DSSD vs SD43 Fitment + Comfort Thoughts

[SaddleSC]

I recently added the new Sea Dweller 43 to my collection and about a week later bought a Tudor BB58. I have relatively small wrists (6.75") but they are very flat so I am able to wear larger watches without them looking silly. I have owned numerous Panerai, the YMII, and the older version of the DSSD 116660 in the past.

The case back on the BB58 is almost completely flat. After wearing the SD43 for a week and then wearing the BB58 for a couple of days, I really noticed how far the case back on the SD43 protrudes into the wrist, which means that you "feel" the weight when the watch shifts during the day because the head of the watch cantilevers a bit on the case back. I do not notice this with my Hulk, because the case back is a bit shallower and the watch is lighter.

Obviously, the SD43 is about 45 grams heavier than the BB58, which magnifies this effect; however, if I remember correctly, the case back on the DSSD 116660 sits much flatter on the wrist. I have not owned the new redesigned DSSD 126660, but for any of you guys lucky enough to own (or have owned) both Sea Dwellers, does anyone find the DSSD to actually wear MORE comfortably than the SD43 due to flatter case back design?

I am not sure if this is a "grass is always greener" situation, but I feel like I remember that my 116660 DSSD may have "managed" its weight and heft a bit better on the wrist than my new 126600 SD43. I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, since I hate reading thread without pics...here are my new arrivals in the first pic and my long-lost (but never forgotten) 116660 DSSD. Enjoy!!!

[SaddleSC]

Aww...come on guys...nobody owns or has owned both the DSSD 126660 and the SD43? I am really looking to hear some first hand impressions:)

[PBJ1925]

This one is tricky to answer as I own a 126660, BB58, and tried on a SD43 from a friend for a couple days. I can say I wore the DSSD, BB58 long enough to know what I like, the SD43 is a shorter impression of comfort.

I have relatively flat 7 to 7 1/4 wrist and found the DSSD to be more comfortable than the SD43, but definitely less than the BB58. Size aside, the BB58's comfort level is simply outstanding.

Reason why I felt the DSSD was more comfortable than the SD43 even with its larger proportions is that felt better balanced and sat flatter on my wrist. Naturally to each their own.

[crazycarlitos]

I do not own both. Just the sd43.

But I have read before (numerous times) exactly what u wrote.
The case back of the sd43 protrudes more than the dssd.
Some have found the protruding case causes wrist pain.
Others report that the protruding case sits nicely and makes the watch more stable.

For me, its a non-issue.
To add, my suggestion for wearing sd43 comfortably is not to wear the watch too tight (if that’s how u normally wear watches). Just tight enough so the protruding part holds firm on ur wrist. Due to the wider bracelet, the watch flops less than sd16600 I had.
I also find the micro-adjustment very useful, since normal wrists swell up and down during the day/night.
I usually adjust it twice a day for comfort.

Nice group pic, btw

[robinmgb]

I’ve owned both SD43 and DSSD 126660 ( also 116660)
It’s a no contest from my experience!
The SD43 was so uncomfortable it was unwearable, the protruding case back is an awful design fault, it causes the watch to wobble however tight it is, with or without the divers extension.
Both DSSD models have no such wobble/case back issues and are comfortable to wear all day.
The 126660 is slightly more comfortable than the older model as the wider bracelet does help balance even more and it’s also a fraction shorter solid end link to solid end link
Please don’t buy an SD43 without trying one on is my advice and even then buy a DSSD!

[Rori]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I recently added the new Sea Dweller 43 to my collection and about a week later bought a Tudor BB58. I have relatively small wrists (6.75") but they are very flat so I am able to wear larger watches without them looking silly. I have owned numerous Panerai, the YMII, and the older version of the DSSD 116660 in the past.

The case back on the BB58 is almost completely flat. After wearing the SD43 for a week and then wearing the BB58 for a couple of days, I really noticed how far the case back on the SD43 protrudes into the wrist, which means that you "feel" the weight when the watch shifts during the day because the head of the watch cantilevers a bit on the case back. I do not notice this with my Hulk, because the case back is a bit shallower and the watch is lighter.

Obviously, the SD43 is about 45 grams heavier than the BB58, which magnifies this effect; however, if I remember correctly, the case back on the DSSD 116660 sits much flatter on the wrist. I have not owned the new redesigned DSSD 126660, but for any of you guys lucky enough to own (or have owned) both Sea Dwellers, does anyone find the DSSD to actually wear MORE comfortably than the SD43 due to flatter case back design?

I am not sure if this is a "grass is always greener" situation, but I feel like I remember that my 116660 DSSD may have "managed" its weight and heft a bit better on the wrist than my new 126600 SD43. I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, since I hate reading thread without pics...here are my new arrivals in the first pic and my long-lost (but never forgotten) 116660 DSSD. Enjoy!!!

