The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12 April 2020, 01:05 AM   #1
jgottsman11
2024 Pledge Member
 
jgottsman11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: wHerE do U liv
Watch: 5164R
Posts: 1,450
Would anyone recommend a 18038/18238 over a 118238?

Just curious if anyone here in the vintage forum would have any reasons as to why one should choose an earlier model daydate opposed to the 118238/118239? I personally want a post 2003 model due to the updated clasp and heavier bracelet, but am I missing anything that makes these vintage DD's special?
jgottsman11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 April 2020, 05:08 AM   #2
miamiclay
2024 Pledge Member
 
miamiclay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,413
18238 has the advantage of double quickest over 18038, but the only advantages of 18238 over 118238 which occur to me are a) the much wider choices available (in dials, bezels, and even bracelets), and b) the cost. Some minor style differences (brushed vs. polished lug tops, engraved rehaut, etc.), but nothing major.

BTW, I’m not sure the heavier bracelet and clasp change both occurred in 2003 - Clasp change was 2006, maybe? Someone with actual knowledge will chime in, I’m sure ...
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by TuRo View Post
it's not luck is it...it's a tiny payback for the half million hrs we have all put into this nonsense
miamiclay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 April 2020, 09:39 AM   #3
crowncollection
"TRF" Member
 
crowncollection's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,216
Quote:
Originally Posted by miamiclay View Post
18238 has the advantage of double quickest over 18038, but the only advantages of 18238 over 118238 which occur to me are a) the much wider choices available (in dials, bezels, and even bracelets), and b) the cost. Some minor style differences (brushed vs. polished lug tops, engraved rehaut, etc.), but nothing major.

BTW, I’m not sure the heavier bracelet and clasp change both occurred in 2003 - Clasp change was 2006, maybe? Someone with actual knowledge will chime in, I’m sure ...

New model and band came in 2000
Newer clasp 2003


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
watches many
crowncollection is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 April 2020, 05:45 AM   #4
L.K Johnson
"TRF" Member
 
L.K Johnson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: /
Posts: 1,741
The huge difference between a 5 and a 6 digit DD is the solid bracelet of the 6-digit vs the hollow bracelet of the 5 digit, pretty hefty weight difference...not sure if the the 118238 case also is heavier then the 18038/18238 case...you can search threads that tell you the exact difference...in regards to dials, all 5 digit dials fits the 6 digit ref and vice versa...
L.K Johnson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 04:20 AM   #5
borsche
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Texas
Posts: 97
I’m lovin my 18238.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
borsche is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 05:02 AM   #6
ronricks
2024 Pledge Member
 
ronricks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ATL
Watch: 126610LV
Posts: 2,753
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgottsman11 View Post
Just curious if anyone here in the vintage forum would have any reasons as to why one should choose an earlier model daydate opposed to the 118238/118239? I personally want a post 2003 model due to the updated clasp and heavier bracelet, but am I missing anything that makes these vintage DD's special?
I like the 18038’s because:

It is about .3 mm thicker than a 18238 so it ‘wears’ slightly larger
Tons of different dials to pick from compared to a 118238
I like the brushed and sharper lugs over the rounded and polished 118238 lugs
Cost is much cheaper than a 118238 or even a 18238
If worn daily the single quick vs double quick debate is moot really
Somewhat vintage appeal (this likely doesn’t matter to many people)

Everyone has a preference and there really is no right or wrong answer. For me personally I rank them:
18038
118238
18238

I just really like the character of the 18038 over the 118238 but all 3 are great watches with their own slight differences and nuances that make them special.
ronricks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 April 2020, 01:40 PM   #7
aayates
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: atlanta, GA, USA
Posts: 914
The cost difference was the clincher for me. Bracelet may be lighter on the 18238 but the price more than justifies the difference to me. Basically I can't afford the newer 118238, but that's ok.
aayates is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.