SD43 so uncomfortable

[robinmgb]

I bought a 2018 SD43 on Saturday and now wish I hadn't!
It felt ok trying on in store for a couple of minutes but now having worn for longer I find it's so uncomfortable, the case back is very pronounced meaning only a small patch is in contact with the wrist, it therefore wobbles on the sides.
I've owned bigger Rolex watches before including a deepsea and yacht master 2 but never had any issues with them, I'm planning to take back an exchange it, anyone else had this issue with the Sea Dweller 126600? Surely I can't be the only one!

[iTreelex]

Maybe? It's purely the owner's perspective. There are many here who love the sd43. It's one of the best sport watches Rolex makes although a tad big, it wears very nicely on the wrist.

If you don't like it just simply exchange it

[herts9]

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

[Xenon]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=sd43+pain

[IR201]

Originally Posted by Xenon

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=sd43+pain

Yes this was my story! The 43 is something I still think about. See it in photos, wish I had it back. Then remember it hurt me! I am happier now with the Yachtmaster.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by herts9

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

I'd 2nd that as an option the exp 2 wears a lot flatter, it's my favorite fit and maybe my favorite watch because of that

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[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by herts9

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

The op is correct, the SD43 is uncomfortable for a select group of people because it has a more pronounced casebook than any other Rolex, even the Deepsea.
The Deepsea's caseback protrudes less and is a larger surface diameter to spread the load, no issues for me.

It's been well documented by many owners here. The SD 116600 has a similar caseback, but the watch is smaller so there's less pressing unto the owners wrist.

Sorry to hear the SD43 doesn't suit you as it's such a beautiful and classic reference, but you are not alone, search the forum you'll see many owners complain of this, if it bothers you so suddenly after purchasing, it's only going to get worse. I would take advantage of the return policy immediately if possible.
Good luck.

[kans86]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

The Deepsea's caseback protrudes less and is a larger surface diameter to spread the load, no issues for me.

It's been well documented by many owners here. The SD 116600 has a similar caseback, but the watch is smaller so there's less pressing unto the owners wrist.
.

Could be a valid point. I sold my 116600 for that reason. Never tried on the SD43 though.

[cvo]

I think it is way to early to make the call. Give it some time, like a couple of months. I am thinking people whom have PM watches will know that the weight of their new watch will normalize with time.

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

The op is correct, the SD43 is uncomfortable for a select group of people because it has a more pronounced casebook than any other Rolex, even the Deepsea.
The Deepsea's caseback protrudes less and is a larger surface diameter to spread the load, no issues for me.

It's been well documented by many owners here. The SD 116600 has a similar caseback, but the watch is smaller so there's less pressing unto the owners wrist.

Sorry to hear the SD43 doesn't suit you as it's such a beautiful and classic reference, but you are not alone, search the forum you'll see many owners complain of this, if it bothers you so suddenly after purchasing, it's only going to get worse. I would take advantage of the return policy immediately if possible.
Good luck.

Here’s a picture from https://www.minus4plus6.com/SD43.php


SD43 on top, SD4000 (116600) on bottom

~ Sheldon

[904VT]

IMO the new 126660 DSSD is much more comfortable. The SD43 takes the slightly uncomfortable style case back of the Sub and makes it completely uncomfortable.

[Gold Crown]

try wearing it larger/looser.

[WatchThinker]

Originally Posted by 904VT

IMO the new 126660 DSSD is much more comfortable. The SD43 takes the slightly uncomfortable style case back of the Sub and makes it completely uncomfortable.

I had just recently put myself on the "list" for an SD 43 - expanding my preferences from an Exp I and Exp II. But you've given me a lot of pause. Thanks to the OP.

BTW: The quote above surprised me - as I find my 6 digit sub to be the most comfortable watch I've ever worn on my almost 7" wrist.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by WatchThinker

I had just recently put myself on the "list" for an SD 43 - expanding my preferences from an Exp I and Exp II. But you've given me a lot of pause. Thanks to the OP.

