I was fortunate enough to get one two years ago from my AD for my 50th birthday. A 50th anniversary on my 50th - No brainer. I also love and need the cyclops as my eyes are not what they were.
Disagree with Adrian about a lot on watches, but the fact is I get excited every time he drops a video and I reckon this remains the best watch channel on TH-cam!
However, one must come back up, and the bubbles expand. The cycling bubble volume will over time fracture the bond material and this will eventually let go.
I am fortunate to own this and I love it. I am a beefy chap and I tried the submariner but it felt small on me. They had a sea dweller to try and I fit perfectly. This is a great watch for the bugger man and the cyclops is fine with me.
I bought one in 2017 in the fall. I've worn it almost every day since. Im bigger, and this watch suits me perfectly. I wear it everywhere and it's my favorite.
Hey Adrian - Nice to hear from you.. The lug width on SD43 is 22mm when I checked and despite the larger size the proportions are absolutely perfect on this one. Even better than a sub.. From current Rolex catalog, indeed this is the closest thing to perfection. And perhaps that's why it stays on my wrist more than my Datejust and others! Sure I might have loved it more without the cyclops, but it's very useful so I'm at peace with it. The matte dial is where I think Rolex nailed it with this one!!
I wasn't planning on getting it, but an AD at Zurich had one available. I am enjoying it. One definitely does "feel" it while wearing. I also like having Cyclops on all the watches - makes seeing the date easier.
I Have owned this watch with a Mk 1 dial for just over 2 years now, had a bit of a love hate relationship with it.. just couldn't get it to fit quite right. However, I recently removed a link and now have it on a looser setting and it's absolutely perfect. It looks the absolute nuts and shines gorgeously in the sunlight.. it's my everyday watch on my 7 1/ 2 inch wrist and I love it.. I wore it when my son was born and every day since. Would not change it for anything. Great video Adrian.👍🏻
One of the striking things about this watch is that it doesn’t have as large an audience as the Submariner, so it’s easier to find for sale without major complications, at least here in Latin America. Excellent video, by the way. (It’s not a watch for just any wrist-clearly, a larger wrist pairs better with a watch of these proportions.) 😊
It's the only Rolex that I'm considering buying. The proportions are spot on and the 43mm case hits the sweet-spot for my wrists. I typically wear 44mm Panerai's and a regular Submariner just isn't enough for me.
I love mine. Also got mine in my 50th year. As a bigger guy I appreciate the bigger size and when I got it, it was easier to get from an AD than the Submariner date. This way it was also cheaper than a grey market sub. In terms of the cyclops. ID Guy has a theory it was to hide the extra dial width space between date dial and the widened dial size at 43mm of the subs 41mm.
I have had one as a daily for the past 5 years. It is one half of a 2 Rolex collection with the other being a stainless Sky Dweller Jubilee Blue Dial. The perfect 2 watch combo if your wrists can support them, Which mine can. The SD43 and SkyD are my two favorite Rolex references and the last 2 watches I will ever own.
I got this same spec sea dweller from Rolex in Sydney last year. Absolutely love it. I have a larger wrist and it wears so well. I have a Tudor pelagos which is a little smaller but the larger sea dweller just feels so good on the wrist.
I will check with my Rolex AD to see if they have this new model. I'd love to try it on. Like you, I'm curious to see what subtle little touches Rolex has in store for the Sub.
I flipped a sub for the Mk1 version of this watch and absolutely love it. I have 7.5 inch wrists so wears well. Whilst it is 15mm thick, this is in 3 sections, the case back, the side of the case and the bezel, so it doesn't appear to be as thick. Great watch.
I tried both and the 4000 sits really awkward on the wrist. It’s not too thick but the case back is highly domed so the whole thing wobbles when worn. The SD43 sits lovely by comparison.
Not gonna lie, I’ve tried this on in person and it’s amazing. I really don’t mind the size. It’s large but not in the same way that a Planet ocean feels.
