SD43 vs DS44?

[LAREALTOR]

Last year I picked up my first two Rollies... TT Bluesy Sub and a YM2SS. I am addicted.

I somewhat regret I don't have that classic SS Sub Black look in my collection. But I have decided I don't want a second sub since I feel either the DS 43 or 44 can give me a similar look in black and they are bigger bezels which works better on my bigger wrist...

My question, I like that the 43 has a cyclops. Why doesn't the 44 have the cyclops?

Which one would you all go for and which one do you think is better long term?

As of now I am leaning towards the 43 with the red lettering and the cyclops...

[Chadridv]

Rolex absolutely nailed the SD43. The proportions, size and bracelet are excellent. IMO it is a far superior watch to the DSSD.

The movement is also a nice upgrade.

Coincidentally the only thing I don’t love about it is the cyclops lol. I don’t hate it, but would prefer it without.

I’ll follow up with some pics for you...

[Ruud Van Driver]

What's a Rollie?

[Chadridv]

Unfortunately I don't have any head to head shots with a DSSD, but here some with a Daytona and Submariner

look at the bracelet!!!!

[masterdinh]

I have both. SD43 all day!

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by LAREALTOR

My question, I like that the 43 has a cyclops. Why doesn't the 44 have the cyclops?

Historically, the Sew Dweller never had a cyclops. According to Wikipedia: "...Sea-Dweller's [sic] were also distinguished by the absence of the date magnifier ('cyclops') present on most other Rolex models as it was impossible to attach a cyclops with Ultraviolet (UV) light curing adhesive at the top of a watch crystal exposed to the pressure encountered at its test depth." It would seem Rolex can now attach a cyclops to a watch with a depth rating of 4,000 feet (unless they're just betting buyers will never actually put it to the test), but perhaps they still can't make it work for a watch designed to go down to 12,800 feet.

[crazycarlitos]

SD43 (or as I call it, RedSea)

Rolex got this one right..then added the red “Sea Dweller” letters as a cherry on top. Lol

Don’t like the top heavy thickness and small bracelet (for its size) on the DSSD
Not to mention the hideous (to me) “original gas escape valve” and “ring lock system” letters in front

U can’t put a cyclops on the DSSD because it has a domed crystal (which I love), afaik

[yannis]

I prefer reference SD126600 after having owned both versions of DSSD and 126600.
Increased bracelet width, smaller height of the, new movement, cyclops and touch of red on the anniversary model, have all been good enough reasons for me to justify the preference to the anniversary model.

[Ryuden]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

What's a Rollie?

Originally Posted by LAREALTOR

Last year I picked up my first two Rollies... TT Bluesy Sub and a YM2SS. I am addicted.

I somewhat regret I don't have that classic SS Sub Black look in my collection. But I have decided I don't want a second sub since I feel either the DS 43 or 44 can give me a similar look in black and they are bigger bezels which works better on my bigger wrist...

My question, I like that the 43 has a cyclops. Why doesn't the 44 have the cyclops?

Which one would you all go for and which one do you think is better long term?

As of now I am leaning towards the 43 with the red lettering and the cyclops...

I have the Dssd and I think its one hell of a watch and it works well as a daily wearer and for rotation, for me at least.

Interestingly, its the only watch in my current line up that is the longest I have own...coming 5th year now...

[gsteve]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

SD43 (or as I call it, RedSea)

Rolex got this one right..then added the red “Sea Dweller” letters as a cherry on top. Lol

Don’t like the top heavy thickness and small bracelet (for its size) on the DSSD
Not to mention the hideous (to me) “original gas escape valve” and “ring lock system” letters in front

U can’t put a cyclops on the DSSD because it has a domed crystal (which I love), afaik

Nailed my exact thought !! First time i saw that origonal ........ bs i thought , Well someone is too lazy to make a new dial. I hate that crap.

[drmizzou]

Excellent photos chadriv!

[superstarmar]

SD 43 all day long !!!!
Better proportioned and Balanced ...

[Ignace Worang]

SD43..all the way...wearable even for my puny wrist :-)

[Clay]

I am one of those odd people who wears a Deepsea as his all day, everyday watch.

The complaints most seem to have with the Deepsea I simply do not find true?

For my money it’s the best Rolex I have ever owned!

But it is a big watch and not everyone’s cup of tea...

In regard to the NEW Sea Dweller; When Rolex added the cyclops, in my opinion, it became just another Submariner!

[Kiddodoc]

Would say SD43 aswell. Love my DSSD Blue but if I had to chose one over the other it would be the SD43. It is a watch you can wear everyday.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Unfortunately I don't have any head to head shots with a DSSD, but here some with a Daytona and Submariner

look at the bracelet!!!!

Excellent photos Chadri

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by LAREALTOR

Last year I picked up my first two Rollies... TT Bluesy Sub and a YM2SS. I am addicted.

I somewhat regret I don't have that classic SS Sub Black look in my collection. But I have decided I don't want a second sub since I feel either the DS 43 or 44 can give me a similar look in black and they are bigger bezels which works better on my bigger wrist...

My question, I like that the 43 has a cyclops. Why doesn't the 44 have the cyclops?

Which one would you all go for and which one do you think is better long term?

As of now I am leaning towards the 43 with the red lettering and the cyclops...

If you are looking at the black dial SD44 then I'd say SD43 all day long. Not that the DeepSea is not a fantastic watch and a technical masterpiece.

