Opinions needed, SubC -> SD4K?

[TeddyBallGame]

For the past couple of months I’ve been going back and forth whether to sell/trade my SubC date for a SD4K. I love the fact that the SD4K is also 40mm, has a matte dial and doesn’t have a cyclops. Also, they’re not as common as the Sub which is something I like. I’m worried though that I’ll regret getting rid of the Sub, especially if the SD doesn’t fit as well. As much as I’d like to have both in my collection I can’t justify two black dial/bezel divers. I don’t think the size will be an issue as I also wear a Tudor BB which is just about as thick as the SD. I just wish there was a local dealer that had a used one available to try.

What does everyone think, will I regret getting rid of one discontinued watch for another? I think the SD will be a nice alternative to the SubC in my current Rolex collection.

[sah]

Beautiful collection. I would likely stop looking where you are right now...

You should try one on for the final decision. The fit for my wrist is perfect. I suspect my flat 8.5 inch allows the somewhat thicker case back to nestle in, without any rolling around with wrist movement. The dial “looks” a tad smaller than the SubC, which I like, but others do not.
My loves of the 16600(1993 tritium) holed lugs, no cyclops, thin taped and chamfered lugs. I have grown to love the aluminum over the ceramic bezel. The weight of the watch is much lighter, about 30-40 grams than the New Sub as the middle links are hollow. End links are solid. The clasp has also grown on me as it is “less.”

Miss 2 things: lume (which if you get a 1999 or newer version you are ok) and quick micro adjust.

For me, the older 16600 is the winner.

[TeddyBallGame]

That’s a great 16600! I considered that model but I think I’d miss the solid bracelet w/glidelock, ceramic bezel and the matte dial that comes on the 116600.

And yes, you’re 100% correct, my collection doesn’t need anything else at the moment.


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[Doood]

Can you add and then decide? It’s nice to have a sub in the collection. Maybe add SD4k and then trade your black sub for another color sub?

Great collection BTW.

[WBaileyii]

If money and availability aren't an issue, I'd do both. I missed out on a SD last month because I was waffling about how similar it was to my Sub. No way was I getting rid of the sub, but I really regret passing on the SD in hindsight...

[Ihatecheese]

I'D suggest stepping outside of the SS sports Rolex world as you have pretty much every colour scheme going.. DS 4k is thicker heavier than a sub.
Real world with that collection you can perhaps front the $ to buy both and return whatever you don't like.

Fifty fathoms 40mm tribute special edition would be my choice!

[Mr. Superlative]

I have both sd4k and the sub 114060. If - IF - I had to only choose one I would pick the sea dweller. But I absolutely adore my Sub and would be hard pushed to let it go.

[fskywalker]

Based on what you say would do the change towards the SD4K. A SubC is a lot easier to be re-purchased than an SD4K if you change your mind later.


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[1William]

Go for it. The SD4k is a cool watch and one you do not see everyday.

[roadie1]

The SD4K is an awesome piece! If you have the opportunity to obtain one don’t let it go!



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[TeddyBallGame]

Thanks for the comments so far. Fortunately money isn't an issue but I don't think I need (or justify) 2 black Rolex divers. I also have a good relationship with my AD so getting a new SubC in the future wouldn't be an issue. Call it FOMO, but I guess I just over think things and don't want to regret getting rid of my SubC down the road. But like someone mentioned a 40mm SubC shouldn't be too hard to get if that happens.

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

I have both sd4k and the sub 114060. If - IF - I had to only choose one I would pick the sea dweller. But I absolutely adore my Sub and would be hard pushed to let it go.

Since you own both, how much more pronounced is the SD4K on the wrist than the Sub? While the SD case is a little thicker, it also looks like the case back adds to the thickness as well. I'm thinking the case back thickness will be negated a little when it sits snug on the wrist. Is that your view as well?

Originally Posted by Ihatecheese

I'D suggest stepping outside of the SS sports Rolex world as you have pretty much every colour scheme going.. DS 4k is thicker heavier than a sub.
Real world with that collection you can perhaps front the $ to buy both and return whatever you don't like.

Fifty fathoms 40mm tribute special edition would be my choice!

Great suggestion, the FF is a great choice! I was lucky enough and got one of the 40mm FF Mil-Spec Hodinkee watches. And yes, there is a lot of Rolex in the collection. I also have other pieces from Omega, Tudor, JLC, Sinn, Oris and Hamilton.

[franktehtank]

Well, I can pretty much guarantee that the SD4K won't fit better than the sub. I'm sure if you surveyed 100 people, 90+ would prefer the fit of the sub. But that doesn't mean the SD4K won't fit good or wouldn't be a worthy addition.

