Sd43 or submariner date

[teabags001]

Which watch would you pick as a daily? A one watch collection. I have between a 7.25-7.5 inch wrist. I like the SD43 but am worried about the height being at 15mm. At that thickness will it fit under a shirt cuff? Any pics would be appreciated. Also looking at a MK1 dial but the card is dated 2018. I have read a few comments how a true MK1 will only have a 2017 card.

I like the sub but feel if I buy it will I regret not getting the MK1 SD43? Also I would be a little bummed if they update it to the newer movement. The price difference is about $2,500. It’s not really an issue as I think both would hold their value.

If you had the choice which one would you get if you could only have one as a daily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[captJON]

sub would be always be my choice for daily wears

[Ranger67]

They are my choices, I will have which ever comes up first from an AD.

[ajas]

Sub is iconic and always will be, at least in my book.

[ROLEX*]

What’s so great about MK1 dial?

Just wait for the next sub and decide again

[APPRF]

No brainer SD43. Later maybe a Hulk or GMT, and with the DJ41 you already have, it's a perfect 3 piece collection. Always think of the future, preferences may change. A black sub is too common, an SD43 is something a bit special, even a MK2 one.

[travisb]

SD43. More unique, better wrist presence. I just prefer the overall look.

[18078pres]

I would get the sub the size is perfect for comfort , style, and will fit better know matter what you're wearing. I would look at the 5 digit sub.

[Rori]

I love the sub but for your wrist size, I would go with the SD43. The wrist presence of this watch is second to none.
Second reason why I would skip on the sub now is because the new one is already there, just not announced due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Regarding the MK1 MK2 hype, both are anniversary and none of the MK versions will have any advantage over the other unless a third one is introduced without the red line.
Here’s mine under a shirt, this watch when on the wrist looks as a normal sub, no visible difference in height since the case back is smaller than the case which helps making it looks like it’s not there.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Abmatt2002]

SD43 for me, and I own both.

If I need to wear something slimmer I wear my DJ.

[brandrea]

I own both (the SD Mk1 dial and a Submariner 114060).

1. When the reference was first released in 2017 it had the stick indicator at 6 o’clock (known as the MK1 dial). In 2018 Rolex changed their catalogue/web site to show the dial with the crown at 6 o’clock, but some stick dials still showed up in that year, presumably MK1 dials we’re still moving through the reference till they ran out. I don’t believe I’ve seen a 2019 or newer warranty card stick dial ... someone can correct me.

2. About all I have to say regarding future value is that 20 or 30 years from now, small details such as this HAVE made a difference ... just look at the vintage forum here for numerous examples where small font changes, dial markers, color variations, etc, etc, are worth much more. The standard reply is to buy and wear what you like, they are all the same. To watch geeks, they aren’t IMHO.

3. The overall size of the SD43 isn’t significantly different than the Submariner from a top down view IMHO. Where it differs greatly is in weight and thickness. The other thing is comfort factor. The caseback of the SD43 can be annoying to some as it protrudes further out than the Sub and can create discomfort. For me the Submariner is the easy winner for daily comfort.

4. No one knows exactly when the Submariner will be fitted with the 32xx movement but it will most likely be soon. That said, the 31xx is a great, tried and true movement, and it actually winds smoother than the 32xx (IMO). If it’s a one and only for you, the extra power reserve shouldn’t be a big deal.

Good luck deciding, there’s no wrong answer, both are fantastic choices

[ttman333]

SD43.

Your wrist is big enough - they don't wear big IMHO anyway.

[EconTigerOrange]

I had the same dilemma and my wrist is the same size as yours too. I opted for the SD43 as it fit my wrist size better and I liked the splash of color the SD provides. Regarding the dial, I too opted for the MKI as I was able to find one unworn from an AD a couple of weeks ago. It was pre-owned, but unworn.

The MKI dial was the one produced in 2017 as part of the 50th anniversary, but I’ve seen that dial on warranty cards dated 2019. The MKII was introduced in 2018. Both are considered 50th Anniversary. Is the MKI more limited? Maybe. It supposedly was only produced for that one year, while the MKII has been produced for 2+. Who knows what the annual production numbers were. I wouldn’t get hung up on the dial personally. I almost purchased a new MKII dial before someone else beat me to it.

[Ageing Orphan]

I have owned the 114060 for 5 years now and wear it most days. Very comfy watch on the wrist. My next purchase will hopefully be the SD43 for my 60th Birthday in Sept. I've just started contacting my local AD's to ask about it.

