2009 Sea Dweller Deep Sea

[PONY]

Welcome to the unveiling of the new SDDS.
The concept of a deep sea diver became a reality in 1961 with the formation of "COMEX" by Henri G. Delauze. It was the first industrial deep sea diving company created for off shore oil companies. Delauze developed underwater breathing gear for the divers working at depths greater than 500 meters.
To monitor the time spent at these depths, Rene-Paul Jeanneret created the "TOOL" watch in 1950. He also assisted Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of ROLEX in 1908, with the sports watch. Delauze, Jeanneret & Wilsdorf combined their talents and created a deep sea watch. In 1966 the Sea Dweller arrived.
Today, COMEX divers are required to wear the Sea Dweller or Submariner while performing maintenance on offshore oil platforms around the world.

I purchased the SDDS a month ago. I have been wearing it everyday since then. I have no complaints. My 6 1/4" wrist is not to small to keep it upright & tight. It does feel a bit heavy at 222g, but it is not uncomfortable to wear
all day/night. I kinda like that extra weight feeling, it reminds me it's on my wrist. The Submariner doesn't feel as if I am wearing a watch, it's that light.

The specifications can be found on the Rolex website. I have attached some of the photos I took yesterday, not leaving anything to your imagination.

Rolex is 1 of only 3 in house watch manufactures. In the R&D of the SDDS
the only item not made by Rolex is the steel used to make the watch. NASA, unknowingly helped Rolex select the steel to be used. It is known as 904L.
It is the hardest material available to date. In the making of the 43mm case, Rolex had to build a 250 ton press which could only stamp 2 cases at a time. 904L is so hard that the 250 ton press had to be re-calibrated after every other pressing. 904L adds to the overall weight of a finished SDDS watch.

The bottom line is this. It's new and desirable. There is going to be a limited number available. There have already been 2 price increases. It was made for a specific task so keep that in mind when you discuss how "heavy" it is.
It has a number of improvements which only enhances its value. You'll have to get use to those who ask " Is that the new Rolex ?" Comments such as
" Wow, can I touch it. That is awesome dude ". Yes, that was from a man who sat down next to me at the counter.

The only unfortunate part of this purchase will be that the only deep sea diving this watch will ever see, will be at the bottom of my swimming pool.

[chazha]

thanks for the pics.. awesome watch!!

[Supervisor]

Thanks! Great post!:cheers:

[toph]

great stuff!!
:cheers:

[Alan111]

wow its frikkin huge

[Mrdi]

Good intro Pony.
Welcome.

[Greenring]

Beautiful power weights :chuckle: Thanks for posting the comparison pics. I like. :clap:

[kudosguy]

Great watch! - thank's for the post.

[Dr.B]

Great, that's one hell of a watch.....

[vrian]

very beautiful indeed. i didn't expect it to be so large...

[JJ Irani]

Thanks for the pics, Pony and welcome to TRF. You really have a nice collection of dive watches!! :thumbsup:

[DeepSeaWatches]

Great pics, love that lume shot!

[Connoisseur]

Nice review and pics. I finally found a SDDS while on a Caribbean cruise last week. I looked for it at Little Switzerland and Art of Time in St. Maarten but they didn't sell Rolex. Goldfinger's didn't have the SDDS. I read about A.H. Riise, a reputable Rolex retailer, in St. Thomas, USVI in my WatchTIME magazine. Lucky for me, we were stopping in St. Thomas on Thursday so my first order of business while there was to find this store! Lucky for me, they had one and I did not hesitate to buy it! Funny because an older gentleman was there at the same time looking for the SDDS while I was trying it on. He asked about it and I told him it was on my wrist. He wasn't getting mine! This is my first Rolex and the watch is AWESOME.

[PONY]

TO: Alansrour, Chazna, Connoisseur, Deep Sea Watches, Dr. B, Greenring, JJ Irani, Kudosguy, Mrdi, Supervisor, Toph, Vrian.
This was my first post on a forum. Based on your kind comments, I am grateful that each of you took the time to reply. However, there's a better post, Deep Sea Mini Review by Eltonbalch posted on 16 November 08'. If you haven't already, give that a look. The photos are excellent as is the review. Thank you all.
PONY

[Psmith]

Interesting pics... the DSSD looks like the "mothership" parked next to the Sub Date...


