AP Diver vs. Rolex SD43... Thoughts?

[fspfsp]

Hey guys,

Been thinking about moving my collection away from Rolex into AP. For most days my SD43 is my daily wearer and I love it. However, if given the option, would you take the Rolex or AP?

Also, will the tapered rubber strap that comes on a ROO fit the Diver? I'm not 100% sold on the thick strap with no taper.

Thanks in advance for thoughts!

Frank

[Kniazukay]

Hi Frank,
I would say if you can, get the AP diver and own both for a while. The good thing is you know in both cases, if it doesn't work out you can get most of your money back worst case scenario. This way you can get a better feel on what's best for you. I don't have an AP diver but I do own the ROO and a few SD's but 40mm versions. I would say the Rolex fits more comfortably over all but not so much more that I would get rid of my ROO. For me, I like the option of different watches for different moods so I kept both, but if I HAD to only keep one and it was for daily wearing, I suppose it would be the SD. This is of course just my experience and opinion but hope it helps a little. Good luck!

[AshAP]

1st, yes the tapered strap from a 42mm case size is compatible but you’ll probably need to also buy a deployant clasp as I don’t think an OEM tang buckle exists for the tapered strap but I might be wrong as I haven’t owned a 42mm offshore for about 4 years. This would also mean that you have the option of putting a hornback strap on the Diver if you wanted to wear it with a suit for example.

I had a Diver and loved it but at the time it was one of 3 offshores that I had and I didn’t wear it much so I sold it but I’ve missed it ever since. The Diver is now the only 42mm offshore that I’d buy.

Because I’d really like another dive watch I have tried on a SD43 a few times, the reality is that it isn’t a patch on the Diver. The Diver is a really great watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fspfsp]

Originally Posted by Kniazukay

Hi Frank,
I would say if you can, get the AP diver and own both for a while. The good thing is you know in both cases, if it doesn't work out you can get most of your money back worst case scenario. This way you can get a better feel on what's best for you. I don't have an AP diver but I do own the ROO and a few SD's but 40mm versions. I would say the Rolex fits more comfortably over all but not so much more that I would get rid of my ROO. For me, I like the option of different watches for different moods so I kept both, but if I HAD to only keep one and it was for daily wearing, I suppose it would be the SD. This is of course just my experience and opinion but hope it helps a little. Good luck!

Thanks for the opinion, and yes, I agree different moods call for different watches!

[fspfsp]

Originally Posted by AshAP

1st, yes the tapered strap from a 42mm case size is compatible but you’ll probably need to also buy a deployant clasp as I don’t think an OEM tang buckle exists for the tapered strap but I might be wrong as I haven’t owned a 42mm offshore for about 4 years. This would also mean that you have the option of putting a hornback strap on the Diver if you wanted to wear it with a suit for example.

I had a Diver and loved it but at the time it was one of 3 offshores that I had and I didn’t wear it much so I sold it but I’ve missed it ever since. The Diver is now the only 42mm offshore that I’d buy.

Because I’d really like another dive watch I have tried on a SD43 a few times, the reality is that it isn’t a patch on the Diver. The Diver is a really great watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the info on that strap! That does open new doors and options for wearing it! I hadn't thought about the buckle vs. the deployant, good point.

[fspfsp]

Even with bigger wrists, the non-tapered OEM rubber strap makes the watch wear so much bigger.

[Jp28]

I own an Sd43 and ROO44, so not exactly the diver.
On the strap v bracelet, both are super comfortable. The lack of taper on the rubber strap I have no issue with and in fact helps to limit any movement of the watch head. Also lots of choice on colours. Also I find tang WAY more comfortable than the AP deployant.
Overall I find the 44 more comfortable as the flat case back fits much better on my wrist. The SD case back sticks out quite a bit so does not fit so well.
The ceramic bezels on both are good though with different finishings.
I actually wear my 44’s much more than the SD so I guess that is the best summary of what I prefer :)

[2nastie]

I would definitely take a Diver over the SD43, but the Diver itself definitely wears a lot larger.

[eonflux]

Don't have a SD43, but do have a DSSD and a Subc40.

Would definitely choose the AP Diver over any Rolex dive watch.

As for the Diver strap, I haven't had any issues with its thickness nor that of the strap on a previous 44mm ROO chrono.
The AP strap thickness is about the same as that of a Panerai rubber strap.

There's a bracelet available for the Diver if you don't want to wear it on a strap.

[fspfsp]

Thanks for this picture, I have the older version of the Deep Sea, the 116660. Good to see them next to each other for size comparison.

And never thought of the Panerai rubber as a comparison, but makes sense.

[Lamontsanders]

I have an AP Diver (on bracelet) and a few Rolex dive watches too. The AP is a step up in quality for sure over any of them. Glidelock on the modern divers is the big win for Rolex but the overall package is better with AP. I think the SD43 is a great watch but if you have the choice get the excellent AP. I have worn my diver on the strap too and it's super comfortable but I prefer the look of the bracelet.

[Burlington]

You are likely to find the diver strap extremely comfortable.

As said above, it’s a great watch and makes a perfect daily wearer for me.