Second Thoughts on the SD, Do I really want a Sub-Date. AHHHH

[chris_nor_cal]

Ever since i got my SD last month I've been agonizing over my decision. When I was considering which Rolex to get (my only nice watch btw), I considered 3 watches, Sub, Sub-Date, and SD. When I tried on all 3 at the dealer I immediately loved the feel of the Sub and the Sub-Date--they fit naturally on my wrist, centered and very comfortable. The SD I thought to be too bulky and sitting too high on the wrist. (I do dive, but I wear a suit to work every day and I was concerned it wouldn't fit under a shirt sleeve [it in fact does]) After a few times trying them on I realized that the date was a necessary feature I must have in a watch so the Sub was nixed from the choices, leaving the Sub-Date and the SD.


From the beginning of my search for a nice watch I've had a problem with the Bubble on Rolex watches--I didn't like the look. I didn't like the fact that the hands would disappear behind the bubble when the hands were in the 3 o'clock position, you couldn't tell exactly what time it was when the hands were around the bubble, and in bright light the bubble sometimes reflected on the date making it difficult to see--furthermore you had to be looking dead on to make out the date.

This dislike of the bubble led me to shy away and look at the SD. After wearing it around the dealer and looking in a couple mirrors I decided that it didn't look too big, and it had a date but no bubble, and I could get away with the size because I'm so manly Plus I really liked the engraved case back. That was it--I went home with the SD.

FastForward one month. I've realized that the SD doesn't sit evenly on my wrist like the Sub and Sub-Date did in the dealer. The clasp isn't even on the back of my wrist and since its such a top heavy watch--flopping back and forth--I've had to tighten the band more then I normally would so it doesn't move around on me. (I wear it with one link removed and one micro pin in from the outside of the clasp) Now maybe that is just the way this watch is worn and I have to get used to it, but I was in the dealer yesterday and tried on the Sub-Date again and was amazed at how much more comfortable it was to wear. The case itself is lighter and thinner and doesn't flop around, and the the clasp is in the middle of the back of my wrist. Of course with all these new realizations the Bubble starts not looking so bad now

I am only going to have one Rolex. So I don't' know what I should do. Do I flip the SD and get the Sub-Date. I feel like I wish I could borrow one for a week to see if I like it. Do I really need 4000 feet? Am I really that much of a dweeb that I'm going to feel Depth-Envy if I go to the 1000ft Sub-Date? Am I going to end up not liking the Bubble and wish I had kept the tank tool watch or is the Sub-Date and equal contender. You guys need to give me some feedback because I'm obsessing over this and its driving me insane. Thanks for listening to my rant.

[JJ Irani]

Hi Chris,

I can understand your plight!!!

You know what? The first thing you should do is go back to your AD and ask him to resize the bracelet properly so the clasp sits centralised on your wrist.

If you're still not happy with what he does with tbe bracelet, then ask him if he'd do a trade in at a minimal loss to you.

If you feel the loss is too much, then advertise your SD on this forum and hopefully you should get most of your $$$ back.

Once you have the cash in hand, choose one more time, but choose wisely!!

Good luck - JJ

[chris_nor_cal]

JJ, Thanks for the quick reply. I've adjusted the bracelet so the tightness is OK, the problem (and it is really minor) is that the clasp is not really centered on the back of my wrist. The link would need to come out of the 6 o'clock side of the watch and there is no removable link on that side of the SD bracelet as you know. This is why the 4 1/2 links on the 6 o'clock side of the Sub and Sub-Date bracelets fit me better.

I highly doubt the dealer will go for the trade. If I end up selling it, I most likely will end up selling it to a trusted WIS here and taking a small loss.

PS. You guys/gals who have both a SD and a Sub-Date. Is the lume any brighter/longer lasting on the Sub-Date due to the thinner crystal?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

JJ, Thanks for the quick reply. I've adjusted the bracelet so the tightness is OK, the problem (and it is really minor) is that the clasp is not really centered on the back of my wrist. The link would need to come out of the 6 o'clock side of the watch and there is no removable link on that side of the SD bracelet as you know. This is why the 4 1/2 links on the 6 o'clock side of the Sub and Sub-Date bracelets fit me better.

I highly doubt the dealer will go for the trade. If I end up selling it, I most likely will end up selling it to a trusted WIS here and taking a small loss.

PS. You guys/gals who have both a SD and a Sub-Date. Is the lume any brighter/longer lasting on the Sub-Date due to the thinner crystal?

Chris,

I find the best lume from an Exp-II white dial. Having owned practically every model, I'm a wee bit disappointed with the SD lume. In fact, I find the Blue Sub lume better.

I still say take it to your AD and see how he can help you take off one link from the '6' side. The reason why your clasp is NOT centralised is because you have taken off the link from the '12' side making the whole arrangement lopsided.

Best - JJ

[chris_nor_cal]

JJ, I now see your point about the lopsided thing, I will go in and give it a shot. I'm assuming the only solution to try is to add the link back to the 12 o'clock side and then take in all the micro adjustment spots. The dealer told me there is no way to remove a link from the 6 o'clock side as there is no screw to do it--there is only the possibility to add a link to this side. Glad to hear the lume on the Sub-Date is better than the SD.

