Sea Dweller 4000 (116600) One Month Later

[Vinyasa]

Sea Dweller 4000 (116600) One Month Review

I apologize in advance for the manifesto. Having owned and ‘operated’ my SD4K 116600 for a little over a month now, and having benefited enormously from previous reviews, I’d like to provide my initial impressions/lessons in hope that someone will find them useful.

Background: I’ve owned Rolex Subs nearly all my adult life, beginning at age 23 shortly after my U.S. Navy Commission. Gradually moved up the Rolex scale from SS to TT /Blue in 2001. Loved that dang watch, adored it really. Used part of the inheritance from my dad’s passing to purchase it; he knew I was a Rolex fanatic (WIS). Bought my wife a TT DJ in 2005 which she’s never taken off. Fell on hard times in the 2011 time frame and had to sell my TT Sub to pay the bills. It nearly broke my heart, and my wife cried as I handed it over to an AD to add to their estate portfolio, for cash. Swore on my dad’s grave and to myself I would make things right. Bought a Casio GShock, bought an AppleWatch (SS), but (surprise!) they didn’t fill the void. WIS, know thy self.

Forward to January 2016: Received a legal settlement and began searching for a suitable replacement for my Rolex TT Sub. Selection Principles: (1) Relatively low profile; (2) No PCLs, since I personally don’t care for the added bling; (3) Acceptable price point, e.g., < $10K (US); (4) Resistance to dings/scratches. Tried the SubC, but ‘been there, done that,” and if I was to rejoin the Rolex club I wanted it to be an upgrade, albeit a higher depth rating or additional complication, etc. Tried the ‘Smurf’, violating all three Selection Principles, and returned it to the AD the next day for refund after suffering night sweats… too much of a reach for me, and that Cobalt Blue… wow, it’s amazing, but violates my Principles (1) and (2), and I have to sleep at night, Principle (3). Looked at the SD4K soon thereafter and fell in love with the fully graduated ceramic bezel, brushed bracelet links and matte black dial. Principle (4) achieved with the ceramic bezel, since I know if I dinged an Explorer II bezel I’d be pissed at myself until it was sent off to a RSC. Also discovered that I prefer the missing Cyclops, even though the date can be a struggle to read until my eyes adjust. The deciding factor: the brushed links on the bracelet and the fully graduated bezel… the Submariner bezel looks incomplete to me now.

Purchase Experience: I purchased the Sea Dweller (and Smurf) from an AD. They were very helpful and knowledgeable, with a good selection of Professional-series models and DJs in stock to try on; no complaints whatsoever. They have a program – not sure if this is done elsewhere – whereby you can trade-up your purchase for an upgraded Rolex model (minus RSC servicing) at ‘cost’ within two years. That said, given all I’ve seen on this Forum, I could have used a Trusted Seller, and been completely satisfied… although the Smurf purchase/return may have presented a problem.

Fit: I really appreciate the Glidelock clasp on the Sea Dweller, and find myself adjusting it occasionally depending my level of activity. It’s a very useful contrast to my Omega Speedmaster 3570.50 that I put on a strap that I can’t seem to fit to my satisfaction, ever (6.5” wrist). The 46.25mm lug-to-lug length (see the excellent Minus4Plus6 Review) is a great fit for a smaller wrist like mine, and the weight, while notable, is appreciably less than a 18K Submariner. I also prefer the more tapered lugs on the SD4K compared to the new Submariners… again, a more understated design. And, while I dearly wanted the new 42mm Explorer II to work for me, meeting Principles (1)-(3), it was too large for my taste (lug-to-lug length). The 15mm or so height of the SD4K isn’t bothersome to me at all, but admittedly I spend most of my time in blue jeans and T/Sweatshirts. Haven’t experienced any ‘fashion faux pas’ wearing a dress suit, though, and I actually think the missing Cyclops adds a little elegance compared to the traditional Submariner line.

Accuracy: I’m very satisfied with the COSC and ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision of the 3135 caliber movement to date. I hacked the time to the Rolex Forum and U.S. Naval Observatory time a couple of weeks ago, and it has averaged about 2 seconds/day fast. Not too shabby. Not to Apple Watch specs, mind you (LOL), but I don’t have to plug it in every night either. One less charger to take on travel is always a good thing.

Overall: I’m a very satisfied Sea Dweller 4000 owner. It’s been said on this Forum that Rolex watches are aspirational, and I would agree. I’ve signed up for Scuba Certification classes in April. It’s been on my bucket list for years, and this purchase finally pushed me to get it done. Albeit in a wetsuit or dry suit, since I do live in Maine where the ocean temps are 62F (16.7C) in August. It is my grail watch? Too soon to tell, but after a month I still look down at my wrist and smile. Heading to Scotland to hike the Highlands around my 6 month SD anniversary; perhaps another review will be in order with an Everest (get moving, Everest!) or RubberB strap. Or another Explorer I/II 39-40mm review… time will tell.

Sorry again for the length, hope this is useful to potential SD4K buyers. Love this Forum!

[ralpie]

Awesome review- definitely on the wish list for me.

[El Cascarrabias]

Originally Posted by Vinyasa

Accuracy: I’m very satisfied with the COSC and ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision of the 3135 caliber movement to date. I hacked the time to the Rolex Forum and U.S. Naval Observatory time a couple of weeks ago, and it has averaged about 2 seconds/day fast. Not too shabby . . .

You may see that improve. Mine started out, I believe, around 3 seconds fast per day. Today, last day of the month, it will be 5 seconds fast for the month. One month it was 4 seconds fast. That was the best it's done. I've had it as much as 10+ seconds fast for the month. I'm sure how it's worn has an effect and causes the variation.

Impressive movement in the SDc.

