Submariner vs Deep Sea. A comparison.

[Mclark202]

These are my only two Rolex watches so I figured I would do a little comparison for anyone that’s considering either one.

The deep sea James Cameron 126660 was my first Rolex bought in 2022. At the time I had not worn one yet but felt it would work for me as I’m 6’2” 200 pounds. Plus, at that time getting a sub or any “hot” model as a first Rolex was not as common.

I was able to pick up the Sub just recently as a retirement gift to myself. I decided a green sub was what I really wanted as it fits me more for a daily wear watch. Two other watches that I wear regularly are the Tudor Pelagos 39 and my Zenith Chronomaster Sport, both of which are close to the sub in size.

Anyways, comparing the two it’s pretty clear he deep sea is a beast. It’s fun to wear but it is noticeable. The sub melts to my wrist and just disappears. I love the way it wears.

The glide lock extension on he Deep Sea is much nicer than on the sub. You can adjust the deep sea on your wrist, whereas you have to take the submariner off and guess what you want. I tend to adjust bracelets a lot throughout the day so the deep sea definitely wins here. The sub works good, but the deep sea works great!

I do notice the stem and crown are smoother on the deep sea and easier to pull out. I felt uncomfortable with how tough it was to pull out the stem on the sub. I had to kind of pull.

The dial of the Deep Sea is the nicest dial of any watch to me. It clearly wins. I wish the sub had that same dial without the date magnifier but with the date. And with the deep sea glide lock. That would be the perfect diver for me.

The case of the sub is so perfect though. The wearability of it is perfect.

Anyways, enjoy the pics.

[marc2828]

Great comparison. I have SD43 and the LV. The Sub does melt into wrist...

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[Dub21Down]

Awesome write up! I too have the SD43 and LV and feel the same way about the stem/crown smoothness that you have mentioned.

In the end they are both great watches that have their own uniqueness.

[Wingman244]

We need many more posts like this. Great job. Can't believe how big the DSSD sits on the wrist. Wow!

[Oldfellow]

Thanks for the great review.

[brandrea]

Fantastic duo you have there

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and enjoy them

[eonflux]

The Deepsea clasp is awesome.

So different from that of the Sub and others it should have been given different name.

[idk]

40% heavier

[M@2]

Holy Moly that Deepsea is massive! It looks great on you, but I definitely don't have the wrist for it. What a cool duo though, enjoy!

[Kevin of Larchmont]

My wrist is 6.75”. Trust me, you have the wrist for it.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

My wrist is 6.75”. Trust me, you have the wrist for it.

I trusted you….and I have the same wrist size. DEEPSEA is the best watch I’ve ever owned. I can’t believe how well it wears. If I didn’t thank you before, then thank you!





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[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I trusted you….and I have the same wrist size. DEEPSEA is the best watch I’ve ever owned. I can’t believe how well it wears. If I didn’t thank you before, then thank you!





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It’s my joy to spread the gospel and my honor to be of service.

[Carguy87]

Great write up thanks!! Any chance you can compare your deepsea with your Chronomaster sport? I know there are apples and oranges but I have a JC as well and have been considering the Zenith since the Daytona seems small on my wrist. Would love to get your thoughts and maybe some photos!

[TikTok]

Great writeup. Thanks.
I am also considering the Deepsea. Went in to my AD and tried one on earlier this week, loved it. As expected though the one in the store is already allocated to someone else. If it wasn’t, I would have bought it there and then.

[Watchdog]

Both are nice, but that green dial is something special.

[travisb]

Nice comparison. I have the same pair and agree with everything you said. They make a great duo!

[Chefinspecteur]

Great review, thank you! I was thinking to add to may DSSD D-blue the Submariner LV. But I believe the LV could be to close to my GMT-II CHNR. But started to think about it again after I saw your cool pics.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Chefinspecteur

Great review, thank you! I was thinking to add to may DSSD D-blue the Submariner LV. But I believe the LV could be to close to my GMT-II CHNR. But started to think about it again after I saw your cool pics.

Anyone else notice Rolex quietly removed “Sea-Dweller” from the dial and are just calling it the “DEEPSEA” now?


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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Anyone else notice Rolex quietly removed “Sea-Dweller” from the dial and are just calling it the “DEEPSEA” now?


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Yes. I believe this was done for multiple reasons. First to separate the Sea Dweller and the Deep Sea line. That way Rolex can expand the amount of models within their own respective lineup. It’s obvious Rolex will do this as we just saw a PM DS. No doubt there will also be a PM SD or TT DS down the line at some point.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Yes. I believe this was done for multiple reasons. First to separate the Sea Dweller and the Deep Sea line. That way Rolex can expand the amount of models within their own respective lineup. It’s obvious Rolex will do this as we just saw a PM DS. No doubt there will also be a PM SD or TT DS down the line at some point.

I won’t be “upgrading” to the new model, but I love this move. It’s much cleaner on the dial and makes a clean break from the Sea-Dweller.


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[1William]

Nice review. I have owned multiples of each and currently have the SD43 and the 124060. The DSSD is a great watch and very cool with the JC dial. I will probably pick one up again at some point but for now my Submariner ND is hogging a pot of my Rolex wrist time as it is so comfortable.

[Osmin]

I always think my sub is a big watch. But this DeepSea. Crazy!
Thanks for the post.

[mailman]

Great comparison. I’m a fan of both watches. If I didn’t have to wear long sleeves and jackets five months of the year, the 126660 JC DSSD would be my daily.

[Bell904]

Perfect comparison

[Bladeshot]

Well done!


Just another WIS who loves to trade.
@bladeandwatch1 on IG

[Mystro]

This is an outstanding comparison OP. This thread feels so much like the early years of TRF informational threads.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Mystro

This is an outstanding comparison OP. This thread feels so much like the early years of TRF informational threads.

So true Mystro. Couldn’t agree more!


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[Bazil]

Great pictures and comparison, puts both watches in perspective ..