SD43 The Biggest Sub-C No-Date Seller?

[Iloreyix]

I do see the beauty in the new SD43.
But I prefer the clean shiny black dial of the no-date subs, and of course the old SD4K.

Today, the only BNIB sub choice without a cyclops is the sub-C no date.

Do you think the addition of the cyclops on the new SD43 will sell more no-date subs for those who really want to -not - see a cyclops?

[904VT]

Perhaps for those that wanted/needed the smaller size. I could see a good portion of others also deciding to look to something like the D-Blue as well.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by Iloreyix

I do see the beauty in the new SD43.
But I prefer the clean shiny black dial of the no-date subs, and of course the old SD4K.

Today, the only BNIB sub choice without a cyclops is the sub-C no date.

Do you think the addition of the cyclops on the new SD43 will sell more no-date subs for those who really want to -not - see a cyclops?

I believe the sub date or no date will sell just as well as it's always have and the SD43 will sell slowly after the hype dies down in the first phase.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Iloreyix

I prefer the clean shiny black dial of the no-date subs, and of course the old SD4K.

Today, the only BNIB sub choice without a cyclops is the sub-C no date.

Do you think the addition of the cyclops on the new SD43 will sell more no-date subs for those who really want to -not - see a cyclops?

No, but I can see it pushing people toward the DSSD except it doesn't have a shiny black dial but it does have a lovely domed Saphire crystal.
Of course that could be changed with a different paint job at Rolex's choosing any time in the future.

[HogwldFLTR]

Cost says no.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by sensui

I believe the sub date or no date will sell just as well as it's always have and the SD43 will sell slowly after the hype dies down in the first phase.

I foresee a change in the dynamic in the fullness of time.
The Subs will become the "go to" boys watch or the watch that more easily fits under a shirt cuff if one wants a Rolex diver.
In addition, the SS no date sub will also become "the" Rolex diver economy model, or entry level model if one prefers.

There's no crystal ball and it's hard to predict, but looking at current trends in the market and throughout society, perhaps we should re-visit this question in about 15-20 years time.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Cost says no.

Cost is one aspect for sure.
Perceived value is another matter.

[Foxglove]

people aren't going to make that decision. The Sub vs SD43 question will come down to size for almost everyone ; cost for some others. Very few will make the decision based on the cyclops as the driving factor.

[RHIII]

The 14060 and 114060 are the quintessential Submariners - in my opinion. And they also happen to be my favorite Sub references.

This reference does and will continue to capture the eye of the purists.

While I don't particularly care for it. I don't think the cyclops on the new Sea Dweller will turn people away or increase sales of other references for a plethora of reasons.


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[AK797]

I suppose it will for those that hate the Cyclops and have no other new alternative now on the Diver ceramics. Don't think it will be anything significant tho.

[VicLeChic]

My take is the new SD43 (or SD50 whichever we want to call it) will steal sales from the Submariner Date 116610LN but will leave the Submariner ref 114060 unscathed.

[anakyn101]

Originally Posted by Dirt

I foresee a change in the dynamic in the fullness of time.
The Subs will become the "go to" boys watch or the watch that more easily fits under a shirt cuff if one wants a Rolex diver.
In addition, the SS no date sub will also become "the" Rolex diver economy model, or entry level model if one prefers.

There's no crystal ball and it's hard to predict, but looking at current trends in the market and throughout society, perhaps we should re-visit this question in about 15-20 years time.

Great analysis!

[Jack T]

If Rolex designed and sold watches based on the likes, dislikes and critiques of the WIS on here and other sights, they'd go broke.

[esscaster]

I don't think so because there is quite a significant cost difference, but also because it's big and heavy. I'm 6'0" and I consider the 40mm supercase designs to already be at the upper limit of what I want to wear.

[brandrea]

I have a feeling that the SD43 opens up a new category of buyer for the brand.

I think 40 mm is still the Rolex wheel house, but others who've wanted a larger diver but a bit more wearable than the DSSD will love this one.

[Iloreyix]

Originally Posted by Jack T

If Rolex designed and sold watches based on the likes, dislikes and critiques of the WIS on here and other sights, they'd go broke.

Good point - They must design their new models though from market forces. Obviously they felt bigger and cyclops was going to sell more.
Time will tell.