Cheers
:cheers:

[Flaxmoore]

Beauty of a watch. What's the face diameter? My everyday Citizen is big, and that looks like it would dwarf it!

[JJ Irani]

Beauty of a watch. What's the face diameter? My everyday Citizen is big, and that looks like it would dwarf it!

The DSSD diameter is 43 mm and the thickness is a whopping 18 mm.

JJ

[DSJ]

Great first post, Pony, and a nice addition to your Rolex Diving Watch collection! Welcome.

You might also enjoy the little write-up by our own Larry/Tools in our "reference library" section:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=37035

Click on that link to be sent there.

[jas55]

It's one hell of a watch!

[Flaxmoore]

The DSSD diameter is 43 mm and the thickness is a whopping 18 mm.

JJ

Wow. 9 wider and 9 thicker. :eek: Definitely one to try on first!

[noble1]

What is a GOOD purchase price for a DSSD?

[moby33]

What is a GOOD purchase price for a DSSD?

I would say any price that you're comfortable with. Not trying to sound flippant, but that question is always subjective to each individual buyer, interest level and financial position. All that said, I wouldn't think of paying list price for any watch in this market and would hope to get at least 10% off for the DSSD in today's market. Good luck.

[PONY]

I paid 10K for mine, and that was a deal. You go to any AD and the price will be the same at all of them. ROLEX is VERY STRICT about how the AD sell their watches. That is one of the reasons why they increase in value over the years. The SDDS has already had two price increases in the last three months.
The trend will continue as we enter 2009. So...... if you are contemplating on purchasing this newest model, do it soon, cause it will only cost you more if you wait.

A side note. I went to the mall with my wife and walked into a Ben Bridge AD jewelry store looking to buy a bracelet. While leaning on the glass case, one of the employees asked me if I was wearing the new "SD". I said that it was. He said no one in the company had even seen one, until now.

He called the other sales people over to show them. They literally tried to pry the watch off my wrist. I was a bit taken by their actions. They said they only wanted to clean it for me even though it wasn't dirty.

One of the salesmen said the rumor going around was that the watch as too big, too heavy and uncomfortable to wear. In the spirit of the holidays, I let him put the SDDS on.

" Oh my god this is awesome. It feels great and it isn't that big on my wrist. Do you want to sell it? " "No", I said, "I like looking at it too much. I've only had it a couple of weeks. Yea and I love the way it feels too".

By now, curious on lookers were gathering around behind me. I took the watch from the salesman, put it in my front pants pocket, grabbed the wife and said my good byes to the sales staff at the store. I heard someone yell, "If you want to sell it, you know where to come". Odd, that should be the other way around. But, that's just one example of the attraction this watch is getting. You have to see it in person to really appreciate the newest transformation. I feel very fortunate to possess this work of art.

SO.........................again the best deal is to acquire one, when ever and where ever you can. Its that good.

[BasicWatch]

You know... that 4th photo (with the fish and watch in the fish bowl) reminds me of my dad's fish tank... he has this huge aquarium that he made some kind of see-through cases for and filled them with like $100 bills, a Rolex, and some other stuff, then dropped them in his tank. Only thing is his tank has like 2 big sharks and 4 huge eels in it... I guess he's tempting any thieves to try and get it, but I'd imagine they'd break the bulletproof glass and just screw his carpet, lol.

[fujisan]

Hi

I just joined the forum today. I walked into an Authorised Rolex Dealer today and asked about the new Sea-Dweller DeepSea. They did not have one in the shop but told me the price would be almost $10,000 US equivalent.

I am in Australia. Is this a normal price? Could anyone kindly advise me please?

[moby33]

Hi

I just joined the forum today. I walked into an Authorised Rolex Dealer today and asked about the new Sea-Dweller DeepSea. They did not have one in the shop but told me the price would be almost $10,000 US equivalent.

I am in Australia. Is this a normal price? Could anyone kindly advise me please?

Price is too high IMO. In this market, I would never pay over list...and the DSSD list is a little under $9300US. These guys are hoping beyond hope that some potential DSSD owner will come in and get fed up with looking for the watch and purchase...with a little research (and help from people on this forum), I honestly believe you'll be able to find one for significantly less.