Many owners mention the caseback. The way I wear my watches, snug and above wrist bone, the SD43 caseback disappears completely out of sight leaving the watch sitting flat and low. This makes the watch so comfortable, so steady and so balanced i never feel the need to touch it or adjust its placement around my wrist like I do with other watches.



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[myporsche]

This is a great question and I'm curious to know other owners thoughts as well, I wish the DSSD is a watch I can pull off.

OP question for you - how often do you find yourself still wanting to wear the green sub after having a SD43? Do you contemplate or are conflicted on getting rid of it?

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by myporsche

This is a great question and I'm curious to know other owners thoughts as well, I wish the DSSD is a watch I can pull off.

OP question for you - how often do you find yourself still wanting to wear the green sub after having a SD43? Do you contemplate or are conflicted on getting rid of it?

The Hulk is my favorite watch of all time! I have owned it for 9+ years and it is the most comfortable in my collection (perhaps tied by the BB58 but the Glidelock edges the comfort in the direction of the Hulk).

I have always loved the SD and owned the 16600, the SD4K, the original DSSD, and now the SD43. If memory serves me correctly, the DSSD was more comfortable for sustained periods of time because of the flatter case back.

The more I look at my old pictures, the more I miss my DSSD. Other than the case back, the things I like better about the DSSD are 1) the domed crystal...love the way it plays with the light and 2) the ratchet-style Glidelock. With the wider bracelet and slightly shorter lug to lug wingspan, the DSSD may be my end-game diver.

However, the Hulk will always be my favorite:)

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

I do not own both. Just the sd43.

For me, its a non-issue.
To add, my suggestion for wearing sd43 comfortably is not to wear the watch too tight (if that’s how u normally wear watches). Just tight enough so the protruding part holds firm on ur wrist. Due to the wider bracelet, the watch flops less than sd16600 I had.
I also find the micro-adjustment very useful, since normal wrists swell up and down during the day/night.
I usually adjust it twice a day for comfort.

Nice group pic, btw

Good advice on the wearability and comfort.

[myporsche]

Guys I am having a hard time imagining the DSSD (new version) sits more comfortable than an SD43.... really making me think if I should go out and try to find a DSSD to try on, the SD43 is a little large on my avg wrists but I didn't find it uncomfortable.

[jd57]

I own both and have a big wrist - I find both comfortable. The JC DSSD is a beauty and quite comfortable, but it is thick and heavy. Not an every day watch for me and wouldn't try it with a cuffed shirt/suit. I enjoy it on weekends. In contrast, the SD43 is notably thinner, makes it under a cuff, and occasionally gets worn to work - on my wrist proportionally the same size and thickness as a sub on a smaller wrist. Having both may be redundant for a small collection but if you have the funds and the space...

[SS Oyster]

If you search on this forum, you will find a lot of us who have owned both the SD43 and DSSD commenting on their relative comfort.

I’m in the camp of SD43 is borderline uncomfortable to wear because of how far the caseback protrudes, causing pain to the wrist after an extended period of time of wear.

I bought DSSD 126660 DBlue and immediately sold the SD43. The new DSSD is far more comfortable, but not as comfortable as was my Hulk LVc.

But, if you want to wear a big watch, the DSSD is IMO far more comfortable than the SD43. So much so that I now wear my DSSD daily!




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[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

If you search on this forum, you will find a lot of us who have owned both the SD43 and DSSD commenting on their relative comfort.

I’m in the camp of SD43 is borderline uncomfortable to wear because of how far the caseback protrudes, causing pain to the wrist after an extended period of time of wear.

I bought DSSD 126660 DBlue and immediately sold the SD43. The new DSSD is far more comfortable, but not as comfortable as was my Hulk LVc.

But, if you want to wear a big watch, the DSSD is IMO far more comfortable than the SD43. So much so that I now wear my DSSD daily!

Great pic! You have excellent taste, sir and I think we have a lot in common as far as our opinions on relative comfort. What is your wrist size, BTW?

[bball0332]

My heavy Rolex hurts my wrist is definitely something a lot of people can sympathize with lol.

I wear an SD43 as my daily, 8.25" wrist

[brandrea]

I owned the SD43 and the Dblue (116660) simultaneously for about 3 years.

I tried multiple configurations of links, diver extension, no diver extension on the SD 43 over that period. I finally had to admit it was an uncomfortable watch for me to wear. By the end of the day I couldn’t wait to take it off. It’s the one Rolex I really wanted to love but in the end I succumbed to the caseback comfort issue.

The Dblue by comparison wore much better. Flatter case back as you said in your OP. The first gen is also a larger watch (lug to lug) than the new 1266600. Foolishly I sold it, because I didn’t see the need for two large divers at the time. I zigged when I should have zagged but for me the Dblue was a much more comfortable watch to wear. YMMV

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by myporsche

Guys I am having a hard time imagining the DSSD (new version) sits more comfortable than an SD43.... really making me think if I should go out and try to find a DSSD to try on, the SD43 is a little large on my avg wrists but I didn't find it uncomfortable.