OMG! Had this watch on my wrist, ready to buy (New) at the Rolex AD in Aruba (Yes, I have spend history with them) and the the matte black dial killed it for me as well. I never even knew the dial was matte black as it's unnoticeable in print and online. Over time I've too have come to the conclusion that this is the closest Rolex come to perfection and wish I had purchased it. I like the size a lot as I have 8.5" wrists. It'll probably be my next Rolex purchase.
Hey Adrian, pick up the SLA021 J21 Marinemaster and get mat black dial, super movement, unique case design, only 300m water resistance, a divisive clasp that became addictive to open/close AND will look amazing on Bark & Jack straps!
The perfect SeaDweller is the model that was replaced by this one Adrian. The SD4K is perfect at 40mm, is clearly the modernization of the 1680 and 1665. Perfect proportions, wonderful on the wrist. Brilliant. And I say that as a person who owned a DRSD.
Hi Adrian. Worn mine daily since 2018. Sold everything else. Same wrist size as yours. Sub just seemed way too small for me at 40mm at the time as I came via larger diameter watches. Immense watch the 50. It’s getting buried with me. Great vid as always 👊🏼☠️✌🏼🖤
After recently trying on this watch I liked it more than I thought I would for the same reasons you mentioned like the matte dial and red text--plus wore a lot better than I thought! Only thing that prevented me from picking it up is that I already own a Submariner. As a side note I think it looks great on your wrist and not too big, so I think you should go for it!
Hi Adrian, great video on the SD as this was my very first Rolex. Got it 2 years ago from an AD. Liked it the first time I laid eyes on it. Loved the size and the presence on the wrist. Like you, I have a 6.5in wrist and personally, I think it fits perfectly. From your wrist shots I think it fits you nicely too. Simply put, I just like chunky watches, period 😅. The Red text simply makes it pop. In fact it is also my first watch with a cyclops, so I’m all for it. Couldn’t have asked for more.
Had mine for 6 years now. Love it. Doesnt sit too big for me. The case is slim and appears slimmer. And the protruding caseback is hidden. Also. The minutes markers all round the bezel also make it appear smaller.
This was my second Rolex and I am in love with it! Fits like a glove on my wrist cuz I have a big wrist. Love the capabilities of it and makes me feel safe jumping in the pool 😂 Great video mate cheers
Great video. I have this watch and absolutely love it. I love the style and the red text, the cyclops and the slide lock brushed bracelet. I had a deepsea that was just too big and heavy for me so this is a much better fit. I have a similar wrist and never had any concern about the size until I got the GMT. I can feel the difference and get why people make comments about the bulk. Having the GMT makes me like this even more though. Thanks Adrian.
Adrian - What about the Sea Dweller model before that one, a bit smaller so perfect for you and most of us? That's the 116600 Sea Dweller 4000 made from 2014-17.
I always say if the Submariner is a Porsche 911 the 126600 Sea Dweller is the GT3RS. I have a 7.5 wrist and is a perfect fit. Is my favorite piece. The size, the cyclops, the red line make it just a magnificent.
Much preferred over the Sub. Love the 360deg bezel markings, matte dial, red text, and overall heft/presence. Added bonus that it's more readily available!
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 reference 116600 Is probably the best most perfect example better proportions. A majority of the performance of the performance of the newer models put retaining and practicality of the tool and wearability
I got a Sub that was just ... lost on my wrist. Then I learned about the SeaDweller, tried it, got it and am really satisfied! For the right sized person, this is the right sized watch. Love it!
I don’t mind the cyclops, though I would prefer a no date option. The immense size is a no go for me, it makes my normal wrists look scrawny and it doesn’t slide under anything
Was at the AD a couple of weeks ago. Felt amazing, think we have similar size wrists so yeah A tiny bit on the too large size! But I also LOVE this one 🤪
Inasmuch as others may feel differently, I see the Cyclops lens as part of Rolex's heritage and I'm happy to see it on the watch as normal date windows left my eyes behind years ago. As for the watch being perfect, it is. Some humans are simply not worthy. All kidding aside (sorry Adrian!), watches do need to match their owners, and even having done so at one moment in time, may not have before or at some point in the future. Consider the changes in watch size popularity over time - the idea that at some point smaller watches were perfect and then at some point more recently larger watches because more popular and now we're moving downwards a bit. Great video as always, thank you!
