A fellow forum member did something similar with his no date subc. I think he used ABC watch works.
Matte bezel 114060
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=440710
How hard is it to make the ceramic bezel insert matte? Obviously other manufacturers (and even Rolex in the new YM) have matte ceramic bezels, but it seems like this would require removal of the insert, bead blasting, then replacement of the insert. I think it would be quite the challenge to do this without breaking the insert. Also, doesn't removal of the insert require a special tool now? So this seems possible, but far from easy.
If you're going to go to those lengths to modify the watch to your liking, this just might not be the watch for you.
A fellow forum member did something similar with his no date subc. I think he used ABC watch works.
Matte bezel 114060
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=440710
The modded Sub looks quite nice. However, I don't think the matte bezel works as well with the glossy Sub dial. With a SDc it might work better since it has a satin dial.
Nice to know that this is a possibility, but I don't know if I'd have the guts to do it.
Disagree.
You either like the look initially or you don't, it shouldn't be something you learn to like the look of just because of the specs.
Wearing it, i.e. living with it, is another matter altogether.
You may like the look, but can't wear it, too heavy, doesn't sit right, can't get the right bracelet/strap adjustment, or any number of other things. This is something you can either learn to put up with, find a compromise like changing the bracelet for a strap or vice versa.
But the look is still the look (modding aside)
I'd say stick with the sd for a while to see if you move through the "bling" factor.
If not had you considered the Pelagos? A couple of mm larger but matte dial, bezel and case for minimum bling aligned to the brand going under the non wis radar, would this be a better fit for you I wonder?
Or as above get the bezel insert modded - personally I think it's a risk to mod it as if you can't bond with the modded watch you'll take a bath selling it on, plus I assume Rolex would insist on a change of bezel come service time as only they are authorised to service it.
but I think it would have a certain cool and look good.
Last edited by Captain Morgan; 12th January 2016 at 09:07. Reason: Missed the mod option.
Matt ceramic bezel and brushed finish comes as standard on a Pelagos, have you tried one of these?
I do think sometimes the perspective is off with us watch nutters.
"you have to have one as it's the best"
"but it doesn't fit me and I don't like the look of it"
"what's wrong with you?"
Admit it, I will and have had that conversation with someone before :)
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Agree, it really is that simple
Not really, as the bezel does make up quite a lot of the look of the watch. Granted not a 'real' issue, but if aesthetically it bugs them, it does become an issue for the wearer /looker.
And as with all irrational thoughts, the more you look, the more you notice, the more you dislike it.
Why should someone buy anything just because 'it's good' if they don't like the look?
Whoops, I was refering the OP and his issue.
I agree with the end links, they do look odd.
I tried one on when they first came out, the end links, odd, but not an issue, bezel I really liked, case shape and flow towards the bracelet I liked. But wasn't for me, as the maxi dial and smaller diameter of the dial compared to my Sub-Date, made it look small.
Great watch though
The price difference over a SubC is the only thing that's stopped me trying one of these, but I do understand your concerns about the bezel, I think it's too busy and the endlink issue is another sticking point. I guess if you've already bought and sold and are now struggling to like it then it's time to move it.
Nice review video Wayne, didn't know you were doing that.
Sounds like you *want* to like it more than you *do* like it.
Gut feeling is everything, and your gut is screaming "NO!".
If you didnt love it the first time, and you are on the fence a second time, then to me that is a clear indication it's not for you.
Really, how many times does a watch truly "grow" on you (and I am not talking about forcing yourself to wear something because you think you should).
The endlinks accentuate the flow of the watch head to the bracelet - they're aesthetic to avoid a more blocky look if they were flush.
I like them, it's a subtle styling thing.
I can't believe I'm contesting something said about this but actually, I think the reason is that the side profile of the watch have had to be different to match the end links, and not the other way around.
If if they'd matched the angles of the end links to the watch case, it would drop down too dramatically and not wear well on larger wrists. The angle of the end links helps with the wearability. That's just my opinion of course.
On the basis of your apparently astronomically high level of indecisiveness I suggest you wear it for a while and then make your decision.
Why? Because if you move it straight on I suspect it won't be too long before you have a third one sitting in front of you!!!!
Simon
As far as I can tell from pics they did not polish the sides of the end link sticking out. Happy to be corrected here by someone who owns it.
But if that's the case then it's sloppy, like fitting a bracelet from another watch.
If you want the stepped effect as a design choice that's fine, but then finish all visible sides.
It doesn't look good to my eyes either but I do like the watch overall.
The end links on the SubC and GMT are slightly undersized in relation to the ends of the lugs, whereas the SD seems fit slightly proud.
The different case profile of the SD possibly plays a part. Does the SD share its end links with the Sub I wonder?
With Rolex ceramic bezels you get all sorts of different colours, in some lights it looks like an aged aluminium insert.
A Sapphire crystal to really admire.
No one could say the dive extension is a half arsed effort.
All stolen pics.
The solid end links on the 1665 were spot on imho.
Do Rolex use the same bracelet for the SubC and SD4000? Given the Sd4000 is a couple of MM shorter than the SubC this would explain the issue !
That's my modded 114060 above.
I also have a 116600 which I did consider doing the mods on but decided on the 114060 for a few reasons, one thing I would say is even with the satin dial on the 116600 which looks gloss in most normal lighting conditions you will still have the bezel/dial contrast, pics do exaggerate this look. Only true way would be a refinished dial.
As for value clearly this will be effected by any modification but the outcome can vary, yes ive limited my audience if I wanted to sell but I have had offers come in from people seeing the pictures.
PITBULL666 above is the man to speak to. He's the gent who did the MOD. Couldn't remember his TZUK handle or find the original post on TZUK until he posted.
Case finish: brushed Vs bead blasted
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?t=338344
I've owned mine for nearly a year and I love it more now than I did when it arrived last year. I've worn it every day since and never felt like it was out of place with whatever I was wearing or where I was going. I currently only have one watch and I couldn't be happier.
I agree with previous comments about it changing colour under different lights. Also the end links seem to add something to the watch for me.
One thing I did do as soon I got mine was to remove the divers extension as I read on here that it makes the watch more wearable. The only Hong I can say on that is that I've never though, I wish I could take it off as its getting uncomfortable. I use to think that about my Sub after a number of hours of wear.
If there is such a thing as a true keeper, for me the Sdc is it.