First I would like to get all the names of Rolex's latest Sea Dweller 126600. It seems there are so many names floating around for a watch that has been out for a year. SD43, SD50th, SD50, Big Red, SD Anniversary, Red Line, etc.. I am sure there are some I missed but one thing is true is that this is a very special watch designed for the 50th anniversary of the legendary Sea-Dweller.
I prefer the "SD50th" as it seems to cover all the significant stats.
As a 28 year Rolex owner, my history with Rolex tends to be more dive watches specifically the Submariner. As a Sub owner I always wanted to own a Sea-Dweller and looked at them as the Subs more rare big brother as I never saw them much or even got to handle them at dealers over the few decades when most watches were in-stock.
I remember a thread topic in 2016 on this forum where speculation if the Sub was going bigger like other newly sized up models. My direct quote was I am all in for a 42mm Sub. Fast forward to my delight when the SD50th was introduced. Everything I am looking for in a Rolex dive watch and its even a mighty Sea-Dweller. There is nothing about this watch I dont like except the price and waiting list. The purchase of the SD50th was set in motion years ago.
I removed the divers extension as soon with the initial sizing of the bracelet. As a diver, I have found enough adjustment for my needs with just the Glidelock clasp adjustment. The SD50th is heavier than the SubC but not that much. SD50th is around 180 grams with the extension link removed. I feel you still need to move some of the links around for your wrist to fine tune a perfect fit. From decades of experience I have found it can take up to a month of wearing to know exactly the right bracelet fit depending how picky you are.
Speaking of size, this is a good pic comparing the SD50th to my DJ2 which is a honest 42mm watch. Both compliment my collection perfectly.
Every Rolex has a certain wrist presence from bling to stealth. The best description I can give the SD50th is "Bad Ass". It has a large and in charge look and its black bezel flashing a reflective light with some bling quality. The watch has wrist presence and that little red lettering jumps out more than I thought it would. Its bracelet and glidelock clasp is solid as if forged out of one piece of metal. No rattles, side to side play, with precision adjustments.
Its total proportions are absolutely perfect from the face, hands, bezel, case, bracelet and the clasp.
Think "Rolex perfection".
The dial looks gloss in the shade and satin in direct sunlight. This is another masterful dial by Rolex.
I got a chance to get the SD50th wet and also wear a coat this week with our wild temperature changes. Thickness of the SD50th is not a issue with winter coats or even a long sleeve shirt.
Lume is the best I have ever experience with any Rolex. Obviously the larger hands, dial, and PIP allow more lume material and that equals great lume. 5am and I can still read the time from 6 feet away. It is brighter than my SubC and that was good.
Lets talk about the new 3235 movement and my time keeping observation. Setting the 3235 is not as fiddly in its crown setting position. The crown pulls out to each setting position noticeably more precise than the 3135. With the 3135, sometimes you had to push the crown in and then back out after adjustment to get to the proper setting indentation. Thats all gone with the 3235. Next is the sound of the rotor of the 3235 as it now uses ball bearings. You can hear the rotor now making a faint whirring sound. You cant feel it but it is now audible unlike the 3135 that had a silent rotor. The most impressive upgrade to the 3235 I have seen is its time keeping. I have done a very detailed time keeping log with resting positions and on the wrist.
After a week my particular SD50th is 0.0 + or -. Resting positions only yield a .25 to .50 difference over night (8-10 hours). This is incredible in many ways. The gravitational effect does not seem to be as much of a factor with the new movement compared to the 3135 (or any other movement). The 3135 wasn't particularly sensitive to resting positions but the new 3235 is a significant upgrade. If you are a mechanical movement accuracy super freak, the 3235 is for you. The 70 hour power reserve is currently being tested. This means I cant wear my watch for 3 days.
I believe Rolex is really advancing their watches as well as listening to their customers with larger sizes to choose from. The movements really are a improvement in every way. The SD50th is at home on a wrist 7" and up but could be on 6 3/4" if you like a big watch.