Correct me if I am wrong. When you go deeper, bubble actually contract and not expand. With pressure, bubble get smaller. Only when you resurface, bubble expands. Just like a balloon. I would assume that the consistent contraction and expansion results in the cyclopes popping off than by 1 time expansion? If you have a 1mL^3 at ambient, you go deeper and resurface to ambient, it should remain more or less 1mL^3
Exactly this 126600 is the only current Rolex model I keep coming back to and probably will end up buying at some point. Beautiful watch and although, I very much lean towards smaller watches these days in this case the size just works!
I’m thinking the pressure would not make the gas in the cyclops glue expand. That normally happens in a vacuum. More probable is the differential between how the crystal and the glue react to extreme pressure developing shear force between the glue and the crystal.
Great vid Adrian! I have a 16600 - because I, like you, have slim wrists (about 170mm) and this one would be too big. I love the extra heft of my 16600 when on the wrist and the fact that it's grossly over-engineered for my needs, but that makes me love it all the more! I do keep eye-ing up the small-run ceramic 40mm SD4000 when they pop up on the used market!
I absolutely love this watch, and I definitely need the cyclops on a watch now! It's my grail & when I've tried it on it fits me perfectly. Other than the price I don't get why it's not as popular as it should be 🔥
I own this watch and it is a gem. I don't wear it that often because it has too much wrist pressence for work or on the street. I have a 8.2" wrist so 43mm is prefect.
8.5 inch wrist. It's my 5th year with one. My first Rolly. Couldn't agree more. It's been serviced under warranty twice. I had to replace the case the second time. I beat the hell out of it. I'm more careful now. That was an expensive repair. It's a perfect tool watch for larger wrists, just $$$. Love the matte black. Terrific contrast for older eyes. I heard they no longer include the drive extension. Mine is stored in my box.
I bought a PloProf in 09 and it was my daily wearer for years. Loved the look of the Sea Dweller and it has recently replaced the PloProf as my daily wearer. The cyclops is great for my old eyes and the only niggle is that with the raised case back it’s not as comfortable on the wrist is the Omega
The bezel the dial ration is off also. Look close enough it’ll bug you. They just beefed up the case around the same size movement and dial to create a bigger watch.
Sounds like you should try out a Ginault Ocean Rover 2. A 5-digit sized case but with all the modern embellishments (and a splash of red to offset the monochrome).
116600 for sure, kicking myself I didn’t buy it when it was fairly readily available at retail. Unfortunately, sells for more than this one these days.
Bought a two tone version for my 50th birthday. Sold it to buy shares of a technology company. Will buy again. Was definitely a conversation starter and i do miss it. Also sold my Omega speedmaster racing master chronometer for the same reason. Sometimes you gotta ensure the things you own don`t end up owning you.
I wanted a sub but really liked this and its proportions, I think I can nearly pull it off on my 6 3/4” wrist! Is the lug to lug not very similar to your EX2? Is it just the heft you think is to big for you?
I love the sea dweller, I’ve got a large wrist and had to add a link, but after wearing it for 10 years the weight and bulk started to annoy me so I bought a Pelagos LHD which solved all my gripes. Pretty much the same size but lighter and the crown doesn’t poke the back of my hand and it keeps better time.
Great Review and nice to hear your opinions!! I have this model and the 16600, it is absolutely perfect and when I’m wearing it I can’t stop looking at it! Everyone has Subs and this in my opinion is far superior…. Keep the reviews coming👍
Rolex does, in fact, look back. Ex. 1 - The reversion to the 36mm Explorer (124270). Ex. 2 - bringing back the Stella dial with the OPs. Ex. 3 - Rolex based the 1908 on an OP from 1931. Come on, Adrian!