Heck...there is one for sale on this forum for under $8K US (I would have jumped on that price if it was available when I purchased...just too good not to buy IMO)...if you 100% must buy from an AD I would keep looking...but if price is your #1 concern, buy one from a respected member of this forum...you'll save a bunch of cash and the watch is going to be identical to one bought at an AD (trust me...your wrist won't know the difference...but your bank account sure will). Good luck.

[meloncap78]

Cherish that beauty. I can't wait to get my hands on one. Great pics and bit of history as well. :cheers::thumbsup:

[Got Rolex?]

Great score and nice pics.

[BZA]

Anyone else reminded of a lobster when looking at 8th pic down!? Or is it just me...!:thinking:

[timackerman]

It is a good looking watch, and I love the lume. But I think that I will stick with my Submariner

[DeepC08]

Nice pics,

[Saxon007]

Anyone else reminded of a lobster when looking at 8th pic down!? Or is it just me...!:thinking:

Actually, I was thinking crab - but the thought process is the same. You, Sir, are obviously brilliant. :cheers:

[bbrs]

My dealer is giving me a discount 8500, now I got some serious problems :)

[moby33]

My dealer is giving me a discount 8500, now I got some serious problems :)

Buy it and don't look back...:cheers:

[bbrs]

Buy it and don't look back...:cheers:

There goes my stash for rainy days :)

[hflee55]

Thanks for sharing. Welcome to the DSSD club.

[noble1]

I just bought DSSD with three extra links for $7,000.00 out the door. It is now my favorite Rolex.

[bbrs]

Thanks for sharing. Welcome to the DSSD club.

thnx mate cheers

[Julian,Sea Dweller]

Why has the sub got polished centre links?

[JJ Irani]

Why has the sub got polished centre links?

Good catch there.....maybe he likes it that way!! :chuckle:

[isrcruca]

Wow Nice watch.Thanks for sharing the pictures .Is that the WG SUBMARINER ?

[moby33]

I just bought DSSD with three extra links for $7,000.00 out the door. It is now my favorite Rolex.

Wow...great buy! My DSSD is my favorite watch - Period...but I can only imagine how much more I would love it if I picked it up for $7K. :cheers:

[mixedccr]

Hey guys/gals, since when did Rolex stop giving out those Rolex Passport holders? Albeit i got my SD in 98 and it came with that anchor and a PP holder. And i was abit dissappointed that the DS did not. Not really important but i thought it was a nice touch.

[gmt master x]

nice photos , thanks , enjoy that rolex....:thumbsup:

[etp095]

that watch is a beast,congrats to you.

[BZA]

Actually, I was thinking crab - but the thought process is the same. You, Sir, are obviously brilliant. :cheers:

Great minds...:cheers:

[newsboy]

Wait till you see one in the flesh wow wow

[PONY]

Y E S it is

[mixedccr]

Hey, maybe a silly question, so i hope someone can indulge the newbie. If the DS has a larger diameter and a thicker profile, yet runs on the same 3135 as the SD, then where has the 'extra' space gone too?
Diameterwise, if i understand the 'ring lock' concept, it runs from caseback to crystal and so accounts for the increase in diameter, with the 3135 residing within the ring. By rough estimate, the SD and DS faces are almost the same dimensions.
But what i can't account for, is the thickness.
Thanks in advance

[Crazy Cajun]

For added shock protection, Rolex has inserted extra foam peanuts into the watch case, hence the extra thickness. :dummy:

[1220m]

It's to support the ring lock. The ring lock is a "beam" in the middle halfway between the case back and the crystal which supports [better reinforces] the whole case under severe pressure.

Simplified version of course.

There's a diagram where or perhaps elsewhere on the next, showing the layering of the watch.

[mixedccr]

Thanks 1220m! Appreciate the reply. CC, you crack me up!!!

[Tri-National-Man]

Its a beast!!

[Alexus]

wow... best review seen so far! (even if I'm a little late ;))

[ejsab72]

this watch is the submariner on steroids!!! Its nice you let your grandpa wear your watch in the fifth picture.

[Pookie]

great photos.. I'm still drooling up a storm.

