Reply With QuoteSimply no it is not IMHO
Too thick to be dressy
Lately, I've been looking for a Panerai, and therefore thinking about selling my DSSD. A) this would free up cash and B) I see them both as being in similar sizes and price brackets. However I'm just not sure if letting go of this watch is a great idea.
The Deep Sea is a watch that polarises opinions. It's completely over-engineered with a depth rating of 3900m, a thick case and a weight of over 200g when all its links are fitted. However, even on my small 6.75" wrist, I'm very happy with the way it wears compared to pretty much any other Rolex I've ever owned. I don't know why, but I sometimes struggle with the fit of Rolex, especially with the previous Sea-Dweller models as they always felt very top-heavy on my wrist (I know this isn't everyone's view). However I think the long, fat clasp, along with the taper of the lugs allow the Deep Sea to sit very well. The adjustability of the clasp allows it to pretty much always feel uncomfortable as well. The clasp also features a more a unique adjustment system that I've always found to be less fiddly than that of the SubC Glide-lock.
I always thought that the SubC would wear better for me as it's a smaller watch, but in recent times, I've realised that the sharper lugs of the SubC cause it to look like it's sitting high on my wrist. The DSSD has much more of a downwards taper to the lugs and it meets my wrist better.
The weight of the watch doesn't bother me either. At 1/5th of a KG, it sounds like it's a recipe for an aching wrist after a while, but it's such a comfortable watch that I find I sometimes forget I'm wearing it. Quite strange considering the only other watch I get this with it my Titanium Aerospace. I think balance is the key here, and it's been done very well by Rolex. Also, a lot of people complain about the taper of the bracelet. It starts at a 21/22mm lug and ends up at around 18mm at the clasp. This is quite a difference, but I think someone with a larger wrist would notice this more than myself. This is because I have a small enough wrist that I require several links to be removed, giving the bracelet less surface area at each side. As such, it looks similar to any other Rolex I've ever owned. Therefore what could be an idea for anyone with larger wrists, is to remove a link either side and use the clasp adjuster to attain the perfect fitment.
My final point is that the Deep Sea seems to be a watch that can be pretty much worn to any occasion. It dresses up or down and to me, is one of those rare, worry-free watches that would suit pretty much anybody. It's a few years old now but I think if anybody is concerned about the size, they really need to try one where possible and consider it if they haven't before. It's a marvellous piece of kit.
Please excuse the reflections in the photo... they were quickly set up before I rushed out the other day :-)
Simply no it is not IMHO
Too thick to be dressy
I wore it to dinner the other night, no problem at all. I'm not into actual "dress watches" at all personally, having a chronograph as my main dress watch, but I found the Deep Sea looked great with a shirt the other night :-)Originally Posted by rob-vicar
Thanks for the review. The DSSD is definately on my radar for 2014.
“Don’t look back, you’re not heading that way.”
There are many bigger, thicker and heavier watches out there, eg Omega and Breitling but the DSSD is the one that gets the bashing on the forum. I like mine, particularly on a Rubber B strap. For me though it's a weekend casual wearer (shirt and tie all week). It's predecessor is far more versatile as an all rounder.
ps - photo's are fantastic and you'd be mad to sell it for a PAM.
Last edited by mylofitz; 3rd January 2014 at 16:43.
Wayne, not only a great review on a great watch the pictures are stunning too.
Keep the DSSD and forget the 311/317.
Regards.
Keith.
IMO any strap model Panerai of 44mm or less is more dressy than a DSSD, which in comparison is rather blingy on its bracelet.
For example
The DSSD is an incredible watch and I would welcome another into my collection. Sold mine to fund something else and one day I'll have another back. Nice review.
Had one for a while, but felt that the bracelet was miss - matched and the rehaut looked ott. I think there are more versatile watches out there for the money... But I'm not sure Panerai make any of them! S/H Royal Oak, perhaps?
Panerai are great watches, but after having one on the wrist for some time 40mm just don't cut the mustard, they are big watches I think the DSSD is the only Rolex which can carry off a watch change without going, Jesus that's small.
I bought mine cheaply, fairly knocked about as an experiment to see if I could wear such a thing. Shocked to say I love it and intend to keep it for the forseeable future. I am even selling my 16600 in order to keep it, >that's< how much I like it!
However, I don't agree it's suitable for all occasions, it is large and somewhat brash; I wouldn't wear it with a long sleeved shirt either, it'd just be annoying. It's a bit of overengineered fun, a bit like my AP ROO. If you don't take yourself seriously, you'd be surprised at what you can get away with :)
I take myself seriously but I don't really "get" the whole dress watch thing tbh. Most people in your company won't bat an eyelid at what watch you're wearing so if I want to wear a deep sea, or a Casio I will. I wore a shirt with mine to dinner the other night... The only annoying thing was I didn't have a big enough steak on my plate!
I have the Hulk, 114060 Ceramic ND Sub and the DSSD.