I have this watch, like you, my wrists are small, but I am now going to go to the safety deposit box and retrieve it!! I banged this watch up good and proper :)
I debated quite a bit between this, and the submariner ultimately going with the submariner because of the size. But the Matt dial with red text and the submariner would be insanely good.
Love it! I actually recently got the call from Rolex after 4 1/2 years of waiting, the watch got over 2500€ more expensive but I immediately picked it up. I am a big guy and 40 or 41mm just looks to small on me. This is perfect and looks awesome 👌 I also got the deep sea but this one just nails it.
Love the watch. Tried it on when it was released. However i too felt it was slightly too big for my 7.25" wrist. 41mm is my absolutely max watch size i can pull off.
I have this watch, I agree with everything you’ve said with regard to the finish and the smaller details. I love it. I am one of the lucky ones where my wrist is large at 200mm and this watch fits my wrist perfectly, better than a submariner.
I have both the 16600 and this 2017 reference too . With a 7 3/4 inch wrist the latter feels a better fit for the modern look .. but the 16600 has just something about it ( or maybe things about it ) that mean I just cannot part with it too ! They are so different and it’s great to own both for different looks and feels.
I have this watch but it is not as comfortable as its big brother, the Deeper Sea Dweller, which i also have. The SD43’s case back has a smaller extrusion for the movement which becomes a heavy hot spot on the wrist. But the DSSD is flat on the wrist so more comfortable.
Compare this with the Explorer II-it doesn’t differ too much in size at all … bracelet is even the same! The only big difference is the dial area/surface, which make the overall design proportions on dial/watch case ratio sizes different, and thus a overall difference in design feeling.
I was fortunate enough to get one two years ago from my AD for my 50th birthday. A 50th anniversary on my 50th - No brainer. I also love and need the cyclops as my eyes are not what they were.
Fun. Great synchronicity.
I’ve never gotten the hate for the cyclops on dive watches - they are solely functional, which is totally appropriate on a “tool watch.”
Disagree with Adrian about a lot on watches, but the fact is I get excited every time he drops a video and I reckon this remains the best watch channel on TH-cam!
I feel like the perfect watch was the prior model, 116600 . Ceramic bezel, 40mm, no magnifier, milled clasp.
116600 is the 👑 you are 💯 percent right ✌️
SD4K is always the answer
I love the Sea Dweller the Red text is the jam
I love my two-tone SeaDweller with gold writing instead of red writing
That is an exceptional timepiece! 👏🏾
When you go done to epic depths, bubbles won't expand, it's the other way around.
Valid point, haha! Law of physics...
Its because previously it had a domed crystal as opposed to flat
Another error here is that the lug width is 22mm, not 21
However, one must come back up, and the bubbles expand. The cycling bubble volume will over time fracture the bond material and this will eventually let go.
Owned mine since 2019. 4th watch from my AD. Still in my collection. Absolutely love it.
I am fortunate to own this and I love it. I am a beefy chap and I tried the submariner but it felt small on me. They had a sea dweller to try and I fit perfectly. This is a great watch for the bugger man and the cyclops is fine with me.
The bugger man! Cheeky!
Same here!
I bought one in 2017 in the fall. I've worn it almost every day since. Im bigger, and this watch suits me perfectly.
I wear it everywhere and it's my favorite.
Great way to highlight the design specs of the watch. Now I want a SeaDweller.
I think it is perfect 🤷♂️ the red text just sets it off
Hey Adrian - Nice to hear from you.. The lug width on SD43 is 22mm when I checked and despite the larger size the proportions are absolutely perfect on this one. Even better than a sub.. From current Rolex catalog, indeed this is the closest thing to perfection. And perhaps that's why it stays on my wrist more than my Datejust and others!
Sure I might have loved it more without the cyclops, but it's very useful so I'm at peace with it. The matte dial is where I think Rolex nailed it with this one!!
Those people have what is commonly called cyclopsphobia.. I love the sea dweller
My wrists are 8 1/2”. This is the perfect watch for me. I’m on the waitlist. This will be my first Rolex. Great video as always!
