First time Rolex purchase - SD vs Sub Green

[cugrad]

First off I'd like to say that this is a really great site... so many helpfull people providing great input on every post I have read. So I'm hoping you can help me as well.

I live in Austin, TX and am in the market for my first Rolex purchase... I have been drawn to the Sea Dweller and the Submariner (I like the green dial version) and would like some input on the pros and cons for each model. Any input would be greatly appreciated, including best place to purchase... here on the site from a trusted seller or at an AD here in Texas and what I should expect to pay for either one. As well, if you have some input on any other model I should look at, give me your 2 cents worth.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Brian

[A1000]

The same dilema that I faced. There are a number of differences between the two, however, unless you are going to use the watch in real anger underwater then only a few are really relevant.

From trying the two on there is a difference in weight, thickness and look. What really drove my decision was which one I preferred on my wrist when I had both there. It was a mixture of the three issues above really.

I also looked at the Sub date, however, the maxi dial on the LV worked better for me.

My advice, go for the one that sings to you. Hope this helps.

[Andad]

I like both.

[Singslinger]

It's possible (but not confirmed) that Rolex might discontinue the Sea-Dweller soon. If so, then this raises its collectibility factor. Also, the SD has a tougher case and stronger crystal than the Sub.

However, if neither ruggedness nor investment value/collectibility is important to you, then go for the watch that looks best on your wrist. The LV is a very striking watch with its green bezel and Maxi-dial and you won't go wrong if you buy it instead.

Or you could do what I did and buy both! (over a period of several years, of course!).

[Phill (UK)]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

It's possible (but not confirmed) that Rolex might discontinue the Sea-Dweller soon.

It is definite and was confirmed at Basel 2008 that the SD 4000 has been discontinued.

[brettpaul]

Welcome Brian! Get the SD (it is discontinued) and is a GREAT classic Rolex!! I bought mine last year and haven't looked back since!

[housemad]

The SD 4000 is always a better purchase if you want your watch to keep a high value...
But personnaly I prefere the look of the LV!!!

...but if you offer me an SD 12000 then!!!

[cugrad]

ruggedness and investment value/collectibility is important to me..... and I was leaning to the SD anyways. Not only do I plan to daily wear it, I'd like to make a sound investment at the same time.

Now, any suggestions on best price? Looks as if on this site they are going for NIB at around 5K.... is there a serial number range I should be looking at to increase the collectibility? Any chance to get one less than 5K from a reputable person?

[Lion]

Wow where can I get a SD BNIB for only $5000.00???

[GMTcrazy]

GET THE SEADWELLER!!!

While you still can. Green subs will at LEAST be in stock for a couple more years, even if they discontinue when the ceramic subs come out.

The SD is endangered, and will be extinct sooner than later.

GT

[mdtddd2007]

SD all the way...i have one...highly recommended. Good luck.

[1175]

Originally Posted by Lion

Wow where can I get a SD BNIB for only $5000.00???

Right here in the classifieds. TempoKing has one for $4950.

[Gasoil4ever]

I'd go for the SD.

But try them on first. The weight and thickness of the SD is not ok with everybody...

[sea-dweller]

The SD sits a bit higher on my wrist than a Sub does, while the Sub sits a bit 'flatter'. The SD is also a bit (but not really noticeable) heavier. Try 'em both on and see which one you like. I would buy the SD, since the green bezel insert on the LV is not my style. If I bought an LV, I would change the bezel insert to a black one !

[Art 1]

I would rather have the LV Sub.

[AIKO]

Same decision I had to make a few months ago. Went the LV becasue it was 2 watches in one with the black bezel.

[Romi]

Get the Sub LV and a black sub insert.

[rijowysock]

dweller is my personal favorite.. like the thicker case and has more character

[cugrad]

Thanks to all for your great input... I just got back from my local AD and tried on both. I have an 8" wrist and I have to say that the SD fit quite nicely... :D

So I think I'll hit up Tempoking and see how this process works. The AD (Ben Bridge)was not willing to budge a single dollar off either the SD or Sub LV, both marked at $6,400 with M serial numbers.....

[sammiepug]

Wow... not a single dollar, try Dallas, or San Antonio, Ausitn seems to have a smaller market...

BTW, I was in your same boat, picking my first sport rolex... I was told by more than 1 AD that SD will be worth more, because DeepSea is supposed to replace the SD.

I have a small wrist - so I picked the Sub Date, i considered the LV, didnt want to pay that much more, plus I want to be a little low-profile.

The SD has a thicker case, also if you are not a fan of the bubble and still want a date, the SD is your choice.

Good luck either one will be great - I have to say after looking at the closeups, the SD is growing on me.

[mike]

I'm always reluctant to recommend one modern reference over another as an investment. I'm not sure without a crystal ball any can be said to be investment material though some hold a higher value than others.

Both have their champions and as always buying what you like is the best option.

Consider the number of examples made of either reference if you're thinking along those lines....not if one has been discontinued or not. I have no idea how many of either were/have been made, but the SD has been out a while. The LV shares it's case with the 16610 and is pretty well known to have had fewer examples made than it's standard counterpart. How long it will stay in the line up is anyone's guess, but consider should it also make it's way to the supercase upgrade it will not be the same watch.

These are things collectors of the future will look at.

The SD is a great watch with a unique history. The professionals watch. The LV was designed to comemmorate the Submariner. It's maxi-dial is a bit of a reminder of another era. It's a bit more versatile given the ability to use a black insert.

Either will give a lifetime (and then some) of service.

Good luck.

Some pics,

[bradg]

Do you like the cyclops or not....that may help you. Both watches are sweeeet!

[hflee55]

SD gets my vote

[rickyslam]

I would chose the LV over the SD. I got a normal Sub Date but still no urge for an SD more for the LV.

[thecoinopcollector]

[/quote]So I think I'll hit up Tempoking and see how this process works. The AD (Ben Bridge)was not willing to budge a single dollar off either the SD or Sub LV, both marked at $6,400 with M serial numbers.....[/QUOTE]

Whichever you pick I think you should get at least 10%, and especially considering this crappy market. Go check some independent AD's in smaller markets. The big name chain AD's at the shopping malls and in the big cities don't seem to discount but the independent AD's I have run across are all willing to deal.

[Nica64]

SD for me!!

[pegasus5669784]

sea dweller all the way

[cugrad]

I just sent my wire transfer to Tempoking this morning, I chose the SD.... super excited to get it!!! I'll be sure to take some pictures of it on my wrist when I get it and post them.

Thanks to everone for their great input, what a great bunch of people on here !!!

[1175]

Originally Posted by cugrad

I just sent my wire transfer to Tempoking this morning, I chose the SD.... super excited to get it!!! I'll be sure to take some pictures of it on my wrist when I get it and post them.

Thanks to everone for their great input, what a great bunch of people on here !!!

Congratulations!

[ocwatching]

Congrats...I have been looking at SD as well
Nice pickup...congrats