SDC vs. 16600 - Comparison Photos

[scramjet]

On the 16600 pic above, the 4 font in the date wheel, doesn't match the 4 font on the bezel...on mine, the 4 fonts are the same.
Is this a change that was made somewhere along the line?

[John in MA]

This is a good update to a modern classic IMO and this lug profile is what the new subs should have had. Much more elegant than the blocker lugs of the SubC.

The 3 dots appear to be due to the size of the numbers.

[Baselman]

With the dssd lots of people said if only not as thick , if only maxi matte dial, if only 40mm, if only no ring lock writing, if only better lugs , if only better crownguards if only updated SeaDweller - well Rolex delivered so I can't understand why it can be knocked it's a return of a classic design with upgrades it's as close to heritage as you can get is say.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Baselman

With the dssd lots of people said if only not as thick , if only maxi matte dial, if only 40mm, if only no ring lock writing, if only better lugs , if only better crownguards if only updated SeaDweller - well Rolex delivered so I can't understand why it can be knocked it's a return of a classic design with upgrades it's as close to heritage as you can get is say.

Just so, my good man. In my view, it's the perfect updating of the classic SD.

[boogiebot]

very cool thanks for posting these comparison pics. i like both versions so tough call. the new pricing makes it a lot easier to buy a pre loved version

[sBmRnR]

Originally Posted by DamageInc.77

The new font is also not really as good as the old font, in my opinion.

Here's a comparison, from the original hi-res images ;)



Thanks for sharing guys!

[Token74]

Originally Posted by Baselman

With the dssd lots of people said if only not as thick , if only maxi matte dial, if only 40mm, if only no ring lock writing, if only better lugs , if only better crownguards if only updated SeaDweller - well Rolex delivered so I can't understand why it can be knocked it's a return of a classic design with upgrades it's as close to heritage as you can get is say.

This is so true!

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by sBmRnR

Here's a comparison, from the original hi-res images ;)



Thanks for sharing guys!

Font variations are not uncommon in Rolex models.

Some DSSDs have writing like the top picture and some have writing like the bottom picture.

[Touring]

Originally Posted by Nimrod

...but what's with the four then three hash marks. It's like pink elephants; you don't think about it until you think about it then you can't stop thinking about it.

Other than that and the price juxtaposition in the line-up, it would be a hit with me.

I didn't even notice until you mentioned it, but now I realize that's why the bezel seems kind of "off" to me. They should have kept the bezel markings the same as the 16600.

[seand442]

Originally Posted by Baselman

With the dssd lots of people said if only not as thick , if only maxi matte dial, if only 40mm, if only no ring lock writing, if only better lugs , if only better crownguards if only updated SeaDweller - well Rolex delivered so I can't understand why it can be knocked it's a return of a classic design with upgrades it's as close to heritage as you can get is say.

Just proof that people will bitch about anything. There will never be one perfect watch. There might be a perfect watch for a person, but never one for all. I, for one think they knocked it out of the park. My only gripe is the price, but there I go bitching about something again.

[Token74]

Lots of Sub snobbery going on!! For some reason, there are a lot of Sub owners that have a real issue with the launch of the Dweller!

Just don't get it! Prime example is the amount of Sub owners who have slated people for wanting to add the new SD to their old SD (suggesting there is not enough of a difference because they are both 40mm!!); and yet I never hear anyone being critical of people collecting several different versions of the Sub!

Weird!

[JJL]

Damn I do like the overall look of the new one a little bit more, but not sure enough for the price differential! I've wanted this to come out so badly, now it's here and I'm pissed I won't be able to get it!

[samson66]

If all the markings on the bezel were the same size it would be perfect. That's my only complaint.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I think you're reading too much into these two photographs. I seriously doubt that the lug to lug distance on the new SD is shorter than the old one. I'll wait until I see some measurements with a caliper before making definitive statements.

Imho, The new lugs clearly look shorter, the longer older lugs were needed when the watch case had lugholes, with the diappearance of lugholes rolex cut back the lugs. The good news is the lugs like the crown guards appear to have been tapered a bit more than the other ceramic models.

Originally Posted by samson66

If all the markings on the bezel were the same size it would be perfect. That's my only complaint.

Imho it would be forced & crowded.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by subtona

Imho, The new lugs clearly look shorter, the longer older lugs were needed when the watch case had lugholes, with the diappearance of lugholes rolex cut back the lugs. The good news is the lugs like the crown guards appear to have been tapered a bit more than the other ceramic models.

I agree with you, that they look shorter for sure. The question though, is are they actually shorter when you measure them? If so, how much?

