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

[Lol-x]

Thanks for the review.
I personally love the Polar EXII but then again I have not worn an SD4000.
The biggest difference between the two from my perspective is the case profile and dial/hand size.
The EXII Polar is such a joy to wear and it is so legible such that those visually challenged such as myself have no problem at all.

[IT Nerd]

Great review!!!

I'll have my new 216570 delivered early next week, how long does the lume actually last on that guy?

[sheldonsmith]

Thanks!

If out in the sun all day, my 216570 glows all night.

[Anthon]

Nice review on the website as well, thanks a lot! The SD4000 is a big favorite of mine, the watch is an absolute beauty, although I struggle to justify the price. It is 60% more expensive than an Explorer1 !

[Psmith]

Great write-up Sheldon

[Random]

A superb review - thanks so much for those wonderful comparison shots. I have been waiting for just this comparison. I have the same black dial Explorer II and feel it wears a bit too large top-to-bottpm for me. What to do about it...
Thanks again & best regards

[RollieVerde]

Crikey Sheldon, I've been looking at these two exact watches and here you deliver some incredibly useful information comparing them. It's almost scary. Well done, and thanks again!

[MrSimba]

fantastic! I've forwarded your review to a friend who's torn between the two watches and your comments and stunning photographs have him salivating already!!!

[Eric Chan]

Excellent review of two great watches. Still trying to wrap my head around the price difference between the SD 4000 and the Sub Date LN.

[subtona]

Well done.
My absolute two favorites of the current line up.

[sea-dweller]

Nice write-up!

[grnbean]

love your site

[Kevin7569]

I was all out to get the SD4000 but as I've got a GMT2c wanted something different. Decided on the Explorer 2 Polar and hopefully picking it up today! Can't wait!!!! Will post some pictures later!


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[Rogdogg]

Great review of 2 pieces I like a lot. I have the White Dial ExpII and it is my favourite watch from my small collection.

Just something I noticed. I think the lug width on the ExpII is a rather awkward 21mm, not 22mm as stated above.
(I say awkward 21mm because it is difficult to find nice straps in 21mm)

[walshie458]

Hi Sheldon
I am New here. I have the poler Exp 2 love it also the ceramic Sub. Looking at the DSSD-Deep Blue. In Scotland very hard to get. It is already making up to 1k more. I am no 1 on the list at may dealer. Already have the Rubber B strap for it, just waiting for the watch now.
Do you think this watch will keep being so sought after? or will it settle after a couple of years??

[BlackBay1]

The two best Rolex in the current line up IMO (although I prefer the white dial). Thank you for sharing this wonderful review, I love the term 'watch flop'.

[strafer_kid]

Have had both and would agree that they are both very good watches - super design and engineering though some may find that they wear a bit on the big side?l

[Kevin7569]

Just got mine yesterday and loving it! Looking forward to the everyday dilemma of what to wear; the Explorer or GMT!!



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