SD43 vs Submariner

[KingsTrumper]

Originally Posted by samson66

A DSSD may possibly be more comfortable to wear due to its flat caseback. However, the SD43's protruding caseback is what gives it that nice slimmer profile. The DSSD just looks ridiculously thick in my opinion. I love the watch but the thickness is what kept me from buying it - and I did get to try one on.

As for comfort, every watch I own (including both Rolexes) has a protruding case back and they have never bothered me one bit. Maybe it has to do with the shape of the wrist as far as whether or not it bothers you, but I find my SD43 to be very comfortable. It's a watch with weight, but in a good way. I like knowing it's there!

Different strokes but I think the reason the DSSD doesn't get as much love as it should is that most Rolex models being 40mm the jump to 44 plus the thickness and weight seems crazy when trying it on after wearing your Sub / GMT / Daytona etc. but after a couple of hours you forget it's there. It's the watch I look at most when on the wrist out of my small collection. I think if you get used to a SD43 the jump to DSSD is minimal.

[Gerry62]

For me or Submariner classic or DSSD JC (IMO)

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I mean, let’s face it after the first week that red lettering will not capture your attention so much and you will be left with something that is heavier on the wrist. From 5 feet out, it’s indistinguishable.


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First part is simply not true. I had the sd43 for about two years now.. and the red letters still brings a smile to my face every time I see it on my wrist.

For the second part, who cares if others see the red font from 5 ft away or not.
I don’t wear watches for others.

OP, I actually think the boxy supercase of the subC looks terrible on small wrists. Go with the SD43.

[Roli4life]

As an owner of both. If I had to buy only one. It would be the SD43 by a hair. It’s just brings a little more enjoyment, and it really looks great on the wrist.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

First part is simply not true. I had the sd43 for about two years now.. and the red letters still brings a smile to my face every time I see it on my wrist.

For the second part, who cares if others see the red font from 5 ft away or not.
I don’t wear watches for others.

OP, I actually think the square-like supercase of the subC looks terrible on small wrist. Go with the SD43.

I disagree. I use my watches as tools. Go play tennis and touch football and tell me that sd is not flopping around on the wrist? I know you like your watch but physics would also disagree with you. That watch will flop around and is just heavier on the wrist and that’s not debatable.


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[Tlon]

I'm lucky enough to have both. The SD43 was my daily watch for a year, while the SubC date is new as of two months ago. I bought both from ADs. They are both amazing watches. I'm not sure I'll be able to justify both long-term but for now, the SubC is my daily watch (it wears slightly better under a shirt cuff even though the SD43 is manageable).

My quick takes:

- the SD43 feels like the latest and greatest Rolex can make. Even though my SubC is newer, the SD43 just feels like a much more advanced watch. The movement is awesome, it's smoother
- I have a 7.25-7.5" wrist, and while I think I manage the SD43 perfectly well, I do sometimes think it wears large. It doesn't bother me when I look down at it -- I think it looks perfect from that angle -- but I've caught it once or twice when I've been on a video conference and it seems big. Not too large, but definitely larger. I don't agree that it wears like a 42mm as some have said. I have a 44mm Breitling, and the SD43 wears larger than that. That said, it's not overwhelming by any means. Just...larger. The SubC looks the most proportional on my wrist but I still like the way SD43 wears.
- I think the SD43 is more comfortable to wear. I the wider bracelet is just a bit more comfortable. Not sure why they went with bigger lugs and a tiny bracelet on the SubC.
- By the end of the day, the SD43 weight can sometimes get to me. Not problem with the SubC.
- Love the matte finished dial of the SD43 and the red lettering is just awesome. I still marvel at it.

If I had to choose one, it'd be the SD43, no question. But, I'm reveling in my luck, at least for now, in having both. Best of both worlds.

Good luck.

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I disagree. I use my watches as tools. Go play tennis and touch football and tell me that sd is not flopping around on the wrist? I know you like your watch but physics would also disagree with you. That watch will flop around and is just heavier on the wrist and that’s not debatable.


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No, it doesn’t flop around.

Heavier? Yes. But prob not as heavy as a gold sub...

[RootBeerGMT]

Keep a traditional (Black) SubC for everyday... Not that all Green HULK thing. That looks like a kids Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle knock off watch. I actually saw somebody add a jubilee band to a HULK. LOL!! Then add a Platinum Daytona to your collection and call it a day. Wear that one for special events or cruising around on your days off where you can see it every time you look at the steering wheel, you get a quick glance at perfection.
Drive safe...

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I disagree. I use my watches as tools. Go play tennis and touch football and tell me that sd is not flopping around on the wrist? I know you like your watch but physics would also disagree with you. That watch will flop around and is just heavier on the wrist and that’s not debatable.


