Rolex SD4000 vs Explorer II 216570

[sheldonsmith]

Rolex SeaDweller 4000 & Rolex Explorer II 216570

2014 was the year Rolex unveiled some surprises including the re-introduction of an old classic, the Rolex SeaDweller 4000. Originally launched in 1967 as a watch developed for depths and conditions greater than the industry standard Rolex Submariner, the Rolex SeaDweller 4000 possessed functions and design elements that made it different from the Submariner. Just as how Rolex collaborated with Pan American Airlines on the development of the Rolex GMT, Rolex collaborated with COMEX S.A. to design a professional diving watch for depths beyond recreational SCUBA levels. Fast forward to 2008 and the Rolex SeaDweller was discontinued with the unveiling of the Rolex DeepSea SeaDweller (DSSD), Rolex deep-water professional diving watch.

Speed forward to 2014 and Rolex's re-introduction of the Rolex SD4000 brings a dive watch that can be worn everyday (unlike the DSSD) yet has features setting it apart from the Submariner including the classic lines and design ethos that the first 1976 SeaDweller possessed.

Looking at the SD4000 and Rolex's other renaissance watch, the Explorer II 216570 illustrates the simlarities and differences between them that make these both great everyday wearer sport / professional wristwatches.


The Rolex SD4000 (left) and Rolex Explorer II (right) are both made of 904L stainless steel exclusively. There are no platinum or gold counterparts to these watches and are positioned in the Rolex line as bona-fide tool watches. The SD4000 and Explorer II 216570 keep the classic lines as their older brothers without the boxy re-design found on the updated Submariners and GMTs.

Both made of 904L stainless steel, the SD4000 and Explorer II comparative proportions match their intended use. The Explorer II is designed for both AM and PM visibility with its larger 42mm face, larger indicies, and larger hands that hold more Chromolight luminova for longer lasting glowing at night.

The SD4000 is designed for water pressure and subsequently has a smaller traditional 40mm watch face, traditional 20 mm lug width (2mm narrower than the Exp II), thicker Triplock crown, thicker caseback, and thicker crystal.

I have more images and more to the review / comparison at http://www.minus4plus6.com/SD4000.htm

All errors are mine, so feel free to point them out.

-Sheldon