By far this has been my greatest disappointment when coming to Rolex. I used to have an Omega 2254.50 and the lume was outstanding. Now, due to the decreased surface area of the Rolex hands I knew not to expect the same intensity as the Omega, but when I got the SD home the first night and was playing in the dark with it I was honestly a bit crushed. The lume is one of the things I enjoy most about these sport watches and the SD hands disappear in a matter of minutes--truly unfortunate.

Thanks again for your insight.

Cheers

[worktolivelife]

Can't see the lume on the standard sub being any better than a SD!!!!!!!!! same hands ?,same movement now if you go for a "maxi Dial" LV!!!!

steve

[Mrdi]

redheads, brunettes, blonds..
Tough decision when they are all so attractive.

Best,

Mrdi

[Kris]

Sounds like you've got some small wrists there.

What's a' matter? The SD too much watch for ya' Maybe junior needs a midsize.

Suck it up and wear that watch proudly

[langejl]

I had the same problem. I couldn't decide on the SD or the sub-date. I started out wanting at SD and at the last moment while purchasing I switched to the sub-date. I too thought I would have depth envy...but that all subsided after wearing my sub date for a while. Although I don't think it would be that much of a difference and you should stick with the SD.

[mike]

There's an easy answer to this,

[Solo118]

I would opt for the GMT before the sub date

[Solar]

I know what you mean Chris; I chose the Sea Dweller when it was a choice between a Sub no date and a Sub Date. I had done some research on this and other forums, and had seen reviews which showed the Sub and Sea Dweller side by side. The Dweller was beefier in body, bracelet and crystal.

I figured that if I was only to have one Rolex (and at the time I figured I would never have more than one.....did you read my recent review on my new GMT II? ), I wanted to have the most durable, toughest one I could choose. Hence, the SD.

I found it a bit wrist heavy, no doubt, but became accustomed to it. Now, since having the GMT II, I really notice the weight difference, since the 16710 GMT II is lighter, thinner and has the twinlock crown, which is smaller and which does not push into the wrist...

I basically wear the two in rotation. And you're right about the cyclops; its a neat feature but it does reflect light and is has its distractions and the clean crystal of the SD is a plus.

Seeing how I'm progressing in my Rolexing, if I make anotehr purchase, it would probably be a Sub Date or the Explorer II, both of which would offer something different from what I already have.

In the end, there's always a trade off. If you have a nagging doubt about the comfort of your SD, then test drive the other stainless sports models at your AD and if you want to make a switch, do so. In the end, the Rolex you buy will doubtless last your lifetime, so you might as well be happy with it.

Take your time and make your choice with the benefit of information.

C

[Xkalifornian]

It may sound like sacrilege, but if you do decide to sell the Seadweller and get the Sub date, it doesn't take much for an experienced watchman to remove the cyclops. Now you have the best of both worlds. Just a thought.
Regards, Mark

[chris_nor_cal]

Mike, getting both is not an option unfortunately..... Frankly, I don't know how I'd feel owning both anyway, they're very familiar and I have a feeling one of them would end up being neglected.

As for having a small wrist, I don't think its particularly small. I'm 6'3 200, pretty average all around, wrists are normal. Maybe you're right and I do just need to suck it up......?

Solar, thanks for your input. Our pre-purchase thought processes were remarkably similar.

[sub2004]

chris mate how are ya from down under new zealand?

I went through the same as you mate. JJ tld me not to get the SD and thank gosh i didnt. I had to have 2 links taken out of my sub which actually evened out the watch for me.

However after playing with the sd up close, i have come to realise that its too top heavy and if it slides up, it crushes into the wrist bone.

Mate saying you dont like the "bubble" on a rollie is like saying you dont like beer with your curry, or cheese on your pizza.

Mate trust me, you will be happier with the sub, esp as your only nice watch. Nothing wrong with the sd mate, but as your only watch you have to go for the quintessential in look, comfort and value : ss sub date mate.

[Mr.RadioActive]

When I bought my SD, I had the same issue, I had it resized and then it fit like a glove. However honestly after a short time, I knew i blew it, and wanted more of a dress watch, and bought a datejust and never looked back.

[Blue Bull]

If you need to remove links from the bracelet,the Dweller is too big.I wear mine at maximum setting,I have large wrists.I like the weight and dont find it top heavy.I find it more comfy compared to my Blue TT Sub.

This is a good lesson .... smaller wrists go Sub/date,larger wrists ,go Sea -Dweller.I personally love the design of the Sea-Dweller

When you purchase a Rolex there should be no doubt.Rather take a week or two longer and make the right decision.Trying to sell a new Rolex thats one month old is bad "investing".

Try and adjust the bracelet and see if you can get it to wear comfy,try and centre the clasp,thats a good beginning.Then enjoy the Dweller ...

[Andad]

I left my sub date, blue TT sub and SD (jj's as you probably know by now) in the sun this afternoon for exactly 10 minutes and checked the lume. I really couldn't tell the difference after one hour.
I like them all but if PCTS I would rate them.

