Sea dweller 126600 hate?

[Gladiat0r]

I loved it on paper and in pictures.
On the wrist, it was uncomfortable. The 44mm Deepsea is much more comfortable. The protruding case back is the issue for me. It’s a shame because i love the aesthetics.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Gladiat0r

I loved it on paper and in pictures.
On the wrist, it was uncomfortable. The 44mm Deepsea is much more comfortable. The protruding case back is the issue for me. It’s a shame because i love the aesthetics.

Same exact experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[10DeeQ]

i'm still waiting for mine, but still curious as ai said before, i thought DBLUE also have protuding caseback ?

[Galion]

Love the TT SD43, SS not so much, I’d get a DSSD instead.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by 10DeeQ

i'm still waiting for mine, but still curious as ai said before, i thought DBLUE also have protuding caseback ?

All removable Casebacks protrude to an extent regardless of profile.
With increasing depth rating, comes a requirement for the Caseback to be able to resist the pressure at crushing depths.
I think one will find that a Sub Caseback will protrude more than a DJ Caseback. Likewise a Sea-Dweller Caseback will protrude more than that which is found on a Sub.

A DSSD Caseback would protrude even more than a Sea-Dweller, except it's designed in an entirely different manner where it is comprised of two separate parts.
Additionally, the Midcase architecture is entirely different in every respect with the end result being the protrusion is reduced to a manageable amount whilst maintaining structural integrity and the water resistance rating at the rated depth + 25% just like the other Rolex divers.
If the design wasn't so profoundly different in every respect, one could imagine what the protrusion would've ended up like had Rolex simply followed the classic engineering model

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Gladiat0r

I loved it on paper and in pictures.
On the wrist, it was uncomfortable. The 44mm Deepsea is much more comfortable. The protruding case back is the issue for me. It’s a shame because i love the aesthetics.

I've never been able to warm to the protruding Caseback on a Sea-dweller. It's always been awkward for me.
The SD43 is a great looking watch and it's a great size for me, but sadly I also had issue with the width of the bracelet and the scale of the clasp as it was wider than my 116660.
I also could appreciate having the Cyclops

I've turned the watch down but love it, especially on someone else's wrist. I just have to admire it from a distance

[Ganymede]

To me, the SD43 and DSSD look very, very similar. In fact, I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart from a distance. The Sub looks quite different.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 10DeeQ

i'm still waiting for mine, but still curious as ai said before, i thought DBLUE also have protuding caseback ?

It’s a combination of protruding caseback and surface area of the caseback making contact with the wrist.

The caseback on the DSSD protrudes like most Rolex, but the surface area of the flat face that contacts the wrist is larger and for many it wears more comfortably than the SD43 which seems taller and more “wobbly” on some wrists

Unfortunately if the caseback is an issue you won’t really know it until you have the watch sized and you wear it for a period of time. At least that was my experience with it.YMMV.

Again, love the watch in every way except for the caseback. Many here share this view, and many don’t. I wish I was in the later camp

[10DeeQ]

oh man, now i'm worried, i did tried it in the store but those were not sized for me and only afew minutes.

[zewill]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

Congratulations!
Love mine


Don’t understand how cyclop and 43mm makes it not a true sea-dweller lmao

I can understand if u don’t like the cyclop
or the size is not right for u…
But to say sd43 is not a sea-dweller is just silly.

Will Daytona not be a Daytona if they increase the size to 41mm?

“Traditionalist” is just another word for “old & stubborn” lol

It’s a sea dweller because it has that written on the dial. Had it no lettering what would people call a watch that looks like a sub and has the cyclops/ date magnifier? That’s right, a sub. The whole point of the sd and people had gotten used to that was a bit beefier (but not 41 or 43mm ) and no date cyclops.

Honestly it’s like the yacht master. It’s just a sub that they can go wacky with the colors and dial options (yes, and bidirectional bezel.. wow)…

[samson66]

Originally Posted by zewill

It’s a sea dweller because it has that written on the dial. Had it no lettering what would people call a watch that looks like a sub and has the cyclops/ date magnifier? That’s right, a sub. The whole point of the sd and people had gotten used to that was a bit beefier (but not 41 or 43mm ) and no date cyclops.

Honestly it’s like the yacht master. It’s just a sub that they can go wacky with the colors and dial options (yes, and bidirectional bezel.. wow)…

I love when people say NOW is just looks like a big Sub. The previous generation SD looked nearly identical to a Sub. It was exactly the same size. Looked like a Sub where someone hacked off the date magnifier. At least now with the larger size a non-WIS can actually see that this is in fact a different watch.

