Sea-Dweller or Deepsea?

[thesharkfactor]

SD43 is stunning with its flash of red, reminds me of the red subs of old. I’d have this watch on my wrist if my wrist was big enough. Very smart piece with perfect proportions almost like a 5 digit SD. I’m surprised it’s not more popular.

[samson66]

The SD is basically diver perfection as far as I'm concerned. The JC DSSD is a beautiful watch but really does give that hockey puck feel. Just too dang thick. SD43 for me, six years and counting.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Team Deepsea here, I have a black 116660 and a black 226570 Explorer II. Trust me, you need both. As for the Sea Dweller I don’t do red.

[travisb]

Go all in with the Deepsea. I’ve had one ever since the first gen black dial was introduced. Currently have the 126660 JC and think it’s my favorite diver from any brand.

[CaptT]

I’ve had both the 126660 and 126600, and I find the Deepsea more comfortable despite the increased thickness. The protruding caseback on the SD43 was the difference in wearability for me (and I think this is the primary “complaint” with the SD43, which is otherwise near-perfect and unique with the red text).

Sized right the Deepsea can be quite comfortable. I’m team 126xxx for the wider bracelet (relative to the 116xxx), as well as the diver extension, but the 136xxx is quite nice as well. I do understand the affinity some have for the original 116xxx.

Good luck with the choice!

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by CaptT

I’ve had both the 126660 and 126600, and I find the Deepsea more comfortable despite the increased thickness. The protruding caseback on the SD43 was the difference in wearability for me (and I think this is the primary “complaint” with the SD43, which is otherwise near-perfect and unique with the red text).

Sized right the Deepsea can be quite comfortable. I’m team 126xxx for the wider bracelet (relative to the 116xxx), as well as the diver extension, but the 136xxx is quite nice as well. I do understand the affinity some have for the original 116xxx.

Good luck with the choice!

This is outstanding feedback. Thanks for sharing. If I go Deepsea it will be the 126660 in black. Just curious, are there any pros to the 116660?

[CaptT]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

This is outstanding feedback. Thanks for sharing. If I go Deepsea it will be the 126660 in black. Just curious, are there any pros to the 116660?

Sweet - the black dialed DSSD is awesome. Arguably the most tool like of all the Rolex “tool” watches. And yeah, there are pros to the 116660; some might say the movement (3135). Others like that it’s the original modern Deepsea, and occasionally you hear about folks preferring the slimmer bracelet. There may be other pros, and I may not be the best to answer this question as I’ve only ever owned the 126660.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

This is outstanding feedback. Thanks for sharing. If I go Deepsea it will be the 126660 in black. Just curious, are there any pros to the 116660?

I can’t compare the 116660 to any other Deepsea because I haven’t owned the subsequent generations but I have tried on all three. Not only do I find the narrower bracelet supremely comfortable I really love the way the big case kind of explodes at the top of the slender bracelet which accentuates the size of the case. Also, the lettering on the ORIGINAL GAS ESCAPE VALVE ring is more subdued on the first gen. Finally, because it’s the first iteration it’s the original vision of those who designed it. What some might consider flaws that were improved upon in subsequent generations I consider to be the authentic character of the watch.

Admittedly, your mileage may vary.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Gents,

I'm considering adding a Sea-Dweller (126600) or a Deepsea (126660) to go along with my black dial Explorer II (226570). I know the Deepsea is a beast, but I've tried it on and I dig it. It's bold, but would make a great change of pace to my daily driver (Explorer II). Conversely, the Sea-Dweller isn't quite as bold, but I dig the red text and date magnifier.

I've worn my brother's Submariner several times and it always feels too small for me. So one of these two should fit the bill.

Please share thoughts and pictures especially if you've owned any of these watches. If you have any pictures compaing them to an Explorer II that would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance!

We have very similar taste in timepieces. Deepsea is fun on the wrist, can’t look at it without smiling. Definitely a great alternate. Personally I like the blue dial. Sky-Dweller is another favorite. The beautiful dials and fluted bezel offer a completely different look compared to your EXPII.

My first Rolex was a Explorer II, followed by a Sky-D and Deepsea deepblue. Guess I couldn’t decide either.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

This is outstanding feedback. Thanks for sharing. If I go Deepsea it will be the 126660 in black. Just curious, are there any pros to the 116660?

126660 is the way to go.
The 116660 has a slimmer bracelet which looks and wears a little out of proportion. The 126660 is way more balanced. Newer movement (never had an issue) and you still get the divers extension link and domed crystal.
The 136660 did away with the extension link and went with a slightly raised crystal which I don’t like as much.

[Spartacus]

DSSD over SD43. DSSD feels fine in the water and I love mine as a weekend watch.

