Classic design or hormonal Submariner ?

[doramas]

116600 vs 126600:

It's clear to me, I prefer the classic SD design to a hormone Submariner, and even more so considering that the 116600 was the last of its kind and on top of that has the 3135 movement, much more proven and more reliable considering the problems of some units with the 3235 movement.

What is your opinion?

[jamesbondOO7]

16600

[DLRIDES]

.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

I don’t think the 116610 would be considered a “classic” design, as it was only produced for 10 years, and controversial since introduction.

There are dozens of threads and several polls comparing the two which answer your question.

And what does 116610 have to do with the question of SD4K vs SD43, exactly?

To me SD43 is a Submariner+, SD4K is SD. Purely from design standpoint.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by georgekart

And what does 116610 have to do with the question of SD4K vs SD43, exactly?

To me SD43 is a Submariner+, SD4K is SD. Purely from design standpoint.

Pfffft ....... you’re right ! My bad, read it wrong, carry on .............

[ROLEX*]

SD43 has red fonts and carries 50 anniversary title.

[Rashid.bk]

They both offer something special. Rolex is smart, that red lettering gives the SD43 a ton of legacy credentials. If anyone doesn’t understand it’s relevance, it went over your head.
Nothing wrong with either choice and based on design both are Sea Dwellers, size means crap, the new Sub isn’t 40mm anymore and the next gen might jump again to 42mm. The only ding is the cyclops for which if you’re such a purist, just simply take it off.
But any true real hardcore fan of the classic Sea Dweller reference would have all three in his collection, that’s right the Deepsea too, the baddest asstest Sea Dweller to ever live.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by ROLEX*

SD43 has red fonts and carries 50 anniversary title.

Yes! (huge details)

[Brian Page]

The SD43 doesn't have a place for me. I tried to love it, owned it, but in the end I was reaching for my DSSD when I had the urge for a larger Rolex on my wrist. I think it's pretty evident what the market is thinking if you've been watching the price creep on the SD4000.

[Chute]

I waited and waited before ever buying a Rolex dive watch.
When the SD4k 116600 came out in 2014, I finally pulled the trigger and I’m so glad I did.
IMHO if you could only have one Rolex dive watch it would be the 116600

[Chester01]

Well, for me it’s the 16610, because that’s the one on my wrist for the last 20+ years and any new model that comes out cannot replace the life lived in that watch. For the looks, growing up in the 80’s the 5 Digit references and the ones that still look like them are preferred, for my taste but also because I have a smaller wrist and am not comfortable advertising I’m wearing a Rolex so traditional lugs and less shine on the bezel is also a preference.

[brucethemanlee]

SD4K without question for me

I like the red on SD43, but why did have to put cyclops on and increase the size to 43?

[subtona]

Agree prefer the 116600.

Either would be worlds better for me without date window.

[Robert Bruce]

When you look at it, it's clear the SD43's extra diameter is all in the bezel and rehaut, none in the dial. That doesn't make sense to me. If Rolex had expanded the dial to suit the larger case, I would been on it like white on rice. Instead I went with the 126610LN, which does seem to have a larger dial, if only slightly. I had an SD4K and loved it, but I think I like the Sub even a bit more.

[brandrea]

I’m aroused by either ... is that what you mean by hormonal?

[doramas]

Only 116600 excites me.

[Cru Jones]

They are both Sea-Dwellers to me. I don’t see why it’s and “either or” question.

That being said, 122610 in a heartbeat. Tougher call with a 5-digit with lug holes.

[JonaG]

I think a few people are getting confused b/c of your title! Out of the 2 SDs I would also go with the SD4K. Classic size, no cyclops but modern bracelet, dial and C bezel.

[Wools]

Both look great and are unique.

SD is too big for an everyday watch for me but I love the purpose. Submariner is a far better and more comfortable everyday watch and is a classic.

Personally, it’s the Sub for me. But if you have a big wrist then the SD would look great.

[JonaG]

Originally Posted by Wools

Both look great and are unique.

SD is too big for an everyday watch for me but I love the purpose. Submariner is a far better and more comfortable everyday watch and is a classic.

