Getting impatient… Opinions needed

[BVLDARI]

I have an SD4000 which I adore… but am selling it because very soon after I started wearing it I realized that the face was too small for me.

So my logical thinking was to get an SD43. But those are hard to get and I am still waiting. In the meantime I am getting impatient and started looking at other options. So I stopped by the dealer yesterday to check out a BLNR and they also happened to have a James Cameron D-Blue.

I would really like some feedback from people that like a slightly larger watches and may have owned/worn some of these. I have a 7” wrist but am very comfortable with 42mm cases. This would be a “daily” watch and is unlikely to be worn under a suit. I prefer simpler skinnier watches for suits, e.g. the Movado in the pics.

1. SD43 – I have not seen it in real life. But overall I love the idea. Only thing I don’t like about this watch is the cyclops… but is something I am happy to compromise on.
2. BLNR – love the bezel and the overall watch/case. I don’t love the PCL. I also think I will run into the same issue as I have with the SD4k – face will seem too small for me after a couple of days.
3. D-Blue – one of my all time favorite dials. I would totally do this watch except I think it may be too thick and will be difficult to wear as a daily.

Based on our conversation, the dealer suggested a couple of alternatives.

4. Explorer II – 42mm case. I love the white dial. The bezel is a bit too simple for me. I was not considering it before but now I am thinking that maybe I should?
5. Tudor Pelagos Blue – seems like a cool watch. I don’t know enough about it but it checks all the boxes similar to the SeaDweller. It's much cheaper so maybe if I go this route it could leave some funds for another watch. Come to think of it, I could probably do the Explorer II and the Pelagos for the same as the SD43.

As I type this I am thinking that I should just stick to my original plan: SD43. But I am getting super impatient…. help needed....

P.S. Those are on my wrist above.

[swils8610]

I've got a 7.75 inch wrist and 40mm is the perfect size for me.


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[JP Chestnut]

Those don't look good. I'd redefine what "too small" means. You have a below average wrist size.

[Saoirse32]

D-Blue all the way. Trust me. I've gone back and forth now TWICE in the last five years from "smaller" 40mm to "larger" 43/44mm. This is my second go round with the DSSD and has been my daily since June. Super comfortable, great wrist presence and the D-Blue dial is handsome. Every time I kept trying to convince myself I was content with the 40mm until I realized i wasn't (if that makes sense). My wrist size is a tad over 7" for reference. Wear what makes you happy. You won't be disappointed with the D-blue. Sláinte!

[Ruud Van Driver]

The first problem you have is impatience. If you buy a watch in haste then it's likely to be quite an expensive mistake.

Your wrist at 7" is average; mine is 7.25" and I personally wouldn't go above 44mm but it's your money, your wrist.

If the dial is too small on your SD4K, then you're likely to find the same problem with most of the 40mm sports Rolex references. Ok, so the case is thicker on the SD which might make the dial smaller or give the illusion that it's smaller; an expert is going to have to clear this point up but I can't see it making a mahooooosive difference.

At 42mm, the EXP II has a larger dial so you might be ok there.

However, I'd recommend the D-Blue. I have one and I love it and it sits well in my rotation. It's a nuisance under long sleeves but in this climate, I'm mostly in short sleeves in the office anyway. I've worn mine for a couple of weeks at a time with no issues but it does sit higher than most watches off the wrist.

Also, before you pull the trigger I'd recommend checking out Panerai. Most are 44mm but there are some 42, 45 and 47mm. In any event, the dials are big and might scratch your itch. If you went with the Pelagos, which wouldn't be a bad choice, you'd have enough cash left for a good choice of pre-loved Panerais because the used market on these is soft at the moment.

If Panerai is not your bag, then maybe check out a SS Sky-Dweller as they're a fair size and have a big dial and not too much more than the D-Blue.

Whatever you do, take your time, try as many watches on as you can and do a bit of research. No-one has a gun to your head and is forcing you to buy a watch right this second.

Good luck

[melrob1]

SD43 and it's not hard to get anymore. The DBlue is too big IMO.

[DCheeta]

My advice is simple: have patience.

[Limey-]

Having owned most of these. I would go D-Blue. Its not too big by many watch standards. Great watch especially on Rubber.

[VicLeChic]

Don't settle, wait till what you really want becomes available. Did you put your name down for the SD43?

[Al1969]

Just wait for what you really want OP.

[Helmi]

2 comments regarding the d-blue :

1- the dial has inner ring saying "escape valve....." Makes the actual readable dial almost same size as 40 mm sub.

2- it is not for every occasion due to its size and weight. May be perfect for weekend. That is my humble opinion.

Nevertheless it is a fantastic watch.

My vote goes to the SD 43

[Rodrigo082]

I had both - the Deepsea Blue and the SD43.

The SD43 is of course a perfect watch for daily wear - it's the perfect modern watch.
However, the Deepsea Blue it has to be most awesome rolex sport watch available.

As a daily wear I will recommend the SD43- my wrist is 6,5" and it's just perfect

[Rodrigo082]

IMG_1423.JPG

[tig00s1783]

I have learned over time that buy what you really want and dont get impatient. I have made lots of costly mistakes and realize now that it pays to be patient.

[sager]

D-Blue is just plain gorgeous.

