Thoughts on the SD43

[ccaballero]

I recently had lunch with a friend of mine who was able to obtain an SD43 and he let me try it on. He has a similar sized wrist to me which is approximately 7'. I had never seen the SD43 in the flesh as my local AD always told me the moment they get one it's out the door.

In reading a lot of the threads over the past few months concerning the SD43, it seemed that a lot of the focus was about the size and how it wears as well as the weight. Also, a lot of threads positive and negative about the redesign.

In wearing the watch (for a limited time), my thoughts are that the SD43 is the most perfectly balanced and shaped modern Rolex. I am used to wearing my one and only 114060 and have to say that the SD43's tapered lugs (which mirrors the style of the 5 digit references) really gives the SD43 perfect balance on the wrist.

The 114060 always wore like a 42 mm watch in my mind, which is a product of the Maxi case. The SD 43, although classified as a 43mm watch, wears like a 42mm watch. One of the great things about the SD43 is how well the lugs flow with the bracelet, which Rolex widened. BTW, the widened bracelet is the best aspect of the redesign as well as the red lettering (obviously).

Overall, the SD43 is the perfect modern Rolex diver and the best offering Rolex has come out with--better than the ceramic Daytona frankly. Below are pictures for comparison between 114060 and SD43.

[j-watch]

So I take it you're off to your AD to order your very own?

If so, you won't regret it. I concur with all your observations, and wear mine over my Daytona's, or my BLNR. It is my favorite modern Rolex by a mile.

[anastasevp]

Gorgeous watch, I’m waiting for mine that probably arrives in July /August . Much better looking and presence than the sub, no doubts. Looks perfect on your wrist and mine is the same size too!!!


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[christopheran]

I have yet to try on the SD43 in the flesh, but this post has me wanting to skip the Hulk and try to get the Seadweller. I wore a 116610LN for a few years and agree it wears like a 42mm. I also have a BLNR which has the same case as the sub. Wonder if my 7” wrist would prefer the SD43 since it seems to be better balanced with the wider bracelet.

[j-watch]

Actually, the lugs on a Hulk are a bit wider then those of your BLNR, so not the same case. Call it the Super Maxi case versus your BLRN's Maxi case.

[watchmework]

I agree with all your points, especially when you compare it to the 114060. I had the SubC before trading it in for the SD43 and haven’t looked back. I really do think it’s the perfect diver and one of the best modern Rolex watches.

[efti]

It’s a heavy and tall case watch, cannot be compared to a 6digit Sub or GMT or even Exp2, feels bigger in the daily routine.. I was forced to like it but no thanks


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[ccaballero]

Originally Posted by christopheran

I have yet to try on the SD43 in the flesh, but this post has me wanting to skip the Hulk and try to get the Seadweller. I wore a 116610LN for a few years and agree it wears like a 42mm. I also have a BLNR which has the same case as the sub. Wonder if my 7” wrist would prefer the SD43 since it seems to be better balanced with the wider bracelet.

The slimmer lug design gives the SD43 a better look. The case flows much more nicely into the bracelet. It really highlights how square/box like the sub maxi case is. The only true 40 mm subs that look 40 mm are the 5 digits

[lawfor]

To each their own. I wanted to like it. It found it heavy, bulky and uncomfortable as compared to a normal sub or the prior SD.


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[oldman2005]

My favorite SS (Super Submariner)!

[Frank51]

Originally Posted by lawfor

To each their own. I wanted to like it. It found it heavy, bulky and uncomfortable as compared to a normal sub or the prior SD.

Agree, bulky, looks much nicer in pictures than in person.

[Pacha]

I found it too big for me. I'll keep enjoying my 16660.

[Houston77]

Just too thick for me. Any way it actually fits under a cuff?

[henrylee]

I'm the opposite that found it very pleasant in person. Never was interested in it due to its size and thickness. But in person was quite surprised how well it wore and how well proportioned it was. I say go ahead and get it!

[JohnnyRol]

I've got mine coming in this week and am very excited. Tried one on Friday for th first time. It was for another customer before he came in to pick it up. Felt very good but i need two links taken out which means I won't know how it truly feels until that's done. It is gorgeous and won't be my only diver so I don't plan on it being my full time watch. I'm dying to give some feedback later this week!

[Derkuhlmann]

I think the Sub looks more proportional on your wrist.

[tng11]

I agree with the sentiments the OP expressed - they are more similar in size than the 40mm vs 43mm diameter would suggest. That said, the 126600 is noticeably heavier and bulkier, and the wider bracelet feels a bit more restrictive on the wrist.

[mementomori1983]

Great comparison. The SD43 looks so much better on your wrist.

[AK797]

I think the proportions are good but I don't like a matte dial with a shiny ceramic bezel, when it goes grey it really jars for me and looks wrong.

[Klunk]

Love the watch, just wish Rolex would have left the cyclops off.

[brandrea]

The SD43 provides the perfect blend of all the modern Rolex features that I love with a hint of that throw back vintage feel.

If you can hang onto the 060 why not? It's also a great reference and different enough to own both IMO

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[wwwdotcomdotnet]

Thanks for the write up. I would have chosen the SD43 over my 114060 had it not been for the cyclops.

[samson66]

I think it's the perfect Rolex sports model IF (big if here) you have larger wrists. I think anything under 7" is pushing it for most people. Not saying it can't work, but 7" seems to be the dividing line for this watch. Anyone out there with <7" I would strongly recommend trying it out before committing to buying one. Even with my 7.5" wrist it does wear large and take some getting used to. But proportions, weight, dial, lugs and on and on they absolutely nailed it!

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by AK797

I think the proportions are good but I don't like a matte dial with a shiny ceramic bezel, when it goes grey it really jars for me and looks wrong.

That contrast in the right light is one of the things I love about it





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[Flybak]

Definitely agree that the SD43 proportions are terrific, Rolex did a great job refining them (hopefully more modern models will be revisited, but that's a separate thread). Prior to this, my preference in terms of case/bracelet/lug combination among modern sports models has been the Daytona hands down. The fit on the wrist is a separate issue and the SD43 definitely needs to be tried on for personal comfort before committing to purchase given the case size.

[904VT]

I agree it’s an amazing watch. But I think you’d have to live with it before getting a full perspective and the Daytona C as well to be fair

[Flybak]

Originally Posted by Devildog

That contrast in the right light is one of the things I love about it





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I feel exactly the same way about the contrast. This photo is awesome, makes me want to head out and by one immediately...and I already have one

[strafer_kid]

Just picked mine up a couple of days ago......was very fortunate to get offered one by an AD more by chance than anything else. Anyway I must say that my initial impressions are good. It definitely feels on initial impressions that it wears much bigger than my other sports Rolexes including the SubC. It also feels bigger than the SD4000 that I flipped a while back, though I get a sense that it might work out to be less top heavy? So far it looks like a winner so fingers crossed

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

That contrast in the right light is one of the things I love about it





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That is a really sharp pic, but it's just one of my bugbears, esp when set against the all gloss Subc. It was a better match with aluminium.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Just picked mine up a couple of days ago......was very fortunate to get offered one by an AD more by chance than anything else. Anyway I must say that my initial impressions are good. It definitely feels on initial impressions that it wears much bigger than my other sports Rolexes including the SubC. It also feels bigger than the SD4000 that I flipped a while back, though I get a sense that it might work out to be less top heavy? So far it looks like a winner so fingers crossed

Definitely an adjustment period involved with this watch. It's not that the SD43 is "too big" it's more that you have to get comfortable with wearing a watch that is larger than the traditional Rolex professional models. It doesn't feel at all top heavy to me, it's just a heavier watch in general. But that's a plus almost. I like the bigger chunkier look of the SD43 because it's all to scale. Not sure I'd want a 43mm diameter watch with a thinner profile, or slimmer bracelet. Everything on this watch is just perfectly proportioned, but it takes some time to get used to it. I'm still in the "getting used" to it part myself but I have grown more at ease with it and appreciate all it's many assets.