how do you feel about the ss sd43 ?

[Andrew NYC]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I got mine almost two years ago and its been my (almost) daily ever since. It is easily my favourite of all the Rolex watches I've owned, eclipsing the prior favourite, my old 16600. Its been everywhere I have.


Whats good:

Proportionally its as near to perfect as any Rolex dive watch can be. Slimmed down lugs and a wider bracelet make a massive difference when compared to supercased references.

The matte dial and that line of red text. When the light hits the dial a certain way it really pops. At other times its very subdued.

The fully indexed bezel is just better balanced.

The cyclops - I acquired mine as a 50th birthday present. As many at my age will tell you, it makes the date much more legible without resorting to the reading glasses.

The Sea Dweller factor. Its just more special than any modern Sub. If you don't "get" that, then Sea Dwellers aren't for you.

What's bad:

Its all subjective of course and in my case the answer really is "nothing". But it is a larger, heavier timepiece compared other steel Rolex watches with the exception of the DeepSea.

Its also thicker than anything Rolex produces other than the DeepSea. It does, however, carry a 4,000 ft depth rating so its going to be thicker.

And lastly, its case back shape (as with all Sea Dwellers before it) can make it less comfortable for some. It probably works best on flatter wrists and needs to be worn more snugly than loosely for a more comfortable fit.

Wrist shape, rather than size, is what matters most. It may be 43 mm, but its only 1 mm or so larger lug to lug than the 6 digit sub, and it definitely wears closer to the Sub than the DeepSea

For reference, my wrist is 6.75 inches. Its a larger watch, but not excessively so. Works with suits, casual, anything. Fits fine under the cuff of a dress shirt.

So I second these comments above and have found it's a great reference and a real statement piece over the current sub models. I see my fair share of subs on a daily basis but do not see many sea dwellers, let alone SD43s and I think that also makes it unique and special. I too have a thinner wrist (6.6') and find it wears well however my wrist is pretty flat. Having worn a 16610 for many years the SD43 was a nice step up and alternative to my 5 digit based on size, dial, bezel, movement, bracelet, clasp, etc.

As far as it being too unwieldy I think that's based on personal experience and as others have said, you need to try it on YOUR wrist to see how it wears. Clearly, you see a range of opinions here so everyone's going to have a different experience and perspective.

With regard to wearing this with a suit or more formal settings, I personally don't wear sports model watches with suits or in more formal settings (outside of my AP 15202 which is thin, sleek and as much dressy as it is sporty). I also don't wear my more dress-forward watches with shorts and a tee shirt or while swimming, sports, etc. I have different watches for different occasions (ahh, the joy of collecting). While that's certainly not the case for everyone, I suppose if you're looking for a one watch option that can go from boardroom to beach then the SD43 may not be your best choice. I would look at a GMT II or something similar in the same price range that would provide a little more flexibility. Your personality I think is as important as fit and function is. Your watch is a reflection of who you are so I choose carefully as to what I buy and wear rather than going with what's hot or praised by collectors/enthusiasts.

Good luck and I hope your number comes up soon!

[Dirt]

Things I like are the bit of red text and the Cyclops.
Things I don't like are just about everything else to varying degrees.

It's still a nice watch though, especially on someone else's wrist

[scubadds]

I am very close to purchasing a SD43 also.....
I did get to try on a TT SD at my AD lat a few weeks ago. It did seem to sit a bit taller than I had imagined....I wish I would have really checked it out when I had the chance; but I hadn't really set my sights on the SD43 yet.

[5nit]

This is my next Rolex purchase. Bold and Beautiful.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

IDK. i put my wrist right in the average range. 7.25.





No way its too big. Wrist shots always look big too and there is zero overhang even in a wrist shot . anyone know the lug to lug difference vs a sub?

It’s circa 50mm v 48mm for the Sub






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[jvb.nc]

it’s epic. wearing mine today and i love it.

[OH2004]

It’s probably one of the best looking watch in the Rolex lineup. Unfortunately it wears too big and too heavy for my wrist 7. You should definitely try it on before making the move.

