Should I buy an SD43 after buying a SubC?

[WatchThinker]

Hi,

So I have really enjoyed this site and Rolex-dreaming during this time when we're all cooped up.

I purchased a Sub C at the end of last year and love it. I am thinking about my next Rolex. My AD is up and at'em and knows I'm interested in an Exp I or II or, long shot, a Hulk.

BUT .... I was thinking about the SD 43. The red lettering has my attention. I have a somewhat scrawny 7" wrist, but I wear a speedmaster comfortably - so I'm thinking a Sea Dweller might be fine too.

My real question is to you, the already multiple Rolex owners: Is buying an SD 43 right after buying a Sub just a bad idea because they're too similar?

Thoughts?

[basscatlarry2]

I traded my no date for my SD 43. No regrets at all. Red lettering sets it off but I just think the fit is perfect.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by WatchThinker

. . .
My real question is to you, the already multiple Rolex owners: Is buying an SD 43 right after buying a Sub just a bad idea because they're too similar?

Thoughts?

Watch enthusiasts/collectors seldom ask that question, and many have multiples of the same model.

Get the watches that you want to enjoy, and do exactly that.

[Kube]

I'm considering this move myself. Never tried a SD43 on the wrist. Love the lug proportions and red text though.

[GolfJunkie]

I had a 116610ln and once I bought the SD43 I found to the two a little similar so I sold the SubC date and bought a 114060.

Perfect dive pair IMO

[WatchThinker]

Wearing my Sub now - love it. But I think I would enjoy the SD as well — would I?

[teabags001]

Don’t do it. If you can get past the slighter thicker case of the SD43 you just wont wear your sub anymore. I put my sub on a Rubber B just to wear it to work out. I mean the SD43 is so good you won’t want to take it off. The proportions are perfect. A little big. A little heavy but almost the perfect dive watch for those over a 7 inch wrist. It’s only like 1.5mm longer then a sub so you won’t have any problems there. Buy the SD43 and flip the sub for a hulk and call it a day. Congratulations in advance and I welcome you to the SD43 club. Post a pic of the incoming. Lol


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[djyolky]

Nope, do what teabag suggested haha.

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[sechsgang]

Im in the camp of Ive had both and prefer the sub greatly over the sd43...I've got a 7 in wrist as well...but its personal preference in the end.

[jimcarver]

Originally Posted by WatchThinker

Wearing my Sub now - love it. But I think I would enjoy the SD as well — would I?

I personally wouldn't have both, unless you have a large collection, or you want a bigger watch.

It's easy to get caught up with details such as the red lettering when you have been looking at a zoomed in picture of the watch online, in reality these details are not as noticeable as you would think.

[Fchernyak]

sold my 116610ln after getting the sd43. Sub feels redundant after wearing the sd


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[DoctorA]

They both can coexist in the same collection

[teabags001]

The SD43 just has a lot more wrist presence. It’s a wild beast that needs to be tamed. Lol.

I have both. I bought the Submariner first. If I would have listened to the TRF members I would have bought the SD43 first and saved myself 10k because I wouldn’t have owned the SD43 and still wanted the sub. Instead I bought the sub first and still wanted the SD43. So my bank account is 10k lighter. My Brother likes the sub so I’ll probably move it on to him for my cost.


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[japenney]

I had a deep sea blue arrive today and honestly it is the pinnacle of Rolex divers. If you like the deep sea imho there is no need to own any other Rolex diver. But of course please own a submariner and sd43 in the same collection if it makes you happy. Cheers.

[supernova]

I would definitely consider a different watch for more variety if those are the only 2 in your collection...

[abozz]

I did!


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[inadeje]

You’ll sell the subc after getting the sd43 unless the sub c is pm

[Daytonaman799]

I have a Tudor lollipop sub, 2 16600’s and an SD 43. You can have a sub and an SD. They just wear differently. Worst case is you sell the one you like less, it’s a free option,

[nick800]

I’ve had both. 7” flat wrist. Love the idea of the SD, but it was very uncomfortable to me. I still have my subs.

[synrrgy]

You can really see the difference in proportions between the SD43 and Sub-C. It dwarfs it.

[APPRF]

Sell Sub, buy SD43 you won't regret it. Fits your wrist perfectly, and much stronger presence. If whenever you miss the Sub just buy the updated model, or another color bezel Sub if Rolex introduces one.

[TswaneNguni]

Have a DSSD,SD43,Polar and Black Expl II 42mms and Sub/Dates ...each has its own character and merits.

I would go SD43 or Expl II 42mm black or white ,rather than Expl I

[007_Omega]

I'd buy the SD43 and then sell the Sub. The SD43 is a big watch but the proportions are great and many herald it as one of Rolex' greatest diver references.

I simply think it is a better watch to the modern Sub. The fat lugs of the Sub are remedied with the sleeker and classic lugs of the SD43. While the SD43 is obviously bigger, the difference is not as bad as the 40mm vs 43mm size difference to indicate. The SD43 wears very well, even on smaller wrists, for a 43mm watch while the Sub wears much larger than a traditional 40mm watch.

[Psmith]

Why not? The SD43 is a great piece. Rolex divers are more differentiated now than they used to be. For decades they were the same size and more similar to each other.

[tomallen]

Absolutely, if one is available at an AD new at retail go for it. If it is at a grey dealer at an inflated price maybe not. Either way it is an easy watch to flip if you decide it wasn't the right watch for you.

[1William]

I have owned several SD43's and think they are great watches but in the end I get tired of the size and the cost of ownership. I am a dive watch collector and enjoy all the brands but it is always a balance between wear, cost and value. Those factors are different for each of us. I currently own a Hulk and a YG Submariner 116618LB and enjoy them but I wear my Seiko/Grand Seiko/Tudor divers more and enjoy them more, for now. I have been playing with watches for 30 years and in that time I have figured out what works for me. I have also found out that tastes change and life situations and I wear the watches I like. I will also buy/sell/trade a watch in a heartbeat should I want. If you want the SD43 and can afford it, add it to the collection and see how it compares to the Submariner. You will know in a month or two. Good luck and keep us posted.

[brandrea]

I think the bigger question is do you want more than one watch.

I still struggle with owning more than a few at any given time, so for me I’d want more variety

[ap1]

Originally Posted by teabags001

Don’t do it. If you can get past the slighter thicker case of the SD43 you just wont wear your sub anymore. I put my sub on a Rubber B just to wear it to work out. I mean the SD43 is so good you won’t want to take it off. The proportions are perfect. A little big. A little heavy but almost the perfect dive watch for those over a 7 inch wrist. It’s only like 1.5mm longer then a sub so you won’t have any problems there. Buy the SD43 and flip the sub for a hulk and call it a day. Congratulations in advance and I welcome you to the SD43 club. Post a pic of the incoming. Lol


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GreAt plan

[zjd168]

depends on how many watches you plan to have in your collection.

[Gimoozaabi]

I have the following Subs: 14060m and 116610LV and two SDs: SD4K and SD43. Each watch is great in it's own right and none are redundant.