BTW: The quote above surprised me - as I find my 6 digit sub to be the most comfortable watch I've ever worn on my almost 7" wrist.

The Submariner is a very comfortable watch overall. The case back imo though is the only portion that is not comfortable. Go from a Submariner to a GMT Master or Daytona and you will notice immediately. The latter two much more comfy. All great watches though, just comes with the territory of a pure diver. My wrist is 7.5 inches btw so the Submariner is not too large.

[cattleman41]

Mine fits great!

[Daveclock]

Originally Posted by cattleman41

Mine fits great!

God that looks like torture for me - don't you ever need to lift your hand up or need your palm flat - the crown and watch then try to break your wrist!?

Sorry I'm a loose wearer - someone who PM'd me is possibly going to pluck up courage to start a thread - but is scared......

Each to their own I guess.

[gmtln]

Originally Posted by cattleman41

Mine fits great!

For me, that looks uncomfortable, the crown rubbing up against the back of my hand would drive me nuts.

[Swiss Mad!]

I sold my beloved Sub to part fund an SD43 thinking it was the watch to have.

I think I allowed myself to get caught up in the internet hype surrounding it at the time.

I do like the watch but don’t love it the same way I loved my Sub - the old saying is true, you don’t really know what you have until you lose it...

It’s an amazing piece of engineering like all the divers Rolex produce, but I too find it a little cumbersome & uncomfortable to wear all day.

I am seriously considering part chopping it back for another Sub which in hindsight I should never have let go.

[scurfa]

I agree I had mine two weeks, it’s just too big


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[garyk]

How about that, now I'm glad I passed when I got the call for the SD43 last year! My 116660 DSSD feels great on my wrist also?!

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I bought a 2018 SD43 on Saturday and now wish I hadn't!

It felt ok trying on in store for a couple of minutes but now having worn for longer I find it's so uncomfortable, the case back is very pronounced meaning only a small patch is in contact with the wrist, it therefore wobbles on the sides.

I've owned bigger Rolex watches before including a deepsea and yacht master 2 but never had any issues with them, I'm planning to take back an exchange it, anyone else had this issue with the Sea Dweller 126600? Surely I can't be the only one!

Yep, and it's why I got rid of it and got another dssd with the new case and movement, love it. Also, as I didn't mind the cyclops originally when I got the sd43 I grew to hate it.

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[Daveclock]

I tried one on in my local AD they were selling it grey style second hand for lots more than msrp! - I was glad it was way too big/thick/heavy and strap buckle too mighty for me.
Also I like to wear my watches loose on the wrist - I can't stand the look of a squashed sausage some people do to their wrists.
...sad though as in the pictures it is so beautiful, looks perfectly proportioned - and perhaps it still the cheapest way to get red writing on your SD dial

...good news is it sells for more secondhand!

[RolliRolli]

Way too big. I felt the sub was as big and heavy as I could go for my wrist.

[donas]

Exactly what happened to me with a DSSD; I disliked it immediately. I wear my SD43 somewhat loose and love how it wears, particularly in comparison to the DSSD. Personally, aside from the weight, I feel like it wears smaller than my Hulk. I do see what your complaint is though, I guess I'm just fortunate my wrist size doesn't seem to be one it bothers.

[planemad]

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

[donas]

Originally Posted by planemad

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

Good point, I did this as well. Maybe that's why I like the fit.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by planemad

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

This is exactly right and a well covered topic here.

OP if you still have the extension on remove it and reassess. If it’s still not fitting correctly, and the micro adjustments don’t help, then swap for something else.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

This is exactly right and a well covered topic here.

OP if you still have the extension on remove it and reassess. If it’s still not fitting correctly, and the micro adjustments don’t help, then swap for something else.

That won't help with the issue here, it's the caseback of the watch that's digging into his wrist.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

That won't help with the issue here, it's the caseback of the watch that's digging into his wrist.

Perhaps. But removing the divers extension and trying other adjustments is entirely worth a try.

[nick800]

I’m emphasizing to make a point, but same for me and I sold mine. I bought it as a birthday present for myself. Wanted to love it, but couldn’t after time.