So my choice would be both (but not the answer you were looking for!!)

[samson66]

For your wrist size the SD43 should work just fine. The date on the card doesn't really matter since that is simply the date it was sold. The MK1 dial denotes the first first year of production.

[Psmith]

SD43

[AK797]

I have both and the Subc is just easier all round, except for maybe the glidelock on the go.

[rhairman]

I have a Submariner 16610 and the SD 43 and never like the proportion of 116610. I don't know which Sub you're eyeing. Anyway, I prefer the SD 43. Looks stealthier in any ways compared to the Sub (IMO)

[Rocco21]

126600 allday over suv no question for me.The 126600 is just awesome, great wrist presence ,just something special to me over a sub.ive had many subs and while I love them the 126600 blows it out of the water for me.Your wrist size is perfect for it as well.

[garyk]

Sub

[Pilliam]

Like many on this thread, I also own both and would pick the SD43. My wrist is smaller than yours (7in), and I wear suits to work. They're both comfortable, but my Sub is the Bluesy, so I opt for the SD43 more often because it's far less flashy. I also prefer the lug width on the SD43 because it's a more streamlined and cohesive look than the Sub. You can't go wrong with either, though.

[Chester01]

Depends. SD is a bulkier and heavier watch and will have to be worn tighter to prevent flopping around. I wear my sub doing what ever the day brings be that in the office or playing golf, mountain biking, or baseball with the kids. So it needs to be comfortable and not flopping around. Bulkier for the sake of bulkier is not better in my book.

[Golfpaul66]

Love the SD43. If your wrist is larger enough, it really shows off a masculine presence.

[pc109]

Personally, I like the SD43 over modern Sub Date. I have both and always grab the SD43 on my 6.5” wrist. Red line, matte-ish dial.

Re MkI vs MkII, yeah, it could make a difference in resale 30 years down the line. For me, I had the AD fill out the warranty in my 9 year old son’s name, so in this case, I prefer my personal MkII.

[barneb10]

Try them both on. However, I prefer the Sub (no-date in my case).

[PNBLWZD]

I own both and my SD43 is the favorite, my sub(s) and other 40mm references just sit now. For a larger wrist/guy the SD43 proportions are much better, especially the awesome larger bracelet. Try one on and you'll see.

The only other piece I try to rotate with is a 42mm EXP2, and I almost have to force myself to do it for a day lol. SD43 FTW!

[lcs77]

Sd43

[1William]

I have a 7.5 to 7.75 inch wrist depending on the weather and can wear most watches at 40 mm and up comfortably. I have owned several SD43's since introduction and it is a fine watch and if I had to have only one watch it would be in the running. With that said I recently sold my SD43. I have the new version of the DSSD JC, a Hulk a Submariner-C ND and a YG Submariner with the blue dial. I found that for a big watch the SD43 and the DSSD both have proportions that are redundant for me. The dial of the DSSD JC is beautiful and the Submariner ND is a perfect under the radar watch for me. I think the SD43 does not have much of a place in my dive line-up from Rolex right now. Not that it is not a great watch, it just does not have a place right now. As a one and only diver the SD43 would be my choice for you if you did not want the classic 114060 ND Submariner. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[gummy]

I like SD43...If you're closer to 7.5" it will ride comfortably on your wrist

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by APPRF

No brainer SD43. Later maybe a Hulk or GMT, and with the DJ41 you already have, it's a perfect 3 piece collection. Always think of the future, preferences may change. A black sub is too common, an SD43 is something a bit special, even a MK2 one.

Thanks. The DJ for me is awesome just a little dressier for me when doing a lot of nothing these days. I’m typically a casual dresser anyways so wanting a sports daily and leave the DJ for special date nights and events.

Just have concerns over the way the sd43 sits on the wrist. I know i can handle the 43mm. I’m just not sure about the height. I wish I could try it on. I have tried on the sub and it fit well. Could definitely been bigger but the height was not bad imo. But if finding one to try on was hard before all of this Covid-19 mess its nearly impossible now.

With the Subs selling a little over retail and the SD43 selling close to retail it brings the price only $2500 apart. My thinking is if I’m going to pay $2500 it will only save me a few hundred at most to get a mk2. I think the mk1 will increase slightly over time more then the mk2. All speculation but for $200-$300 I think it’s worth it when spending $12,000-$13,000 just in case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk