Rolex - Thoughts on the SD43..

Thoughts on the SD43..

Oct 10, 2020,02:28 AM

So I’ve had this beast on my wrist for a couple of weeks and decided to take a vacation from it. Not because it was too heavy as I found myself always reaching out for it primarily because of balance and comfort afforded by the well made glide lock fitted bracelet. But that I had to give myself a bit of time to assess it.

As much as I love wearing it, I found myself doubting the path where Rolex wants to take its sports line given my more pedestrian taste for the tool watch aesthetic. As one poster in another site mentioned, the current line up feels a lot more like jewellery rather than tool. I came across that comment before I got the piece and now I understand what he meant.

The bezel sparkles like anything and it kinda threw me off more than the controversy regarding the cyclops or the upsize to 43. I realise ceramic is scratchproof and all that but I guess I won’t be in the minority when I say that this isn’t the watch that deep sea diver narrative most probably ended with the 5 digit 16600. I think if the SD43 had an aluminium bezel, that it would revert to that narrative in an instant, all the other perceived design faux pas be damned.

And that is what absolutely killed it for me with regard the whole ceramic sports line. I just realised that the modern ceramic Rolex sports watch, for better or for worse, is not for me. In all probability, this is going to be the last for me. And it’s amazing at how I suddenly and effortlessly shut myself off from wanting 6 digit subs and SDs.

Do I regret buying the SD43? Not at all. The price of knowledge gained far outweighs the time I’d waste pining at something that I thought was for me. And it’s the kind of epiphany I would not have gotten otherwise. Besides, it’s still a good looking watch, very comfy to wear, and, yes, miracle of miracles, I got it via an AD at list

Now that the weight of that one has been permanently taken off my horological shoulders, the search for another ship-has-sailed watch begins.. the 2 liner 14060.

Best, Echi

More posts: 1406016600Sea DwellerSubmariner

Comments: view entire thread

Nit surprized my friend. The shininess of the ceramic bezels is really a bling thing

By: agyzace : October 10th, 2020-02:36

This is where the sapphire and curviness of the FF’s kills it. There is nothing bling about them; they come across as bakelite instead which is magic. I hope you will still enjoy your new baby. All the best, Alex

Weird. I thought my reply posted. Apparently it didn't! Just want to thank you again for helping me out with my questions. You're spot on with the FF bezels. It has always attracted me and made me even consider the Seiko version..

By: Echi : October 10th, 2020-06:52

I think one of the ex mods wrote about it (not sure if it was Oliver). I wonder if Rolex considered it as they did have a strong history with the bakelite bezel albeit on the GMT! Yep, enjoying the polarizing experience of the SD43. Best, Echi

Enjoy my friend!! [nt]

By: agyzace : October 10th, 2020-07:08

I understand what you mean.

By: @lberti : October 10th, 2020-02:49

My brother owns one and its still in the box, unworn. He enjoys smaller watches currently.

Wow unworn but I understand (nt)

By: Echi : October 10th, 2020-03:18

A very comfortable watch but

By: batholith : October 10th, 2020-02:59

mine met a similar end. I found I preferred my older 16600 as a daily wear watch and the 43 had to go. The 14060 and the M are wonderful and elegant.

Seems to be a common but under the wraps story. I’m still enjoying mine in spite my misgivings. Maybe it goes at some point or maybe it grows on me who knows :-) (nt)

By: Echi : October 10th, 2020-03:21

Same opinion here

By: Juliusotto : October 10th, 2020-05:41

,and I use to have the Deep Sea back when was released,but I realized that nothing from the ceramic Rolex divers can beat the aluminum SD

Strangely though, it's calling me like Gollum and the one ring. It's not for me and yet here we are :-) (nt)

By: Echi : October 10th, 2020-06:36

Thank you so much for such an interesting post, my friend. Food for thought as I was considering the Deep Sea " James Cameron ".

By: amanico : October 10th, 2020-06:31

I will have to check that point. I love the dial, a lot, but I always had a reserve on the ceramic bezel, and you just put the right words on my feelings. Thank you! Nicolas

I did try it on from somebody before I ordered it. And the jewellry feel did not register right away. I even thought it was cool. If you can borrow one to wear for a week, that'll help with the assessment..

By: Echi : October 10th, 2020-06:45

And, of course, we'd be delighted to see wrist shots and impressions from the balcony Going back, with the James Cameron, the jewellery feel might not be as felt with the deep sea dial and you'll be staring more at the mesmerising blue/black/green element...

Yes, I see what you mean. I will try to test it. Thank you again, Echi. [nt]

By: amanico : October 10th, 2020-14:43

I love this watch

By: Mostel : October 15th, 2020-14:05

I had a hard time choosing between it and the Cameron, which I ultimately chose. If I had to criticize it, it's just that it looks, at a glance, like a Sub, which means, 'every Rolex'. I chose The Cameron because it was so unusual and because it sang to m...

I've always appreciated your strong views on things, Mostel. This one is no exception and helps reinforce my feelings for this one..

By: Echi : October 15th, 2020-20:27

The posts that I make can be seen as a running ownership journal. In this particular case, it's the back and forth that we experience on some of the pieces that we buy even after all the research has been done. Buying the SD43 isn't anymore about the piec...

Thanks, my pleasure

By: Mostel : October 16th, 2020-17:11

Enjoy it!!