All of them related of course however the DSSD is my fave by a long shot, the weight doesn't bother me in the slightest and I love the presence on my wrist. I recently bought the 114060 thinking it might persuade me to part with the DSSD but short answer ... nope!
PS - the glide lock on the DSSD is amazing, wish the subs had the same one!!
Last edited by kultschar; 3rd January 2014 at 17:31.
I am a big fan of the DSSD, I plan to get one soon.
I agree with you on two points there; we all wear what we're comfortable wearing, and restaurant steaks are never big enough :)
I wear a dress watch when out partly because I think it's appropriate but mostly because I like having an excuse to wear them. Occasionally I'll wear a small gold watch on a a croc strap with jeans and tshirt; as you say, no-one notices or cares and I like being ever so slightly inappropriate at times...
Someone once told me a good way of approaching life is to be serious about what you do but not take yourself too seriously. I like that philosophy. In terms of a dress watch, I dislike people being prescriptive about what watch should or should not be worn on specific occasions but I'll certainly admit that I tend to go for something slimmer and less sporty when I'm wearing a suit or black tie. Of course, that's just personal preference and I'm fortunate enough to have a diverse collection that permits me to feel that way.
SGR
Great watch IMHO
Wish I'd kept mine but there you go .
Paul
GOT...TO...KILL...CAPTAIN STUPID!
Hmmm, overkill, high end engineering for something that none of us need, bit like wearing steel toe cap boots to the office, sorry chum but in my world its pointless, but good luck and be happy.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
You'd be crackers to chop it in for a pam [IMHO]
Even though I love the DSSD, I may well flip it in the near future, but would only consider flipping if a 16660 SD or 16610LV were in the equation. Never for a Panerai
You'll regret it I reckon
I wear steel toe caps to my office
It is over-engineered, as mentioned in the thread. To me, that's part of it. Sure, you can buy a gmtc that has enough water resistance for anyone, or buy the iconic sub. But when Rolex created the deep sea, they created a watch that doesn't really fall into a category that's useful to anyone. Just like a hypercar in a 30mph limit... Unnecessary but some people will still desire that :-)
Every brand has a model that doesn't conform to the regular rules in some way, and this is just that from Rolex.
You're probably right lee. Hope you get sorted with one of the above :-)
I think the DSSD is the nicest watch in the Rolex stable at the moment(IMHO)and if you can wear one of these and it feels comfortable then don't trade in for a Pan as i am sure you will regret it.
Understand where you're coming from, but as I get older logic plays a larger part in my thinking soz
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
I've already got a SD, But it's one I bought in not brilliant condition with no B+P. Something I never normally do. But I wear it most days
I could do with a pristine full set one to sit in it's box and only come out once in a blue moon
I detect a hint there ;-) haha
I went to try on a new DSSD just after they came out, and went in to the jewellers wearing my daily wearer at the time, a Pam 219 on a brown leather strap (I think it was a 219 - it was a destro 112 effectively. Can't remember all the model names!) - the DSSD wore completely differently to the Pam - all fat and high with a slim bracelet as opposed to the squat and wide Panerai with short lugs and fat strap. The Pam was much nicer IMHO and I just handed the DSSD back. To be absolutely honest I really don't like the DSSD at all but was surprised how differently it wore compared to a 44mm Panerai. I imagine wrist shape and size play a big part - I have wide flat wrists so neither look huge on me (I wear a sub with all the links fitted and just 1 micro adjustment from the max - no idea in inches I'm afraid) but the Panerai just looked right at 44mm where the DSSD proportions seemed a bit out of whack.
I think that's where the taper of the bracelet shows itself like I say Rob. When all the links are in, it gets very thin towards the clasp which looks a bit odd.
The panerai shape is very different as you say so I'll see how I get on trying them out.
I ordered a DSSD when they were released - couldn't buy it, didn't think it looked or felt right. ANother two times I did a similar thing - then I just bought it for myself for Christmas a few years ago, and I love it.
This thread has reminded me that I need to wear mine more often - I'll get it out of the safe and add it to my weekly wear list for January and see how I get on - thank you!
It's just a matter of time...
Me too. Wouldn't wear wear a DSSD there though.
Interesting thread and clearly a watch that's loved by some... not by all, though!
i have the same sized wrists as you, Wayne, and whilst I don't feel that I can wear a DSSD comfortably (nor do I like how it feels at all) I do wear a 45mm Radiomir for all occasions. It looks fantastic dressed up or down and easily slips under a shirt cuff. Far more versatile IMO, but if course we all have opinions and you know what they say about those
I like them, i think they look great, apart from the text on the chapter ring, why did they have to do that? i have toyed with the idea of chopping my explorer 2 in for one a couple of times but in the end, it comes down to that text.
if i could get past that, i think the shape, size and heft of it are superb and would prefer it over a sub any day of the week.
i think i also quite like the fact that it is against whatever convention exists and it is less common. Just a shame about that chapter ring!