Might be hard to believe but it’s true. The Deepsea is more comfortable “on the wrist” than the SD43 only because of the case back. The Deepsea is heavier for sure but a poking smaller diameter surface can dig into your wrist a lot. Bear in mind that this isn’t something you may notice from putting a watch on for five minutes but after a couple days your wrist will definitely tell you, sadly you can’t test drive watches, especially Rolex.

Some people don’t feel it others can’t take it and have to flip their SD43.
I agree with what the guys here are saying. From a comfort wearing pov, I prefer the Deepsea.

[Mystro]

The SD43 is THE only watch that I could not get comfortable with. My DSSD JC is a lot more comfortable and so is my POC which is a monster but has a flat sapphire case back.

[-Skyfall-]

I have no experience wearing the DSSD. But I have the SD43 on a 7" wrist. And have had no comfort issues. That might just be due to not having tried the other models though.

[Malum]

I do own both the SD43 and the 126660 D-Blue . I find the SD to be my most comfortable large watch . The DSSD is very comfortable but I find SD super-mega comfortable.

[Fchernyak]

I have owned both and agree the 126 DSSD is 100x more comfortable than the sd43. I owned the sd43 for 2 years and after trying in the JC I knew the sd43 had to go. It was a beautiful looking watch but wore terribly


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[Kiddodoc]

My SD50 was the most uncomfortable Rolex I own until I removed the divers extension. Once I did that it wore like all my other Rolex watches save the jubilee references. Despite how big the DSSD, it wears very well. I love this watch. It is one of my favorites. I do think that overall the SD50 is the best overall diver for size, looks and wear but my JC is a keeper for life.

[BobbyD23]

Love my SD43. Never have comfort issues at all. People must have super sensitive wrists or something lol

[K_Pasha]

I own the TTSD & DDSD M2 and wear both daily. I have a 6.75-7” flat wrist and both are extremely comfortable. Couldn’t even say one is more comfortable than the other. Only thing is that I golf in the TTSD 3-4x a week, but find the extra weight of DSSD is a bit too much heft for club head speed and pokes the hand a little. I would 100% recommend both to anyone, love them equally. In my opinion & experience as daily’s, the chatter about size is way overblown.

They are both full size SUVs for sure, but not an Escalade XLT or a Hummer H1...

[CFR]

My wrist is smaller (6"/154mm). Never owned a SD43 but owned a DSSD black 116660 for 12 years and then a DSSD JC 126660 for the past year.

Both the 116660 and the 126660 are very comfortable despite their size and weight. I can wear them day and night with zero discomfort, and I don't care that they look way too big on me.

[Boaters]

I have no comfort issues with my SD43 but always wanted to try on the DSSD JC but have never had the opportunity to.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by CFR

My wrist is smaller (6"/154mm). Never owned a SD43 but owned a DSSD black 116660 for 12 years and then a DSSD JC 126660 for the past year.

Both the 116660 and the 126660 are very comfortable despite their size and weight. I can wear them day and night with zero discomfort, and I don't care that they look way too big on me.

Nice wrist pics you can really see the difference in the bracelet width it looks good on your wrist

[Gab27]

FWIW, I think especially with larger watches, comfort is greatly improved when they are worn above the portion of the ulna bone that protrudes from the wrist. With the SD43 in particular, this might play an even greater role because that area is generally flatter than the portion of the wrist below it. If the watch sits over the ulna, it may be elevated from the 1-o'clock side in an off-axis position and this can get uncomfortable very quickly when that lug is sitting right over a bone that has thin skin and very little padding over it.

[CFR]

Originally Posted by Boaters

Nice wrist pics you can really see the difference in the bracelet width it looks good on your wrist

Thanks. The difference in widths between the 116660 and 126660 is especially pronounced in the clasp. Notice how much wider the 126660 clasp is in that wrist pic.

[waterman1]

I have both the SD43 and 126660. Previously owned the 116660. I can say the debate in my own head regarding the comfort of each has gone on for a couple of years and continues! I believe the DSSD is much better designed in terms of fitting flat on wrist and does wear surprisingly comfortable for its height and weight, however the weight in my opinion becomes bothersome factor over time. You trade in the weight for the lighter SD43 but then you have a watch that is elevated and not flat against the wrist so you get some wobble from side to side and this can be bothersome. In my mind they are both outstanding watches but if I had to pick one to wear all the time I would say SD43 and I believe you would get used to the feeling. I am 7.25 wrist.

[paolo14]

I also own both the deepsea James Cameron & the SD43. I feel like the James Cameron sits better on my wrist due to the flat back I guess.


My wrist is only 6.5” by the way.


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