[1William]

I own the SD43 and it is the perfect watch for me. Size, bracelet, movement, glide lock clasp. I think it comes down to finding a SD43 that you can try on and see if it works for you. Leaving that on the table, if I did not want to tie up 12K in the SD I would pickup a Slightly preowned Polar Explorer II, 42mm, from a Trusted Seller for $5600-6000, complete with box and papers. I would then get the Tudor Pelagos Blue. I think for the money it is the best watch on the market. You should be able to do this for the value of your SD. If you buy right you can flip down the road, should you choose, and not loose much.

[oldsalt]

I tried a SD43 on at a Rolex event a few weeks ago and it's a very nice watch... perfect size (IMHO) ... anyway enjoy whatever you get... but remember ... "buy in haste, repent at leisure" ... so don't be in a rush... enjoy the process...

cheers

[Nav01L]

The bezel of the 216570 is not simple at all once you take it out into daylight and it starts playing with the sun, a thing of beauty, love it on mine. The DSSD is too thick for my taste, don't like the proportions. The SD 43 is a very nice watch, looks way better than the DSSD when worn imho, but feels equally hefty to me, so you may want to consider that if it's an issue.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

The first problem you have is impatience. If you buy a watch in haste then it's likely to be quite an expensive mistake.

This. It's a competitive world. How bad do you want something?

[AK797]

I'd probably wait for the SD43 at least try it on first.

[MCO1]

If you like them big get big! Deep Sea, Yachtmaster 2, Sky Dweller, Panerai...there are plenty out there to choose from. You will be disappointed in the GMT 2 and the Explorer won't be enough bigger in your mind.

[Rodrigo082]

IMG_1437.JPG

Here is mine ( I have 6,5" wrist) and I can tell you it's perfect.

[Glenn068]

Hey I have the seadweller 43 and between a 6,5 / 7" wrist it fits perfectly and I think it's worth the wait !
At the other hand my own collection is not complete and my second watch on the list is the blancpain fifthy phatoms bathyscape fly back.
You should definitely check that one out because it's a larger diving watch with a lot of history and I know for shure you would love it!

[yxc145]

I have BLNR, Deepsea Blue, and Explorer II (the 40mm one). I only have 6.5" wrist. BLNR and Explorer II are the perfect size. but, I have no problem wearing the 44mm D-Blue either. I have tried on the SD43, too. It is still a pretty big/thick watch. If you don't like the thickness of the D-blue, I am not sure if you will be ok with SD43.
Unless you have enough budget for 2 watches or plan to flip the temporary one once SD43 arrives, I would save the money and wait for the one you truly want.
By the way, which dealer did you check out? James & Son? I remember seeing both of those watches in stock last week.

[yxc145]

Originally Posted by MCO1

If you like them big get big! Deep Sea, Yachtmaster 2, Sky Dweller, Panerai...there are plenty out there to choose from. You will be disappointed in the GMT 2 and the Explorer won't be enough bigger in your mind.

Explorer II is 42mm like Sky Dweller.

[hitman23]

I have a 7" wrist as well. I've worn several Panerai and the DSSD has always felt too large in comparison. I would rule it out for daily wear. Also had the exp II for many years and it was great, but I've found myself enjoying 40mm sized watches more now. I currently wear a seadweller and find it perfect. I would stick with what you've got and save for the deep blue for weekend wear.

[WEST HAM ROLEX]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

The first problem you have is impatience. If you buy a watch in haste then it's likely to be quite an expensive mistake.

Your wrist at 7" is average; mine is 7.25" and I personally wouldn't go above 44mm but it's your money, your wrist.

If the dial is too small on your SD4K, then you're likely to find the same problem with most of the 40mm sports Rolex references. Ok, so the case is thicker on the SD which might make the dial smaller or give the illusion that it's smaller; an expert is going to have to clear this point up but I can't see it making a mahooooosive difference.

At 42mm, the EXP II has a larger dial so you might be ok there.

However, I'd recommend the D-Blue. I have one and I love it and it sits well in my rotation. It's a nuisance under long sleeves but in this climate, I'm mostly in short sleeves in the office anyway. I've worn mine for a couple of weeks at a time with no issues but it does sit higher than most watches off the wrist.

Also, before you pull the trigger I'd recommend checking out Panerai. Most are 44mm but there are some 42, 45 and 47mm. In any event, the dials are big and might scratch your itch. If you went with the Pelagos, which wouldn't be a bad choice, you'd have enough cash left for a good choice of pre-loved Panerais because the used market on these is soft at the moment.

If Panerai is not your bag, then maybe check out a SS Sky-Dweller as they're a fair size and have a big dial and not too much more than the D-Blue.

Whatever you do, take your time, try as many watches on as you can and do a bit of research. No-one has a gun to your head and is forcing you to buy a watch right this second.

Good luck

Agree, good write up & answer

[Vipes]

Stick with your original plan and wait for the SD43.

[travisb]

Wait it out. Sounds like the new SD should be perfect for you. Slightly bigger dial and case but very wearable as a daily.
D-Blue gets my second vote. Very comfortable given it's size but the SD proportions are spot on in my opinion.

[Michael N Q8]

The SD43 has a bigger dial, and the rehaut is slanted a bit more than normal, which also increases the perception of having a bigger dial. Then it is the same thickness as the 40mm SD, so its the right one for you.