost, impulsivity, and high overlap with the SubC. The SubC was a birthday present to myself and it has the (older?) oval-O Rolex name, so it's less likely to be sold off. Maybe just given a rest :)

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by rolexero

Thank you all for the advice! More is welcome of course.

My wrist is 6.75 inches, with a little give or take during the day.

I did not know the divers extension was removable. That thing makes the clasp humongous, and I bet without it the visual appeal and comfort will both improve.

And yes, the latest movement with extra power reserve is nice. I have one in the CHNR, which is not a daily wearer, and it surprises me to find the watch still running.

My main issue with my SD is the cost, impulsivity, and high overlap with the SubC. The SubC was a birthday present to myself and it has the (older?) oval-O Rolex name, so it's less likely to be sold off. Maybe just given a rest :)

If you bought it on impulse, because of the hype alone, and the cost is bothering you then sell it on.

I believe that you either "get" the SD (any SD, not just the 126600) or you don't. If you don't "get" it, its just a bigger, heavier, more expensive Sub. If you do, then the Sub or black SS Sub Date is rendered pointless (unless you want one in your collection)

If you "get" what the SD is all about, then absolutely take the divers extension off.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I think a lot may have to do with how you have it set up.

Remove the divers extension and adjust so that you have a snuggish fit. If that doesn’t work for you then sell it. It is a heavier watch and there’s just no getting around that.

^^^^

Originally Posted by rambo99

how to remove the divers extension? is that i can do it myself with the right tool?

It takes two minutes with a 1.6mm hollow ground screwdriver and a steady hand - the same as removing any link. You may need to heat the area up a little with a hairdryer to soften any loctite. Mine came out cold with no problem at all

[challer]

It is redundant with the Sub. Pickwhi h is your fave and sell the other.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by challer

It is redundant with the Sub. Pickwhi h is your fave and sell the other.

With all due respect it is nothing like a sub. This of course is my opinion as a owner of a 43 and a 5 digit sub, as well as both an 114060, SD4000 and 2 DSSD (both of which are gone now) I think the...I actually lost interest while I was typing this. Anyway OP best of luck on your decision.