SD43 Buying Advice: Mk1 vs Mk2

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Here you are ... call it MK1, MK2 or whatever you like ... it's got the stick thingy instead of the crown. It's a distinguishing dial nuance IMO. Will it be worth more? I could care less but IMO it helps to make it special.and separates it from those that have the crown. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe its the only Rolex reference to have gotten the new movement without the crown distinguishing that on the dial ...

Regardless OP, I'd pull the trigger on either one. It's a fantastic reference.

Here's mine from May 4 2017. I believe it to be the first one to land in Canada if not North America

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You’re wearing it on the wrong wrist.




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[faz]

I think many years from now, the MK1 model might be more desirable to some... but the difference is so minute that there probably won't be a night/day difference in the desirability levels (but frankly I don't know anything about vintage stuff now, so won't know how a future vintage shopper will act.)

I would get either one that is cleaner and has a better price.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by RHIII

You’re wearing it on the wrong wrist.




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Bah, ha ha ha

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dirt

The DJ 41 is in the same category

Did not realize that, thank you

[scombs263]

MK1/MK2. I bought the 2 as it was available. My buddy got the 1. Oh well. Timing and luck. Don’t matter to me.

[Smarties]

I think 99.99% of people will choose Mk1 if they can buy one in the same condition and same price.

[Frakis]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

The pricing is so similar at this point that I'd opt for an MK1. It's not about "investing" but if the MK1 happens to appreciate a lot more than the MK2s down the road, you'll be kicking yourself for not just paying the extra money now.

That said, if it proves to be too much trouble or too much money, I'd have no problem scooping up an MK2.

As far as original receipts and all that, I don't think it's that important with this watch, but who knows. Just look at these antique road show guests that have complete sets for their watches, in some cases adding 10's of thousands of dollars to the value.

Again, I don't think the modern watch world works the same way, but all those watches were "modern" at one point too. Hell, a 116500 was on the market for $15k as recently as 2 years ago, it's going for $25k+ today.

Bottom line, no one really knows anything, but if I had my choice I'd go for an MK1, cause why not?

I agree! If the price and condition are similar why not get the MK1?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by gluten

This is all very helpful, thank you. If I buy used, how important is having the original receipt?

Not, irrelevant, what you want is at least the original warranty card with the dealers name printed on it.
Box, manual, tags are nice but can be sourced elsewhere.

Original receipts on second hand watches you don't see often sine these may contain buyers private info.

[1William]

I have owned both the Mk1 and the MK2 models and have not thought about either dial in the least. The watch is great and I should make it long enough that such a small detail will significantly impact value. We are talking about a regular production watch that has been out less than three years. There will be 10's of thousands of these watches out there eventually. I would go the Trusted Seller route and get the complete set of box, papers and active warranty. I would also buy pre-owned to save some funds. Stop overthinking this, get the SD43 and start enjoying it.

[scheneider]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

I honestly don't think there's any added value for MK1

Resellers who havent sell their stock mk 1 are the only one slamming mk 2.




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[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Steerpike999

You wont be sorry getting the SD43. It's a great watch.

Either version is fine and buying based on perceived future value is never a good idea.

Great watch in whatever guise!

Why not just buy it and enjoy it?

[samson66]

It matters in the sense that this is a 50th anniversary watch, and to some the MK1 designates it as THE actual anniversary watch manufactured on the 50th anniversary year 2017. So it does matter. Would that prevent me from picking up a MK2, no way!

[djgallo]

MKI is the way to go.....

Going forward if Rolex continues to produce the Red Line SD43 it will be the MKII.....

Over time there will be A LOT FEWER MKI’s compared to MKII’s.....just saying....it’s a no brainer.

[jvb.nc]

buying a watch based on potential future value is an exercise in vanity in my very humble opinion. it may pay off, it may not, but i don’t feel like it has an effect on how the watch is worn.

it’s a fabulous watch, you will enjoy for years to come.

if you are concerned about the mk1/mk2 malarkey (jury is out for me until i see the red text changed), buy the mk1 even if it is secondhand.

if you aren’t, get it new with your name on the card.

you cannot go wrong either way!






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[franktehtank]

Get whichever watch you can find in the best condition you can afford, regardless of the Mk1/Mk2. Who cares if it matters in 40 years? Even if the Mk1's are a 30% premium over the Mk2's, will you really care at that point?

Now, if Rolex got rid of the red SEADWELLER text this year or next, that might make things more interesting...

Oh, and I say this as a "MK1" owner. Do I get a tiny bit of joy knowing that my SD43 is slightly different from all the others being produced and sold today? Yes, I do, even though I know it's pretty silly. But it has nothing to do with any potential monetary gain. If a MK2 had come along first, I would have bought that one.

Just tiny things we Rolex owners use to convince ourselves that our watches are EXTRA special!