Sea Dweller 126600 'Variants'

[wrenglejr]

Can anyone explain the nuances of the 126600, 126600-0001 and 126600-0002?

I have searched and googled, but really can't seem to get any good info on the differences if there are any.

Thank you in advance for your time.

[alphadweller]

126600 is just the generic ref.
126600-0001: with Fliplock 26mm diver extension blades
126600-0002: without Fliplock 26mm diver extension blades

[wrenglejr]

Thank you so much. Makes total sense on this. Would you happen to know which one is more common or even desirable? I am now looking at photos of various pieces and this appears to be a feature that people do not seem to mention at all. Maybe they don't know if they have it or not?

[APPRF]

If you are going to buy grey I suggest you go for the 126600 SD43 Mk1. The Mk1 50th anniversary dial may become collectable in the future because of the one year production for 50th Sea Dweller anniversary, and you get the flip lock extension too.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum. Vic has you covered

[cy888]

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with APPRF, if your looking at 126600, take a look at the MK1.
The rarity and small differences on dial are what collectors like.



From: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=836960

[swish77]

Get the best condition (or new) SD43 for your budget and don't worry about the type of dial, MK1 or MK2. It's just hype, IMHO. And in fact, the newer versions have anti-reflective coating on the underside of the crystal, which makes the dial (and red lettering) pop more.

For starters, Rolex didn't and doesn't refer to the SD43 as an "anniversary" model. That's just us watch nerds who do that. Secondly, if you follow the reasoning of it being an actual anniversary SD for the 2017 release, what about MK1 dial watches bought in 2018 and later? Are those 51st anniversary watches and later? Makes no sense.

For vintage Rolexes, tiny dial differences and variations can mean something, and often increase value. On modern watches, not so much.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by swish77

For vintage Rolexes, tiny dial differences and variations can mean something, and often increase value. On modern watches, not so much.

Eventually the Mk1 will become vintage and when that time comes around the differences between it and the Mk2 could make a big difference. These small things matter, who would've thought a meters first or a flat 4 would be so sought after and more valuable when these pieces were new?

[TVC15]

Don’t waste your time on SD 43 MK #, completely irrelevant. AR on the underside would be a plus.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Eventually the Mk1 will become vintage and when that time comes around the differences between it and the Mk2 could make a big difference. These small things matter, who would've thought a meters first or a flat 4 would be so sought after and more valuable when these pieces were new?

Very doubtful. You're assuming the vintage Rolex watch craze will extend to modern watches when they become really old. That's a long shot at best. So much of the appeal of vintage sports Rolexes is tied to how they actually age ... patina, fading, etc ... That won't happen with any modern Rolex because of how they're made now.

Also, in this specific case, even if you accept the idea of the SD43 being an anniversary watch (Rolex doesn't call it that), it would only be relevant on SD43s from 2017, regardless of dial type, Mk1 vs Mk2.

Sure, a 2017 SD43 is kinda cool for watch nerds because it was the first year, but added value? Minimal. And any SD43s in 2018 and later, regardless of dial type, would just be, well, SD43s. Look at current pricing of them on the secondary market. Newer ones sell for more.

[APPRF]

Originally Posted by swish77

Get the best condition (or new) SD43 for your budget and don't worry about the type of dial, MK1 or MK2. It's just hype, IMHO. And in fact, the newer versions have anti-reflective coating on the underside of the crystal, which makes the dial (and red lettering) pop more.

For starters, Rolex didn't and doesn't refer to the SD43 as an "anniversary" model. That's just us watch nerds who do that. Secondly, if you follow the reasoning of it being an actual anniversary SD for the 2017 release, what about MK1 dial watches bought in 2018 and later? Are those 51st anniversary watches and later? Makes no sense.

For vintage Rolexes, tiny dial differences and variations can mean something, and often increase value. On modern watches, not so much.