[Urosfan]

Nice review

[denmanproject]

Sounds like the SD4K is the perfect watch for you! looks great, enjoy

[J!m]

Great review.

I appreciate you taking the time. Often it's a wrist shot and welcome. I like you taking the time to help us understand how you connected with the watch.

Enjoy it for decades to come!

[TK-710]

Great review. I went to the AD last week. Walking in I was 99% sure I was going to get the Explorer. After trying it on then trying on the SD4K I left with a new goal. This review is great. It's very easy to like a Rolex at the AD but it's another thing to know what it will be like with some real wrist time. Thank you for taking the time to do such a great write up. Looking forward to your 6 month highland review.

[imperio]

I've searched and googled and short of going into an AD and inspecting it myself, I can't tell what the difference is in lugs between the SubC and the SD4k. Is it the thickness or the width that differs? In pics they look nearly identical!


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[roadie1]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1456797640.443452.jpg

Nice review! Beautiful lab! My SDC and chocolate lab playing frisbee on the beach!


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[dualcarb]

Great review. Thank you for it. Great watch, congrats...and looking forward to your update...

[seand442]

Two thumbs up. One for the watch, one for the dog. I love labs.

[Vinyasa]

Originally Posted by imperio

I've searched and googled and short of going into an AD and inspecting it myself, I can't tell what the difference is in lugs between the SubC and the SD4k. Is it the thickness or the width that differs? In pics they look nearly identical!


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The SubC has the 'super' case, with larger/wider lugs that do not taper like the SD4K. Both are 40mm (10 o'clock - 4 o'clock) in diameter, but the SD4K feels a little smaller to me despite the thicker case and crystal. Hope this helps.

[Tarandy]

Originally Posted by imperio

I've searched and googled and short of going into an AD and inspecting it myself, I can't tell what the difference is in lugs between the SubC and the SD4k. Is it the thickness or the width that differs? In pics they look nearly identical!


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I used too ponder this lug difference between the two watches and after lots of studying decided, I thought they mention the lugs into which the strap/ bracelet fits.where as now I believe it to mean the lugs that protect the crown.. Hope I'm right and this helps

[imperio]

Originally Posted by Vinyasa

The SubC has the 'super' case, with larger/wider lugs that do not taper like the SD4K. Both are 40mm (10 o'clock - 4 o'clock) in diameter, but the SD4K feels a little smaller to me despite the thicker case and crystal. Hope this helps.

So the SD4K is similar to the non ceramic subs' lugs? I tried to see the difference between a SD4K and a SubC but to no avail! I'll really have to go check it out in person.

Originally Posted by Tarandy

I used too ponder this lug difference between the two watches and after lots of studying decided, I thought they mention the lugs into which the strap/ bracelet fits.where as now I believe it to mean the lugs that protect the crown.. Hope I'm right and this helps

Really... I thought those were called crown guards?

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[Vinyasa]

Originally Posted by imperio

So the SD4K is similar to the non ceramic subs' lugs? I tried to see the difference between a SD4K and a SubC but to no avail! I'll really have to go check it out in person.

That's my impression from trying on the SD4K and SubC. IMO, the SD4K case is closer to the older Submariner form.





Really... I thought those were called crown guards?

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That's my understanding as well.

[El Cascarrabias]

Originally Posted by Tarandy

I used too ponder this lug difference between the two watches and after lots of studying decided, I thought they mention the lugs into which the strap/ bracelet fits.where as now I believe it to mean the lugs that protect the crown.. Hope I'm right and this helps

Sorry . . .

You were right, now you're wrong.

The spring bars fit between the lugs and the lugs are larger on the SubC than the SD4k. If you're unable to see it in pictures you will need to go to an AD and try them on. It will be evident.

And many like the look of larger lugs. The SubC sells well.

[TripleB Boston]

after a month I still look down at my wrist and smile.

This is what it's all about. Great review. Hope the SD4K brings years of smiles.

[strafer_kid]

Very nice review - picked up an SD4000 fairly soon after its initial release but moved it on as it just did not do it for me. Despite being a four/ five digit sports fan, I then picked up the SubC which I must say I really like. Your review and some other recent updates on this forum might move me back towards adding the SD4000 again though ....good luck!

[kamonjj]

Great review. Made me very happy about my new edition. Picked mine up Friday. Loving it so far


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[yannis]

Nice review Steve! Thank you!

[rwolfhaus123]

Nice review...great looking dog!

Happy Easter!

[jcs2000]

Great review; the lab in the pics is awesome as well.

[Vinyasa]

Thank you all for the kind words/feedback! I'm gratified that it was of some value.

Here's another picture from by budding photographer daughter. Enjoy!

Steve

[brandrea]

Great review STEVE. Thank you for taking the time to write it. The SD4k is a beauty for sure!

[kaiserphoenix]

Congrats, must have sucked to sell the TT. But good on you for bouncing back strong. Wear in good health!

[Vinyasa]

Originally Posted by jcs2000

Great review; the lab in the pics is awesome as well.

Thanks. New addition(s)... 16570 Explorer II and Yellow Lab. Review of both to follow shortly

[Vinyasa]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Congrats, must have sucked to sell the TT. But good on you for bouncing back strong. Wear in good health!

You're right... it sucked. Big Time. But life has a way of teaching one lessons, if we seize the opportunity to actually learn from our mistakes. But, of course, you know this. I'm a slow learner!

[jinikari01]

great review and I couldn't agree more.
my personal taste is DS over sub c.
proportionally and the way it fits on the wrist DS is spot on.

[joli160]

Nice write up, the SD4 is a great watch, very well balanced looks

[busytimmy]

Enjoyed reading this. Great watch. Enjoy!


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