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Rolex_Newbie · 28 December 2007, 05:05 AM

Hello Everyone,

I received a fair amount of money for Christmas and would like to put it toward a Rolex. I can afford, at the most, $6000, and I have had my eye on the Submariner for several years now.

However, while watch shopping I came across the Sea-Dweller and I'm not sure if it really is better (I guess status wise, I understand it can sustain deeper regions).

Also, please talk me out of the Cartier Santos Demoiselle (stainless and gold). I want that watch, but my heart tells me Rolex.

Thanks in advance!

Wolfgang427 · 28 December 2007, 05:55 AM

Welcome

only you can really decide what you want. I would go to an AD and try them all on and see which one smiles back at you.

Then you'll have your answer.

steel4me · 28 December 2007, 06:07 AM

Newbie,

I got a link just for you!! I got an SS SUB with date and just bought a seadweller. Here are tons of pics of them side by side:
http://flickr.com/photos/22074029@N03/sets/

But if I have to do it all over again, I would have gotten the SEA DWELLER the first time also, instead of the 16610. It looks almost the same but feels a little heavier and has technical diffs. I feel like an idiot to have ignored this SEA DWELLER, 10yrs ago. I didn't even look at it ... I got too carried away by the SUB and didn't bother inquiring. But, no harm, no fowl ....

So to make up for that, I am buying one more SEA DWELLER.

The date in the 16610 SUB is a pain in hte A$$ to deal with, especially if you wear the watch occassionally. But with SEA DWELLER, it is worth it cause you got the baddest mother of all watches on your hand ... I mean wrist ...

llamaofdoom · 28 December 2007, 06:15 AM

Sub LV or a Sea Dweller. Both relatively uncommon compared to a regular Sub Date.

Don't buy without a discount on the Sea Dweller, though. Those take a real hit on resale (compared to Sub Dates), and if you end up like most on this board, you'll have it for six months...and then end up wanting something else.

Goodwatch · 28 December 2007, 06:18 AM

Welcome to our humble abode. It all depends on what you want from a watch. From the point of view of a casual passer by, they look the same. Someone more savvy will notice the absence of the cyclops. Those in the know will see it is a 'Dweller. Lest you are a member of Comex or another deep sea diving outfit you don't need a Sea Dweller. No one does

If it were my money I still would buy it. It is the ultimate Rolex sportswatch and somewhat more exclusive than the 16610. Beautiful made, real heavy duty. But like I said, to the 'innocent bystander', they all look the same. Only be prepared for a more hefty watch.

Downing · 28 December 2007, 06:50 AM

Definitely try them both on, over and over and over again, one after the other after the other, before you buy.

I went with the Sea-Dweller because I was attracted to its heft and weight. Other folks find a lighter, thinner watch more comfortable. I like having a watch I don't have to see to know I'm wearing. Sometimes when I'm wearing my Explorer, I actually have to look at it to see if it's on. But that's not for everyone.

Good luck! Both are great watches. Both are rated deeper than you'll ever go.

I'm not big on Cartier myself, but there are certainly other great dive watches out there.

f16570 · 28 December 2007, 06:55 AM

Welcome & Enjoy the forum.
the SD is the quintessential Rollie, but get which one smiles at you.

f

YuppieKid · 28 December 2007, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steel4me

Newbie,

I got a link just for you!! I got an SS SUB with date and just bought a seadweller. Here are tons of pics of them side by side:
http://flickr.com/photos/22074029@N03/sets/

But if I have to do it all over again, I would have gotten the SEA DWELLER the first time also, instead of the 16610. It looks almost the same but feels a little heavier and has technical diffs. I feel like an idiot to have ignored this SEA DWELLER, 10yrs ago. I didn't even look at it ... I got too carried away by the SUB and didn't bother inquiring. But, no harm, no fowl ....

So to make up for that, I am buying one more SEA DWELLER.

The date in the 16610 SUB is a pain in hte A$$ to deal with, especially if you wear the watch occassionally. But with SEA DWELLER, it is worth it cause you got the baddest mother of all watches on your hand ... I mean wrist ...

you teaser, you.

JAD3703 · 28 December 2007, 07:34 AM

Not much question for me - I tried both on, did a great deal of research on each model, and decided that I wanted the more robust and quintessential Rolex diver. The Sub is a nice watch, but I just do not like the date-window / bubble. It's annoying. Thus, I bought the SD and have never, ever regretted it. On the flip side, it is a thicker and ehavier watch, which means that it is not always for everybody.

