Vintage Day-Date

[Makash]

I am thinging about getting a vintage Day Date. I found these two models :

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/day...=0&tab=details

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/day...=3&tab=details

One is really vintage, 1971 model, plexiglass, old clasp, beautiful contrast black dial.

The second one is 2002 model, with saphire and blue dial.

There is written that the 1971 model has 6 bar water resistance, so does this mean i can't swim with it? Is this because of plexiglass? the 2002 model with saphire has 10 bar.

Which one should i get? I like the older one a bit more ( the black dial ) , but i am worried about plexiglass quality, if you compare it with saphire. Is the plexi more shatter resistant than saphire? And where can i get a new one when it gets scratched? I would really aprrecieate any answers.

[Mark020]

Both are seriously overpriced
You can swim with both

[Makash]

Thanks for reply! I know they are not cheap, but are in perfect condition with two year warranty, and from trusted seller. If you could recommend me some other cheaper trusted seller, It would be great.

[springer]

Vintage 1803s with nice, minimally stretched bracelets are a premium due to the scarcity of these models with a nice bracelet. ( I believe this 1803 is short a few links.)

Price is something the buyer has to be happy with when factoring in the condition of the head, dial and bracelet on these models. Finding a nice 1803 with a nice original bracelet with the correct number of links would be close to $10,000 - maybe more.

[azguy]

Price out links, your knees will get weak...

You can score something around 410k if you shop, but the Euro continent maybe different than here in the states. I was looking at a pretty nice 1803 about 6 months ago for $9,000but it hadn't been serviced in 15 years.

[crowncollection]

I think it's a stretch to call current production model vintage, as for the 1803 it's in very nice condition, I would suggest its a bit overpriced, as you need to allow about 400 for each link that you need to replace as s few have been removed

[Daytonaman799]

overpriced

[V.lats97nsx]

The 71 has a very stiff band with very little stretch, but the buckle rolex emblem seems polished off.

[joli160]

The 118238 has polished lugs and a bracelet with solid centre links. This feels really different from the 1803. If you are into vintage than you know what to expect, if not I'd choose the 118238.
The 1803 looks nice but does not have the original box/papers, but RSC service papers only. Correct boxes are easy to find should you wish. Not a show stopper.
The condition of the bracelet is a very important aspect when buying a pre loved DD. Both examples look good. Normally I would ask a picture with the bracelet hanging loose to determine the wear.
I find prices in the UK higher than i.e. Germany or Netherlands, but I would not mind paying a bit more for a sound watch. You can always make an offer

[Mark020]

Of course a restored bracelet. Both are watches for suckers imho.

[Makash]

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/day...ref-1803-2.htm

This may be better? The photos are low res, but the dial looks in a bit worse condition than the first 1803. And what about plexi? I know its more shock resistant than sapphire , but water resistance?

[joli160]

Makash, a kind word of advice, find a piece from a Trusted Seller here on TRF or some of the European Forums.
On Chrono24 everybody is a trusted seller and that means zero.
Do a little homework to finalise which model you are after.
Meertz (World of Time) carries vintage and modern DD's.
(The plexi can easily be polished to remove scratches in answer to your question)

[Makash]

joli160, thanks!