[aelvin]

Nice Review!! I just got mine today at the AD in Princeton NJ. Looks nice on my 6.5" wrist and not too big either...

[tthopp05]

The DEEPSEA is the best watch out there.

[tthopp05]

I have to say you are good with the camera.:thumbsup:

[umster]

one bad ass watch!!! loves sexy!!! great review :)

Great picts too!!

[Mike O]

Noble1 - Where in California did you get your Deepsea for 7000 Out the door ?

[MadsL]

This is the watch....

[Daniel]

Nice pics !

[cynsol]

Just got a DEEPSEA yesterday, and there seems to be a very slight misalignment between the bezel markings and the dial markings. Anyone one else experienced this? Would it be hard to adjust the bezel insert to align the markings?

[moby33]

Just got a DEEPSEA yesterday, and there seems to be a very slight misalignment between the bezel markings and the dial markings. Anyone one else experienced this? Would it be hard to adjust the bezel insert to align the markings?

No problem with mine & haven't read of another DS owner reporting this issue...but it wouldn't surprise me if there are a few examples out there that are slightly off. My advice is to return to the AD/contact Rolex to correct this...these new ceramic inserts are not as simple in design as the previous models in which you could easily pop them out & realign. Personally, I wouldn't want to be messing with them...especially considering it's a brand new watch. Let the pros deal w/ issues like this IMO. Good luck.

[brochblue72]

Great post, thanks for the comparison pics. I just got my own deepsea on Saturday & think it's brilliant, a lot heavier than my Omega seamaster & TAG Kirium, and most definitely chunkier. One hell of a watch though.

[SDDS]

wow

[johnnybazookajoe]

Everyone loves pictures, but when they are done right like this, it makes this site even more enjoyable. Nice watch.

[shawnfb]

My dealer is giving me a discount 8500, now I got some serious problems :)

i am getting the same price :)
buying tomorrow

[turboed44]

Wow! that dial is large! nice watch!

[sea-dweller]

Great photos !!!

[patrick09]

Wow! Nice watch .

[everose]

I recently collected a Milgauss GV and the store had a SDDS which i stupidly tried on:dummy:....the size and weight difference with the Sub is incredible.
Pics do not really show how the watches seem to have a completely different scale.....not merely abit bigger in all directions(which was my impression before seeing the SDDS up close).You really need to have a larger wrist to avoid looking silly...its verging on oversize(BUT legitimately required to reach the incredible depth rating)

The SDDS feels like a watch so incredibly engineered that you really will be passing it down to your children AND grandchildren.Incredible:thumbsup:

I also :cheers: Rolex as it seems their process of line development is finally moving beyond "sedate":worship:

[clew84]

Just got a DEEPSEA yesterday, and there seems to be a very slight misalignment between the bezel markings and the dial markings. Anyone one else experienced this? Would it be hard to adjust the bezel insert to align the markings?

Yes, mine is that way as well. It's not to a great degree but it is off. I could probably send it in but it really doesn't bother me that much.

Great review and very nice pics. I LOVE mine. It is a beast. I still wear the regular SD but I find it hard to take this one off. Here is a pic:

[LovesRolexes123]

The DSSD is a great watch. It is readily available in the cases of all the AD's out here in New England that I have seen. It can also be had for 10% off (about $8,350) with very little problem. (If you are a good or regular customer, then I am fairly sure that $7,800 to $8,000 from an AD would be well within reach, or even better).

Certainly not one I would pay over list for (list is $9,250 I believe). Great watch and congrats! Enjoy!

[TurboWatch]

the DSSD is one of the most comfortable watches. That is if you don't mind about the thickness :chuckle:

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss95/HotWatchesdotcom/DSC05832.jpg

[gordon.7]

pony - tell me again your wrist is 6 1/4 inches and it's no problem. i also have been "blessed" with smaller 6" inch wrists - you are giving me the courage i need to move forward with my purchase. do you feel the same way about it since your review in 2008?

[PONY]

Gordon.7

This is the best watch PERIOD!

I am a collector of many fine time pieces. When I go to select my watch for the day, 90% of the time it's the Deep Sea. When it's hot, it does move a bit on my wrist. However, it never turns down because of the weight, only due to the fact I'm using my hands. I know where it is all the time (pardon the pun), which I find comforting. When I look down at it, it always makes me smile. The only other thing that makes me smile like that, is looking at my chocolate Labrador puppy.