I wasn't planning on getting it, but an AD at Zurich had one available. I am enjoying it. One definitely does "feel" it while wearing. I also like having Cyclops on all the watches - makes seeing the date easier.
You missed a trick, the 2 tone is so much nicer! Had my 2 tone for 3.5 yrs now and absolutely love it! Like a sub, just better in everyway!
I Have owned this watch with a Mk 1 dial for just over 2 years now, had a bit of a love hate relationship with it.. just couldn't get it to fit quite right. However, I recently removed a link and now
have it on a looser setting and it's absolutely perfect. It looks the absolute nuts and shines gorgeously in the sunlight.. it's my everyday watch on my 7 1/ 2 inch wrist and I love it.. I wore it when my son was born and every day since. Would not change it for anything. Great video Adrian.👍🏻
One of the striking things about this watch is that it doesn’t have as large an audience as the Submariner, so it’s easier to find for sale without major complications, at least here in Latin America. Excellent video, by the way. (It’s not a watch for just any wrist-clearly, a larger wrist pairs better with a watch of these proportions.) 😊
It's the only Rolex that I'm considering buying. The proportions are spot on and the 43mm case hits the sweet-spot for my wrists. I typically wear 44mm Panerai's and a regular Submariner just isn't enough for me.
This is exactly the reason why I choose this one instead of a submariner… Great video!
I love mine. Also got mine in my 50th year. As a bigger guy I appreciate the bigger size and when I got it, it was easier to get from an AD than the Submariner date. This way it was also cheaper than a grey market sub. In terms of the cyclops. ID Guy has a theory it was to hide the extra dial width space between date dial and the widened dial size at 43mm of the subs 41mm.
The SD4K is the best Sea Dweller. Also, it's possible to remove the cyclops on this model quite easily without any damage to the crystal.
No it sucks the sd43 is a far better watch.
@@Pler1978 wrong
SD4k is a garbage next to the sd43… it’s literally disgusting
SD4k is the one to own, I agree.
I have had one as a daily for the past 5 years. It is one half of a 2 Rolex collection with the other being a stainless Sky Dweller Jubilee Blue Dial. The perfect 2 watch combo if your wrists can support them, Which mine can. The SD43 and SkyD are my two favorite Rolex references and the last 2 watches I will ever own.
Still have a mark 1 still stickered up. For its flaws the red text on this reference is a killer!
I got this same spec sea dweller from Rolex in Sydney last year. Absolutely love it. I have a larger wrist and it wears so well. I have a Tudor pelagos which is a little smaller but the larger sea dweller just feels so good on the wrist.
Got mine last year amazing watch always feels so special wearing it! Cyclops red line and being sea dweller just perfection!
I will check with my Rolex AD to see if they have this new model. I'd love to try it on. Like you, I'm curious to see what subtle little touches Rolex has in store for the Sub.
I flipped a sub for the Mk1 version of this watch and absolutely love it. I have 7.5 inch wrists so wears well. Whilst it is 15mm thick, this is in 3 sections, the case back, the side of the case and the bezel, so it doesn't appear to be as thick. Great watch.
I prefer the sea dweller 4000
I tried both and the 4000 sits really awkward on the wrist. It’s not too thick but the case back is highly domed so the whole thing wobbles when worn. The SD43 sits lovely by comparison.
Not gonna lie, I’ve tried this on in person and it’s amazing. I really don’t mind the size. It’s large but not in the same way that a Planet ocean feels.
This is a beauty. Would buy it.
It reminds me of the Planet Ocean at Omega. Not design wise of course but quality, elegance and sturdiness.
OMG! Had this watch on my wrist, ready to buy (New) at the Rolex AD in Aruba (Yes, I have spend history with them) and the the matte black dial killed it for me as well. I never even knew the dial was matte black as it's unnoticeable in print and online. Over time I've too have come to the conclusion that this is the closest Rolex come to perfection and wish I had purchased it. I like the size a lot as I have 8.5" wrists. It'll probably be my next Rolex purchase.