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I actually do play tennis with my SD43 on and at least on my wrist I have no issue with the watch moving around. I was surprised how well it did. If you get a good fit with the bracelet it doesn't flop around more than any other sports watch I own. The Glidelock is a terrific feature.

[Roli4life]

Hopefully this helps. Sometimes close-ups can be deceiving, but from a couple feet away it really does look like an average size watch in my opinion. Here are both on my 7-7.25’’ wrist.

I would have to say that the SD is heavier; however, wears to the same comfort level as my sub. Probably due to the case shape, and bracelet.

[brandrea]

I own the SD 43 and a Sub C and owned the Dblue at the same time as these for about 2 years.

IMO it comes down to weight and case height. Sure there are obvious differences in the size but I think Sometimes we get too fixated on mm dimensions

I practical terms from my wearing experience they all look about the same from a top down view on the wrist. The big difference is in the thickness and of course weight. Some like a heavy thick watch, some don’t.

[LigerBelair]

Originally Posted by Billykhan

refusing to pay current Grey prices for a 10+ year old Kermit, I don't seem to have too many options to add an SS Sub barring the plain Vanilla Sub C Date or no date. What has caught my eye for quite sometime is the SD43. The red lettering seems to add just the right amount of bling to what for all intents an purposes is a Sub, and would make it worthy of adding to and (hopefully) completing my collection...for now

When faced with the same question, I went with the SD43. I'm very happy with my choice and have absolutely zero regrets.

[abozz]

I have both, and my grail is the SD43, is the most handsome, beautiful, perfect, special and badass modern Rolex!!!!! My wrist is only 16.5cm (6.7 inches).

Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

Hopefully this helps. Sometimes close-ups can be deceiving, but from a couple feet away it really does look like an average size watch in my opinion. Here are both on my 7-7.25’’ wrist.

I would have to say that the SD is heavier; however, wears to the same comfort level as my sub. Probably due to the case shape, and bracelet.

Great pics. Shows how the SD has greater wrist presense vs a Sub without being oversized or obnoxious. Looking at those two the SD would definitely be my pick

[bruinmd]

I don't think much of the sub outside of the hulk (which I own and love), but absolutely love the SD43.
From the bezel, to the difference in the dial (more of a matte black) to the red lettering, etc, the watch absolutely rocks.
My wrist is 6.5", which is the only reason I passed on it. If my wrist was 7" or above, that watch would be my daily.

And as a fyi, I thought it was 'ok' in pics, but in person, I felt completely differently when I finally got to see it.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

Hopefully this helps. Sometimes close-ups can be deceiving, but from a couple feet away it really does look like an average size watch in my opinion. Here are both on my 7-7.25’’ wrist.

I would have to say that the SD is heavier; however, wears to the same comfort level as my sub. Probably due to the case shape, and bracelet.

SD43 looks great on your wrist, and further cements my belief that you need 7"+ wrists for this watch to be the right fit.

[Mystro]

I also want to add there is no bad choice. Weight is really the only considering factor. Don’t overthink it and just go with your gut. Enjoy the hunt my friend. The side note is, if you don’t like whatever, it won’t be a stiff penalty to flip out of it.

[Miatl]

I actually had the option of these two when I got my first Rolex recently. The SD was incredible but I went with the Sub as it’s just going to make more sense when I’m in a suit. Looks like op is fortunate to have great options so honestly if I we’re you I’d go SD. The red line is subtle and perfect.

If you feel you’re still wanting a sub later then get a 14060.


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[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by Billykhan

Hello there Gents. Sorry if this topic's been done before, but a quick search only seemed to mostly bring up results for SD43 vs DS or SD4k.

So it's not really time for me to be making any purchases, what with my recent quite spontaneous 116520 acquisition. Still, whenever I look at my collection, I do rue the fact that inspite of having 5 Rolexes, I still don't have the most iconic Rolex (IMO) in my collection.

Having grown out of the Hulk, and refusing to pay current Grey prices for a 10+ year old Kermit, I don't seem to have too many options to add an SS Sub barring the plain Vanilla Sub C Date or no date. What has caught my eye for quite sometime is the SD43. The red lettering seems to add just the right amount of bling to what for all intents an purposes is a Sub, and would make it worthy of adding to and (hopefully) completing my collection...for now

Any opinions gents? I do have very small wrists, but am used to wearing a Luminor Marina Logo quite comfortably. As you can see almost every other watch I own is below 42mm. Any other blingier but reasonably priced SS Sub versions you would suggest?
==================
Rolex Date 1500
Rolex Datejust 16220
Rolex Yacht Master 16622
Rolex GMT Master II 'Batman' 116710 BLNR
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520
Panerai Lumnior Marina Logo PAM 005
Omega Seamaster 'Goldeneye'
Omega Speedmaster 'Moonwatch'

If you have a very small wrist then do not consider SD43. It depends how small is your wrist. My wrist is 6.9" and own a 40mm Sub Date (ceramic) and it just fits so very perfect to my wrist. I would not want to buy even a 42mm watch. A few milimeters really do make big difference on a small wrist.