Best of luck with your decision.

James

GoldenBear · 28 December 2007, 08:20 AM

To each his own. I traded my SD for a Sub w/ date. I prefer and like the date and cyclops. Very few here have to worry about the depth rating...

DS/B MINI S · 28 December 2007, 08:46 AM

The Sub is a great watch, but since I already had an Omega SMP the choice was easy for me

mike · 28 December 2007, 08:59 AM

I've said this before, but for all practical matters one is "as tough" as the other. Both watches use the same movement. The SD will go deeper.
The SD, in my view, has a more utilitarian look befitting a professionals watch. Try both and see which is for you.

Photos,

The other sub,

jesper451 · 28 December 2007, 09:17 AM

I prefer the SD or

rather I love my SD. Best watch money can buy!

steel4me · 28 December 2007, 09:52 AM

yeah the SD is defitintely thicker and heavier but not much ..... I should may be weigh each watch and see how much is the weight difference ..... will post results when I get them ...if they both are the same price, then the SD is definitely more bang for the buck ...

timetravel125 · 28 December 2007, 10:03 AM

When I was buying, I was confused a bit, which to buy between SD and Sub Date. I was mesmerized by the SD.

Solar · 28 December 2007, 10:19 AM

I went with the SD because at the time I figured I'd never be buying another Rolex........

ANyways, I wanted the biggest, heaviest, thickest-linked bad boy in the sports Rolex line, which is undoubtably the SD. I also liked that it had no cyclops, and was more rare, more unusual.

I had it 6 months and after getting the GMT II 16710 Pepsi, I liked the lighter GMT and considered selling the SD to fund an LV.

In the end, I'm keeping my SD and am glad that I have.

Not only is it unique, the cut of the coin edge bezel is deeper thna the edge of any other sport Rolex. As such, the edge of the bezel has a gleam and play of light unlike many others.

Beauty and the Beast............

Chris

Texsubmariner · 28 December 2007, 11:24 AM

Steelman,

I too got the SuB Date 1st without checking out the SD. Now I want the SD, and will have to take a hit on trading in the Sub for the SD. The only that's holding me back is the possibility that the SD MAY undergo changes next year. Of course, the changes will also bring price increase. In the end, I may have to bite the bullet and get the SD now...

321harley · 28 December 2007, 11:52 AM

I've had both but for everyday wear, I prefer the Sea Dweller. I like it for it's extra heft, the absence of the cyclops, it is less common than the Sub and, besides the HE valve, I think it's the only Rolex with engraving on the caseback and it feels great on the wrist.

For occasions when I want to wear a little more bling, I go with my M series Black two tone Sub.

You can't go wrong with either watch!

Good luck!

frostie · 28 December 2007, 12:01 PM

Welcome to TRF sub for me but it depends on what you like

roadcarver · 28 December 2007, 12:03 PM

Both are great watches, bullet proof movement.

SD will cost more to service since it has the HEV seals, thicker gaskets for the caseback.

Bracelet for the SD also has an extra larger wet suite extension while the sub does not come with that extra accessory.

The sub date - is an icon. However do you need a cyclops to see the date? Will the cyclops bother you if you are attempting to look at the date at a different/extreme angle as the cyclops will distort it.

Where the cyclops meets the sapphire crystal, it will also accumulate dirt. You'll have to pay extra attention to it.

Pls do not forget to try both watches as they wear differently.

Good luck on your choice, either way, you'll come out a winner.

Rolex_Newbie · 28 December 2007, 12:12 PM

You guys are so great. Thank you very much!

I thought the SD was the way to go from the start, but, being a novice and all, I just wasn't sure. Now I have to tell myself this is really the way to go, and not the Cartier. I have about 10 days to decide.

I have tried all three watches on, and the Cartier really stood out. But, I mean it's my first watch, so I think it ought to be a Rolex. Ugh!

CoopJr · 28 December 2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 321harley

I think it's the only Rolex with engraving on the caseback and it feels great on the wrist.

It used to be, the new Milgauss also has engraving on the case back.

Tallboy · 28 December 2007, 12:18 PM

Couldn't you just buy a Sub and have the crystal swapped out to a non-cyclops version?

