Bye bye to a legend (a review of the last Sea Dweller)

[N_Swe]

This is my sixth Rolex, and a one that I have looked for a long time. This one is the last series, of the last Sea Dweller. A late V-serie. I have owned a 1680 red Submariner (that I bought, and sold, very very cheap...), a Submariner 16010, Explorer 2, GMT Master 2 and Milgauss.

But this one is the watch I prefer over them all. Below you find out why. See this as a part review, and part tribute. And no - its not objective.



A winning design


THE HERITAGE

As a tougher Submariner, the Sea Dweller first saw the lights in 1967 as a prototype. 1971 it was ordinary production. The Comex S.A., and industrial deep-sea diving company, was one contributer of the development (although its not clear how much into the development they were). By taking the Submariner, adding thicker glass, and more robust case, and removal of the cyclops, the Sea Dweller would withstand depths to 2000 feet originally. A depth that has increased to 4000 feet later on.

The design is an offspring to the Submariner, probably the most recognized design there is among watches (in company of DD and DJ of course). Timeless design without a doubt.

Verdict 5/5



THE PACKAGE

As all Rolex the SD has a rather cheap package. The usual manual, tags, certificate and such. But also a nice tool, that comes in a leather wallet. All is in classic Rolex-green of course.

Verdict 4/5



Build to last


THE LOOK

In short: I love this look. Clean, robust, a million miles from "trendy" as you can get. This is the iconic design that cant be beat - thick glass (the thickest there is?), a big crown, thick case - it all screams out: unbreakable. The loss of the cyclop is positive in one way - the watch gets more symmetrical. But for me the crystal i s Rolex in many ways.. Tough call there.

All in all, this is t h e design of a quality diving watch.

Verdict 10/10


THE FEEL

Although Milgauss is a little bit more comfortable, this one is close behind. And compared to the Submariner I find this one more comfy as the crown doesnt touch, and irritate, the skin as it sometimes does on Subs. And - compared to other deep dive watches the SD is a light watch at only 148 grams. And the feeling of the watch is as it is on every Rolex i owned - perfect. Hard to describe, it just feels... right. (And I LOVE the squeeeeezing sound that you get from the bracelet the first week...).

Verdict 9/10



T h i c k glass


THE MOVEMENT

3135 is nothing but a classic movement. I dont know how many small improvements Rolex has done with the movement, but at +0.5 sec a day its nothing but great. Robust, and tested for decades. Full points here.

Verdict 10/10


IN SHORT

+ The look that you cant be tired of. Elegant, and still tough. Robust, and still not too big.
+ A movement that is tested, and beaten, and tested again - and still ticking.
+ The bracelet. Much better than its reputation. Comfortable, and good looking. No polished center links - thanks to that.
- Sorry. I cant come up with anything. (Believe me, I tried.)

I have said this before about other Rolexes, and now I do it again, and this time Im more certain: This is t h e watch for me. Its not for everybody, but for me its perfect. The looks, the quality, the heritage, the feeling. It doesnt get better than this.

Thanks for reading.



A living legend

[Andad]

[swatty]

Great review

[TSW]

Great review!!

[allenlau2000]

It's always nice to see pics of the SD, nice photos, excellent time piece!!!

[slevin kelevra]

very nice!!

[R Fortenberry]

Great review, hopefully my next purchase!

[JBat]

That is a great write-up of a classic, I really enjoyed reading it. I simply must acquire one of these watches. The only thing that would make your review better is a wrist shot.

[Skullring]

Great review. I agree completely.

[donas]

This next on the list--- now I Really want one!

[520Matt]

I Love my SD, it was my first Rolex and now I am addicted! I just joined 2 days and for some reason can't figure out how to post pics can anyone help?

[NavitimerNut]

Great review!!! Love the Sea dweller!

[E.Peynado]

Totally aggree !, I recently added a SDDS to my collection , but less than a couple of weeks after I couldn't ressit to purchased a "U" serial SD , hopefully one day if I can find a nice 16660 or a 1665 (and the $ to buy them).
SD is one of the "all in one" Rolex models , suitable and durable for most ocasions...

[snowbird]

Nice review and I agree, a great watch!

[N_Swe]

Originally Posted by JBat

That is a great write-up of a classic, I really enjoyed reading it. I simply must acquire one of these watches. The only thing that would make your review better is a wrist shot.

Here you are. Perfect size.

[everose]

Brilliant review......you are right.....as it goes out of production....it is sure to become a legend.....IT ALREADY IS!!!!!!.........and as of right now the value of the SD can only start a steady and long climb.

[sea-dweller]

Nice review !!!

[bt63]

Superb watch.

[Arrgo]

I love my V series as well, it's nice to know that you got the "last of the line" and I am sure it will be a fairly collectable piece in the years to come. Although I certainly have no thought on ever getting rid of mine. It seems to have become part of my wrist!

Cheers

[Tony-GB]

Superb review.

I always say if you can only ever own one prestige watch, then the SD is the only watch you'll ever need. Great for any formal or casual occasion. Just the right size, just thick enough to fit under the cuff of a fitted shirt, superb build & has huge respect within the WIS community. Even people who hate Rolex respect the SD!

Just about as perfect as a watch gets!!

[JBat]

Originally Posted by N_Swe

Here you are. Perfect size.

That shot has me drooling.

[Blueoctopus007]

Sea Dweller - What a great name !!!!

Classic, functional, solid, timeless - sad that they are no longer made.

Wear mine 24 / 7 including for scuba diving.

[SDDS]

great review thanx for sharing

[ljr33]

Great Review and Beautiful Watch. It is on the top of my list as the next watch that I will be purchasing.

[gelshocker]

Congrats! I love the SD too. I agree that by the watch sitting higher causes less irritation of the crown jabbing into the wrist. Very noticeable when compared to the Subs.

The V-series SDs are starting to pick up premium value over 'ere - but only if it's new.

Cheers,

[rhi]

great review of a ledge
bought my first in 1989 and a v series 2009
wont part with either great watch

[j-geng]

i want one. NOW! great review dude

[Redred2009]

I love it toooooo much !

[gigibelloparis]

The best looking modern Rolex imho ... love the non magnifying cristal :)

[N_Swe]

Update:

Accuracy:
The SD runs almost perfect, -1 sec/day. Wonderful.

Comfort:
Its the most comfortable Rolex I have owned, actually. Perfect weight, and the crown doesnt feel anything (as I noticed with Subs for example). The bracelet is absolutely great - far from flimsy bracelets a la the seventies.



Thanks for looking