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Old 4 February 2020, 02:55 PM   #1
gluten
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SD43 or Ceramic No Date 114060

I had a 2006 Submariner a few years ago and sold it when the Apple Watch came out. But I'm looking to ditch the Apple Watch and come back home.

I was close to buying the 114060, but I recently became aware of the SD43, and so I'm having a hard time deciding if that might not be a more fun watch to own.

Would like to hear some opinions / options.

I'm 47. Usually wear sweaters with jeans, a Barbour jacket, and Alden Indys.

I think the No Date is a great, first, every day watch. But that SD43 looks like it'd be real fun on the wrist. ... has the classic look but has the presence to really pop when you want it to.

Yeah? Too much? Thanks!
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Old 4 February 2020, 03:11 PM   #2
franktehtank
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If you've got the wrist for it (At least 7" or larger), the SD43 is an absolute joy to wear, and less common than a sub. It's also a decent chunk of money over the 114060, so that's something to consider. Both watches will be a wait at the AD, but there's always trusted sellers if you can't wait.

The 114060 is a fantastic watch, a true classic. You really can't go wrong with either. Go with your gut!

FYI: Used to own a ceramic Sub date, currently own the SD43. Love both.
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Old 4 February 2020, 03:21 PM   #3
pbubsy
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I have an 8" wrist. I had a ND and loved it but honestly, got a little bored with it and thought it a tad small. Odd because I love my Explorer MK2 and it's smaller. I think it's because it reminds me of a military or pilot watch and the Arabic numerals break up the dial a bit. Good balance to that watch.

Anyhow, I swapped my Sub for a DSSD and ended up buying a SD43 when my AD called on it. Both watches are different enough where they co exist in my collection in harmony.

Huge fan of the SD43. Love the way it wears (smaller than you'd think) and that splash of color from the red line on the dial is a nice touch. It's perfectly balanced and is definitely a more dress appropriate watch than my DSSD when I want to wear a diver in a formal setting (heresy, I know). Goes with everything from jeans and a worn tee to a tux. Great watch. Highly recommend it over the Sub but hey, this is all subjective. Everyone's got an opinion.
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Old 4 February 2020, 04:13 PM   #4
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I call the SD43 Sexy & Macho. Sexy for its perfect proportions reminiscent of the old Rolex divers, Macho for the amazing wrist presence it has despite the fact it does not wear that much bigger than a maxi case modern sub. The Macho presence is also enhanced by the 22mm lug / bracelet.
The best diver Rolex makes in my opinion.

PS: don’t ditch the Apple Watch, use it for outdoors sports activities and as sleep tracker.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gluten View Post
I had a 2006 Submariner a few years ago and sold it when the Apple Watch came out. But I'm looking to ditch the Apple Watch and come back home.

I was close to buying the 114060, but I recently became aware of the SD43, and so I'm having a hard time deciding if that might not be a more fun watch to own.

Would like to hear some opinions / options.

I'm 47. Usually wear sweaters with jeans, a Barbour jacket, and Alden Indys.

I think the No Date is a great, first, every day watch. But that SD43 looks like it'd be real fun on the wrist. ... has the classic look but has the presence to really pop when you want it to.

Yeah? Too much? Thanks!
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Old 4 February 2020, 04:19 PM   #5
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6 5/8” wrist and i’m enjoying my SD43 right this second. it’s definately larger but i adore it.
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Old 4 February 2020, 04:20 PM   #6
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No question. SD43 all the way.
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Old 4 February 2020, 04:20 PM   #7
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earlier today.


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Old 4 February 2020, 07:03 PM   #8
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Both are really nice, but I like the thin red line of text a little more.
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Old 4 February 2020, 07:08 PM   #9
Andad
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I have a 114060 and it is a 10/10.

I also have an older Z SD 16600.

The modeL SD43 however is another Rolex masterpiece in engineering with the extra features of the six digit model.

If you can carry it off it’s THE one.
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Old 4 February 2020, 07:18 PM   #10
Manu74
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No contest, SD43 by a mile!
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Old 4 February 2020, 07:52 PM   #11
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I wear sweaters and jeans like you, and a SD43.