321harley · 28 December 2007, 12:20 PM

Ahhh, that's why I played it safe and said "I think"....I have not had a chance to check out the Milgauss yet...

What does the engraving say?

Thanks!

Mike

haakon59 · 28 December 2007, 12:22 PM

In terms of the SD versus the Sub, well, both have the same movement and both are reliable and tough. The SD is a little thicker, has a helium valve, and doesn't have the cyclops to magnify the date. Both are excellent. Unless you deep dive professionally,(most recreational divers don't dive below 100 feet or so) which means that even the regular Submariner at 300 meters is rated higher than you will get close to using. You should try them both on and see what you think.

Cartier makes a very fine watch as well. The line you refer to though, I believe, is made for women, the Cartier Santos Demoiselle, so maybe my memory here is faulty. If so I apologize. Nevertheless, they make good watches and do a great job with styling and they have one of the world's most recognizable brands, just as Rolex does.

If it were me and I was looking for my first good watch--I would probably go with the Submariner--it's a classic. But rest easy because both Rolex and Cartier make wonderful stuff.

haakon59 · 28 December 2007, 12:31 PM

In addition, I should tell you that I believe the definition of Demoiselle, a french word, is something like "young woman" or "teenage girl" or something like that. So you might have tried on another Cartier model, assuming you are a man.

steel4me · 28 December 2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texsubmariner

Steelman,

I too got the SuB Date 1st without checking out the SD. Now I want the SD, and will have to take a hit on trading in the Sub for the SD. The only that's holding me back is the possibility that the SD MAY undergo changes next year. Of course, the changes will also bring price increase. In the end, I may have to bite the bullet and get the SD now...

Texsubmariner,

What kind of changes? what have you heard? why are you scaring me man???

steelman

steel4me · 28 December 2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haakon59

In addition, I should tell you that I believe the definition of Demoiselle, a french word, is something like "young woman" or "teenage girl" or something like that. So you might have tried on another Cartier model, assuming you are a man.

And if the young woman is real hot, you call her "DAMMMoiselle!!"

Mario · 28 December 2007, 03:33 PM

Vernon said it best....Both are great watches to own.

TARDIS · 28 December 2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tallboy

Couldn't you just buy a Sub and have the crystal swapped out to a non-cyclops version?

Nope.

The size is different.

SD is smaller diameter and thicker crystal (5mm).

Steve

28 December 2007, 05:05 AM	#1
Rolex_Newbie Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: los angeles Posts: 29	Submariner VS Sea-Dweller Hello Everyone, I received a fair amount of money for Christmas and would like to put it toward a Rolex. I can afford, at the most, $6000, and I have had my eye on the Submariner for several years now. However, while watch shopping I came across the Sea-Dweller and I'm not sure if it really is better (I guess status wise, I understand it can sustain deeper regions). Also, please talk me out of the Cartier Santos Demoiselle (stainless and gold). I want that watch, but my heart tells me Rolex. Thanks in advance!

28 December 2007, 06:18 AM	#5
Goodwatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Real Name: Frans ® Location: Rotterdam Watch: the sunrise... Posts: 10,230	Welcome to our humble abode. It all depends on what you want from a watch. From the point of view of a casual passer by, they look the same. Someone more savvy will notice the absence of the cyclops. Those in the know will see it is a 'Dweller. Lest you are a member of Comex or another deep sea diving outfit you don't need a Sea Dweller. No one does If it were my money I still would buy it. It is the ultimate Rolex sportswatch and somewhat more exclusive than the 16610. Beautiful made, real heavy duty. But like I said, to the 'innocent bystander', they all look the same. Only be prepared for a more hefty watch. __________________ Member# 127

28 December 2007, 06:50 AM	#6
Downing "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Downing Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: SD ExpII GO Nav ND Posts: 1,640	Definitely try them both on, over and over and over again, one after the other after the other, before you buy. I went with the Sea-Dweller because I was attracted to its heft and weight. Other folks find a lighter, thinner watch more comfortable. I like having a watch I don't have to see to know I'm wearing. Sometimes when I'm wearing my Explorer, I actually have to look at it to see if it's on. But that's not for everyone. Good luck! Both are great watches. Both are rated deeper than you'll ever go. I'm not big on Cartier myself, but there are certainly other great dive watches out there. __________________ One if by land, one if by sea, one if by air and one uh, just to tell time. Rolex Explorer II White Rolex Sea-Dweller Glashütte Original Navigator Panerai 183 G Black Seal