I like the DSSD, don't get me wrong, but Id never consider it to be a "great" all-rounder - even if an individual decides hes going to wear it "all-round".
Its predecessor the seadweller fitted this description much more, but this watch too had its critics.
Its a bit of a bruiser - and to be loved for that - but not a particularly capable all-rounder - no way - the whole point of all the work and development put into the project was to create an outstanding specialist, to push a few boundaries in a very specific direction - not to create a jack-of all-trades.
Great news! Get it out of the safe and enjoy it :-DI ordered a DSSD when they were released - couldn't buy it, didn't think it looked or felt right. ANother two times I did a similar thing - then I just bought it for myself for Christmas a few years ago, and I love it.
This thread has reminded me that I need to wear mine more often - I'll get it out of the safe and add it to my weekly wear list for January and see how I get on - thank you!
I'm yet to try the a panerai properly as you know, but my friend's uncle has a radiomir and it seemed to hang over my wrist when I tried it briefly. I'm therefore beginning to think this measurement malarkey is a lot of tripe lol... It must be more about how flat or knobbley your wrist is.
In a photo, the watch becomes the size of your screen. In reality, the text is what, 3mm tall? So you just don't notice it... It'd be like saying you don't want the watch because there's text on the dial :-)
I could get comfortable with mine so it had to go. One of those watches that I really wanted to like. I think they look great and the clasp is the best out there.
However, I found it top heavy and ended up looking at it as if it was just a great heavy bit of metal.
I have a hulk and SubC abd have to say that they are perfect.
Andy
that may well be true but it depends on the text in question. its a shame you cant rent a watch for a week or 2 to see what you think outside of a showroom.
It's my favorite contemporary Rolex:
I sold my first, but I'm happy to say that that's a mistake I no longer have to live with.
Regards,
Adam
It is.
At one time when I was first getting into watches, I would only wear watches that were over 45mm. Mainly Breitlings, but had a couple of 45mm P.O's and another couple of 47mm Oris divers
I also had a couple of 44mm Pams and even borrowed my pal's 47mm Pam for a week or so
All of those used to fit me fine and didn't feel too large [and as you know I need an extra link to most Rolex sporsts models INCLUDING the DSSD where I need an extra link or else wear it standard with the glidelock fully extended]
But now feel that the 40/41mm Rolex models seem perfect in size for me personally but even then the DSSD fits me fine and feels 'right'
To me the Radiomirs, although thinner seem to look a lot bigger in circumferance [even though they are only 1mm bigger than the Luminors] because they lay flatter to the wrist
Very good Wayne, and I absolutely agree with you on all counts, I'm a big deepsea fan and think its just about perfect for all occasions ( apart from gardening and working under the car of course). I think you'd miss it if you sold it and i'm sure having read your words you would be replacing very quickly if you did.
I love the Deepsea and will buy another one day.....
The build quality of a Deepsea is amazing and far better than most watches-
it feels in a different league to any Panerai imho
I personally would not trade the Deep Sea for a Pam.They do nothing for me at all. Personal taste I guess
O
IMO,DSSD is the best watch Rolex ever made. Hands down. It can be worn in all kinds of situations,IMO
Really love the DSSD, such presence, and have never seen one been worn in public. Would consider selling a kidney for a Double Red Pro Hunter.
It's a great tool watch.
Well in theory, any watch can be worn in any situation! If you wear a DSSD with black tie, then a) it won't fit under your shirt cuff and b) people will assume you only have one watch ;)
It's a casual, sport, diving, beach, holiday, pub, weekend watch. Pretty versatile, but I am of the persuasion that doesn't wear a diver with a suit; I am not influenced by the shenanigans of a fictional spy :)
Nicely summed up SGR
Have to disagree with the OP's claim that the DSSD is a great all-rounder. Unless you really have a need for a very high spec divers watch (let's face it, most people don`t) it becomes a bit pointless. Far too tall, too chunky, and nothing elegant about it. It might be well-engineered.....but so is a combine harvester and I`ve no urge to have one of those on my drive!
For me, the watch looks wrong, no matter which way you view it; a Sub on steroids. I`m OK with a normal Sub, which works much better for most people (particularly the older 16610), but not the DSSD. As to wearing one with a smart shirt and a suit, it's never going to cut it because it's unlikely to fit under a shirt cuff unless you buy big shirts and have small wrists.......an unlikely combination.
I`ve seen a couple in the flesh, and in both cases the watch looked like a clock tied on the wearer's wrist.
I think it's fair to say that it polarises opinions!
Paul
Been wearing mine again, since this thread. A great, and I mean GREAT, all rounder
It's just a matter of time...
I've tried the opposite I.e. Not wearing the DSSD. I've noticed that I've switched my other watches several times over the past day or so, but with the deep sea I tend to just wear that, and that alone.Been wearing mine again, since this thread. A great, and I mean GREAT, all rounder
Even the salesman trying to flog me a panerai today told me not to sell it as he loved them!
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