I wouldn't trade it. You've got a fantastic Rolex collection, and getting rid of a sub will leave a hole in it. Don't break up the gang. If you can, add an SD4K, but otherwise, I'd keep the sub.

[WastedYears]

I recently had to decide between selling an SD4k vs a Sub41. One of them had to go as I needed the funds for other investments and having both was a bit redundant.

I ultimately sold the SD4k for two reasons that may not apply to OP's situation: First off, I told my AD that I would not sell the Sub41 for at least three years, and signed a (likely entirely unenforceable) statement to that effect - but more importantly, the second reason was that the 12 o'clock marker on the bezel of the SD4k did not line up correctly with the 12 o'clock marker on the dial. Unfortunately I am too OCD to gloss over this on a 10k watch, and my attempts to get Rolex to fix it were met with "sorry, but it's within tolerances".

Had these two issue not been a factor, then I may have kept the SD4k over the Sub41 - especially because the SD4k wore ever so slightly better on my 6.5" wrist..

[rover26c]

Add the SD4K and wear it for a few a months. Then decide later if you want to keep or sell the 116610.

[TeddyBallGame]

Originally Posted by rover26c

Add the SD4K and wear it for a few a months. Then decide later if you want to keep or sell the 116610.

I'm trying to find a watch dealer in the SF/Bay Area that has an SD4K that I can at least try on. Because of the low productions numbers, there doesn't seem to be many floating around. I'm most likely going to take the suggestion to get one and decide which to keep later.

[sah]

There is one for sale on Chrono24 that appears to be in San Mateo. Pricey though.

[RolexEDC]

I would get the sd4k and decide later which one to keep. You have to spend qt with one to know.

[Jimmy74]

I have the SD4K, it was my first Rolex, the one that brought me into this crazy world. And I happen to buy it right before it got discontinued. I love the solid feel of this watch, especially from the bracelet and glidelock is super nice to have. To me it does not compare with a 5 digits (I own a 16710 too for comparison). That being said, it wears large, has significant wrist presence, and thickness might be an issue for some (feels thicker than my skydweller, don’t know if it actually is). I am trying to get a sub41 as I have plenty to celebrate this year, but I would not let go my SD4K in the trade, although I understand there is a certain redundancy.

[lucycan]

Great collection!

[SN13]

I'm a little biased with my opinion....

[glamorama]

Don’t do it! I loved the aesthetics and specialness of SD4K but couldn’t stand wearing it. Now got a SubC and much happier.

[brandrea]

I’m going to echo what Ed said above ^^^

I really do love Seadwellers, I just can’t wear them though. If it’s a rotation watch I’d maybe consider it, but if you’ll be wearing it as a daily, My wrist votes for the Sub

[aayates]

sub! (but skip the date)

[Billfish]

I do like the looks of the no cyclops on that model- I would assume it wears similar to sub C

[Warningshot]

SD4K wears great to me and I prefer the looks over the subc. They only way I can describe it is the case back raises the watch up just enough that I feel less surface contact and I like that. It also raised the crown just enough that it doesn’t touch the back of my hand as much. They are both easy for me to wear but I do prefer the SD4K for the reasons mentioned. You may dislike it for the same reasons.

[Warningshot]

Originally Posted by Warningshot

SD4K wears great to me and I prefer the looks over the subc. They only way I can describe it is the case back raises the watch up just enough that I feel less surface contact and I like that. It also raised the crown just enough that it doesn’t touch the back of my hand as much. They are both easy for me to wear but I do prefer the SD4K for the reasons mentioned. You may dislike it for the same reasons.

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[TeddyBallGame]

I really appreciate all the comments. One thing is for sure with everyones pro/con suggestions. I’m still very much undecided! I think until I can try on an SD4K, my SubC is safe from the chopping block. Hahaha

[MikeMWatchFan]

Super interested in this as well. I’m debating 114060 vs 116600 and possibly a 116710LN

[samuel019]

Much easier to find a Sub then a SDK. I own a SDK and the new Sub 126610. Don’t really have a preference but I love the SDK. As far as wearing differences I don’t really notice a big difference other then the thickness which in itself isn’t that big of a deal. At least to me anyway. Good luck

Here’s a few pics to maybe help. Now as far as my 16600? That’s a whole other story.

[Robert Bruce]

I like the SD4K, I had one and don't know why I sold it. The Sub 41 is gratifyingly slimmer, though the extra protrusion of the crystal on the SD is actually a great part of the look.