28 December 2007, 07:34 AM	#9
JAD3703 Non-Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UTC-5 Toronto, ON Posts: 515	The SD ... Not much question for me - I tried both on, did a great deal of research on each model, and decided that I wanted the more robust and quintessential Rolex diver. The Sub is a nice watch, but I just do not like the date-window / bubble. It's annoying. Thus, I bought the SD and have never, ever regretted it. On the flip side, it is a thicker and ehavier watch, which means that it is not always for everybody. Best of luck with your decision. James __________________ "AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM - "I'll either find a way or make one"

28 December 2007, 08:20 AM	#10
GoldenBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,480	To each his own. I traded my SD for a Sub w/ date. I prefer and like the date and cyclops. Very few here have to worry about the depth rating... __________________ ____________________________________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner Rolex SS Submariner Breitling Emergency Mission They are just watches, wear 'em. ____________________________________________

28 December 2007, 05:55 AM	#2
Wolfgang427 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Wolfgang Location: New Jersey. Watch: Rolex Tudor Omega Posts: 5,592	Welcome only you can really decide what you want. I would go to an AD and try them all on and see which one smiles back at you. Then you'll have your answer.

28 December 2007, 06:07 AM	#3
steel4me Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: SteelMan Location: Somewhere Posts: 719	Newbie, I got a link just for you!! I got an SS SUB with date and just bought a seadweller. Here are tons of pics of them side by side: http://flickr.com/photos/22074029@N03/sets/ But if I have to do it all over again, I would have gotten the SEA DWELLER the first time also, instead of the 16610. It looks almost the same but feels a little heavier and has technical diffs. I feel like an idiot to have ignored this SEA DWELLER, 10yrs ago. I didn't even look at it ... I got too carried away by the SUB and didn't bother inquiring. But, no harm, no fowl .... So to make up for that, I am buying one more SEA DWELLER. The date in the 16610 SUB is a pain in hte A$$ to deal with, especially if you wear the watch occassionally. But with SEA DWELLER, it is worth it cause you got the baddest mother of all watches on your hand ... I mean wrist ...

28 December 2007, 06:15 AM	#4
llamaofdoom Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 417	Sub LV or a Sea Dweller. Both relatively uncommon compared to a regular Sub Date. Don't buy without a discount on the Sea Dweller, though. Those take a real hit on resale (compared to Sub Dates), and if you end up like most on this board, you'll have it for six months...and then end up wanting something else.

28 December 2007, 06:55 AM	#7
f16570 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: F Location: Scotland Watch: Exp II White Face Posts: 4,272	Welcome & Enjoy the forum. the SD is the quintessential Rollie, but get which one smiles at you. f

28 December 2007, 08:46 AM	#11
DS/B MINI S "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Charlotte NC Watch: SD & Exp II Posts: 961	The Sub is a great watch, but since I already had an Omega SMP the choice was easy for me __________________ 16600 Sea-Dweller 16570 Explorer II (White Dial)

28 December 2007, 08:59 AM	#12
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	I've said this before, but for all practical matters one is "as tough" as the other. Both watches use the same movement. The SD will go deeper. The SD, in my view, has a more utilitarian look befitting a professionals watch. Try both and see which is for you. Photos, The other sub,

28 December 2007, 09:17 AM	#13
jesper451 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden Watch: 16600 5513 Posts: 74	I prefer the SD or rather I love my SD. Best watch money can buy!

28 December 2007, 09:52 AM	#14
steel4me Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: SteelMan Location: Somewhere Posts: 719	yeah the SD is defitintely thicker and heavier but not much ..... I should may be weigh each watch and see how much is the weight difference ..... will post results when I get them ...if they both are the same price, then the SD is definitely more bang for the buck ...

28 December 2007, 10:03 AM	#15
timetravel125 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Louie Location: California Watch: Rolex Posts: 644	When I was buying, I was confused a bit, which to buy between SD and Sub Date. I was mesmerized by the SD.