The reason the previous watch did not sell very well was because to 90% of the public out there it was just a thicker Sub for a lot more money. I'm thrilled with the up size and love not having to squint to read the date. The 4K always looked like an unfinished version with the inset location of the date window. Few even on here cared much for it UNTIL it was discontinued. Then the love started to flow magically

[Mr. Drunmond]

Originally Posted by 10DeeQ

oh man, now i'm worried, i did tried it in the store but those were not sized for me and only afew minutes.

Don't be worried. Could you be in the relatively small percentage that don't find it comfortable? Sure. But for most people (who like 43mm watches) it's fine.

It is the only Rolex I have left.

[landroverking]

I’m a fan of the older pre-C models.
I view this SD as pointless as long as the Deep Sea is in production.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

To me, the SD43 and DSSD look very, very similar. In fact, I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart from a distance. The Sub looks quite different.

that pic clearly illustrates how much better SD bezels look over the Subs. I always tried to tell myself the Sub bezel isn't too skinny, but it flat out is. 5 digits were fine, but the beefed up 6 digit is a touch wonky and doesn't flow with the skinnier bezel in my opinion.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

To me, the SD43 and DSSD look very, very similar. In fact, I’d be hard pressed to tell them apart from a distance. The Sub looks quite different.

They only look that similar from above. Any angle where you can see the sides of the case will show a vast difference.

I'm not sure why Rolex even produces the black DSSD anymore. Seems extremely rare to see a incoming of that model. Got to be 90% or more of DSSD buyers want the JC.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by samson66

They only look that similar from above. Any angle where you can see the sides of the case will show a vast difference.

I'm not sure why Rolex even produces the black DSSD anymore. Seems extremely rare to see a incoming of that model. Got to be 90% or more of DSSD buyers want the JC.

Agree. It also looks a bit pedestrian as the SD43 has the red pop of text, the JC obviously the blue with green. It really is in a weird place.

[alphadweller]

Best looking modern diver across all brands. It's perfect. For those who hate it, I wouldn't be surprised if Rolex decide to discontinue it in 2022, after a 5 years production run. The SD has never been the diver for the masses. They probably made less than 10k pieces a year.

[George58]

Originally Posted by landroverking

I’m a fan of the older pre-C models.
I view this SD as pointless as long as the Deep Sea is in production.

Right on !

[el3ctronick]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Best looking modern diver across all brands. It's perfect. For those who hate it, I wouldn't be surprised if Rolex decide to discontinue it in 2022, after a 5 years production run. The SD has never been the diver for the masses. They probably made less than 10k pieces a year.

I would agree on that.. but afraid to express it as my only rolex is the 43mm SD.. :P but I do think it's at least the best Rolex diver's watch in terms of looks :)

[Doublesalto]

I wear my sd43 24/24 7/7

Some comments:
- if not needed, remove the diver extension : this is really day vs night for the comfort
- do not wear loose but on the relatively tight side
And enjoy !!!

[el3ctronick]

Originally Posted by Doublesalto

I wear my sd43 24/24 7/7

Some comments:
- if not needed, remove the diver extension : this is really day vs night for the comfort
- do not wear loose but on the relatively tight side
And enjoy !!!

i have it on, not using it but the watch is already very comfortable.. no need to make any changes/adjustments but thanks for the info :)

[cvo]

An awesome over engineered dive watch! It is on my list to acquire one day.

[gr33n]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

116600 for the win.
The perfect purist Sea Dweller ever made.

That's why i went 116600 SD4K.
A real p e r f e c t i o n .

The new one is a good one too, but in my opinion the form does not define function anymore, as the new sea dweller did not need to be a 43mm watch.

But that is not hate, that is just a matter of taste :) Wear it in good health, and congratulations !

[Ganymede]

Originally Posted by gr33n

That's why i went 116600 SD4K.
A real p e r f e c t i o n .

The new one is a good one too, but in my opinion the form does not define function anymore, as the new sea dweller did not need to be a 43mm watch.

But that is not hate, that is just a matter of taste :) Wear it in good health, and congratulations !

Exactly!!!! You hit the nail right on the head!!!

The SD 43 did not need to be a 43mm watch, and thus form does not follow function with it. To me, for a “tool watch” (at least in concept), that is not a good thing. They simply made the watch bigger, for no functional reason.

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by Doublesalto

I wear my sd43 24/24 7/7

Some comments:
- if not needed, remove the diver extension : this is really day vs night for the comfort
- do not wear loose but on the relatively tight side
And enjoy !!!

Agree with this in terms of diver extension and fit. Before getting one I had the same concerns that others had expressed. Ultimately I decided that the fit and things that made it unique in terms of 50th anniversary edition, red lettering and 43mm size were good enough to go with it. I haven't been able to take it off since and love every aspect of the watch with no regrets.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by el3ctronick

So here’s my story. I have always been a watch enthusiast.. I was able to buy my first luxury watch in 2008, a panerai. At that point I was finding every Rolex model super boring, and I still do. That’s mainly because all classic Rolex watches have been copied multiple times.. and I find the ~40mm dials small. I only liked submariner but it is tiny so it was a no go. Anyway, recently I purchased one more panerai and started looking at other options + looking for a more durable material apart from simple steel because steel panerais are getting marks easily. So this is where I saw the oystersteel from Rolex.. while browsing I found the 43mm sea dweller anniversary edition. Which basically was what I wanted.. oustersteel, and basically a submariner on steroids. So I read in multiple places that to get a Rolex nowadays is impossible.. you might need to wait forever. I went to the authorized dealer I got my panerai, asked and I was told about the “famous” allocation priority list.. I didn’t have much faith as I was told that I need to wait for about 3 years. 3 weeks later I got a phone call from the AD that since I am an existing customer etc, they decided to allocate a SD 43mm to me. Obviously, since I liked the watch I went for it and I am super happy! My question is, why I read so much hate about the 126600? Obviously if I was able to get it so quickly, there’s zero demand.. I am just wondering why nobody likes this watch.. I find it so nice! Probably the best Rolex I have ever seen for my taste :)Attachment 1240046

You may want to take a look at my most recent thread. I most certainly share your view. Also haven’t had to wait any more than three weeks. But I think that’s also due to my relationship with the AD. The question with this one I believe is not how long the waitlist is, but how to get on it in the first place.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

Exactly!!!! You hit the nail right on the head!!!

The SD 43 did not need to be a 43mm watch, and thus form does not follow function with it. To me, for a “tool watch” (at least in concept), that is not a good thing. They simply made the watch bigger, for no functional reason.

Them making it bigger made it very wearable for tall guys like me on whom 40mm Submariners look too small. How is this not a function of something that, let’s face it, is a fashion item like any other watch. Or do you saturation dive?

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by samson66

I love when people say NOW is just looks like a big Sub. The previous generation SD looked nearly identical to a Sub. It was exactly the same size. Looked like a Sub where someone hacked off the date magnifier. At least now with the larger size a non-WIS can actually see that this is in fact a different watch.

The reason the previous watch did not sell very well was because to 90% of the public out there it was just a thicker Sub for a lot more money. I'm thrilled with the up size and love not having to squint to read the date. The 4K always looked like an unfinished version with the inset location of the date window. Few even on here cared much for it UNTIL it was discontinued. Then the love started to flow magically

You’re right, the 116600 was and remains a bit of an ugly duckling. It is to fat for its diameter and the indexes on its dial don’t flow, with the unmagnified date much to far in the center of the dial. The 126600 made the concept pretty. And that’s probably what the cult following of the 116600, who are probably still bitter that the oh so prognosticated spike in value is just not happening despite the short production run, truly hate it for. The 126600 is a coherent product, the 116600 is not. The 116600 is a coherent tool for something none of us do or truly aspire to do, at a price the vast majority of the people who could actually use it as intended can probably not afford. Or would anyone of us wealthy office divers really want to risk our lives talking like Donald Duck for a week in a claustrophobic canister?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Ganymede

Exactly!!!! You hit the nail right on the head!!!

The SD 43 did not need to be a 43mm watch, and thus form does not follow function with it. To me, for a “tool watch” (at least in concept), that is not a good thing. They simply made the watch bigger, for no functional reason.

I also wonder how popular it would be in the market if there wasn't the original hype around it being the 50th anniversary Sea-Dweller and the red text.
I believe it was seen by the mothership as a great opportunity for Rolex to test the market for a bigger diver than the Sub which could bridge the gap between the Sub and the DSSD.
The red text was able to get the punters really fired up
The 116600 also didn't need to be so thick either

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Nav01L

You’re right, the 116600 was and remains a bit of an ugly duckling. It is to fat for its diameter and the indexes on its dial don’t flow, with the unmagnified date much to far in the center of the dial. The 126600 made the concept pretty. And that’s probably what the cult following of the 116600, who are probably still bitter that the oh so prognosticated spike in value is just not happening despite the short production run, truly hate it for. The 126600 is a coherent product, the 116600 is not. The 116600 is a coherent tool for something none of us do or truly aspire to do, at a price the vast majority of the people who could actually use it as intended can probably not afford. Or would anyone of us wealthy office divers really want to risk our lives talking like Donald Duck for a week in a claustrophobic canister?

The 116600 was a peculiar thing in a lot of respects and I can see the appeal to the fans.
I could've picked one up but I was well and truly squared away with the DSSD. When I tried it on it didn't sing to me at all, but I was onboard with the end links as I always liked that design on the 5 digit Yachty and part of the appeal of the 116660.