If I had much bigger wrist I would go for SD43 instead of Sub Date and I would not care about its drawbacks.

For me Sub Date is the best option as it is very much my style, size, color and it really ticks all boxes for me.

If you want a very noticeable, heavy, big watch then go for SD43...If you want a slimmer, more iconic, more unique (as its smaller), has shiny dial versus SD's matt dial, much less noticeable and cheaper watch which will also be a better investment then go for a Sub Date.

I really understand your feelings. You want to have the most iconic watch of Rolex, so go for the one which you will feel most comfortable. You do not really have to buy the most bold watch or every watch. It is like going in between bmw 3 series and 5 series....

[mistercoach32]

I've been purging my collection for years and I finally found my perfect watch. I've had a few subs, and just recently sold my LVc. I also recently sold my BLNR. Why? My SD43. Perfect balance, size, fit, finish, you name it. I've been collecting watches for a long time, and I've never had a watch I liked more. I do have 7.5" wrists, but the weight isn't noticeable to me.

[Roli4life]

Originally Posted by bruinmd

SD43 looks great on your wrist, and further cements my belief that you need 7"+ wrists for this watch to be the right fit.

Thanks. It’s a great fit. I have 42m AP ROO that feels similar, but wears larger than the SD43.
I think the bracelet (+ good weight distribution) makes all the difference, when comes to comfort. The SD bracelet really lets you dial in.

[Pilliam]

I have a 2018 Bluesy and three week old SD43. 7 inch wrist and wear suits to work. I wear the SD43 more to work because it's less clingy. Love my TT Sub, but between the two the SD is more low-key. Yes, it's thicker, but the balance of the weight is more evenly distributed on the SD43, which makes it more comfortable. I agree with those who've said not to get too caught up in a few mm here or there. I also agree that from a top-down view, the difference isn't noticeable. No question Glidelock makes the Rolex divers incredibly comfortable, but I also believe that what makes the SD more comfortable than the Sub is its overall dimensions.

Let's be honest....the Sub is the Sub and is therefore the sh&t, but it looks like a chunk on the bracelet; nowhere near as seamless a design as the SD. And that's where the SD shines. It's got a 22mm bracelet, which looks proportional with its lugs and gives it a more congruent feel. The modern Sub lacks this proportionality between lugs and bracelet, which, in my wearing experience, never feels as "buckled down" as my SD. I've never owned a 5 digit Sub, but isn't the main reason its fans love it is for this very reason (doesn't look like a chunk)? That's the irony, IMO: from a dimensions perspective, the SD43 seems like a bigger, sturdier version of a 5 digit Sub, in terms of its cohesiveness.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by pmk416

I have a 2018 Bluesy and three week old SD43. 7 inch wrist and wear suits to work. I wear the SD43 more to work because it's less clingy. Love my TT Sub, but between the two the SD is more low-key. Yes, it's thicker, but the balance of the weight is more evenly distributed on the SD43, which makes it more comfortable. I agree with those who've said not to get too caught up in a few mm here or there. I also agree that from a top-down view, the difference isn't noticeable. No question Glidelock makes the Rolex divers incredibly comfortable, but I also believe that what makes the SD more comfortable than the Sub is its overall dimensions.

Let's be honest....the Sub is the Sub and is therefore the sh&t, but it looks like a chunk on the bracelet; nowhere near as seamless a design as the SD. And that's where the SD shines. It's got a 22mm bracelet, which looks proportional with its lugs and gives it a more congruent feel. The modern Sub lacks this proportionality between lugs and bracelet, which, in my wearing experience, never feels as "buckled down" as my SD. I've never owned a 5 digit Sub, but isn't the main reason its fans love it is for this very reason (doesn't look like a chunk)? That's the irony, IMO: from a dimensions perspective, the SD43 seems like a bigger, sturdier version of a 5 digit Sub, in terms of its cohesiveness.

I think you absolutely nailed it in your description of the SD43

Reading this thread is making me reconsider buying this watch, even on my smaller wrist -- assuming it becomes available to me again-- especially if Rolex doesn't slim down the lugs on the next update of the Sub.

[mistercoach32]

Man, this is so spot on.