Big is the UTS MÜNCHEN 3000M, my father's daily diver watch, here a picture with the SD43


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Old 4 February 2020, 08:52 PM   #12
navbuhr
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I have both - and a 7inch wrist like you. I love the Sub ND when I want to go unnoticed. SD43 for other times. If I had to choose - SD43 hands down
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Old 4 February 2020, 08:57 PM   #13
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Both great pieces. I'll go a little against the grain here and vote for the sub. It's THE iconic diver and one of my favorite designs. As a curve ball, have you considered the 116600 sd4k?
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:13 PM   #14
1William
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For me the SD43 is the ultimate diver. Size, red text, cyclops, updated bracelet and the amazing glide lock clasp. I owned a ND Submariner for years and enjoyed it as the dial is perfectly balanced. I currently own a SD43, DSSD JC and a Hulk. I have the Rolex diver bases covered but if only one could stay it would be the SD43.
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:18 PM   #15
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Whichever one fits your wrist best
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:21 PM   #16
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I prefer the DSSD as an everyday watch
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:22 PM   #17
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If the size works for you the SD43 is the more "special" watch. The size and heft just add to its appeal in my opinion. Just feels right if you know what I mean.
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:34 PM   #18
brandrea
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I have both and can honestly say I prefer the Submariner for everyday wear, it's just more comfortable to my 7" wrist.

There is definitely alot to love about the SD43 as mentioned above, and don't get me wrong it's a very special reference that I really enjoy wearing in rotation.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'd start with the Submariner and add the SD43 later on, especially if it's going to be one you wear daily

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Old 4 February 2020, 10:36 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
I have both and can honestly say I prefer the Submariner for everyday wear, it's just more comfortable to my 7" wrist.

There is definitely alot to love about the SD43 as mentioned above, and don't get me wrong it's a very special reference that I really enjoy wearing in rotation.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'd start with the Submariner and add the SD43 later on, especially if it's going to be one you wear daily

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Old 4 February 2020, 10:43 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gluten View Post
I had a 2006 Submariner a few years ago and sold it when the Apple Watch came out.
Seriously. Someone actually did that?
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:47 PM   #21
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I have an 114060. Works well in my collection, on my wrist and doing what it was meant to do... Keep great time in less than ideal conditions.
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Old 4 February 2020, 10:53 PM   #22
travisb
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SD43 - Better wrist presence, date, red text, fully graduated bezel, new movement. Overall just a more interesting watch.
The simplicity of the classic Sub is terrific but I'd want more in a one and only watch.
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Old 4 February 2020, 11:16 PM   #23
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Subscribed.

I have the 114060 and love it, but have always loved the SD43 as well due to the red text, date, and size. Interested to see what the consensus is.
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Old 4 February 2020, 11:33 PM   #24
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The SD43 has great wrist presence . I just pick one up last week . Good luck!!
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Old 5 February 2020, 12:07 AM   #25
Roli4life
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SD43 or Ceramic No Date 114060

I have both,but if I had to choose between the two, I would take the SD43 hands down.

It’s a very special watch, and looks fantastic. Snag a MK1 dial if you can. They are not super expensive yet, but are starting to be recognized as more collectible. Those in the know are predicting them to be the next flat 4 Kermits.
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Old 5 February 2020, 01:45 AM   #26
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The SD if you have the wrist for it. 43 is a liiiittle too big for me. The 114060 fits me perfect.
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Old 5 February 2020, 01:53 AM   #27
MasonDixon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gluten View Post


I think the No Date is a great, first, every day watch. But that SD43 looks like it'd be real fun on the wrist. ... has the classic look but has the presence to really pop when you want it to.

I prefer the 114060, but it sounds like the SD43 is the one you really want. Go for it!
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Old 5 February 2020, 02:04 AM   #28
dmb359
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Definitely the 114060 for me, SD43 is too big for my 7" wrist.


If you have closer to an 8" wrist, I'd say the SD43 would look great though.
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Old 5 February 2020, 03:28 AM   #29
gluten
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This has all been very helpful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmb359 View Post
Definitely the 114060 for me, SD43 is too big for my 7" wrist.
Yes, my wrist is 6 3/4, so I'm a little nervous about dropping that much money without first getting to try one on, and I don't live anywhere near any decent watch shops.

I'm not intimidated by the size / weight, but I don't want it to look like oversized and stupid. ... That said, I'm 6 feet, 225 pounds with a good size round head ... so maybe the overall perspective is an important consideration too?

Would love to see more photos of the SD43 on 6.5" - 7" wrists.
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Old 5 February 2020, 03:55 AM   #30
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Trust me, the size of the watch is not as you imagine it to be. It wears exactly as a sub, in fat if we look at it from above, it may even be smaller than a sub considering the sub has a maxi case while the SD43 has the old style case which makes the watch look round not squarish as the sub is.


Quote:
Originally Posted by gluten View Post
This has all been very helpful.



Yes, my wrist is 6 3/4, so I'm a little nervous about dropping that much money without first getting to try one on, and I don't live anywhere near any decent watch shops.

I'm not intimidated by the size / weight, but I don't want it to look like oversized and stupid. ... That said, I'm 6 feet, 225 pounds with a good size round head ... so maybe the overall perspective is an important consideration too?

Would love to see more photos of the SD43 on 6.5" - 7" wrists.
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