18038 YG DD thoughts?

[royerlich]

Hello everyone, i'm thinking about getting this yellow gold daydate ref. 18038 from 1978.
They ask for 11,300$ but i can get them down to 10-10.5k.
If any DD owners or people who know alot about them can give me some thoughts on this deal + talk about the watch in general and how it is for you to own one i would appreciate it alot. Thanks!

[ronricks]

I like the 18038’s for a few reasons.

The amount of dial options offered
The case is about .3 or .4 mm thicker than the 18238 so they ‘wear’ larger.
The single quickest really wouldn’t be a big deal if it is a daily wearer.

[Lucifer]

try 118238 they are for around 15k.

or try 228239/8 (my personal take), if any one can do 23k for this with B&P and card I would buy on the spot.

[wach16]

Originally Posted by lucifer

try 118238 they are for around 15k.

Or try 228239/8 (my personal take), if any one can do 23k for this with b&p and card i would buy on the spot.

+1

[tkc324]

18038 presents some of the best deals in vintage Rolex. Single quick set isn’t that bad if you wear it all the time. Just make sure the bracelet and case are in good condition and not totally abused. Bracelet stretch is typical but you don’t want it completely stretched out. You def want a movement that has been serviced before. Good luck w your search.

[THC]

Originally Posted by tkc324

18038 presents some of the best deals in vintage Rolex. Single quick set isn’t that bad if you wear it all the time. Just make sure the bracelet and case are in good condition and not totally abused. Bracelet stretch is typical but you don’t want it completely stretched out. You def want a movement that has been serviced before. Good luck w your search.

All great points

[Nikrnic]

228239 quadrant

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[miamiclay]

I like the 1803X references, and that older style clasp is more practical than the hidden clasp DD bracelets imo, because it allows for small adjustments. Looks like the day wheel on this one is rotated slightly to the left, which is a pretty common issue with these.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

I like the 1803X references, and that older style clasp is more practical than the hidden clasp DD bracelets imo, because it allows for small adjustments. Looks like the day wheel on this one is rotated slightly to the left, which is a pretty common issue with these.

Agree 1000% on the exposed clasp convenience over the hidden one!




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[rad87gn]

That is one amazing classic.

[huncho]

if its a day date to me it has to have a hidden clasp, the bracelet makes the watch. 18038s are great but i wouldn't get this one

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by huncho

if its a day date to me it has to have a hidden clasp, the bracelet makes the watch. 18038s are great but i wouldn't get this one

Agree but I would spend a few bucks more and get a 18238. This watch looks like the bracelet is pretty well stretched.

[Tangier11]

Originally Posted by jim smyth

agree but i would spend a few bucks more and get a 18238. This watch looks like the bracelet is pretty well stretched.

yes!

[fania123]

Nice watch! Tbh, I think you should be all in for 9-9.5 but I do agree that the hidden clasp is the way to go with this reference number.

[Andad]

Looks good but a touch overpriced?

[nocaps]

single quick is a non issue if you use a watch winder

[joli160]

Go for a double quick set with hidden clasp. 18238 are priced similar.

[gunhose]

The hidden clasp is well worth the inability to make adjustments. The DD is all about the president bracelet. The watch looks good a lot a meat on the case.

[Chope Man]

Had one with the hidden clasp.

If I were OP, I would privilege the hidden clasp if, by chance, he is comfortable with a certain number of links and does not need micro adjustment.

A 18238 would be even better, although 18038 is a great watch.

I agree with those that say that the band should be in excellent condition.

[kwingy]

18038 is a nice entry into DD. Single quick set is a joy for anyone who has had a 1803 - now that is painful.

I wish the 18038 had the tall plexi glass carried over from the 1803 as IMO it gives the watch a nice unique look and looks great with straps but in terms of entry into PM - it's a great watch overall.

[offrdmania]

This one is a bit overpriced IMO. It has the less desirable bracelet clasp and will need a service since the day wheel is off centered and will need to be re-clocked. This can only occur with a full tear down of the movement.

[derekhayden]

Knowing your age from the previous post I would not go that old. This watch is already 40 years old so you can easily see this becoming a 100 year old watch in your lifetime. While that may not be a bad thing you would want to factor in availability of maintenance in such a piece as it ages.

I also say the only way I buy a DD is with a hidden clasp.

[royerlich]

Originally Posted by derekhayden

Knowing your age from the previous post I would not go that old. This watch is already 40 years old so you can easily see this becoming a 100 year old watch in your lifetime. While that may not be a bad thing you would want to factor in availability of maintenance in such a piece as it ages.

I also say the only way I buy a DD is with a hidden clasp.

Point made...

[TempoKing]

This 18038 at 11 something is very high especially with the Datejust buckle
Now the 18238 double quick, expect to pay between 13 and 18 with an invisible clasp

[HogwldFLTR]

I've had and 1803 and have an 18238. The 1803 had the folded clasp and because there were no removable links and it had some stretch it never fit properly. I also longed for the hidden clasp. The 18238 is the way to go imho. I can't speak to the 18038 movement but the 1803 could be a pain to set; again I much prefer the 18238. I don't think I'd pay over $10K.

[1bad750]

pass on that one, the preisential bracelet should have the hidden clasp, thats the way to go. Planty of 18038s w hidden clasp in the range you are looking.

[SubMarine]

Nobody has mentioned that the bracelet is incorrect to the watch. The bracelet alone is worth $6k, as it is for the older 1803 model.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Nobody has mentioned that the bracelet is incorrect to the watch. The bracelet alone is worth $6k, as it is for the older 1803 model.

You could get 18038’s with that bracelet. It was an option hence you don’t see many of them because most people opted for the hidden clasp.

[Jabbo84]

A nice watch but not worth 10. Try 9

[Roy Rolls]

Hidden clasp for me.