SD43 - not as thick, much better proportions, new movement, its an anniversary release, the red really pops in the sunlight, works as a daily wearer (and I've smallish wrists) and I think most will agree more likely to retain more value (if that matters to you)

Also, many of us who own them appreciate the benefits of the Cyclops. It also balances the inset date window.

Good luck in your choice

Couple of pictures here to help

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...22&postcount=8

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Rolex absolutely nailed the SD43. The proportions, size and bracelet are excellent. IMO it is a far superior watch to the DSSD.

The movement is also a nice upgrade.

Coincidentally the only thing I don’t love about it is the cyclops lol. I don’t hate it, but would prefer it without.

I’ll follow up with some pics for you...

SD43 isn't a Sea Dweller, because of the cyclope, imho.
And... the glass of the SDDS is worth the price tag itself, imho.
SDDS is, imho the Only great innovation of Rolex in the last 20 years, with SkyDweller, of course. It's "something new".

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Historically, the Sew Dweller never had a cyclops. According to Wikipedia: "...Sea-Dweller's [sic] were also distinguished by the absence of the date magnifier ('cyclops') present on most other Rolex models as it was impossible to attach a cyclops with Ultraviolet (UV) light curing adhesive at the top of a watch crystal exposed to the pressure encountered at its test depth." It would seem Rolex can now attach a cyclops to a watch with a depth rating of 4,000 feet (unless they're just betting buyers will never actually put it to the test), but perhaps they still can't make it work for a watch designed to go down to 12,800 feet.

No ;)
Rolex had the possibility of putting the lens since they introduce the sapphire crystal in 16660. So, it wasn't a matter of technical issue anymore, just preserving the "family look".

[brandrea]

If you aren’t looking for a daily wearer I’d rake a look at the DSSD , only I’d anti up for the Dblue. It’s a great weekend watch and has tremendous wrist presence

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by Ryuden

I have the Dssd and I think its one hell of a watch and it works well as a daily wearer and for rotation, for me at least.

Interestingly, its the only watch in my current line up that is the longest I have own...coming 5th year now...

SDDS really is something special :)

[1William]

I have owned several DSSD watches and think the they are great for what they are. With that said, it takes a commitment to wearing a bigger watch to make the DSSD work day to day. I have larger wrists and even when the DSSD is properly adjusted it is slightly top heavy. The bracelet works but is too narrow in my opinion. Great deals can be had a DSSD though and for a complete package you can come in around 8.5k in the pre-owned market. The SD43 is my current favorite watch and maybe my favorite Rolex diver of all time. The case size, bezel, dial, red text, cyclops, balanced bracelet, glide lock clasp. All work great for me. You will not regret it should you decide that is where you should go. Was it worth an additional 4k for me? Yes it was. Good luck.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Rolex absolutely nailed the SD43. The proportions, size and bracelet are excellent. IMO it is a far superior watch to the DSSD.

The movement is also a nice upgrade.

Coincidentally the only thing I don’t love about it is the cyclops lol. I don’t hate it, but would prefer it without.

I’ll follow up with some pics for you...

I agree with a lot of what you said. I felt the SD4K was the perfect Sea-Dweller, however I understood the need to size it up. It created a nice array of size choices in the dive lineup for Rolex. I also think the lack of cyclops is important to the DNA of the Sea-Dweller and the model would have looked a hair better without it. I haven't seen it in person, so I can't comment on the proportions. Perhaps it is nicer than the SD4K.

[epc2]

Another vote for the SD43.

[Tampashooter]

You know, everyone has a view point in this whole SD43 vs DSSD discussion. Few have owned all subs at the same time, for an extended period of time. I will simply say this.

Having owned the SD43 since its first delivery date, and still owning multiple subs, in all metals, I didn't get it. It was just a bigger Sub. It didn't feel or look sea dweller at all, to me. And if I wanted to wear a sub, nothing beats the original.

The DSSD however, is discernible from across the room. And the SD4k, is perfection.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Tampashooter

Fantastic.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

If you are looking at the black dial SD44 then I'd say SD43 all day long. Not that the DeepSea is not a fantastic watch and a technical masterpiece.

SD43 - not as thick, much better proportions, new movement, its an anniversary release, the red really pops in the sunlight, works as a daily wearer (and I've smallish wrists) and I think most will agree more likely to retain more value (if that matters to you)

Also, many of us who own them appreciate the benefits of the Cyclops. It also balances the inset date window.

Good luck in your choice

Couple of pictures here to help

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...22&postcount=8

In black, SD43 for sure, but check out the D-Blue dial first.

[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by Clay

I am one of those odd people who wears a Deepsea as his all day, everyday watch.

The complaints most seem to have with the Deepsea I simply do not find true?

For my money it’s the best Rolex I have ever owned!

But it is a big watch and not everyone’s cup of tea...

In regard to the NEW Sea Dweller; When Rolex added the cyclops, in my opinion, it became just another Submariner!

DEEPSEA for me, i prefer the normal 116610LN to sd 43

[oldman2005]

SD43 for me. Everytime Rolex updated/changed the their divers watch, some people voiced their disapprovals. I remembered when the original LV/Kermit was introduced, many ditched the maxi dial, the funky green bezel and they ended up missing such desirable watch. Some did not like maxi case and new solid link bracelet of new sub,..And now same thing happens again with the SD43 even it's such a nice watch.

[Zyfon]

I forgot who originally posted this, but...