- 23/8/07
- 6,470
- 8,420
- 113
A proper Rolex for AP, IWC, PAM fans. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with the 44mm DEEP-SEA....I love the design and size, but DSSD is too thick even for 44mm, top heavy on the wrist, and its look was never quite balanced like the 44mm YMII. This all new 2017 SEA-DWELLER 43mm design is just perfect in look and wrist comfort with its 15mm thickness. Its beautifully proportioned with its tapered 22mm bracelet and wider clasp (clasp is wider than Sub). I’ve been looking forward to this new 43mm 2017 SD more than any other release. I turned 50 this year, and so did the Sea-Dweller. I’ve included pics with my 1665 DRSD and my Noob 42mm Polar.
About the gen:
Rolex replaced the short run of the 40mm 2014 SD for reasons that can be argued. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of first double-red 1665 Sea-Dweller, rolex makes an all new balanced design in 43mm, dial print in red, and for the first time in a SD adds a cyclops (love/hate). The 126600 houses a new generation 3235 caliber with time set direction same as an ETA movement.
About the rep:
First, big thanks to Angus puretime for excellent communication and service as always, as well as his contributions and insights. The first thing that grabbed me when I took it out of its cool plastic case was the finish. I can’t say how much is from the 904L steel, but the smoothness of the brushed finish is just beautiful and very gen like — as good or better in the detail and quality as other JF products I’ve had, rolex and AP. The SEL fit is good. Bezel turns with a nice feel. Crown position is correct per gen with the A2824 (2836 versions crown looks lower), AND as luck would have it the new rolex 3235 movement time set direction is now the same as an ETA — Win Win for our hobby! The A2824 winds smooth and rotor is very quiet. The dial finish looks semi-gloss like the gen to me. It looks more matte in sun light, and glossy in regular light. The “SEA-DWELLER” lettering is raised like the gen, gives a 3D effect, and the red color is correct. The bezel insert fonts look spot on in graphic accuracy and engraving depth. The insert “platinum” looks closest to gen we’ve seen yet — it’s bright silver but also metallic, and has excellent contrast in low light.
I knew JF (ARF) made superior APs, but I wasn’t convinced about their rolex efforts until recently with their 904 Daytonas and now this SD43 that they’ve surpassed Noob. I also think JF YMII is fantastic (not my style). I have and love several Noobs which I think are excellent (42 Polar, SD4K, GMT CHS) and to me they are 9. ARF is 9.8
About the gen:
Rolex replaced the short run of the 40mm 2014 SD for reasons that can be argued. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of first double-red 1665 Sea-Dweller, rolex makes an all new balanced design in 43mm, dial print in red, and for the first time in a SD adds a cyclops (love/hate). The 126600 houses a new generation 3235 caliber with time set direction same as an ETA movement.
About the rep:
First, big thanks to Angus puretime for excellent communication and service as always, as well as his contributions and insights. The first thing that grabbed me when I took it out of its cool plastic case was the finish. I can’t say how much is from the 904L steel, but the smoothness of the brushed finish is just beautiful and very gen like — as good or better in the detail and quality as other JF products I’ve had, rolex and AP. The SEL fit is good. Bezel turns with a nice feel. Crown position is correct per gen with the A2824 (2836 versions crown looks lower), AND as luck would have it the new rolex 3235 movement time set direction is now the same as an ETA — Win Win for our hobby! The A2824 winds smooth and rotor is very quiet. The dial finish looks semi-gloss like the gen to me. It looks more matte in sun light, and glossy in regular light. The “SEA-DWELLER” lettering is raised like the gen, gives a 3D effect, and the red color is correct. The bezel insert fonts look spot on in graphic accuracy and engraving depth. The insert “platinum” looks closest to gen we’ve seen yet — it’s bright silver but also metallic, and has excellent contrast in low light.
I knew JF (ARF) made superior APs, but I wasn’t convinced about their rolex efforts until recently with their 904 Daytonas and now this SD43 that they’ve surpassed Noob. I also think JF YMII is fantastic (not my style). I have and love several Noobs which I think are excellent (42 Polar, SD4K, GMT CHS) and to me they are 9. ARF is 9.8
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