[pd999]

Originally Posted by sensui

... Sd43 will sell slowly after the hype dies down in the first phase.

+1

[Cru Jones]

Put simply: no.

The cyclops is Rolex. If someone has such an issue with the cyclops, why even buy a Rolex?

Cost and size will be the biggest drivers for 99.9% of people.

[eonflux]

I'm not sure there was a lot of cross-shopping between the no-date Sub and the SD40:
- Significant price difference (I think some see the no-date Sub as the value option)
- The SD40 dial really isn't symmetric given the awkward date placement (same with DSSD)
- Date or no date is a significant factor to many

So I don't think no-date Sub sales will be affected much
But the SD43 may affect sales of the date SubC and the black DSSD, stealing away some buyers from both

[henry333]

Price !

[Hotrod297]

I don't see any cause and affect factor between these 2 model.

I know where you're going, but I don't see it?

[Gary.]

I almost bought the SD4k over the ND but in the end it came down to the fact that the Sub' was more comfortable, less awkwardly proportioned and had a better balanced, black glossy dial. The cost was not really an issue because neither is cheap and regrets down the road are usually going to be more expensive than paying for what you want up front.
I got down to those two, though, from a group that also contained the BLNR, LV and pain, old 36mm OP. I think most people shopping for a Rolex are going to be considering more than two watches, at least at the start. The SD50's most obvious competition might be the Sub' Date and the DS but there are other models which might also be alternatives depending on what someone is looking for.
Larger sports watch? Explorer II.
Don't want to be another Sub' guy? GMT Master.
ETC
My feeling is that we all have things which we are looking for and often our final reasons for choosing a particular model seem (infuriatingly) illogical to the majority of other people. Some will "get" it, though. That's what makes these discussions possible.

[mahefa]

I think this will be a watch that is totally forgotten latest after Basel 2018.

[ejvette]

Originally Posted by sensui

the SD43 will sell slowly after the hype dies down in the first phase.

Agree totally unless they limit production like the DaytonaC which is highly unlikely

[Lemieux66]

Originally Posted by mahefa

I think this will be a watch that is totally forgotten latest after Basel 2018.

What makes you say that?

[mahefa]

Originally Posted by Lemieux66

What makes you say that?

Thank you for your question. Nice watch, i like it. But, no actual basis for hype, no actual huge demand. Close contacts to Geneve and Swiss AD's help as well.

Not so hard to read what is real demand and what is "this is/will be so rare" type of fairytale. Rolex marketing is wide, deep and strategally high-end. But they are human beings who make that, so it has it's loopholes like every other thing in this world.

Rolex will not be like Swiss government who kept Swiss Franc most stable currency in the world by buying 480 billion worth of euros, with money made by themselves. When they stopped that 15th of January 2015, millions of people got fucked up and billions of money was lost, althought not in Switzerland. This is just metaphora of artificial market.

Rolex can't keep up any hype without real worldwide demand, as there is no business to them.

[1William]

Two very different watches. The size and price are the big ones.

[travisb]

I think Subs will always outsell SDs and DSSDs. It's the staple in the Pro line. The SD will bring in the buyer that finds the DSSD too big and wants something a little more than a Sub. Also, take into consideration the 4k price difference between a 114060 and 126600.
IMO sales of the 114060 won't be affected by the new SD.

[mahefa]

Originally Posted by travisb

I think Subs will always outsell SDs and DSSDs. It's the staple in the Pro line. The SD will bring in the buyer that finds the DSSD too big and wants something a little more than a Sub. Also, take into consideration the 4k price difference between a 114060 and 126600.
IMO sales of the 114060 won't be affected by the new SD.

Yeah, Submariner is so strong as it is so solid and practical and good looking watch. I have the DSSD Blue and its very beautiful and solid, but its big and real value without going to few kilometers under water is quite minimal compared to Submariner which is also well balanced watch.

43 Sea-Dweller is a bit like bigger Submariner with 50% price increase. I think it is hard for people to find value in that if they are seeking for daily watch to wear and not just collecting.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I have a feeling that the SD43 opens up a new category of buyer for the brand.

I think 40 mm is still the Rolex wheel house, but others who've wanted a larger diver but a bit more wearable than the DSSD will love this one.

This just about sums it up!