New member, Sea Dweller 43

[BMWMotoRider]

I recently joined RF and thought I'd just do a quick into post. I have been interested in Rolexes since I was very young but have not pursued purchasing one until now, obviously about the worse time to buying with the strong demand and low availability. My mom put up with my chatter about Rolex watches years ago and she passed away this summer. As constant reminder of her I decided to attempt to purchase a Sea Dweller 43.

I have been wearing a mid sized Omega Seamaster for the past 20 years or so, going to the Sea Dweller 43 is a massive change in size, especially with a smaller wrist. I was able to try a 41 Sub along with the Sea Dweller 41 and a Deep Sea a year or so back at a non authorized grey market dealer. I'm confident in being comfortable with the size and fit.

Buying from an AD is obviously the challenge. I have spoken with 5 AD's in person in my travels. A few have been ok, a few have been no way in hell will we sell you a watch, and I have landed on a wait list with my somewhat local AD. This closest AD seems pretty confident that I will get the SD but can't commit to any kind of timeline. They are a smaller AD but hopefully they will have one available without too long of wait, especially considering I have no purchase history. I'm unwilling to purchase from a non AD since I want a new watch with full warranty and no concerns with it being counterfeit, etc. I would be willing to spend more from an AD and wish the AD could set the price, not Rolex.

Wish me luck and hopefully I'll be posting some pics on my wrist in the not too distant future.

[azs.77]

Good luck OP. Hope you get one soon. It’s a beautiful reference


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[Kyle3130]

Originally Posted by azs.77

Good luck OP. Hope you get one soon. It’s a beautiful reference
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X2 and welcome to the forum!

[Malum]

Good luck . Be diligent and relentless.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum and good luck

[Galion]

I’d buy gray and have the watch by tomorrow 10am, life is short.

[Realezt01]

Good luck bruv

[stark1]

Good luck, as I'm sure you'll eventually get one with patience. Not sure what your situation is, but perhaps drop by this AD and purchase a few small gifts now and again (things you'd get anyway for your wife or girlfriend, etc.). Doing so will likely increase your chances and speed things up. Of course, this advice is nothing new as I'm sure you've heard it. But it works.

[ks58]

Gotta have the patience and persistence.

[carl123]

It will be all the more special with the wait. Won't be that long. Two tone even less wait, but obviously more expensive,although it is truly stunning. I wish you well and it will be worth it,good luck to you.

[Little machines]

Welcome to the forum! Good luck !!

[waterman1]

You could try a reputable second hand dealer. There are quite a few here on the forums. You would have it within a day or two. And if you love the watch and still desire brand new, then buy new when the opportunity arises and sell the other sd43. I doubt you will lose money if you sell it.

[travisb]

Welcome! Good luck on the hunt.

[jimcameron]

Have you ever tried one on your wrist? It is a massive watch. I have a 7" wrist and even my 40mm Sub is big/heavy, but reasonable.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Galion

I’d buy gray and have the watch by tomorrow 10am, life is short.

+1

Someone wisely says you should try one on but I have a 7 inch wrist and my JC DSSD fits and wears fantastic and is one of my favorite watches…

[padi56]

Originally Posted by azs.77

Good luck OP. Hope you get one soon. It’s a beautiful reference


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X3 Welcome to TRF.

[1William]

Welcome to the Forum. I have a 7.5-7.75 inch wrist and the SD43 is a large watch on me and the case back protrudes in a way that the DSSD and the Submariner do not. I would utilize the Search Function here on TRF and read about the SD43 and our Trusted Sellers. With information you can make an informed decision. I would look at the classic Submariner-C ND, 114060, last generation or a five digit Submariner as it is 40 mm not 41 mm and the clasp is shorter. Good luck.

[JayHantz]

Welcome to the forums and best of luck to you!

[Jackie Daytona]

Good luck and welcome!

[ScottishRolex]

Originally Posted by Galion

I’d buy gray and have the watch by tomorrow 10am, life is short.

I agree with this and did it myself. They sell regularly on the gray market for 14.5-15.5K the OP should be able to buy one in this range. It's got to be among the smallest % premiums of any sport model.

[Gerry62]

Welcome to TRF and greeting from my BMW R1200GS too

SD 43 ? Excellent choice !

Good luck

[S7gpt]

7 inch wrist and mines great although took an age to get at AD - you will enjoy once purchased

[DoricSpiker]

Mark up going grey on this one is small. Buy from a reputable dealer and you will be fine. I know it’s scary at first but just do some homework on them. I have bought from 4/5 of them without issue.
As others have said you can try on a few others whilst you are in there to make sure it’s the one you want. This watch doesn’t fit everyone, regardless of size of wrist.


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[samson66]

Welcome to TRF and good luck on your search

I would consider the Sub 41 for a smaller wrist however. I own an SD43 and love it but it's not a small watch. My wrist is 7.5" and it's about as large as I'm willing to go.

Fantastic watch for sure but I suggest trying it along side a Sub 41 at the same time to see how it wears and feels.

[Nav01L]

I have a 7.5 inch wrist too and have a strong preference for the SD43 in comparison to the Sub41 (both of which I own or have owned, with an overlap in terms of time). But it’s also a matter of wrist shape.

As for the OP, good luck my friend, it’s an excellent watch. I sure have a great fondness for mine.

[PaulRP]

Welcome aboard!

[BMWMotoRider]

Originally Posted by Gerry62

Welcome to TRF and greeting from my BMW R1200GS too

SD 43 ? Excellent choice !

Good luck

Thanks! I also ride a BMW R1200GS. The Sea Dweller 43 kind of fits with the GS mindset.


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[BMWMotoRider]

Originally Posted by waterman1

You could try a reputable second hand dealer. There are quite a few here on the forums. You would have it within a day or two. And if you love the watch and still desire brand new, then buy new when the opportunity arises and sell the other sd43. I doubt you will lose money if you sell it.

Good idea that I had not considered. It might take away a little bit of the special feeling of just getting new from the start. I’m patient, or keep trying to tell myself that I am.


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[strafer_kid]

SD43 is a great watch but as some have mentioned, it wears quite big on the wrist and takes a little getting use to. Definitely worth looking a bit further into that before you commit.

[rmlovett1]

Welcome!