SD4k - Ref: 116600

[Linuxpenguins]

In my opinion the SD 4000 is one of the best sports pieces out there.

Only made for 3 years, this rare reference 116600 features a unique 40mm case, bezel, and Matt dial, infact Rolex have never invested so much R&D in such a short production piece. Waterproof to an incredible 4000ft, fitted to a robust steel Oyster bracelet with excellent Glidelock clasp including built in dive extension link).

Has anyone purchased one recently? They’re disappearing from the shelves ever so quickly in U.K.!

Let’s see some photos!

[-Ally-]

People didn’t want them at £6/7k but are now falling over themselves for them at £13k+

What a time to be alive.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by -Ally-

People didn’t want them at £6/7k but are now falling over themselves for them at £13k+

What a time to be alive.

I agree. People always want what they can’t have. I suspect in two to three years you’ll not be able to buy one without paying an even larger mark up.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by -Ally-

People didn’t want them at £6/7k but are now falling over themselves for them at £13k+

What a time to be alive.

Wisdom!

About 32 years ago, I worked at a large Los Angeles nightclub. The club had a "VIP" room (no, not the kind with private dances). One certain nights, special events would be held there, such as parties for some celebrity, or the wrap party for a film production. There was a separate bar, tables, chairs, a small stage area for a band, etc. On those nights, there would be a fellow, sometimes me, with a guest list and strict instructions not to allow anyone in, except those on the list.On nights when no special event or promotion was planned, the "VIP room" was just another part of the club, with its own bar, but open to any club goer. No rope, no guest list.

Well, if there was no guest list...no one wanted to go in. We couldn't pay people to go into the damn room. But, put a guy in a suit at a podium with a list, telling people, "No, you can't come in"...and then the line would form, and bribes were offered. I was frequently astonished at how desperate people would be to get into that VIP room, or the hard to access DJ booth, or even to get through the ropes at the front entrance, where the promoters would carefully select from a line of hopefuls who would be allowed in. The lengths some would go, to the point of begging, pleading, flirting...to the point of self humiliation.

Quite a lesson in human nature, and relevant to the current watch situation. Scarcity and exclusivity have always been powerful sales (manipulation) techniques. And, always will be. It's not just that people want what they can't have...it's that people don't value what they CAN have as much as what is just out of reach but holds the promise, if illusory, of affirmation.

[Glidelock]

The first few years Daytona’s were produced, nobody wanted them, Red Sub’s…same! When I bought my 1st year production 116610LV at a discount, nearly every thread I read on the forums was about how it was Too Green, or Cartoonish. When I bought my 1st year run of the 116600, again…at a discount, nobody wanted one! In fact, that watch, because I feel like it wears better than than the Maxi Case on my 116610 Sub’s, truly became my daily wearer for many years, until I picked up a 126610 last year. Which, btw feels like has the best dimensions of any sub Ever!

[Linuxpenguins]

Yeah. Some good comments!

[Brian Page]

Love mine... And yes they aren't making any more...

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[1665fan]

Hulk and Kermit were dogs when they first came out as well…..now hulks are north of 25k

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Love mine... And yes they aren't making any more...

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

Simply beautiful.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Hulk and Kermit were dogs when they first came out as well…..now hulks are north of 25k

Crazy isn’t it! They’re definitely becoming more difficult to obtain.

[gr33n]

Try to obtain a brand new in box 116600, stickers in place. Impossible now.

Its value will grow in the future. A keeper, for its look, its engineery and value.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Hulk and Kermit were dogs when they first came out as well…..now hulks are north of 25k

Indeed, so was the Daytona. Today's dogs are tommorow's hot pieces.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

In my opinion the SD 4000 is one of the best sports pieces out there.

Only made for 3 years, this rare reference 116600 features a unique 40mm case, bezel, and Matt dial, infact Rolex have never invested so much R&D in such a short production piece. Waterproof to an incredible 4000ft, fitted to a robust steel Oyster bracelet with excellent Glidelock clasp including built in dive extension link).

Has anyone purchased one recently? They’re disappearing from the shelves ever so quickly in U.K.!

Let’s see some photos!

The R&D for this watch was done in the 80's, no R&D was needed. In fact nothing was needed except a reprogramming of the robots for the new dimensions. The Sea-Dweller existed for decades before so it was just a reissue, same for pretty much every new Rolex aside from the Deepsea, SkyDweller and YM2 which are new technical beasts.
The SD4K costs Rolex nothing to make and as was the case before, it was a slow seller and not too popular and now people want it because of hype and investor potential. Honestly I don't even think in todays climate production numbers even matter. The Sub LV and GMT2C LN(longest production six digit ceramic Rolex) were produced in larger quantities are selling for ridiculous money.
If you're into that, then it's a good gamble. For me it's a great watch but I prefer others.