Hey Adrian, pick up the SLA021 J21 Marinemaster and get mat black dial, super movement, unique case design, only 300m water resistance, a divisive clasp that became addictive to open/close AND will look amazing on Bark & Jack straps!
If I had the wrist size I would have kept mine. Great piece all together!
The perfect SeaDweller is the model that was replaced by this one Adrian.
The SD4K is perfect at 40mm, is clearly the modernization of the 1680 and 1665. Perfect proportions, wonderful on the wrist.
Brilliant.
And I say that as a person who owned a DRSD.
Agree. 116600 is regarded as the best SD by most enthusiasts. He’s reviewed the wrong one.
Hi Adrian. Worn mine daily since 2018. Sold everything else. Same wrist size as yours. Sub just seemed way too small for me at 40mm at the time as I came via larger diameter watches. Immense watch the 50. It’s getting buried with me. Great vid as always 👊🏼☠️✌🏼🖤
After recently trying on this watch I liked it more than I thought I would for the same reasons you mentioned like the matte dial and red text--plus wore a lot better than I thought! Only thing that prevented me from picking it up is that I already own a Submariner. As a side note I think it looks great on your wrist and not too big, so I think you should go for it!
Hi Adrian, great video on the SD as this was my very first Rolex. Got it 2 years ago from an AD. Liked it the first time I laid eyes on it. Loved the size and the presence on the wrist. Like you, I have a 6.5in wrist and personally, I think it fits perfectly. From your wrist shots I think it fits you nicely too. Simply put, I just like chunky watches, period 😅. The Red text simply makes it pop. In fact it is also my first watch with a cyclops, so I’m all for it. Couldn’t have asked for more.
Had mine for 6 years now. Love it. Doesnt sit too big for me. The case is slim and appears slimmer. And the protruding caseback is hidden. Also. The minutes markers all round the bezel also make it appear smaller.
This was my second Rolex and I am in love with it! Fits like a glove on my wrist cuz I have a big wrist. Love the capabilities of it and makes me feel safe jumping in the pool 😂
Great video mate cheers
Great video. I have this watch and absolutely love it. I love the style and the red text, the cyclops and the slide lock brushed bracelet. I had a deepsea that was just too big and heavy for me so this is a much better fit. I have a similar wrist and never had any concern about the size until I got the GMT. I can feel the difference and get why people make comments about the bulk. Having the GMT makes me like this even more though. Thanks Adrian.
Adrian - What about the Sea Dweller model before that one, a bit smaller so perfect for you and most of us? That's the 116600 Sea Dweller 4000 made from 2014-17.
Definitely! Rarer too these days.
Have it, love it! My wrist is a bit chunkier than Adrian‘s. Great video - as always! 👍
I’m on the waiting list for this one . Great watch.
I always say if the Submariner is a Porsche 911 the 126600 Sea Dweller is the GT3RS. I have a 7.5 wrist and is a perfect fit. Is my favorite piece. The size, the cyclops, the red line make it just a magnificent.
Much preferred over the Sub. Love the 360deg bezel markings, matte dial, red text, and overall heft/presence. Added bonus that it's more readily available!
I have one, and an 8.5 inch wrist. It is a joy to wear! At last someone else who sees the beauty of this watch. Great video Adrian!
The matte dial on the sea dweller is on point. The sub needs a matte dial
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 reference 116600
Is probably the best most perfect example better proportions. A majority of the performance of the performance of the newer models put retaining and practicality of the tool and wearability
Agreed. SD4k is the one to own.
I got a Sub that was just ... lost on my wrist. Then I learned about the SeaDweller, tried it, got it and am really satisfied! For the right sized person, this is the right sized watch. Love it!
Thanks for the throwback review. Underrated model.
I don’t mind the cyclops, though I would prefer a no date option. The immense size is a no go for me, it makes my normal wrists look scrawny and it doesn’t slide under anything
That new Omega Seamster 300m clip at 3.29, got me weak in the knees.