Actually Rolex did recognise the SD43 as 50th anniversary when it was introduced in 2017, check out the old Mk1 threads here, there are pictures from early owners and even signs from Rolex stating it's the 50th. Also the Mk1 is a 2017 dial and an SD43 Mk1 dial with a whatever year card is irrelevant. There are 2018, 2019, 2020, etc. They are all Mk1 and the later the year the card is the rarer (with these anniversary dials the ADs used to keep them at the back as a reward for customers sort of the same way with Pandas, Pepsi, etc. When it's sold they give you a card with the current year). Why treat the SD43 different than a Hulk with a 2023 card or a GMT black black with 2023 card or a Kermit with a later year card. These were discontinued and still they were sold by ADs 3-4 years after that with a current dated card. The discontinued SD43 2017 Mk1 dial was discontinued after one year in 2018, and still 3 years after that they were sold with current cards.

[TVC15]

OP, don’t fall for it.

[APPRF]

People used to say the same about the flat 4, Hulk, etc. Look at where they are now. The Mk1 are selling much lower than a new SD43 now, it's a no brainer in my opinion. Look at whats happening with the SD4K just because it's a 3 year production. The SD43 is a one year dial production. At the end just go with what your brain and heart tells you.

[SDGT3]

what year did Rolex start to put AR on the underside of the crystal?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by APPRF

Actually Rolex did recognise the SD43 as 50th anniversary when it was introduced in 2017, check out the old Mk1 threads here, there are pictures from early owners and even signs from Rolex stating it's the 50th. Also the Mk1 is a 2017 dial and an SD43 Mk1 dial with a whatever year card is irrelevant. There are 2018, 2019, 2020, etc. They are all Mk1 and the later the year the card is the rarer (with these anniversary dials the ADs used to keep them at the back as a reward for customers sort of the same way with Pandas, Pepsi, etc. When it's sold they give you a card with the current year). Why treat the SD43 different than a Hulk with a 2023 card or a GMT black black with 2023 card or a Kermit with a later year card. These were discontinued and still they were sold by ADs 3-4 years after that with a current dated card. The discontinued SD43 2017 Mk1 dial was discontinued after one year in 2018, and still 3 years after that they were sold with current cards.

That's correct. This was the display at Basel World 2017. My AD also had a similar plaque at their 2017 release event.

Also, its not necessarily about what the watch may be worth down the road ...

To some like me, it just feels more special owning the 2017 release for its unique, limited run

20230526_151906.jpg20230526_152614.jpg20220322_154250.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by swish77

For starters, Rolex didn't and doesn't refer to the SD43 as an "anniversary" model. That's just us watch nerds who do that.

Are you sure? This is how the SD43 was officially presented at Baselworld in 2017: 50th Anniversary 1967-2017.

The anniversary wording was no longer used after that year, which makes sense. Also, the mk2 dial started to appear in summer 2018. This confirms the mk1 is the only true anniversary Sea-Dweller. The year the AD sells it to you is irrelevant. They've been known to retain certain models.

Not long ago, DavidSW was asking 3k more for the mk1, compared to a 2018 mk2, both in excellent condition and full set. However, I agree that the premium for the mk1 has come down lately. Still early days to know what will happen, but judging from the flat 4 Sub LV, the mk1 could be special in the eyes of future collectors.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by swish77

Get the best condition (or new) SD43 for your budget and don't worry about the type of dial, MK1 or MK2. It's just hype, IMHO. And in fact, the newer versions have anti-reflective coating on the underside of the crystal, which makes the dial (and red lettering) pop more.

For starters, Rolex didn't and doesn't refer to the SD43 as an "anniversary" model. That's just us watch nerds who do that. Secondly, if you follow the reasoning of it being an actual anniversary SD for the 2017 release, what about MK1 dial watches bought in 2018 and later? Are those 51st anniversary watches and later? Makes no sense.

For vintage Rolexes, tiny dial differences and variations can mean something, and often increase value. On modern watches, not so much.

Regarding anti-reflective coating, you can always change the crystal which doesn't cost much. In addition you get flip lock on older models.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by sdgt3

what year did rolex start to put ar on the underside of the crystal?