Originally Posted by pmk416

I have a 2018 Bluesy and three week old SD43. 7 inch wrist and wear suits to work. I wear the SD43 more to work because it's less clingy. Love my TT Sub, but between the two the SD is more low-key. Yes, it's thicker, but the balance of the weight is more evenly distributed on the SD43, which makes it more comfortable. I agree with those who've said not to get too caught up in a few mm here or there. I also agree that from a top-down view, the difference isn't noticeable. No question Glidelock makes the Rolex divers incredibly comfortable, but I also believe that what makes the SD more comfortable than the Sub is its overall dimensions.

Let's be honest....the Sub is the Sub and is therefore the sh&t, but it looks like a chunk on the bracelet; nowhere near as seamless a design as the SD. And that's where the SD shines. It's got a 22mm bracelet, which looks proportional with its lugs and gives it a more congruent feel. The modern Sub lacks this proportionality between lugs and bracelet, which, in my wearing experience, never feels as "buckled down" as my SD. I've never owned a 5 digit Sub, but isn't the main reason its fans love it is for this very reason (doesn't look like a chunk)? That's the irony, IMO: from a dimensions perspective, the SD43 seems like a bigger, sturdier version of a 5 digit Sub, in terms of its cohesiveness.

[Panych]

I have recently moved from SubC ND to SD43 and do not regret. I do not have a big wrist, just 7” and feel the SD43 comfortably.

[Rodrigo082]

I had the SD43 but sold it and keep my Sub No date - I think the SD43 is just too big and uncomfortable for daily wearer.

Go safe, go Sub No date

[Centron]

Sd43.The most perfect dive watch I have ever owned.

[TswaneNguni]

The moment its discontinued ,red lettering ads value .SD43

[Number3]

Originally Posted by pmk416

I have a 2018 Bluesy and three week old SD43. 7 inch wrist and wear suits to work. I wear the SD43 more to work because it's less clingy. Love my TT Sub, but between the two the SD is more low-key. Yes, it's thicker, but the balance of the weight is more evenly distributed on the SD43, which makes it more comfortable. I agree with those who've said not to get too caught up in a few mm here or there. I also agree that from a top-down view, the difference isn't noticeable. No question Glidelock makes the Rolex divers incredibly comfortable, but I also believe that what makes the SD more comfortable than the Sub is its overall dimensions.

Let's be honest....the Sub is the Sub and is therefore the sh&t, but it looks like a chunk on the bracelet; nowhere near as seamless a design as the SD. And that's where the SD shines. It's got a 22mm bracelet, which looks proportional with its lugs and gives it a more congruent feel. The modern Sub lacks this proportionality between lugs and bracelet, which, in my wearing experience, never feels as "buckled down" as my SD. I've never owned a 5 digit Sub, but isn't the main reason its fans love it is for this very reason (doesn't look like a chunk)? That's the irony, IMO: from a dimensions perspective, the SD43 seems like a bigger, sturdier version of a 5 digit Sub, in terms of its cohesiveness.

Fantastic post - you must be in sales? Right, I’m off to the classified section...

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Billykhan

Hello there Gents. Sorry if this topic's been done before, but a quick search only seemed to mostly bring up results for SD43 vs DS or SD4k.

So it's not really time for me to be making any purchases, what with my recent quite spontaneous 116520 acquisition. Still, whenever I look at my collection, I do rue the fact that inspite of having 5 Rolexes, I still don't have the most iconic Rolex (IMO) in my collection.

Having grown out of the Hulk, and refusing to pay current Grey prices for a 10+ year old Kermit, I don't seem to have too many options to add an SS Sub barring the plain Vanilla Sub C Date or no date. What has caught my eye for quite sometime is the SD43. The red lettering seems to add just the right amount of bling to what for all intents an purposes is a Sub, and would make it worthy of adding to and (hopefully) completing my collection...for now

Any opinions gents? I do have very small wrists, but am used to wearing a Luminor Marina Logo quite comfortably. As you can see almost every other watch I own is below 42mm. Any other blingier but reasonably priced SS Sub versions you would suggest?
==================
Rolex Date 1500
Rolex Datejust 16220
Rolex Yacht Master 16622
Rolex GMT Master II 'Batman' 116710 BLNR
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116520
Panerai Lumnior Marina Logo PAM 005
Omega Seamaster 'Goldeneye'
Omega Speedmaster 'Moonwatch'

Billy - how big is your wrist? and more importantly what shape is it?

My wrist is 6.75 inches and pretty flat, and the SD43 is an easy daily wearer for me.

If your wrist is flat, you may be totally fine. If its round, perhaps not so much.

Its also a watch that IMO you need to wear snug. If that's not your thing, then it may not be the watch for you.