SD43 so uncomfortable

[robinmgb]

I bought a 2018 SD43 on Saturday and now wish I hadn't!
It felt ok trying on in store for a couple of minutes but now having worn for longer I find it's so uncomfortable, the case back is very pronounced meaning only a small patch is in contact with the wrist, it therefore wobbles on the sides.
I've owned bigger Rolex watches before including a deepsea and yacht master 2 but never had any issues with them, I'm planning to take back an exchange it, anyone else had this issue with the Sea Dweller 126600? Surely I can't be the only one!

[iTreelex]

Maybe? It's purely the owner's perspective. There are many here who love the sd43. It's one of the best sport watches Rolex makes although a tad big, it wears very nicely on the wrist.

If you don't like it just simply exchange it

[herts9]

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

[Xenon]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=sd43+pain

[904VT]

IMO the new 126660 DSSD is much more comfortable. The SD43 takes the slightly uncomfortable style case back of the Sub and makes it completely uncomfortable.

[Gold Crown]

try wearing it larger/looser.

[scurfa]

I agree I had mine two weeks, it’s just too big


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[garyk]

How about that, now I'm glad I passed when I got the call for the SD43 last year! My 116660 DSSD feels great on my wrist also?!

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

I bought a 2018 SD43 on Saturday and now wish I hadn't!

It felt ok trying on in store for a couple of minutes but now having worn for longer I find it's so uncomfortable, the case back is very pronounced meaning only a small patch is in contact with the wrist, it therefore wobbles on the sides.

I've owned bigger Rolex watches before including a deepsea and yacht master 2 but never had any issues with them, I'm planning to take back an exchange it, anyone else had this issue with the Sea Dweller 126600? Surely I can't be the only one!

Yep, and it's why I got rid of it and got another dssd with the new case and movement, love it. Also, as I didn't mind the cyclops originally when I got the sd43 I grew to hate it.

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[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by herts9

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

I'd 2nd that as an option the exp 2 wears a lot flatter, it's my favorite fit and maybe my favorite watch because of that

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[Daveclock]

I tried one on in my local AD they were selling it grey style second hand for lots more than msrp! - I was glad it was way too big/thick/heavy and strap buckle too mighty for me.
Also I like to wear my watches loose on the wrist - I can't stand the look of a squashed sausage some people do to their wrists.
...sad though as in the pictures it is so beautiful, looks perfectly proportioned - and perhaps it still the cheapest way to get red writing on your SD dial

...good news is it sells for more secondhand!

[RolliRolli]

Way too big. I felt the sub was as big and heavy as I could go for my wrist.

[donas]

Exactly what happened to me with a DSSD; I disliked it immediately. I wear my SD43 somewhat loose and love how it wears, particularly in comparison to the DSSD. Personally, aside from the weight, I feel like it wears smaller than my Hulk. I do see what your complaint is though, I guess I'm just fortunate my wrist size doesn't seem to be one it bothers.

[planemad]

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

[nick800]

I’m emphasizing to make a point, but same for me and I sold mine. I bought it as a birthday present for myself. Wanted to love it, but couldn’t after time.

[WatchThinker]

Originally Posted by 904VT

IMO the new 126660 DSSD is much more comfortable. The SD43 takes the slightly uncomfortable style case back of the Sub and makes it completely uncomfortable.

I had just recently put myself on the "list" for an SD 43 - expanding my preferences from an Exp I and Exp II. But you've given me a lot of pause. Thanks to the OP.

BTW: The quote above surprised me - as I find my 6 digit sub to be the most comfortable watch I've ever worn on my almost 7" wrist.

[donas]

Originally Posted by planemad

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

Good point, I did this as well. Maybe that's why I like the fit.

[Robf52]

No similar issue here; love it as my daily d(r)iver.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by herts9

no issues with the DSSD but the SD43 is uncomfortable? weird. try on an explorer II if they have one. super comfy.

The op is correct, the SD43 is uncomfortable for a select group of people because it has a more pronounced casebook than any other Rolex, even the Deepsea.
The Deepsea's caseback protrudes less and is a larger surface diameter to spread the load, no issues for me.

It's been well documented by many owners here. The SD 116600 has a similar caseback, but the watch is smaller so there's less pressing unto the owners wrist.

Sorry to hear the SD43 doesn't suit you as it's such a beautiful and classic reference, but you are not alone, search the forum you'll see many owners complain of this, if it bothers you so suddenly after purchasing, it's only going to get worse. I would take advantage of the return policy immediately if possible.
Good luck.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by planemad

With the SD43 the diver suit extension link needs to be removed for a more comfortable fit

This is exactly right and a well covered topic here.

OP if you still have the extension on remove it and reassess. If it’s still not fitting correctly, and the micro adjustments don’t help, then swap for something else.

[abozz]

You have to change the bracelet configuration, my SD43 is VERY comfortable to me (6.7) but I change 3 or more times the links until was perfect. I forget the watch is there.

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[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

This is exactly right and a well covered topic here.

OP if you still have the extension on remove it and reassess. If it’s still not fitting correctly, and the micro adjustments don’t help, then swap for something else.

That won't help with the issue here, it's the caseback of the watch that's digging into his wrist.

[synrrgy]

Originally Posted by nick800

I’m emphasizing to make a point, but same for me and I sold mine. I bought it as a birthday present for myself. Wanted to love it, but couldn’t after time.

This is a great pic to show how the watch sits on the wrist and how massive it is.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

That won't help with the issue here, it's the caseback of the watch that's digging into his wrist.

Perhaps. But removing the divers extension and trying other adjustments is entirely worth a try.

[ferrissteve11]

Been my daily driver since I picked it up. Sorry to hear it doesn't work for the OP. Its the Diver I'd have bought years ago had it been available.

[Onikage]

Could it be that the SD43 is aimed at the larger gent, with more wrist meat for the caseback to sink into? And regular sized people should stick to a 16610 if they want a decently proportioned watch in their size?

[abozz]

On one occasion I changed a link from 12 to 6 and the clock bothered me, I put it again at 12 and perfect. Before leaving that watch beauty try to modify the bracelet

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[IR201]

Originally Posted by Xenon

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=sd43+pain

Yes this was my story! The 43 is something I still think about. See it in photos, wish I had it back. Then remember it hurt me! I am happier now with the Yachtmaster.

[brandrea]

Sorry to hear OP.

It’s a helluva watch and one of my favourites, but I admit to having a bit of the same issue with it ... I’m just a weak man and not quite ready to move on

[904VT]

Originally Posted by WatchThinker

I had just recently put myself on the "list" for an SD 43 - expanding my preferences from an Exp I and Exp II. But you've given me a lot of pause. Thanks to the OP.

BTW: The quote above surprised me - as I find my 6 digit sub to be the most comfortable watch I've ever worn on my almost 7" wrist.

The Submariner is a very comfortable watch overall. The case back imo though is the only portion that is not comfortable. Go from a Submariner to a GMT Master or Daytona and you will notice immediately. The latter two much more comfy. All great watches though, just comes with the territory of a pure diver. My wrist is 7.5 inches btw so the Submariner is not too large.