Sea-Dweller (SD43) Experience for 70th Birthday

[carlhaluss]

After years of buying and flipping watches, I want to experience everything that the Rolex diver has to offer. Without going as far as the Deepsea, which has also been a consideration, I am confident that the SD43 will offer me everything I want - and more - than any other diver possibly can.

For reasons unknown, I have always put Rolex diver watches on the back burner. And in the meantime purchased other expensive watches, when I could have afforded a Rolex diver. Pretty much had my mind made up that it would be a 114060 Sub No Date when the time came. But after studying the SD43 for the past two years, I realize that it will be the one.

So, a couple days ago, I phoned my AD. I am now on the list. I didn't ask how many are on the list, or an ETA for the watch. I am just going to sit back and enjoy the anticipation of this fine timepiece. Getting hyped and nagging the AD will not make it's arrival any sooner, and will spoil the enjoyment. My 70th is in October, and if I am lucky I will have the watch by then.

This is the first time I have ever acquired a watch without first seeing it in real life. But I have every confidence it will be more than suitable. Sort of an adventure, and a completely different experience than just walking into a shop and buying what I like. At least I like to look at it that way.

Cheers
Carl

[Vince KSA]

Enjoy the anticipation of the wait and here is a preview of the beauty you will receive Carl.

[Kamen]

Congrats on the purchase decision. I hope you get yours soon!

My AD tells me I should get mine by March or so. The wait is both fun but torturous haha!

[superstarmar]

Early Congrats... Looking forward to it ...

[101031-28]

Big congrats! Excellent choice, I love the SD43 and my Birthday is in October too!

[rambo99]

you've got yourself a wonderful and memorable birthday present, congratulations!

[Alex_TA]

Hi Carl
Are you taking into account your age and the weight of this toy?
Don’t you think that titanium diver will be more appropriate?


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[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Vince KSA

Enjoy the anticipation of the wait and here is a preview of the beauty you will receive Carl.




Attachment 1013737

Thank you. The anticipation is a large part of the enjoyment. Being so used to walking into a shop and buying a watch I like with little or no wait. This is a new experience, and I will enjoy it!

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Kamen

Congrats on the purchase decision. I hope you get yours soon!

My AD tells me I should get mine by March or so. The wait is both fun but torturous haha!

Thank you.
Well, March isn't so bad. Depending upon when you placed the order, of course! I see an AP in your avatar. I would love just to be able to see a Royal Oak in real life. I understand that Montecristo in Oakridge no longer carries AP, though, so I don't know when I will be able to see one, unless in my travels.

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

Early Congrats... Looking forward to it ...

Thanks. I can't wait to have it on my wrist and post some pics. I think it will be a great complement to my Explorer I as well.

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Big congrats! Excellent choice, I love the SD43 and my Birthday is in October too!

Thanks. Are you a Libra as well? Maybe that is why it took me so long to make my decision about this watch! There is no "in between" for me. I either make incredibly impulsive decisions, which I often regret later, or I wait for ages to decide. And I think this will end up being a very good decision!

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by rambo99

you've got yourself a wonderful and memorable birthday present, congratulations!

Thanks. I think it is fitting for the occasion. It was between the SD43 and a Yacht Master Everose with the Oysterclasp. This SD43 will be more suitable for me, fitting better into my collection.

Cheers,
Carl

[Rashid.bk]

This is great. Rolex dive watches have been know make you feel younger and invigorated. That's why I have mine.
Huge congrats in advance on this journey.

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Alex_TA

Hi Carl
Are you taking into account your age and the weight of this toy?
Don’t you think that titanium diver will be more appropriate?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, I'm still able bodied, at least for a few years. Although, I didn't want to wait until I turn 80! Funny you should say Titanium, as I do already have a Panerai 562, which is a titanium model!

Cheers
Carl

[abozz]

The Single Red SD43 is the most handsome diver Rolex ever made. I'm more than happy with mine, is a beautiful proportional watch!!!

[VicLeChic]

Congratulations in advance, Carl.

I got my SD43 for my 43rd birthday back in 2017, glad I did, feels special to me.

[Devildog]

Congratulations in advance Carl

When I saw the pictures of it post Basel 17, I knew I was seriously interested. When I saw it in the metal a couple of months later I was hooked and asked by AD to do what he could to get me one for my 50th in October that same year. Another October birthday here

He's a star and came through for me a month early. Hopefully yours will do he same for you

It is by far my favourite of all the Rolex watches I have owned and IMO one of the very best watches in the Rolex line up.

Here are some pictures to add to the anticipation. Its a very special piece, with an ever changing dial depending on the light

From deep black



Through almost "tropical"



To a very matte grey

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

This is great. Rolex dive watches have been know make you feel younger and invigorated. That's why I have mine.
Huge congrats in advance on this journey.

You are absolutely correct, sir! It is not about how old you are, but how you feel. I am fortunate to own quite a few beautiful watches, but I feel this one is going to be very special. Part of a very special journey indeed. Thank you.

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by abozz

The Single Red SD43 is the most handsome diver Rolex ever made. I'm more than happy with mine, is a beautiful proportional watch!!!

I am in total agreement about the proportions. Not only do they look good, but they make the watch more comfortable as well. It has taken me years to get around to a Rolex diver, and now I am glad that I waited. I have studied the watch so many times, and although I have yet to see it in real life, there is not one thing about it that I would change.

Cheers,
Carl

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Congratulations in advance Carl

When I saw the pictures of it post Basel 17, I knew I was seriously interested. When I saw it in the metal a couple of months later I was hooked and asked by AD to do what he could to get me one for my 50th in October that same year. Another October birthday here

He's a star and came through for me a month early. Hopefully yours will do he same for you

It is by far my favourite of all the Rolex watches I have owned and IMO one of the very best watches in the Rolex line up.

Here are some pictures to add to the anticipation. Its a very special piece, with an ever changing dial depending on the light

From deep black



Through almost "tropical"



To a very matte grey

Thanks for all your words of encouragement and wonderful photos. They actually do the watch justice! A fine spectrum of shades for that dial. I also believe it is one of the best and nicest in the Rolex line up.

The dial is also one of the things I love about my Explorer 1, which is very similar in appearance. I think I will enjoy it even more on the SD43 because of the larger dial area.

Believe it or not, I actually chose this model over the Yacht Master Everose with Oysterflex bracelet!

And, I have never even seen this SD43 in real life! I just know from all I have read, and heard, that it will be a very special watch for me. It is the very first time I have ever acquired a watch without first seeing it in real life.

I keep looking at all the pics, wrist shots and others, and just love the proportion of the watch. And I know the slightly larger case size and bracelet width will really add to the comfort.

One of the very best parts to my story is that my AD is one of the nicest, most humble guys I have ever met, and that is reflected in each and every one of his staff. To me, that relationship makes the watch way more special for me. This will be a great experience.

Well, that was a great 50th gift to yourself, I must say. Congratulations!

Cheers,
Carl

[HogwldFLTR]

Congratulations on both the SD and 70 years!!!

[1William]

The SD43 is a great watch. I hope it gets to you by your birthday.

[brandrea]

I truly hope it arrives in time for your birthday Carl.

It's a wonderful reference. I was in a similar position to Scott (Devildog) and when this one was announced at Basel 2017 I knew I had to have it.

My first Rolex was a 5 digit Seadweller, so I always had a soft spot for this refernce and I always regret having sold it.

I turned 50 in June 2017. I attended my AD's Basel event to check out the new releases. I asked my AD to do what he could to get one in time for my birthday.

He one upped me and I got the very first one sold in Canada on May 4th

Enjoy the anticipation Carl

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[strafer_kid]

It is superb in every way...you will love it! Enjoy in good health!

[watchwatcher]

It's a great watch, for sure. One of my favorites. But if it's not here by October, I would pick up the phone and call one of our trusted sellers. It's not selling at that much of a premium, and you deserve to have that watch for your birthday. Especially a milestone birthday.

My two cents...from a guy who's not far behind you, loves Rolex divers, and believes in treating yourself every now and then.

Oh, and hates to wait.

[peterskinner]

I was seventy this week; I can assure you the 43mm is a delight. Not so sure about being seventy! I preferred being twenty.

[nick c]

Will go very well with your Panerai. Carl

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by carlhaluss

One of the very best parts to my story is that my AD is one of the nicest, most humble guys I have ever met, and that is reflected in each and every one of his staff. To me, that relationship makes the watch way more special for me. This will be a great experience.

Mine is the same. Makes such difference

Originally Posted by carlhaluss

Well, that was a great 50th gift to yourself, I must say. Congratulations!

Cheers,
Carl

Thanks Carl

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Big congrats! Excellent choice, I love the SD43 and my Birthday is in October too!

My birthday is also in October...

[rambo99]

i have the diver extension removed after 2 months wearing it, feel much more comfortable thereafter. i suggest you remove it once you got it, if you are not planning to go diving with it.