First Post; Newbie seeks divine guidance re. President purchase

[Skyblazer]

In 1965 I purchased a new GMT Master Red/Blue for $135 in Japan. After the last 30 + years in a drawer it was "restored" by Beverly Hills Service Center for $970 and I gave it to my son for his MBA graduation. Although purchased new, RSC said it was a circa 1957 model.

My trusty $89 Casio was recently damaged so I'm considering purchasing a used Rolex Day Date. Any suggestions would be most welcome. I've been lurking and studying here for a few days. Many thanks for all your very helpful information.

It seems to me there must be a "sweet spot" for best value in a used Day-Date.

One seller advised: "The latest style, model with the updates etc begins with the new style bracelet and clasp."

Question: What year and/or serial number did the new style bracelet and clasp appear on Day-Date?

Any suggestions or examples about the valuation of such watch would be very helpful.

Edit: Edited

[DWdrummer]

Hi there.

I believe the "P" serials and up are when changes were made. Heavier bracelets etc.

I think that was in 2001 or 2002, up to the current models.
You can get a good savings at some AD's. If you dont mind pre-owned Day Dates there are some incredible deals out there right now in the market. Im no expert by any means, but there are a few here who will be along shortly Im sure.

Welcome to TRF and enjoy your stay.

[JBat]

The DD is a great watch and an icon. Welcome to TRF.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Welcome! Take a look at the DSSD. It's bigger than the Seamaster, and has a ceramic bezel, and awesome lume.

[Gerardus]

Welcome!

[Skyblazer]

Paul, thanks for suggestion. Not sure what a DSSD is. Is it Day Stainless Steel Date?

BTW, I used to ride GS1000 and GS1100 BMW, but only on the Strasse.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by Skyblazer

Not sure what a DSSD is. Is it Day Stainless Steel Date?

Welcome to TRF!

I'd be first in line if they came up with that version of a DSSD.

Sorry for the confusing acronyms. You'll get used to it after a while.

[spuds]

Welcome!

& (on behalf of Paul while he's maybe out upholding the law somewhere) DSSD is the Deap Sea Sea Dweller.

[Renoir]

Here's a recent thread:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=108262

[Skyblazer]

Renoir, that thread was a huge help. Many thanks.

Today at South Coast Plaza Rolex store I spent some time with a guy from corporate.
He recommended buying the DD II. Reason: It is the beginning of a long run, whereas the DD has been around a long time. He said the DD II price will probably go up 15 times in the next 8 years. Every March and September. As they say in the airline business, I have a wide body so the DD II didn't dwarf me.

I saw and wore the DD and DD II. Going from 36 to 41 mm really looks big. They had a rose gold, which reminded me of the Polish Olympian who liked his gold medal so much he had it bronzed. My sales girl was Polish but I didn't tell her that joke.

The DD and DD II will both continue to be produced.

The Parachrom hairspring will eventually be in all Rolex watches within 10 years. I don't think it is in the DD yet.

All Rolex watches now have the inner ROLEXROLEXROLEX bezel with the sn at the 6 o'clock position.

Sticks are luminous and have luminous hands on new DD & DD II.
Roman numbers and hands are gold and not luminous. (important for theater ushers checking to see when their shift ends?)

In addition to champagne face there is a new "light champagne". You could easily mistake it for silver. Both are just called champagne.

The DD II is impressive and I will purchase if affordable (win lottery or rob the local 7-11). Alternative is a late model used DD.

I personally like yellow gold with white face, or silver or light champagne face. Undecided between sticks and roman. BTW the 4 is IIII instead of IV to give the face a more balanced look.

The watch display cases, especially the DD and DD II were dripping with diamonds. He explained their cliental was mainly Asian and they prefer diamonds. It's probably those rich doctors that have been cutting on me the last 10 years.

[ESKO]

Originally Posted by Skyblazer

Renoir, that thread was a huge help. Many thanks.

Today at South Coast Plaza Rolex store I spent some time with a guy from corporate.
He recommended buying the DD II. Reason: It is the beginning of a long run, whereas the DD has been around a long time. He said the DD II price will probably go up 15 times in the next 8 years. Every March and September. As they say in the airline business, I have a wide body so the DD II didn't dwarf me.

I saw and wore the DD and DD II. Going from 36 to 41 mm really looks big. They had a rose gold, which reminded me of the Polish Olympian who liked his gold medal so much he had it bronzed. My sales girl was Polish but I didn't tell her that joke.

The DD and DD II will both continue to be produced.

The Parachrom hairspring will eventually be in all Rolex watches within 10 years. I don't think it is in the DD yet.

All Rolex watches now have the inner ROLEXROLEXROLEX bezel with the sn at the 6 o'clock position.

Sticks are luminous and have luminous hands on new DD & DD II.
Roman numbers and hands are gold and not luminous. (important for theater ushers checking to see when their shift ends?)

In addition to champagne face there is a new "light champagne". You could easily mistake it for silver. Both are just called champagne.

The DD II is impressive and I will purchase if affordable (win lottery or rob the local 7-11). Alternative is a late model used DD.

I personally like yellow gold with white face, or silver or light champagne face. Undecided between sticks and roman. BTW the 4 is IIII instead of IV to give the face a more balanced look.

The watch display cases, especially the DD and DD II were dripping with diamonds. He explained their cliental was mainly Asian and they prefer diamonds. It's probably those rich doctors that have been cutting on me the last 10 years.

I have seen a lot of talk recently on the DD II, Now I am thinking of selling my 1960's DD to get a DDII. I am a big dude (Read: Fat) so it would suit me well.
Hope whateve you get goes with YOUR personality!
Best of luck

[Speed]

Smart move not telling your Polish saleswoman your Polish Joke. Great way to lose a discount.

Those diamond-loving, rich Asian Drs...hope they have done good work on you over the last 10 years.

Welcome to TRF. A very diverse membership here...FYI