Enjoy that bad boy, at the very least it's unique as a Rolex diver. Matte dials and no cyclops are obsolete within the diver catalog save for the Deepsea black dial, another slow generally unpopular watch that people are frothing at the mouth for Rolex to discontinue, meanwhile it's my favorite Rolex sports model, go figure.

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Indeed, so was the Daytona. Today's dogs are tommorow's hot pieces.

Hurry up and get an Airking then. Just wait out the unpopular era and in thirty years you can be so cool because at 60-70 years old that's what we all aspire too, talk about how valuable and rare some watch is.

[Yas.2k]

Not everyone can pull it off though. Where as the others mentioned ( hulk, Daytona) wear better all round

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Yas.2k

Not everyone can pull it off though. Where as the others mentioned ( hulk, Daytona) wear better all round

I dont know anyone who wouldn’t be able to pull it off. The dimensions are near on perfect.

[trackingtime]

Originally Posted by gr33n

Try to obtain a brand new in box 116600, stickers in place. Impossible now.

Its value will grow in the future. A keeper, for its look, its engineery and value.

it is possible. at the right price

[Yas.2k]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

I dont know anyone who wouldn’t be able to pull it off. The dimensions are near on perfect.

I had one but sold it. I only have a 6.5ish inch wrist. It was too big for me.

[tutofrecsa]

Funny for me it’s was between a sub and the sea dweller went with the sea couldn’t be happier .. z that was 6 years ago


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[ikincooper]

Missing mine whilst it’s off for a service. It’s been my daily wearer for the past 3 years or so. Only in for a service since a strange rota noise started about a month ago.

I find it fits my smaller wrist better than the newer Maxi case watches and can’t wait to get it back looking almost like new…




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[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by ikincooper

Missing mine whilst it’s off for a service. It’s been my daily wearer for the past 3 years or so. Only in for a service since a strange rota noise started about a month ago.

I find it fits my smaller wrist better than the newer Maxi case watches and can’t wait to get it back looking almost like new…




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’ll come back immaculate with a 2yr warranty. I missed mine immensely.

Never sell. It’s likely to continue its upward trajectory and irrespective, it’s by far the best Rolex sports.

They are becoming rare as the years roll by.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Yas.2k

I had one but sold it. I only have a 6.5ish inch wrist. It was too big for me.

Sorry to hear that. I hope you don’t end up regretting it.

[kilyung]

Funny… I bought my 116600 in 2014 as an overseas “dispensable” watch after all the “is it safe to wear…” threads about overseas dangers of wearing a Rolex in bad areas. Didn’t want to risk my PM models. It’s put on a few miles since then but still going strong. I still wear it as my more carefree watch. Maybe after it’s first service (no polish, just crystal replacement and movement service), I’ll be more judicious with it.

[-Ally-]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Sorry to hear that. I hope you don’t end up regretting it.

I had one too and sold it, the only thing regrettable was the timing of the sale, although, I wouldn’t have another even at the price I sold at. Silly end links, matt dial and stupidly positioned date window.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by -Ally-

I had one too and sold it, the only thing regrettable was the timing of the sale, although, I wouldn’t have another even at the price I sold at. Silly end links, matt dial and stupidly positioned date window.

Not sure the wider community would agree, but I appreciate your opinion. :)

[-Ally-]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Not sure the wider community would agree, but I appreciate your opinion. :)

fwiw, I replaced it with a 16600 and a 126600. The latter gets less wear than the 116600 did

[Linuxpenguins]

Two watches is always better than one :p

But I can’t help feel that you’ve let a gem pass through your fingers! ;)

[Alex71168]

Love mine, great proportions, wears better than my maxi case watches, one of my favourites, I think it’s definitely an under rated watch. Better looking than a submariner date, balanced dial due to no cyclops, great ceramic graduated bezel. Oysterlock too

Great watch

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Alex71168

Love mine, great proportions, wears better than my maxi case watches, one of my favourites, I think it’s definitely an under rated watch. Better looking than a submariner date, balanced dial due to no cyclops, great ceramic graduated bezel. Oysterlock too

Great watch

This.

It’s just a phenomenal watch.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

This.

It’s just a phenomenal watch.

And the Endlinks are equally phenominal which are only equalled by those on the 116660

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

Two watches is always better than one :p

But I can’t help feel that you’ve let a gem pass through your fingers! ;)

You may be correct.
I saw one the other day beside a 116660 D-blue in a used watch dealer's display. The asking price for the Sea-Dweller was higher by a good margin and they both looked wonderful with box and papers