Need some advice

[Dennis94]

Hello all, I'd like to say I'm an avid reader on this site however I need some advice. I'm currently 20 years old and in the financial industry, I work on Wall street. I have finally reached a goal that I am comfortable with in order to afford my dream watch, a DD. At the moment I cannot afford a DDII but that is fine, I always wanted the DD.

I'm going to buy one from a trusted user here on the forums, I'm aiming for an 1803. They're all in my price range but I have some questions. Since I see most of them seem to be from the 60's will they require a lot of maintenance? Does it have to be taken in every year? I apologize in advance for the newbie questions but I see how 99% of the people on here are extremely helpful and devoted.

In advance - Please don't tell me to look for another watch in the 7-15k price range because I am dead set on a DD, I've wanted one since a little kid, just one of those proud moments that I can own one now from the money I earned. Hard work really does pay off hehe.

I appreciate all the feed back that comes in, thank you!

- Dennis

[Nycturbovr6]

If you buy one from one of the trusted sellers on the forum it will most likely be in really good shape. You won't have to bring it in every year if you get it serviced correctly or if it was just recently serviced.
Good luck finding your watch, just keep checking the classifieds.

[Muzz]

I would certainly aim for at least a double quickset!!!

[kilyung]

Maintenance is a very heavily debated topic on the forum. Some members feel a regular maintenance schedule every 5-7 yrs is the best practice. Call it pre-emptive. Other members take the "why fix what isn't broke" approach so it could very easily be 10-15yrs between service. It's entirely up to you to decide as there's really no right or wrong answer, just personal preference.

Personally, I check my watches regularly on a timegrapher (any watchmaker will have one) to see if a potential service is necessary. Good luck with your future DD, it's a great watch (and yes I'm biased because it's gold).

[Lgear080]

I think you should at least look at 18238's.

Two weeks ago I had a seller at well under $15k on a really
Nice 118238 too. In my opinion you should leave the 1803's
To the vintage guys.

[77T]

The watch movement itself won't need more maintenance in terms of overhauls - but you do need to make sure the one you're buying has had one recently - or factor the cost of a full service into your financial dealings.

You being 20 and the 1803 being 50+ years old today - the potential for future constrained parts availability is greater than a DD from the '80s - 90s. You may also tire of the tedious non-quickset methods for handling day and date advances multiple times per year.

A quickset DD that is only 20 years old may be better. Perhaps a birth year version in the "S" s/n range?

[1William]

Wait a little longer and get a more modern watch. The vintage is great if you have a wide collection but as a daily wearer it might not work out as well as you would like. You are also young and on the way up and as you have more success I believe you might trade up so I would get the most current model I could afford even if it means waiting six more months or so. Just my thoughts.

[up2nogood]

Originally Posted by 77T

The watch movement itself won't need more maintenance in terms of overhauls - but you do need to make sure the one you're buying has had one recently - or factor the cost of a full service into your financial dealings.

You being 20 and the 1803 being 50+ years old today - the potential for future constrained parts availability is greater than a DD from the '80s - 90s. You may also tire of the tedious non-quickset methods for handling day and date advances multiple times per year.

A quickset DD that is only 20 years old may be better. Perhaps a birth year version in the "S" s/n range?

Can't add anything to this, Paul is spot on.

[mruhland31]

I don't know much about DD so I'll leave that to the experts. The only thing I can add is congrats on achieving your goals and your hard work. Very well done. The other thing I'll add is that I think it's great that you know what you want. Stick with that. I saved and waited a long time to buy exactly what I wanted and I have zero regrets. Congrats and please post pics when you pull the trigger.

[Tools]

The DD was introduced in '56, so most of them you see of that first generation will be from the 60's.

Older DD's have issues with bracelets because the constant wear on the relatively soft metal takes it's toll. A replacement bracelet easily costs more than the watch is worth.

You need hands-on to evaluate any remaining life in those old bracelets.

[1bad750]

here is my advice as It was always a watch I wanted, I too started out with an 18038 single quik, for the price that they are its tuff to beat as the looks are basically the same as a new one. The itch started after 2 yrs and I eventually upgraded to the 118238. I would try for the latest that you can afford at least mid 80's and def get at minimum a single quick. after some time with my 118238 I flipped the 18038 for a slight profit! I had no issues with my 1986 but it had just been serviced prior to my getting it. Btw I was also in the financial industry and to this day the DD is still considered by my friends to be the "it" watch.

[phils]

at least one quickset feature.
Get a sapphire crystal model.
Check on past service.
Bracelet stretch could be a problem.
If what you want too expensive now, keep saving.

[1bad750]

def pay more for a tighter watch.

[dpa94114]

i LOVE my 1803 - runs beautifully.

If you will wear every day (or most days of the week), then the lack of the quick-set is hardly a big deal. It's really easy to keep in synch if you are just a day or two behind. It's hardly rocket science.

Not to mention the price differential - it kind of blows me away when I see the 18K Presidents going for more than 3 times the price of an 1803.

[Dennis94]

Appreciate everybody's input and advice, took everything into consideration.

Originally Posted by Muzz

I would certainly aim for at least a double quickset!!!

What exactly is the difference between quickset and non quickset? Can you list the numbers of DD's that have the quickset feature please if you know them.