You probably remember the thread where someone measured the lugs of the Sub and GMT. After a huge amount of back and forth with some claiming no difference and others claiming a huge difference, the guy showed a fairly small but visually meaningful difference. It could be that the lugs actually are shorter (by some amount), or it could be some small change in the dial/insert/bezel making them appear shorter.

Like I said, I'd be surprised if Rolex cut the L2L down on this watch since it's already fairly reasonable for a 40mm watch. If it hasn't changed, yet the lugs actually are shorter, then something somewhere is taking up that distance. If not, this watch should wear really nicely on even a 6.25 inch wrist - perhaps that's their intention. I'm interested to find out what the real story is.

[psv]

And why didn't the new SDC come with open 6/9 date wheel? ;-)

[Micha]

well, I feel I have to justify to stick with my 16660 and 16600.....the new SD is just a bit too much in your face however....in years to come, when preloved ones are out, I may be tempted...ooops may be price is the REAL issue here

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Micha

well, I feel I have to justify to stick with my 16660 and 16600.....the new SD is just a bit too much in your face however....in years to come, when preloved ones are out, I may be tempted...ooops may be price is the REAL issue here

[JMAK]

Originally Posted by BJHofkin

Another difference I have yet to see anyone comment on: Look how much larger the scalloping is on the old vs. the new. I don't have any conclusions from that, but I thought it was interesting.

Nice observation...I also noticed that the crown guards appear to be bigger on the 116600. That adds to the chunky look.

While the 16600 is a classic, I think the 116600 is about as good an evolution as possible. Of course there are annoying details like the 3 hash marks but I can totally see that being called a "charming" or "unique" feature down the road once the dust settles. As for the "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" on the inside ring...that's just plain ugly but hardly noticeable in real life. If it's an actual anti-counterfeit feature then I can live with it. About the only thing that would have made it really bad-ass is a domed crystal. And that bracelet/clasp...let's face it...it's light years ahead of the old bracelet/clasp.

I can totally see myself picking one up in the used market down the road but it wouldn't be to replace my 16600. I'd have to have them both!

[rickyslam]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. I do like the minute marks that go all around on the ceramic bezel compared to the 16600 bezel.

[Pict]

Hi all, my first post!

2 lovely watches

I own the old one which I love to bits and I very much like the modern twist that Rolex have acheived with the new one, if anything I think that being so akin does great justice to the old design. I think Rolex have got this spot on.

Would I buy the new one? oh yes, could I? well no not really as its too pricey for me.

This, however is why I think the 16600 might do well, or even better on the used market as many will be in that exact same position in that they will want the new one but it will be out of reach but by then they will have been drawn to the SD and may well buy used. Both watches will do well, I think.

[sea-dweller]

Great photos!

[Brandon(phila)]

They all look the same from 10ft away...

Even the best WIS eyes can't tell the difference between a DSSD, Sub, SUBc, SD, SDc, GMTII master (Black bezel) from 10ft away....oh yeah we know it's a Rolex and I can spot an oyster bracelet from 100yards

BUT you need to be within 5 ft before you can actually tell or see a difference.

You bet soon as there is word that they are out, I'll be at the AD seeing one in the metal

[wm5382]

omg i am in love

i might have to tradr my old sd for the sd c

hope my wife doesn't kill me for that

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk

[Clay]

~Open six date wheel
~Lug holes
~Domed crystal
~No "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" writing
~No ceramic Bezel


Oh, and cut the price in half...

In case anyone from Rolex is listening...

[alanc]

Has the clasp been updated to the glidelock? If so, that to me would be the only reason to buy the SDC over a like-new 16600.

[BJHofkin]

Only (minor) gripe is I kind of wish it had a domed crystal like the Deepsea!

[Survivor]

Like them both but would definitely stay with the 16600....can't see paying double for the 116600..........not enough bang for the buck

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by Baselman

With the dssd lots of people said if only not as thick , if only maxi matte dial, if only 40mm, if only no ring lock writing, if only better lugs , if only better crownguards if only updated SeaDweller - well Rolex delivered so I can't understand why it can be knocked it's a return of a classic design with upgrades it's as close to heritage as you can get is say.

Maybe an $11,000 price tag might have something to do with it

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Clay

~Open six date wheel
~Lug holes
~Domed crystal
~No "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" writing
~No ceramic Bezel


Oh, and cut the price in half...

In case anyone from Rolex is listening...

I'd rather Rolex ignore everything you just said. However, you could get four out of five of that criteria in an older 16600 and if you go into the late 70s early 80s vintage you could get five out of five.
So I'd rather have the new options in this new SD4C, Rolex did a very good job, but I agree about the price, although at $10.4k USD it isn't that bad and in the middle of the dive line.