[superpop]

Just picked one up at my AD and it is a bit bigger but it is all about perception and also size of the wearer. I am 6'7" 280lbs with 6.75" wrists and it feels a bit small to me. I am used to Breitlings though and they tend to be bigger. I did try on a hulk and it looked like a girls watch on me, way too small. SD43 is the perfect size and it looks stunning but you do have to have the heft to pull it off.

[Solo118]

Not for me, too big unfortunately.

[jeffnnj]

My fav dive watch.


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[meatman]

I just received mine today. It is the nicest Rolex that I have ever owned. I traded my 2012 Submariner/Date towards it. The size, fit, & 43mm size is perfect. The icing on the cake was the Red Sea Dweller script on the dial.
If the prices on the secondary market are any indication, this watch has definitely been a big hit with the public

[nick800]

Dude, it’s awesome. Gets the most wrist time by far, and I have some neat other options.

[Sub Capt.]

It’s unfortunate that you can not actually try one on at your AD or a friend has one to answer some of your questions. I personally think it looks amazing. But you really need a big wrist to pull it off. Its big and tall.

I would love for Rolex to shrink it down to 40mm and make it the new Sub! I would go on that list today!!

T

[Bizcut1]

I see nothing but beauty. Awesome beauty.

Quite the timepiece.

[watchmework]

I owned the SD43 for just over a year and imo it’s the best all around diver. It’s proportioned very well and the 43mm dial wears well on the wrist. The reason I ended up parting with it is I’m a one watch guy and the large caseback became annoying after wearing it everyday and all day long. If it’s in a collection it’s wonderful but I’ve found that even for my 7.25 in wrist I much prefer the 40mm and thinner case on the GMT. For what it’s worth, I enjoyed rocking the beast on my wrist and there are definitely moments where I miss it.

[Mr.Rolex1]

To big imo

[ctdean]

I have only recently purchased my SD43, I am very happy with it, it is a slab but fits great on me.

[10XRolex]

Hmm. I have it but as I have said in the past, I just don't wear it. It's a great watch but my JC Deepsea gets the wrist time. Maybe I should listen to you guys; you don't wear it, sell it.

[CAN_VAN7]

I have had an SD43 for over a year and love it. Have a 7" wrist and feels absolutely fine. To me the only debate has been that I am 5'9" and sometimes seems big in that context, but not a big issue... just something to think about.

[thejerseyrock]

Love it. 7.5" wrist here and I like bigger watches. My DSSD-blue gets more wrist time than any of my other watches atm, and I wouldn't consider it redundant to add the SD43 in the future.

[DoctorA]

If you have the wrist for it then it’s arguably it’s the best diver!

[Frankie9]

I’m like bigger watches so the SD43 is awesome but I’m wearing the big brother 126660 daily but I’m in line for the SD43.


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[10klakes]

Some great posts and perspective here. I love the SD43, and it’s here to stay (in my collection). I have 7.25” wrists but am not a very large framed guy. The SD43 has been a daily driver for me, weeks at a time when I travel, so the size is not an issue. Cyclops is a cherry on top, I like seeing the date at a quick glance.

Some people like/prefer a larger watch, others like them smaller. If OP likes wearing larger pieces, this will be a hit. If OP prefers 36mm or 5 digit sizes, it might be too much.

[Roger Lococco]

Owned it but it was too big for me.


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[Kpaul]

I own one. Beautiful on my wrist got présence but not too big. Works well with a T-shirt or at my job with a suit. To me the watch is well balanced and timeless.


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[HK Islandboy]

I like it a lot. I’ve got a 7” wrist and find that the size works well for me

[Fchernyak]

I love mine. Just had it on the wrist for 2 weeks straight from going to work to going to dinner to taking my daughter on evening stroll




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[Nanasaka90]

Don't let the specs fool you, it wears extremely well. It has a satisfying heft, and feels like it's built to last. The glidelock clasp makes it more practical than most watches out there. It's even got me looking at the 126660, which I swore never to own..

[yoast]

Owned one a couple of years ago when they were just released. Sold it as it felt too big. I have a 7 inch plus change wrist size

[genkifd]

love mine on my 7 inch wrist. cant stop looking at it still and ive had it for about 15 months. brings a smile on my face.