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Old 8 June 2021, 03:22 AM   #1
amphr1
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SD41 vs 43 for small wrist

Hey folks, I'm torn between the current generation of sea dweller and the last one. I have an Omega Seamaster and a GMT Master II already so the new Sub41 seems too much overlap, and I think the SD will be a bit more aggresive and differentiating. I'm very much leaning towards the SD43. However without being able to try it on at local AD, I'm slightly worried that I won't fit. I know a lot of you will say the watch is too big and dismiss the notion off hand, but I have a small wrist, 6.25", and I wear G-Shock (MR-G B1000D) and the Omega Speedmaster moonphase and perfectly happy with it. The Speedmaster is 44mm, so it's one of my biggest watch. I'm attaching that as a reference. If someone with a small wrist like mine, below a 6.5" wrist, please reply with a wrist shot so I can see how it might look. The alternative would be the SD4K. I will definitely fit better, but i think it's slightly out of proportion and missing out of a bunch of refinement. But anyway that's another topic. I want to focus on fit. Any personal experience and reference would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:26 AM   #2
007_Omega
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If you mean the SD4K, it's actually around 39mm. The 5 digit SD are also around 39mm. The SD43 is 43mm.

The SD43 is a fantastic model and arguably one of Rolex' best. They made it in a way that it is substantial but can fit a variety of wrists.

If it was me, I'd go with the SD43.
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Old 9 June 2021, 03:50 AM   #3
amphr1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 007_Omega View Post
If you mean the SD4K, it's actually around 39mm.
I just realize you mean the title of my thread has typo LOL
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:31 AM   #4
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The SD43 is the perfect watch for me - but it divides opinions massively. There are some complaints about the case back and how it wears, then others simply love it.

I’ve been through a lot of Rolex models and this is probably the best there is pound for pound - but that’s my opinion. Looking at your wrist i would say you could wear it but it’s one where you really have to wear it for a while and find out yourself.
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Old 8 June 2021, 08:29 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSolution View Post
The SD43 is the perfect watch for me - but it divides opinions massively. There are some complaints about the case back and how it wears, then others simply love it.

I’ve been through a lot of Rolex models and this is probably the best there is pound for pound - but that’s my opinion. Looking at your wrist i would say you could wear it but it’s one where you really have to wear it for a while and find out yourself.
⬆️⬆️⬆️ Exactly! I have a 6.75 wrist, and I think it fits great. I’m also a fan of bigger watches vs small, on my wrist.
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:40 AM   #6
Rado63
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You might want to take a look at this review by TMosso. His wrist is 16 cm which approximately same size as you. You can see the watch and get the dimensions and then decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKaFCSvgekc
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:47 AM   #7
amphr1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rado63 View Post
You might want to take a look at this review by TMosso. His wrist is 16 cm which approximately same size as you. You can see the watch and get the dimensions and then decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKaFCSvgekc
Perfect! thanks for the link!
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:41 AM   #8
alphadweller
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I think you could just about pull off the SD43, bearing in mind it might look a tad on the large side. Nothing wrong with that if that's what you like. Tapered lugs help a lot with regards to wearability. I personally slightly prefer it to the SD4K 116600 which remains a solid second choice IMHO.
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Old 8 June 2021, 03:50 AM   #9
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I think you’d be fine with either.
If you prefer the SD43, that’s the way to go.


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Old 8 June 2021, 03:59 AM   #10
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The SD43 actually wears nicely on smaller wrists (I'm at 6.75 inches), but it's too heavy for daily comfort. I had wrist fatigue after one weekend and flipped it.

OP, as an alternative, I suggest picking up a classic 16600 SD. Perfectly sized and balanced, especially for sub-7-inch wrists.
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Old 8 June 2021, 05:02 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swish77 View Post
The SD43 actually wears nicely on smaller wrists (I'm at 6.75 inches), but it's too heavy for daily comfort. I had wrist fatigue after one weekend and flipped it.

OP, as an alternative, I suggest picking up a classic 16600 SD. Perfectly sized and balanced, especially for sub-7-inch wrists.
I have to agree with this. The 16600 is actually a 39.5 mm case and more narrow than both the 16710 and 16610.

I've owned a 14060, 16610, 116600, and 16600. I have a 6.75-inch wrist. The only one I still own is the 16600. I can't begin to describe how incredible the 5 digit SD's are. Especially on smaller wrists.
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Old 12 June 2021, 12:03 AM   #12
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The 16600 works great on large wrists as well. 8.25 inches here. Love mine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmbarrack View Post
I have to agree with this. The 16600 is actually a 39.5 mm case and more narrow than both the 16710 and 16610.

I've owned a 14060, 16610, 116600, and 16600. I have a 6.75-inch wrist. The only one I still own is the 16600. I can't begin to describe how incredible the 5 digit SD's are. Especially on smaller wrists.
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Old 8 June 2021, 04:46 AM   #13
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Size wise should fit you if you rock a Speedmaster


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Old 8 June 2021, 05:12 AM   #14
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I have both the SD43 and the Moonphase watch you have pictured. That Moonphase wears nearly the same as the SD43 in my opinion. While the case of the Omega is larger than the Rolex, the bezel of the SD is larger than the Moonphase. So in the end, my experience is they wear very similarly. If you are good with the size of the Omega you should have no issues with the SD43. I would say the Omega wears a touch more comfortably vs the Rolex. Feels a little more "planted" on the wrist to me. Good luck
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Old 8 June 2021, 05:15 AM   #15
amphr1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samson66 View Post
I have both the SD43 and the Moonphase watch you have pictured. That Moonphase wears nearly the same as the SD43 in my opinion. While the case of the Omega is larger than the Rolex, the bezel of the SD is larger than the Moonphase. So in the end, my experience is they wear very similarly. If you are good with the size of the Omega you should have no issues with the SD43. I would say the Omega wears a touch more comfortably vs the Rolex. Feels a little more "planted" on the wrist to me. Good luck
Thanks!

