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17 February 2024, 10:22 AM | #1 |
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President 1803 reliability / 18238 dial colors
Hi All - Looking to purchase a Day-Date and was hoping for feedback on two items. Thanks in advance.
- I'm debating between a 1803 from the 70s and a 18238 from around 1990. I prefer the more vintage style of the 1803 but am worried about reliability and service costs for the older model. Anyone have any experience with the 1803? Do you think the difference in reliability is significant between the 1803 and the 18238? - For the 18238, I see some listed as gold dial and some with champagne dial. Can't tell from photos whether those are actually two different official Rolex colors or whether they're the same and just look a little different under different light. Would appreciate any info on that. |
17 February 2024, 04:34 PM | #2 |
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Well you go straight from a 1555 movement to the 3155, skipping the single quick set 3055.
The old movements can perform very well when they're in good condition, but they can also require a lot of work and money to get in good condition. I often repair these old movements and I love them, but many have been trashed throughout the years so try to find a very good example, have it opened up before you buy. The condition of the screw heads is a good sign to judge if it was repaired by a skilled or not so skilled watchmaker, if they all look pristine then that is a good sign. |
17 February 2024, 05:32 PM | #3 |
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Many thanks SearChart - helpful advice
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18 February 2024, 04:03 PM | #4 |
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i'd be inclined to choose the 18238 because it's approximately 20 years newer, and you'll have better luck finding an example with less bracelet stretch.
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18 February 2024, 07:09 PM | #5 |
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I’d choose 1803 as I love the vintage pan-pie dial better than the flat disc of later models. But, great advice from Searchart re movement check.
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18 February 2024, 08:09 PM | #6 | |
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ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder |
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18 February 2024, 08:49 PM | #7 |
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I've owned the DD with the 1803 movement for 20 years no issues. Love the pan dial also ! Good luck!
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