Birth year 1979 Rolex 18083 Day Date

[jay_kay]

I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to this watch and it's something that I normally wouldn't consider but....... It's a birth year and it's a friend who has it.

Just wondering if anyone could give me any pointers, I had assumed being 1979 it would be plexi but after research the sapphire would be right. It has the original fluted bezel in the box so the diamond bezel would be removed. As for the dial, I'm not sure if it's the original or whether it's aftermarket. The date and day don't seem to line up very well with the apertures.

It's retry clear from the condition that it has seen very little wrist time over its life, service history is unknown and I've not had a chance to check the timekeeping.

Comments welcome.















It has an insurance valuation report from 2006 which states £12,950 but realistically what would it be worth in the current market? Sub £8000 considering it's a loose watch?

[Tri-Tip]

I've never seen one with a frame like that around the date window.

[trackntrail]

Something definitely seems off about the dial/date wheels. But otherwise will look good once you swap the bezel.

[CWIN]

Something about it looks off about it but I'm definitely not an expert.

[CHRONOLEX]

Thats definitely not the original dial. Think I would keep looking for an original non diamond piece.

[crowncollection]

dial is aftermarket and that band is too new for that watch,

[jay_kay]

Thanks for the comments so far. So the dial and bezel are probably aftermarket!

Originally Posted by crowncollection

dial is aftermarket and that band is too new for that watch,

Is there any way of dating an 8385 18k bracelet?

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by jay_kay

Thanks for the comments so far. So the dial and bezel are probably aftermarket!













Is there any way of dating an 8385 18k bracelet?

Well that hallmark did not come I to existence until 1995. Some have a date code some don't


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[jay_kay]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Well that hallmark did not come I to existence until 1995. Some have a date code some don't


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I have just seen the code on the other side of the clasp and its U3 making it 1997, I think.

Thanks for the assistance.

[bde]

I would pass on it, and wait for another. Too many ifs.

[Wolfgang427]

Dial is aftermarket bezel could be as well, but if price is good then buy it. Real easy to get a original DD dial for it and put back the original fluted bezel plus you can sell off the aftermarket DD dial and DD bezel.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by bde

I would pass on it, and wait for another. Too many ifs.

Exactly this

[Nycturbovr6]

Yeah be careful on this one

[crfsocal]

Doesn't look right, not saying its fake but it looks like it was "modified"

[gontomt]

No! Why buy a watch and then replace all the parts? As others have said, "Too Many Ifs".

Look around - there are plenty of legitimate watches that meet your requirements.

[1976]

Too many aftermarket parts: a birth year Rolex should be as original as possible i.m.o.

It could take a few years to find one, but it's worth the time!! Here's my 1601 from 1976, bought from the son of the first owner:

[travisb]

I'd pass. I wouldn't like the idea of all the aftermarket work.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by travisb

I'd pass. I wouldn't like the idea of all the aftermarket work.

agree

[AK797]

Pass, aftermarket dial and day and date wheels not centred.

[REDiesel]

It all depends on purchase price. You have the bezel. A nice non-diamond dial is no more than $500 (Champagne can be had for much less). Factor in a $500 service to change the parts and ensure it's working properly. The bracelet is newer which looses authenticity points, but is going to be in better shape and look and feel better. I bought an 18038 that belonged to my Uncle off my Aunt and "restored" it - or should I say Rik did.

[jay_kay]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

It all depends on purchase price. You have the bezel. A nice non-diamond dial is no more than $500 (Champagne can be had for much less). Factor in a $500 service to change the parts and ensure it's working properly. The bracelet is newer which looses authenticity points, but is going to be in better shape and look and feel better. I bought an 18038 that belonged to my Uncle off my Aunt and "restored" it - or should I say Rik did.

Thanks for the pics. That is exactly how I imaging it looking with a black dial and regular bezel back on. Case and watch is 79 and the bracelet is 1997, so not original to watch but does have very little stretch in it. I'd need to service movement to sort the uncentered day and date and then have a black dial fitted. UK RSC will likely want £600 for the service and a further £500 for the dial so I imaging going certified watchmaker the route to go.

[DJ TT 2002]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

It all depends on purchase price. You have the bezel. A nice non-diamond dial is no more than $500 (Champagne can be had for much less). Factor in a $500 service to change the parts and ensure it's working properly. The bracelet is newer which looses authenticity points, but is going to be in better shape and look and feel better. I bought an 18038 that belonged to my Uncle off my Aunt and "restored" it - or should I say Rik did.

WOW

[DJ TT 2002]

Here's a dial from my birth year. I don't know if it will help

[breitlings]

i have an 8 million serial 18078 birth year and returned one in the search.

[77T]

The one you shared is chock-a-block with issues if you want an all-original authentic Rolex President. Otherwise, if it suits your fancy then use the info gained here to negotiate a better price due to the things mentioned.

Now the thing about "birth year" in general is this: you can't know when the thing watch was "born" - just a probability of the year from the internet lists. If it comes with original papers, then you'll know when it was sold but that's all.


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[THC]

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