28 December 2007, 10:19 AM	#16
Solar "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North America Watch: their hands, baby. Posts: 1,116	I went with the SD because at the time I figured I'd never be buying another Rolex........ ANyways, I wanted the biggest, heaviest, thickest-linked bad boy in the sports Rolex line, which is undoubtably the SD. I also liked that it had no cyclops, and was more rare, more unusual. I had it 6 months and after getting the GMT II 16710 Pepsi, I liked the lighter GMT and considered selling the SD to fund an LV. In the end, I'm keeping my SD and am glad that I have. Not only is it unique, the cut of the coin edge bezel is deeper thna the edge of any other sport Rolex. As such, the edge of the bezel has a gleam and play of light unlike many others. Beauty and the Beast............ Chris

28 December 2007, 11:24 AM	#17
Texsubmariner "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Khanh Location: Texas Watch: SSGMTc Posts: 1,227	Steelman, I too got the SuB Date 1st without checking out the SD. Now I want the SD, and will have to take a hit on trading in the Sub for the SD. The only that's holding me back is the possibility that the SD MAY undergo changes next year. Of course, the changes will also bring price increase. In the end, I may have to bite the bullet and get the SD now...

28 December 2007, 11:52 AM	#18
321harley Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 40	I've had both but for everyday wear, I prefer the Sea Dweller. I like it for it's extra heft, the absence of the cyclops, it is less common than the Sub and, besides the HE valve, I think it's the only Rolex with engraving on the caseback and it feels great on the wrist. For occasions when I want to wear a little more bling, I go with my M series Black two tone Sub. You can't go wrong with either watch! Good luck!

28 December 2007, 12:01 PM	#19
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	Welcome to TRF sub for me but it depends on what you like

28 December 2007, 12:03 PM	#20
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	Both are great watches, bullet proof movement. SD will cost more to service since it has the HEV seals, thicker gaskets for the caseback. Bracelet for the SD also has an extra larger wet suite extension while the sub does not come with that extra accessory. The sub date - is an icon. However do you need a cyclops to see the date? Will the cyclops bother you if you are attempting to look at the date at a different/extreme angle as the cyclops will distort it. Where the cyclops meets the sapphire crystal, it will also accumulate dirt. You'll have to pay extra attention to it. Pls do not forget to try both watches as they wear differently. Good luck on your choice, either way, you'll come out a winner. __________________ I'm just a cook...

28 December 2007, 12:12 PM	#21
Rolex_Newbie Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: los angeles Posts: 29	You guys are so great. Thank you very much! I thought the SD was the way to go from the start, but, being a novice and all, I just wasn't sure. Now I have to tell myself this is really the way to go, and not the Cartier. I have about 10 days to decide. I have tried all three watches on, and the Cartier really stood out. But, I mean it's my first watch, so I think it ought to be a Rolex. Ugh! Last edited by Rolex_Newbie; 28 December 2007 at 12:13 PM.. Reason: spelling

28 December 2007, 12:18 PM	#23
Tallboy Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chuck Location: Venice, Florida Watch: 07 Air King Posts: 125	Couldn't you just buy a Sub and have the crystal swapped out to a non-cyclops version?

28 December 2007, 12:20 PM	#24
321harley Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 40	Ahhh, that's why I played it safe and said "I think"....I have not had a chance to check out the Milgauss yet... What does the engraving say? Thanks! Mike

28 December 2007, 12:22 PM	#25
haakon59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,571	In terms of the SD versus the Sub, well, both have the same movement and both are reliable and tough. The SD is a little thicker, has a helium valve, and doesn't have the cyclops to magnify the date. Both are excellent. Unless you deep dive professionally,(most recreational divers don't dive below 100 feet or so) which means that even the regular Submariner at 300 meters is rated higher than you will get close to using. You should try them both on and see what you think. Cartier makes a very fine watch as well. The line you refer to though, I believe, is made for women, the Cartier Santos Demoiselle, so maybe my memory here is faulty. If so I apologize. Nevertheless, they make good watches and do a great job with styling and they have one of the world's most recognizable brands, just as Rolex does. If it were me and I was looking for my first good watch--I would probably go with the Submariner--it's a classic. But rest easy because both Rolex and Cartier make wonderful stuff.

28 December 2007, 12:31 PM	#26
haakon59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,571	In addition, I should tell you that I believe the definition of Demoiselle, a french word, is something like "young woman" or "teenage girl" or something like that. So you might have tried on another Cartier model, assuming you are a man.

28 December 2007, 03:33 PM	#29
Mario Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 45	Vernon said it best....Both are great watches to own.

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