Was at the AD a couple of weeks ago. Felt amazing, think we have similar size wrists so yeah A tiny bit on the too large size! But I also LOVE this one 🤪
Inasmuch as others may feel differently, I see the Cyclops lens as part of Rolex's heritage and I'm happy to see it on the watch as normal date windows left my eyes behind years ago. As for the watch being perfect, it is. Some humans are simply not worthy. All kidding aside (sorry Adrian!), watches do need to match their owners, and even having done so at one moment in time, may not have before or at some point in the future. Consider the changes in watch size popularity over time - the idea that at some point smaller watches were perfect and then at some point more recently larger watches because more popular and now we're moving downwards a bit. Great video as always, thank you!
I think it looks fine on your wrist. The pocket shots look great
Correct me if I am wrong. When you go deeper, bubble actually contract and not expand. With pressure, bubble get smaller. Only when you resurface, bubble expands. Just like a balloon.
I would assume that the consistent contraction and expansion results in the cyclopes popping off than by 1 time expansion? If you have a 1mL^3 at ambient, you go deeper and resurface to ambient, it should remain more or less 1mL^3
This is the best looking sports watch Rolex has to offer! I had this and Hulk side by side and picked SD43 over Hulk! Stunning piece!
Exactly this 126600 is the only current Rolex model I keep coming back to and probably will end up buying at some point.
Beautiful watch and although, I very much lean towards smaller watches these days in this case the size just works!
I’m thinking the pressure would not make the gas in the cyclops glue expand. That normally happens in a vacuum. More probable is the differential between how the crystal and the glue react to extreme pressure developing shear force between the glue and the crystal.
The 1st gen Deepsea was the first modern Rolex. The best sleeper.
Great vid Adrian! I have a 16600 - because I, like you, have slim wrists (about 170mm) and this one would be too big. I love the extra heft of my 16600 when on the wrist and the fact that it's grossly over-engineered for my needs, but that makes me love it all the more! I do keep eye-ing up the small-run ceramic 40mm SD4000 when they pop up on the used market!
I got to try it on a few months ago and it has not left my mind. Next to the explorer II I want this as a modern Rolex.
I absolutely love this watch, and I definitely need the cyclops on a watch now! It's my grail & when I've tried it on it fits me perfectly. Other than the price I don't get why it's not as popular as it should be 🔥
I own this watch and it is a gem. I don't wear it that often because it has too much wrist pressence for work or on the street. I have a 8.2" wrist so 43mm is prefect.
I’ve had the 50th anniversary sea dweller for last 4 years and wear it daily on a black rubber-b strap, which in my opinion makes it perfect 👌🏻
SD4K still the king of vintage look and new tech that keeps great proportions.
Agree!
Finally a review of my watch! I’ve had it since 2020 and absolutely love it
8.5 inch wrist. It's my 5th year with one. My first Rolly. Couldn't agree more. It's been serviced under warranty twice. I had to replace the case the second time. I beat the hell out of it. I'm more careful now. That was an expensive repair. It's a perfect tool watch for larger wrists, just $$$. Love the matte black. Terrific contrast for older eyes.
I heard they no longer include the drive extension. Mine is stored in my box.
I bought a PloProf in 09 and it was my daily wearer for years. Loved the look of the Sea Dweller and it has recently replaced the PloProf as my daily wearer. The cyclops is great for my old eyes and the only niggle is that with the raised case back it’s not as comfortable on the wrist is the Omega
If I had a larger wrist I would have gotten a Sea Dweller over a Submariner. The inventor of the Helium Escape Valve, such a badass watch.
The bezel the dial ration is off also. Look close enough it’ll bug you. They just beefed up the case around the same size movement and dial to create a bigger watch.
Sounds like you should try out a Ginault Ocean Rover 2. A 5-digit sized case but with all the modern embellishments (and a splash of red to offset the monochrome).