1. Blue TT sub
2. SD
3. Subdate.

As an aside JJ is the best.The funds transfer for the SD was made on Friday afternoon, JJ posted the watch express international on Saturday morning at 9.00AM and I had it on my wrist on Tuesday afternoon.
He is a STAR

It was immaculate as you would all expect and I am test driving it this week.

ec

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by Mrdi

redheads, brunettes, blonds..
Tough decision when they are all so attractive.

[chris_nor_cal]

You know what gents, I'm keeping the Sea-Dweller. The more I look at this watch the more I love its rugged tool watch appearance, clean lines and raised crystal. I've got it fitting fine now. I have a feeling there will be other nice swiss watches in the future to satisfy my cravings for a bubble :)

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I left my sub date, blue TT sub and SD (jj's as you probably know by now) in the sun this afternoon for exactly 10 minutes and checked the lume. I really couldn't tell the difference after one hour.
I like them all but if PCTS I would rate them.

1. Blue TT sub
2. SD
3. Subdate.

As an aside JJ is the best.The funds transfer for the SD was made on Friday afternoon, JJ posted the watch express international on Saturday morning at 9.00AM and I had it on my wrist on Tuesday afternoon.
He is a STAR

It was immaculate as you would all expect and I am test driving it this week.

ec

Thanks, Eddie!!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

You know what gents, I'm keeping the Sea-Dweller. The more I look at this watch the more I love its rugged tool watch appearance, clean lines and raised crystal. I've got it fitting fine now. I have a feeling there will be other nice swiss watches in the future to satisfy my cravings for a bubble :)

Probably a good decision in the end, Chris. I'm very sure the watch will grow on you and you will get to love it!!

[jolton]

I know I'm jumping in here but..

I had the same exact issue with the sea-dweller. I could not for the life of me, no matter how I tried, to get the bracelet centered and get a good overall fit.

After the AD could do nothing for me (I wanted to order a half link, however that would not have worked). I wanted to do a trade back for a sub (he would do so, but only at a massive loss to me). I decided I would fix the issue on my own.

And what did I do? I DREMELED that 5th link on the 6'oclock side OFF! I was scared and nervous, wasn't sure if it would come off. It was time consuming as I was careful and took my time, but once I got that 5th link off, that sea-dweller fit perfectly. Centered and all.

Anythings possible, just depends how far you're willing to go.

[roadcarver]

Glad that you're still part of the 4000ft club!

[chris_nor_cal]

thanks for the info. i wish i had those kind of cajones. id still be in the 4000ft club

[Arturo]

Don't agonize. You made a good choice. There will always be a difference between the 2 watches, and so a nuance of difference. There is NO RIGHT OR WRONG HERE. Don't allow your mind to make you weak thinking that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. It is only green on your wrist, on the ground upon which you stand. You made a man's choice. Live with it. Love it. Someday, taste of another good choice, the Sub. But realize that you did not err, and put this anxiety to rest. You have a magnificent watch....the studliest watch on the planet perhaps. Enjoy it.

[ASW1]

Chris

Glad you have concluded to keep the SD. Enjoy.

I agonised and ended up buying both (in addition to already having a Sub ND!). The SD is definitely my favourite. The added 'bulk' and features (HEV, writing on case back, polished bracelet sides) just attracts me more.

I don't have large wrists and wear it with one link removed and most of the slack taken up on the micro adjustment.

The grass is always greener and we often want what we haven't got, but IMHO you've done the right thing.

On a different note the SD is sometimes considered to be more WIS versus the potential for a Sub Date to be seen as a bit of a cliche.

Fact is they are both great, with small differences - it really doesn't matter which one you have.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

You know what gents, I'm keeping the Sea-Dweller. The more I look at this watch the more I love its rugged tool watch appearance, clean lines and raised crystal. I've got it fitting fine now. I have a feeling there will be other nice swiss watches in the future to satisfy my cravings for a bubble :)

Hi Chris. Good you kept the SD

You'd also lose money by flipping it

Anyway: As you might know, I bought a Sub Date recently, and I had the change to try on both the SD and the Sub Date at my AD. I went for the Sub Date since - like you - it just fitted my wrist better and even looked BIGGER than the SD when looking directly down upon the dial (which btw is in fact also 1 mm broader in diametre on the Sub Date).

Then two days ago, I regretted having opted for the Sub Date and called my AD to hear if I could possibly return the Sub Date and get the SD if it was still avalible. He agreed to let me return it and would even give me a 10 % discount on the SD like I got on the Sub Date.

Having thought it over during the weekend, I have decided NOT to return the Sub Date, since really I do think it is a better fit on my wrist.

BTW: If you are now keeping the SD, you should change the text underneath you avatar to: "Watch: SD"

[SSD]

"...still be in the 4000 ft. club."? "SS Sub Date? Did you trade anyway? Looks so, based on the avatar & signature. Just curious.

[chris_nor_cal]

Yeah guys, I actually DID trade the SD back to the Dealer for the Sub Date. Sorry if I didn't clarify that. I love the SubDate. But wish I had the SD too.