Rolex watch help for a newbie!

[Kdb]

Hi! Rolex newbie here with a question...

My Dream watch has always been to have a 36mm yellow gold gold Rolex day date 118238.
I'm a busy mom with 3 kids. The gold Rolex is quite heavy and can be showy for my casual lifestyle. It is also pricey.
I found an 15238 yellow gold 34mm date case In great condition from 2005.
I went to see it today and I was confused by the strap. I have tried on the 118238 a few times. It feels heavy and substantial. The watch I tried today the strap felt light and it moved a lot because it has the oyster rivet bracelet.
It is my first time looking at a used watch so I was hoping for some advice. Is this a good watch? I would save about $5000 buying this 15238 instead of the 118238 used.

I really appreciate any advice you can give me

Thanks!!

[Bigsykedaddy]

If your dream watch is the 118238 I would just save up or bite the bullet and pay the extra $5,000. If you don't you may get this watch and regret not buying your Day Date and then you will have a hard time moving that 34 mm date.

Just my opinion though, obviously go with whichever one you like the most

[Brainh18]

Buy the watch you really want. You won't be satisfied with anything else.

[Quailhunter]

The DayDate represents a considerable expenditure.. I would recommend doing a considerable amount of research if you are not buying new from an AD. There are a lot of convincing dishonest sellers that thrive on unsuspecting buyers.

[watchwatcher]

Never settle.

It will be more expensive in the long run if you do, trust me.

[AboutTime]

Several times I've "settled for" a watch that was less costly than the one I really wanted. I regretted it every time and wound up spending more in the long run to obtain the watch I really wanted.

[locutus49]

I would not settle. Buy the 36mm DD and the hell with what others think.

Now, on cost, I would start a conversation (PM) with one of the trusted TRF sellers in the LA area. I bought a great watch from OCRolexguy and he drove to my house to show me some watches. He is very trustworthy and is local to you. See what kind of prices he can do for you and explore your options with him.

There are other trusted sellers who are exceptional, he is just one who I know lives near you so you can have face to face meetings.

Best of luck.

[KDS777]

Great advice here. Buy what you want. You save money and compromise on non-emotional purchases..........this does not qualify. I am a newbie as well and thought about doing exactly what you are thinking and am glad I did not.

[Quailhunter]

Be aware, the term "trusted seller" does not imply in any way that the seller is necessarily bonded, insured, or has any official license. Any or all may apply, but also may not. The term means the seller has a good reputation on an Internet web site among some contributors. Be wise. Do your research. It's just my cautious manner, but I believe buying from an authorized Rolex dealer is the safest path especially for a person new into watches.

[mui.richard]

Why settle? If you can afford the 118238, I wouldn't go with a 15238 which is a substantially different watch. But for what it's worth the 15238 is correct with the rivet bracelet and would be substantially lighter, it being a 34mm and all.

But that's just my opinion... only you know your lifestyle best and I understand being a busy mom with three kids can be a real handful...I'm a child photographer and I see this first hand all the time. Meaning the lighter 15238 is probably easier to wear all the time...instead of sitting in a watch box on the dresser.

Check with Bob's watches or HQ Milton, a couple of well known pre-owned Rolex dealers on the net.

A quick search on HQ Milton shows they currently have a 118238 for sale, might wanna check that out.

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...-with-box-8642





And Bob's watches has 4 available

https://www.bobswatches.com/search?query=118238

He also has a couple of 15238's available. The one with the original bracelet looks to be in very good condition.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-da...ld-oyster.html


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[travisb]

Your first choice is the only way to go. Nothing less.


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[Xerxes77]

Go for what you like !

[Kdb]

Thank you so much for all your thoughtful replies! Wow thank you!! This really does help a lot. I will do a bit more research. Thanks again!!��

[JSolano305]

I too vote for not giving up. Get what you truly want.

[brandrea]

As others have mentioned, shoot for the one you really want. Settling, leads to flipping, which leads to discontent

[Andrés G]

One is your dream watch the other $5,000 less... I know which one I would get.

[Kdb]

You all are really wonderful! I appreciate each of you taking the time to comment! Thank you!!

[Duke84]

Don't settle. Get the one you want.

HQ Milton is based in San Francisco, CA and is fantastic for vintage watches. For a trusted seller in the Los Angeles area, I recommend OCRolexGuy (Patrick). He's great.