The submariner is far more comfortable and practical as a daily, have both, like them for different reasons.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

126660 is the way to go.
The 116660 has a slimmer bracelet which looks and wears a little out of proportion. The 126660 is way more balanced. Newer movement (never had an issue) and you still get the divers extension link and domed crystal.
The 136660 did away with the extension link and went with a slightly raised crystal which I don’t like as much.

The 126660 is the perfect DSSD

[CaptT]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I can’t compare the 116660 to any other Deepsea because I haven’t owned the subsequent generations but I have tried on all three. Not only do I find the narrower bracelet supremely comfortable I really love the way the big case kind of explodes at the top of the slender bracelet which accentuates the size of the case. Also, the lettering on the ORIGINAL GAS ESCAPE VALVE ring is more subdued on the first gen. Finally, because it’s the first iteration it’s the original vision of those who designed it. What some might consider flaws that were improved upon in subsequent generations I consider to be the authentic character of the watch.

Admittedly, your mileage may vary.

OP, I figured there might be someone who could provide you better context and an actual owner’s perspective on what the pros of the 116660 may be, and what’s special about this version.

Kevin, i never noticed the difference in lettering on the OGEV. Thx.

Originally Posted by brandrea

The 126660 is the perfect DSSD

Originally Posted by travisb

126660 is the way to go.
The 116660 has a slimmer bracelet which looks and wears a little out of proportion. The 126660 is way more balanced. Newer movement (never had an issue) and you still get the divers extension link and domed crystal.
The 136660 did away with the extension link and went with a slightly raised crystal which I don’t like as much.

Agreed, but admittedly may have a a little bias due to ownership of the 126660. The 116660 did feel a little out of balance to me, simply due to the bracelet size relative to the case size.

Good luck OP!

[Kiddodoc]

I own both and love both equally. I love the dial of the JC, previously had the black dial. The SD43 is the best all around diver by Rolex in my opinion. It has everything you would want, bigger yet stylish, the red lettering is so awesome and does not look too big. You cannot go wrong with either. Good luck choosing.

[Mick Z]

I prefer the DSSD to the SD43. Although the DeepSea is larger, it wears better on my 7 1/2" wrist, and the adjustable clasp is superior. I dislike the matte dial on the SD43, and despite it being smaller than the DSSD, I found it more top heavy. I also like how the thick crystal on the DeepSea adds an interesting visual dimension.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Gents,

Thanks for such excellent advice! I think I've decided and I'm ready to pull the trigger. If I can figure out how to post pics, I'll do so in a couple of days. Stand by!

[Bobbyfat]

hello, I'm a little late but here is an overview of the different SD, Deepsea and Challenge versions on the wrist

[Bobbyfat]

I personally consider with a wrist of 17.5cm that all the divers from 40mm to 44mm are comfortable (the challenge is a museum piece reserved for very large wrists over 18cm), my preference goes to the Deepsea JC, and the 2 40mm. these remain parts that we rarely see compared to Submariners,
The comfort of the thinner buckle on the generations preceding the 12xxxx and 13xxxx is superior to the latest very (too) wide generations.

[Chefinspecteur]

Originally Posted by Bobbyfat

hello, I'm a little late but here is an overview of the different SD, Deepsea and Challenge versions on the wrist

What a great collection you have!! Well done!

[1William]

Nice collection.

[Bobbyfat]

Thanks @1Guillaume & @Chiefinspector

[slus]

Looks: SD43
Comfort: 126660 DSSD

Bobbyfat, your SD collection is amazing! Nice work

[Sublovin]

The SD is nice, but the Deepsea is the king. If you want smaller, get a Sub. The Seadweller is for the person who orders a medium Coke! ��




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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Gents,

Thanks for such excellent advice! I think I've decided and I'm ready to pull the trigger. If I can figure out how to post pics, I'll do so in a couple of days. Stand by!

Any updates on this Mike

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

The SD is nice, but the Deepsea is the king. If you want smaller, get a Sub. The Seadweller is for the person who orders a medium Coke! ��




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Comment of the year! I legit laughed out loud.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Any updates on this Mike

Hey T-Bone!

Yes....A black dial Rolex diver is on the way. I've never been more torn in my life. I went back and forth between the SD4K, SD43 and the DSSD.

Bad timing doing a deal at the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend. I should have it Tuesday or Wednesday. Pics to follow!

Thanks for all the excellent feedback gents!

[MJ EXPLORER]

I left a big hint last week when I changed the watch in my profile. Here it is gents! The 126660. Absolutely loving it!


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[waterman1]

Hey Mike,

Congratulations on that DSSD!!

[brandrea]

Congratulations Mike, you wear it well

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by waterman1

Hey Mike,

Congratulations on that DSSD!!

Thanks so much Keith! You were 100% correct in that it's not too large. Fits great and feels amazing. I suspect it's gonna get all the wrist time for a while.