In case you need to adjust it further, it can be done while on your wrist. The new band is terrific. This is truly a masterpiece of engineering.

If you need further advice, email me anytime.

PONY

[RedCade]

Nice Pics!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought mine yesterday and I love the watch. At first, I thought it was to big but its perfect and beautiful.

[dinan545bmw]

Nice Pics!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought mine yesterday and I love the watch. At first, I thought it was to big but its perfect and beautiful.

:thumbsup::dude::smokin::lol::bye::agree:

[dinan545bmw]

Gordon.7

This is the best watch PERIOD!

This is truly a masterpiece of engineering.

PONY

:dude::thumbsup::chuckle::clap::smokin::agree:

[DCgator]

Welcome here Pony!

[pradeep]

I'd love to try out the DSSD. Thanks for the post!

[Mondo]

Bella!!!

[Martin6683]

I just picked a new one up today! My first Rolex! Awesome watch!

[afham]

Loving the watch. Nice !

[mr.briar]

Just got mine from bodybump! Awesome watch! :thumbsup:

[Tacoma213]

Just got a DEEPSEA yesterday, and there seems to be a very slight misalignment between the bezel markings and the dial markings. Anyone one else experienced this? Would it be hard to adjust the bezel insert to align the markings?

I noticed the same thing. I believe it is an illusion because the tip of the V on the bezel is separated from the V on the face by the ring lock, and the alignment is seemingly further by the placement of the words on the ring. On my LV, the tip of the V on the bezel insert is closer to the V on the face (and without a ring or words to interrupt the alignment), so it is easier to verify that they line up.

Makes sense to me...:smokin:

[PlatinumWatches]

Very Very mint watch gotta love the deepsea Nice Watch

[dinan545bmw]

Very Very mint watch gotta love the deepsea Nice Watch

:thumbsup::chuckle::clap::smokin::bye::dude::agree :

[mr.briar]

The DSSD is a GREAT watch and I'm enjoying mine! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Chris_FL]

I've been loving mine for a couple weeks now!

[David Maddern]

Nice watch

[Susan Graham]

Thanks to this nice and cute article.I read this and really it impressed me.

[EE33]

Thanks for the great write up PONY. :thumbsup:
Never realised how BIG this watch is as compared with the Sub.

[rxonmymind]

Went go the AD today again, on the prowl and after looking at all the subs they had he mentioned this watch. My first reaction in my mind eye was that commercial that showed a bullet going through a lock and being impervious. It HAS to be bulletproof! JB would approve!

[dnagwhogas]

Holy Jebus! That's a huge watch! I'm Jealous!

[Sunshine]

I love the fish!! :lol:

[skullbeard]

I came here specifically for the purpose of registering and searching for posts about the DSSD. I must have it.

Pony, this was an excellent writeup sir. Enjoy that behemoth! :)

[billyc]

I came here specifically for the purpose of registering and searching for posts about the DSSD. I must have it.

Pony, this was an excellent writeup sir. Enjoy that behemoth! :)

I was in the same boat as you, I owned the GMT 2 T/T, but was looking for a good replacement that would fit in with my work/personal life...went into one AD, saw one and it was eating into me day and night....had to have one...

A few months later got it, WOW...just love absolutely everything about it...people keep going on ..it's too big this...it's too bulky...I'm only 165 pounds, so not big and I have to say..this watch fits perfectly, is so comfortable,maybe due to the fact you can adjust it easily on the bracelet.

It looks great with a suit or just casual with jeans and 'T' shirt.

As Ive stated before, I gave my GMT to my son...and to be honest..it's going to have to be one great watch that replaces this one.

Billy

[oo7]

The DSSD reminds me of Vito Corleone...

[itz16v]

I like the size of this watch.

[Raucky]

Very nice:cheers:

[SoCal C4S]

Can't wait to get mine in February. :)

[D10S]

I purchased my first Rolex and made it a DeepSea. Great watch, love the size. It is the NEW classic.

[bamseladin]

congrats! :dude: very nice watch! i have the same watch and i love it!:joy: