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ARF SD43 904L 126600 review (many pics)

m5smg2

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bosaftw

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I‘m curious if they also improve the black hole effect for SD43 V3 now that they say they‘ve improved it on the ARF Sub V3.
 

m5smg2

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I‘m curious if they also improve the black hole effect for SD43 V3 now that they say they‘ve improved it on the ARF Sub V3.

Hi. I don’t think there was any crystal improvement on V3. There were some odd cyclops magnification discrepancies in some SD43 batches. But most look correct with good black hole. I’d say the new V3 Sub, and just released GMT cyclops is more like what the SD43 always was: excellent for a stock crystal.

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Duc

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Another member showed me theirs in person a few weeks back. Although I claim to not be a big Rolex fan, he sold me on this watch. Now this thread has me excited for the order. Sourced a gen crystal as well.

Great review, OP
 
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m5smg2

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Thanks Duc I’ve had many many reps. This SD43 is always at the top for me :)
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bosaftw

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I have to say the new batch of the ARF SD43 V3 truly is a NWBIG in my opinion.
With the new rounded dial markers and the closed hole in the seconds hand they removed the flaws it still had as V2 and early batches of V3.
Good QC and you have a very very good rep.
Gen datewheel and crystal makes it almost indistinguishable from gen.
 
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Ant84

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Decided this is the one for me. Only question is...

ARF v3 or Noob v10?
 

Dissemination

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ARF SD43 always had nice DWs except a few watches from V2 batch.
They did not have the problems that ARF Subs and DJ41s had.

Well ok good to know! I've been debating between the new Noob SD43 and this ARF. Do you mind if I ask your opinion between the two if you've had a chance to look? It appears Noob has better insert engravings at least in terms of depth. But I'm assuming ARF still has a better bracelet.

I'm not sure how much experience you have with these..
I dont have much experience, but I do have a noob V9 hulk and the bracelet is definitely nowhere near the ARF daytona I have.
 

bosaftw

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Well ok good to know! I've been debating between the new Noob SD43 and this ARF. Do you mind if I ask your opinion between the two if you've had a chance to look? It appears Noob has better insert engravings at least in terms of depth. But I'm assuming ARF still has a better bracelet.

I'm not sure how much experience you have with these..
I dont have much experience, but I do have a noob V9 hulk and the bracelet is definitely nowhere near the ARF daytona I have.

I would definitely choose ARF V3. I‘ve had many Noob watches in my hand. Submariner V7, V8 and V9. Also some Yachtmasters from Noob.
But comparing it to the ARF models I had they didn‘t have the gen-like feeling. ARF feels really Rolex-like. Noob always was more rattling, flimsy. Maybe a little bit too light weight.
Bezel engravings on the ARF V3 are very good. There was a thread comparing it next to a gen SD43 and there was almost no difference. You really need both watches in your hand to tell.
 

Hazing

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Another member showed me theirs in person a few weeks back. Although I claim to not be a big Rolex fan, he sold me on this watch. Now this thread has me excited for the order. Sourced a gen crystal as well.

Great review, OP


This sea dweller is an amazing model. Personally, I like the noob more than ARF in this reference because a lot of the details are just a little closer, but either way, this will be an amazing watch.

You’ll love it. It’s heavy though and takes some getting used to. Not so much heavy in weight but heavy in the way it sits on the wrist.