116600 for sure, kicking myself I didn’t buy it when it was fairly readily available at retail. Unfortunately, sells for more than this one these days.
And harder to obtain. Still time to obtain a 116600 though. Only going to steadily climb this piece. 7 for sale within UK. Rare.
Bought a two tone version for my 50th birthday. Sold it to buy shares of a technology company. Will buy again. Was definitely a conversation starter and i do miss it. Also sold my Omega speedmaster racing master chronometer for the same reason. Sometimes you gotta ensure the things you own don`t end up owning you.
It's too large in my opinion but love the red text 💯
116600 is the last true SD and the perfect professional diving Watch
I wanted a sub but really liked this and its proportions, I think I can nearly pull it off on my 6 3/4” wrist! Is the lug to lug not very similar to your EX2? Is it just the heft you think is to big for you?
the omega planet oceano summer blue makes love to that rolex
I love the sea dweller, I’ve got a large wrist and had to add a link, but after wearing it for 10 years the weight and bulk started to annoy me so I bought a Pelagos LHD which solved all my gripes. Pretty much the same size but lighter and the crown doesn’t poke the back of my hand and it keeps better time.
Totally agree
Had it, but unfortunately had to sell it because of the thickness 😢
What % of sea dwellers have ever went to the glue disrupting depths?
I own this reference and love it!
Great Review and nice to hear your opinions!! I have this model and the 16600, it is absolutely perfect and when I’m wearing it I can’t stop looking at it! Everyone has Subs and this in my opinion is far superior…. Keep the reviews coming👍
I happen to have one of these bad boys and I also happen to have not the biggest wrists 7”. Still wear it a lot and love I it!
Rolex does, in fact, look back. Ex. 1 - The reversion to the 36mm Explorer (124270). Ex. 2 - bringing back the Stella dial with the OPs. Ex. 3 - Rolex based the 1908 on an OP from 1931. Come on, Adrian!
I have this watch, like you, my wrists are small, but I am now going to go to the safety deposit box and retrieve it!! I banged this watch up good and proper :)
Rolex realised that nobody would ever actually use this for diving so they put the cyclops back on
I debated quite a bit between this, and the submariner ultimately going with the submariner because of the size. But the Matt dial with red text and the submariner would be insanely good.
My first Rolex, so will always be perfect in my eyes! I wear it every day and love it.
One of my favorites the proportions are perfect for me.
Love it! I actually recently got the call from Rolex after 4 1/2 years of waiting, the watch got over 2500€ more expensive but I immediately picked it up. I am a big guy and 40 or 41mm just looks to small on me. This is perfect and looks awesome 👌 I also got the deep sea but this one just nails it.
Love the watch. Tried it on when it was released. However i too felt it was slightly too big for my 7.25" wrist. 41mm is my absolutely max watch size i can pull off.
I have this watch, I agree with everything you’ve said with regard to the finish and the smaller details. I love it. I am one of the lucky ones where my wrist is large at 200mm and this watch fits my wrist perfectly, better than a submariner.
I have both the 16600 and this 2017 reference too . With a 7 3/4 inch wrist the latter feels a better fit for the modern look .. but the 16600 has just something about it ( or maybe things about it ) that mean I just cannot part with it too ! They are so different and it’s great to own both for different looks and feels.
Love it! I have 8incj wrist so would be perfect. Also I scuba dive so would love to have one, although the depth is over kill 😊
I have this watch but it is not as comfortable as its big brother, the Deeper Sea Dweller, which i also have. The SD43’s case back has a smaller extrusion for the movement which becomes a heavy hot spot on the wrist. But the DSSD is flat on the wrist so more comfortable.
I owned that watch and loved it, but it was slightly too tall for my 8" wrist (15mm). If they could make it
Compare this with the Explorer II-it doesn’t differ too much in size at all … bracelet is even the same!
The only big difference is the dial area/surface, which make the overall design proportions on dial/watch case ratio sizes different, and thus a overall difference in design feeling.
You should review the 116600 you'll love it
Only those who know, know! The 116600 is the one to own.