2020

[swish77]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Are you sure? This is how the SD43 was officially presented at Baselworld in 2017: 50th Anniversary 1967-2017.

I meant that Rolex now (and post-2017) doesn't refer to the SD43 as an anniversary Sea-Dweller. I don't see how a 2019 SD43, even if it's got a MK1 dial, is considered an anniversary watch. It's only relevant in 2017, regardless of dial type. Just my opinion.

Originally Posted by brandrea

To some like me, it just feels more special owning the 2017 release for its unique, limited run

Yes, agreed. That is kinda cool.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by swish77

I meant that Rolex now (and post-2017) doesn't refer to the SD43 as an anniversary Sea-Dweller. I don't see how a 2019 SD43, even if it's got a MK1 dial, is considered an anniversary watch. It's only relevant in 2017, regardless of dial type. Just my opinion.



Yes, agreed. That is kinda cool.

The dial is the only thing that changed after the anniversary year 2017. It's the one year Mk1 dial that determines if the watch is an anniversary watch or not. The decision of the AD to sell the client a Mk1 dial in 2019/2020, or Rolex to ship surplus Mk1 dials to ADs in 2018/2019 doesn't affect that, it most probably makes it rarer. If the dial didn't change after one year then all the years are the same and all SD43 are 50th anniversary, and there would be no chance that the SD43 would ever be collectable because it's in the 7 th year of production already.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Manamana

The dial is the only thing that changed after the anniversary year 2017. It's the one year Mk1 dial that determines if the watch is an anniversary watch or not.

Rolex produced/sold the MK1 dial well into 2019. There are plenty examples out there. It's not a one-year dial.

An SD43 sold new in 2017 could be called a 50th anniversary SD. Anything later is not, IMHO. An anniversary, by definition, is specific to a year.

It's a great watch with either dial, and it doesn't really matter.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by swish77

Rolex produced/sold the MK1 dial well into 2019. There are plenty examples out there. It's not a one-year dial.

An SD43 sold new in 2017 could be called a 50th anniversary SD. Anything later is not, IMHO. An anniversary, by definition, is specific to a year.

It's a great watch with either dial, and it doesn't really matter.

Mk1 produced in 2019, at the same time as mk2 dials produced since 2018? Don't think so.

ADs retaining mk1s into 2018/2019? Very likely.

It's not the year the AD sells it to you, it's the year the watch was made.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by swish77

I meant that Rolex now (and post-2017) doesn't refer to the SD43 as an anniversary Sea-Dweller. I don't see how a 2019 SD43, even if it's got a MK1 dial, is considered an anniversary watch. It's only relevant in 2017, regardless of dial type. Just my opinion.



Yes, agreed. That is kinda cool.

I wish I could find of those plaques somewhere. There was also a large paperweight in the shape of the cyclops with 50 inside of it. I believe @LeeFowler has one

[wb55]

Originally Posted by TVC15

Don’t waste your time on SD 43 MK #, completely irrelevant. AR on the underside would be a plus.

Yep. Had two sold two. Will be back for a third when the the AR is updated.

Anyone touting MK1 Vs MK2 needs to log off hodinkee.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Mk1 produced in 2019, at the same time as mk2 dials produced since 2018? Don't think so.

ADs retaining mk1s into 2018/2019? Very likely.

It's not the year the AD sells it to you, it's the year the watch was made.

All conjecture, since Rolex doesn’t publicize that info, but I certainly don’t think it’s “very likely” that ADs were holding onto hot sports models for as long as two-plus years. SD43s sell immediately. And when they’re held by ADs, they go down lists of clients until they find a taker. Two years? No way. Maybe a couple of months, tops, to make available for high-rollers.

We don’t know when Rolex makes specific watches, especially in the day of random serials. All we know is the sale date on the card, and as a collector, that’s what I’d go by if trying to date an “anniversary” watch. Everything else is a guess.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by swish77

All conjecture, since Rolex doesn’t publicize that info, but I certainly don’t think it’s “very likely” that ADs were holding onto hot sports models for as long as two-plus years. SD43s sell immediately. And when they’re held by ADs, they go down lists of clients until they find a taker. Two years? No way. Maybe a couple of months, tops, to make available for high-rollers.

We don’t know when Rolex makes specific watches, especially in the day of random serials. All we know is the sale date on the card, and as a collector, that’s what I’d go by if trying to date an “anniversary” watch. Everything else is a guess.

What you're saying is not true, ADs hold watches for years. Hulks, black Gmts are coming out with 2023 cards even though they were discontinued for 3-5 years now. It's common knowledge ADs hold watches for years, why didn't these Hulks, or GMTs sell immediately or were given to the next guy on the list. Look at the number of people getting calls for steel Daytonas after the announcement of the new model, some of these Daytonas must have been sitting in the safe for years now. Again the Mk1 dial is what makes the SD43 Mk1 an anniversary watch, it's the change that happened in 2018 to the dial that makes this dial special whatever the year on the card. This doesn't mean it will definitely be a collectable after 10 or 20 years, but it may happen you never know with Rolex. Some people are collecting Mk1 Pepsi, Mk1 LVs, etc in the hope of holding something like a Sub flat 4 in the future. This is something like that. I'm not trying to convince anyone here, I'm just stating the facts.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Manamana

What you're saying is not true, ADs hold watches for years. Hulks, black Gmts are coming out with 2023 cards even though they were discontinued for 3-5 years now. It's common knowledge ADs hold watches for years, why didn't these Hulks, or GMTs sell immediately or were given to the next guy on the list. Look at the number of people getting calls for steel Daytonas after the announcement of the new model, some of these Daytonas must have been sitting in the safe for years now. Again the Mk1 dial is what makes the SD43 Mk1 an anniversary watch, it's the change that happened in 2018 to the dial that makes this dial special whatever the year on the card. This doesn't mean it will definitely be a collectable after 10 or 20 years, but it may happen you never know with Rolex. Some people are collecting Mk1 Pepsi, Mk1 LVs, etc in the hope of holding something like a Sub flat 4 in the future. This is something like that. I'm not trying to convince anyone here, I'm just stating the facts.

I think you're confusing secondary-market dealers with ADs. Yes, the former hold watches for years in some cases, but not ADs. I'm not saying it's never happened, but it's certainly not common.

As for 116500 Daytonas, it's been less than two months since it was announced it was discontinued. There were plenty of new 116500s already in the pipeline waiting to be sold. That's why guys are still getting calls. Very different to the situation with the SD43.

Hobbyists can collect whatever they want for whatever reason, of course. And if someone wants to call an SD43 made and sold in 2018-19 a 50th anniversary SD, that's also OK. But math tells me differently.

[Manamana]

Ads hold watches for years that is a fact I know, and a lot of people here know for a fact too. Secondary market dealers can't give you a Hulk 2023 dated card, or a black GMT 2023 dated card, it has to come from an AD. All SD43 are 50th anniversary Mk1 and Mk2. It's the same with the Kermit 50th anniversary Sub, all Kermits are 50th anniversary Subs whatever the years is on the card. In the Mk1 SD43 case we have an anniversary dial that was produced for one year only. So the watch is something and the dial is something else, that's why the Mk1 dial is special. This will have to be my last reply as we are obviously going in a circle. I have said all that I can say in this matter, I don't want to bore people with repeated replies. Thanks for your input.

[wrenglejr]

Well, I didn't mean to stir up the pot like that!

Thank you all for the input. Very valuable info on all accounts!

[Dirt]

One thing is for certain.
Despite what the naysayers are sprouting, if one version is to become more desirable than another from a collectability point of view, it will be the MK I dial version regardless of whether it was sold as NOS after the very first year or so or not.
Naturally condition and provinence will also be a determining factor in the value of any piece over the long haul.

At the end of the day the dial is the defining feature as all other aspects are identical apart from divers extentions and AR coatings, etc.
At the other end of the spectrum the absence of a divers extention will be a tangible detracting element when it comes to value.