Just made the order on Bob's Watch! =)
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Old 8 June 2021, 05:31 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by amphora001 View Post
Thanks!

Just made the order on Bob's Watch! =)
Congrats in advance

One more suggestion for you if you haven't already done it. Pick up the Omega leather strap w/ deployant for that Moonphase. Looks terrific and super-comfortable. Helps set it apart from the SD a little more as well. I have the blue MP and it's my favorite watch
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Old 8 June 2021, 05:57 AM   #17
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Quote:
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Thanks!

Just made the order on Bob's Watch! =)
Great choice I hope you enjoy it as much as I do
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Old 8 June 2021, 07:33 AM   #18
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Thanks!

Just made the order on Bob's Watch! =)

Just saw this. Congratulations in advance


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Old 8 June 2021, 07:56 AM   #19
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The SD43 is arguably one of Rolex’s best divers. It’s a sleeper as it hasn’t caught the grey market craze as much as other models
Grab it while/if you can before it’s discontinued or they change the red lettering and prices go through the roof!
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Old 8 June 2021, 08:19 AM   #20
crazycarlitos
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The SD43 is arguably one of Rolex’s best divers. It’s a sleeper as it hasn’t caught the grey market craze as much as other models
I agree it’s a home run by Rolex
And a bargain, especially in current Rolex market.

I, for one, am glad that it’s too big, too heavy, too painful, etc… and not for everyone.
As much as I love it, I don’t wanna see it on everyone’s wrist everyplace I go.

Pre-congrats OP!
I think it will look great on u

My advice would be not to wear the bracelet too tight.
Use the micro-adjustment of the glidelock.
Personally, I adjust it twice a day.
Loosened after sunset. Re-tightened in the morning. Ymmv.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Cosmograph View Post
Here you go boss - my wrist is 6.5.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLW46iHrfb1/
Nice pic!
Looks great on u

It’s all about confidence.
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Old 8 June 2021, 08:22 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DoctorA View Post
The SD43 is arguably one of Rolex’s best divers. It’s a sleeper as it hasn’t caught the grey market craze as much as other models
Grab it while/if you can before it’s discontinued or they change the red lettering and prices go through the roof!

Agree totally. Most underrated watch in the lineup. Best proportions even vs 41mm sub IMO, from an owner of both.
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Old 8 June 2021, 05:38 AM   #22
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Same size wrist. Perfect fit, great choice


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Old 8 June 2021, 05:56 AM   #23
amphr1
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Same size wrist. Perfect fit, great choice


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Nice!
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Old 8 June 2021, 07:31 AM   #24
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The SD43 wears thicker. The lug to lug is similar to the new sub41. I would get the Kermit as it’s nearly perfect proportions are unbeatable. On a 6.25 inch wrist I would get the sub41. It’s not a compromise it’s a perfect. The 21mm bracelet really makes it wear a little larger.


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Old 8 June 2021, 08:16 AM   #25
Mr Cosmograph
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Here you go boss - my wrist is 6.5.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLW46iHrfb1/
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Old 8 June 2021, 08:24 AM   #26
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I know you already ordered the watch, but I'll throw in my 2 cents...

I think you can pull it off with the 43mm, but as others have stated, it's not just about being able to pull it off. Is it going to be comfortable, too heavy, or just not sit right? If you second guess your purchase after you have it, I would recommend the 5 digit 16600 Sea-Dweller as others have recommended. I have one and just absolutely love the fit on my ~7 inch wrist. They are indeed (verified with digital calipers) 39.5mm in diameter and wear small, but thick. With the thinner, more elegant lugs the 16600 actually wears a whole lot smaller than the chunky modern Rolexes.
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Old 8 June 2021, 08:56 AM   #27
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I love the SD43, but having owned it and the SD4K, it would be tough to choose. However I’m pretty sure I would pick the SD4K.


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Old 8 June 2021, 09:20 AM   #28
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The new submariner (41) has similar proportions to the SD43 without the back needing to protrude into the wrist as the water resistance is only 300m so it isn’t as thick — some find the back of the SD43 uncomfortable more so than the lug to lug or width of the watch. The issue with the back also bothers some Re: the SD4K and SDs in general. Obviously doesn’t bother many. May have something to do with wrist shape in addition to wrist size.

So unless you really need the red lettering or just feel like having a saturation diver, I’d suggest looking at the Sub41 too.
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Old 8 June 2021, 09:23 AM   #29
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My bad, I just re-read your post and you already have a GMT-2 and don’t feel like a Sub41. In that case, I’d suggest the DSSD with the blue-black dial. Some on the forum feel that it’s a nicer fit than the SD43 because the back is more flat - even though it’s 44 instead of 43. It also doesn’t have a cyclops so it looks different than the GMT. Plus the coloured dial vs black dial allows for some variety.

Edit: I find the lug to lug measurements more important the the diameter measurements of the watch. So I’d check those out.
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Old 8 June 2021, 09:36 PM   #30
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Honest opinion: these are all too big for you. The new SD models are really too big for anyone. I have a 7.5 wrist and prefer nothing bigger than 40mm. Many years ago when I got my first Speedmaster I opted for the “reduced” automatic model that is I believe 39mm. That has been my day to day watch for a good 30 years now. For Rolex I went with the 5 digit SD4k. Perfect dimensions for a really big watch. I am looking to get a Speedy pro later this year even though it’s borderline too big.
The only other Rolex I’m currently interested in is a 36mm Explorer.
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