I can not agree on the view in terms of usefulness on these modern Rolex sport model.
First thing all mechanical watch are pretty much useless when compare to digital or quartz. Any discussion should just end right here. Everyone should only go home with either a radio control Casio or quartz Citizen if we talk about usefulness.
I know we need justification for buying an expansive toy (that's what these watches are anyway) and I think usefulness is a bad benchmark.
Is like asking what's the practical use for the ability to run very fast in a short distance. None! Unless you are a thief. Then person like Usain Bolt shouldn't exist. Or his only career is to be a thief
The history of SeaDweller is rich and in terms of usefulness (back in the days anyway) the SD beats the daytona hands down.
The SD was never meant to be a civilian watch. It's sole purpose is to be a diving instrument for saturation diver (deep dive). Co-develop with COMEX. Rolex really fulfill the spirit of
Tool Watch with the SD.
This is the reason the SD was not popular. It wasn't meant to be sold for the mass market. Until ref 16600, the SD need to be special order from the AD. Almost impossible to see any ready stock. While the manual Daytonas a plenty and not selling. That's right. No living soul wants a Daytona until Rolex introduce the automatic version, 16520. That's 1988, not too long ago.
Interesting trivia, the SD along with Explorer and Milgauss are only available in stainless steel. Why? Do you need a gold or 2 tone tool watch?
Now the GMT, Subs, Daytona are available in all kind configurations. (Diamond Leopard skin!
) I think Rolex knew the who these watches they are selling to and that's why Rolex made them.
Yes, no one with a desk job really need a watch that weight a ton and depth rated for 4000m. Actually no one really need a watch since cell phones and computer can do the job.
Are we into watches because of it usefulness? or because we are passionate bunch and resonate with other human spirit. The brave one who dive down to 600m, the strong who climb up to Everest and a watch company who will dedicate its resources to develop a watch that will never fail you when take it to the extreme. (I love the spirit of the old school Rolex)
Again please don't feel offended. I just wish to share the story of SD. A watch that still carry the old spirit of Rolex. (Rolex official if you reading this, do something on those skinny bracelet on the DSSD so that I can wear it!!)
PS Jacky any one of these 2 model are fine watches but it's not exactly comparing apple to apple so you won't find a clear answer here.
Regards
Tyler
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