Head unexpectedly turned by a SS Sea-Dweller

[Wilco68]

So I went into my AD today to update my wishlist. My next watch needs to be more of a daily.

The SS Sea-Dweller was not on my list, but there was one on exhibition & I asked if I could try it on anyway. There was a Sub date on exhibition too, so I did a side by side comparison.

The SD just blew the Sub away. The more symmetrical bezel graphic, the splash of red on the dial, & its sheer size & wrist presence - it felt like the Sub was cowering in its shadow….

Ok, I’ll caveat the above by saying you do need a big enough wrist for that reference, and as it happens, I do.

Shouldn’t be too hard to get hold of either….

[Jake Sully]

Just picked one up a few weeks ago and agree with what you said. I have 7-1/2" wrists and its a tad big for me (been wearing all 40mm for years now) but I love the looks of it.

[Madison1]

I tend to get bored easily and end up chopping and changing. The longest Rolex I have ever owned (and still do) is the SD43. As you say, it looks great vs a sub and the splash of red is perfect. Currently have it on a rubber b strap as find it more subtle for travelling. Having owned a JC deepsea, a pre-ceramic 16600 (twice) and a Starbucks, this is the perfect sweet spot. Go for it.

[Politiceaux]

I love my SD43. It's head and shoulders over a 126610LN, IMO.

I do, however, really like my 126610LV.

[rob]

I have an SD43 and it got most of my daily wear this last year. I agree, it is a nice turn from a glossy dial as the indices pop out more. The subtly pick up the light at a glance, making it easier to tell the time, IMO, since my AD will not change my crystal to a non-glare (my SD43 is a 2017) or anti-reflective. The red gives it that homage to the SD heritage which gives it a bit of character. The slightly larger dimensions of the case and bracelet are noticeable but not overdone compared to the 40mm six-digit slightly older brother. I do not have a 41mm cased Rolex but like you, held them side by side. I have a 7’ wrist and prefer the SD43. Not to mention the robust capabilities of the watch if you ever need something as bomb proof!!!

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Only watch I bought twice. Just didn’t sit well on my wrist so I had to let it go.

Aesthetically though, it is beautiful.


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[43Airking]

I have had mine for almost a year and really love it. Love the 43 size - red on the dial and the weight. I told my AD that I wanted a SS with a bezel - so would have been really interested in a number or watches - they called me with this being available about 7 months later and I still love it. On the list for a GMT - probably like the rest of the world - HA! My wrist is little under 7.25. I think you will love the watch.


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[Easy E]

It’s a great watch if you have the meat hooks for it.

[RoshDawg]

6.5” wrists here and I can’t get over how much I love the SD43. I used to wear G Shocks so trying to gaslight myself that I’ll be just as oversized and okay to wear ;)

[wjrw592]

I also loved the look of the SD43 & owned one for a bit but it was a too much for me, especially with long sleeve dress shirts so I had to let it go & moved on to a GMT.

Best of luck as its a great piece!

[Harry-57]

It's impressive and needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate its presence. Way too big for me.

[alphadweller]

The sexiest diver out there. When you want that badass black diver look, nothing comes close. IMHO.

[Rori]

I had that same experience, skipped on the Sub and got the SD43 instead. No other SS Rolex has the presence of this reference.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by Wilco68

So I went into my AD today to update my wishlist. My next watch needs to be more of a daily.

The SS Sea-Dweller was not on my list, but there was one on exhibition & I asked if I could try it on anyway. There was a Sub date on exhibition too, so I did a side by side comparison.

The SD just blew the Sub away. The more symmetrical bezel graphic, the splash of red on the dial, & its sheer size & wrist presence - it felt like the Sub was cowering in its shadow….

Ok, I’ll caveat the above by saying you do need a big enough wrist for that reference, and as it happens, I do.

Shouldn’t be too hard to get hold of either….

Good luck in getting your SD, below a picture of my own personal working tool watch 16600 SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool, with well over 600 hours underwater. Expect this working tool watch has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes, all the SD range great watches but my favourite is still the 16600 SD.

[mario1971]

It's not a small watch, even for my 19cm wrist, but it has something special about it.

[travisb]

There's a lot to like with the SD. Hopefully the call comes in quick for you!

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

It's impressive and needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate its presence. Way too big for me.

Interesting, it’s the same size as the sky dweller which I know you enjoy wearing.

Best steel watch hands down for me :) (although the sky dweller is about on par just more flashy)

[richardlo]

My buddy that was a die hard Sub owner swapped his immediately upon seeing the SD. When I saw it in the flesh I can see the excitement. The Sub is already robust but the SD takes a level higher, it just looks and feels more substantial. Its rare to see a company take something thats an icon and improve it but Rolex did just that.

[Soarer]

For me, nothing beats the SD4K. The perfect SD Rolex ever made imo.


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[Robf52]

Mine says hello.

[2thdock]

I have a 6.75 wrist and love my SD43. Picked it over Sub. It is awesome.

[Wilco68]

Originally Posted by mario1971

It's not a small watch, even for my 19cm wrist, but it has something special about it.

Great picture. I really must drop some more hints at my AD!!

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by mario1971

It's not a small watch, even for my 19cm wrist, but it has something special about it.

Looks great on you.

Definitely better than on my 17cm ham hocks.


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[thenewrick]

This is one of those references begging for an update. If they can smooth out the case bottom and thin it down a bit, update it a bit here and there, add some color somewhere. It could be sweet!

[Wilco68]

Got the call!!!

Picking it up early next week.

Sooo excited - my ideal next watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

Only watch I bought twice. Just didn’t sit well on my wrist so I had to let it go.

Aesthetically though, it is beautiful.


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Exact same experience here. Bought and wore it a lot for a few years, sold it, missed it, bought it back, sold it again.

The most beautiful diver in the line up, just doesn’t work well on my wrist which is a real shame.

OP, I hope you have a chance to experience it

[samson66]

6+ years with mine and I still love it and wear it constantly. It's one of the few watches I've owned that has stuck in my collection.

[hojlund]

I've got the SD43 for almost 3 years and its still my favorite daily beater out of my 10 watches collection. the new SD43 which gets the anti reflective coating is even better imho.

[Mick Z]

Trying it on at the dealer for a couple of minutes and wearing it for hours and days are different things. It's pretty top-heavy and floppy, and the weight can be an issue, even if you have a larger wrist. I much prefer the wearing experience of the Sub, and the SD43 was the only Rolex I've ever owned that I wanted to take off my wrist when I got home from work. Subjectively, I didn't like the matte dial either. Just giving you a counterpoint to consider. Hope this helps.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by samson66

6+ years with mine and I still love it and wear it constantly. It's one of the few watches I've owned that has stuck in my collection.

Gorgeous. I absolutely love my SD43. I have a flat wrist so it fits perfectly, and I love the look (and the fact that it’s a Sub on steroids).