Personally, it’s the Sub for me. But if you have a big wrist then the SD would look great.

They are both SDs, look carefully

[JSolution]

sd43 for me. i love that the cyclops is on it. perfectly built watch for me personally, And one im not afraid to bang up say compared to for instance my sky dweller.

[Guinness58]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Well, for me it’s the 16610, because that’s the one on my wrist for the last 20+ years and any new model that comes out cannot replace the life lived in that watch. For the looks, growing up in the 80’s the 5 Digit references and the ones that still look like them are preferred, for my taste but also because I have a smaller wrist and am not comfortable advertising I’m wearing a Rolex so traditional lugs and less shine on the bezel is also a preference.

I am with you, have been wearing my 5 digit sub since 1998. Would love to pick up the 16600 SD at some point. Have not had an opportunity to try on the SD43, it might change my mind. Anyone here have both? Please share your thoughts if so.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Well, for me it’s the 16610, because that’s the one on my wrist for the last 20+ years and any new model that comes out cannot replace the life lived in that watch. For the looks, growing up in the 80’s the 5 Digit references and the ones that still look like them are preferred, for my taste but also because I have a smaller wrist and am not comfortable advertising I’m wearing a Rolex so traditional lugs and less shine on the bezel is also a preference.

SD43 is a great watch. Sits perfectly and feels comfortable. And the technology evolves, so newer models are supposed to be better, more accurate and reliable than the ones made 20+ years ago. As to the looks, it's very subjective. Something new is not always welcome, just because it is different.
I understand that, after you've been wearing your watch for 20 years, it becomes the best watch ever made in the world. It's like comparing your child to someone else's. Of course, your child is smarter and looks better.

[mike morris]

116600 best!

[Mr. Superlative]

The SD4k is one of the most underrated watches Rolex ever made. Personally, I would opt for it over many others in the current and historic range. Superb watch.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by ce027772

SD43 is a great watch. Sits perfectly and feels comfortable. And the technology evolves, so newer models are supposed to be better, more accurate and reliable than the ones made 20+ years ago. As to the looks, it's very subjective. Something new is not always welcome, just because it is different.
I understand that, after you've been wearing your watch for 20 years, it becomes the best watch ever made in the world. It's like comparing your child to someone else's. Of course, your child is smarter and looks better.

Well, let’s see. The improvements made on these new models, and cosmetic more than anything else. So the so called improved bracelets, just add heft (more weight flopping around) without strength as old and new bracelets are only as strong as the pins. My 16610 has 4/5 fine adjustments. The ceramics add unwelcome bling using 40 year old technology and are more likely to fail. Oh, and my 20+ year old 16610, runs +2 seconds per day. But yes somewhat subjective but Rolex has gotten lazy and their so called improvements are primarily to justify their higher costs. But the improvements in your SD are not functionally better at all. My watch is lighter, and when you mountain bike, play golf, snow board, basketball, climb in your watch, heft slapping around is not desirable.


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[Fabrice M]

I had them both, still have the SD4K but ended selling the 126600. It was too chunky, and too obvious. It screams “Rolex on my wrist”. it wasn’t for me, I like to be somewhat inconspicuous when wearing one of my watches, and this one was just too much. The SD4k is just right in that regard.

[ce027772]

Originally Posted by Chester01

My watch is lighter, and when you mountain bike, play golf, snow board, basketball, climb in your watch, heft slapping around is not desirable.


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We are talking about Sea-Dweller, right? It's designed for diving, not mountain biking, playing basketball or climbing. Has anyone tried to use it for the intended purpose? I don't mountain bike in my SD43.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by ce027772

We are talking about Sea-Dweller, right? It's designed for diving, not mountain biking, playing basketball or climbing. Has anyone tried to use it for the intended purpose? I don't mountain bike in my SD43.

Sure. Are you diving in your SD?


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[ce027772]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Sure. Are you diving in your SD?


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Sure. It's funny how you complain that a diving watch is not good enough for climbing or whatever else. Try diving and let me know how it feels.