President 1803 reliability / 18238 dial colors

[Jan646]

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.

[SearChart]

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.

[Jan646]

Many thanks SearChart - helpful advice

[nocaps]

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.

[rootbeer7]

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.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jan646

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.

Like Bas has pointed out regarding the 1803, IMHO they were the finest movements that Rolex have made to date the 15 series. Now these were well over engineered and just as accurate as any of the 3 series. But like any movement most all brands if regulated correctly they can run well inside today's Swiss COSC test even this new Rolex spec..

[Little machines]

I've owned the DD with the 1803 movement for 20 years no issues. Love the pan dial also ! Good luck!