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DanD.1 · 3 January 2017, 04:29 PM

I am contemplating on purchasing either a 18038 or 18238 day-date and I was wondering how reliable these watches are. I understand that these watches might have issues with the bracelet stretching, but how about the movement and other components of the watch, are they considered relatively bullet-proof watches overall? Thanks in advance for any feedback on this matter.

GEORGE505 · 3 January 2017, 04:38 PM

Nothing to worry about. Very reliable movement and if properly taken care of you can pass it along to your kids, grandkids, etc.

JnmEaton · 4 January 2017, 02:40 AM

very reliable. make sure the bracelet is fitted correctly (not to tight) and keep it clean with soap, warm water and soft toothbrush. the dirt is what causes the stretch. there are several threads here on TRF referring to this......

yunach · 4 January 2017, 02:48 AM

So which one would TRF prefer between the 2?
18038 or 18238?

CassiusNZ · 4 January 2017, 03:04 AM

118238... 30% more gold in the bracelet.. BIG difference in how it wears.. picked up my Diamond Dial with older clasp for $15,100 about a year ago... once you feel the weight of the newer bracelet hard to go back! My 2c

Formulansx · 4 January 2017, 04:06 AM

Double quick-set is a nice feature to have

Maiden · 4 January 2017, 05:23 AM

Both great watches. I recently purchased a mint 18238. For me it was the best value proposition, double quick set, sapphire glass etc. Get the best condition though. As mine was mint with zero bracelt stretch this was the best bang for buck for me. Good luck, a day date is an excellent choice no matter which reference.

joli160 · 4 January 2017, 06:57 AM

I have the 18238 with the double quick set, never any issue.
Keep the bracelet a bit on the tight side. Frequent bouncing on your wrist increases the wear on the bracelet. Bracelet repair is costly so buy the best one and you're good to go for daily use for many years without troubles.

Lordofrolex · 4 January 2017, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CassiusNZ

118238... 30% more gold in the bracelet.. BIG difference in how it wears.. picked up my Diamond Dial with older clasp for $15,100 about a year ago... once you feel the weight of the newer bracelet hard to go back! My 2c

x2

DanD.1 · 4 January 2017, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the responses. I was also wondering what to look for when buying these day-dates? I see many that where polished for instance, should I try to avoid these? Is there any way to see how much polishing was done to these watches?

psv · 4 January 2017, 07:15 AM

Weight, clasp, quickset... go newer

CassiusNZ · 4 January 2017, 07:19 AM

I actually found the older clasp more comfy for my wrist... but it isn't AS secure.. so pref. for new Clasp 2003+ Onwards (i think)

Daytonaman799 · 4 January 2017, 10:39 AM

18238 or 118238....DQ set and extremely robust. Would be the equivalent of a sports watch for many other brands. I have worn mine in the same places as my SD or Exp II....performs great

Brizzybrad · 4 January 2017, 11:42 AM

I would say to go newer if this is to be a daily watch. However, for me, this reference only comes out for special occasions. The 18038 fits the role perfectly.

yunach · 4 January 2017, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brizzybrad

I would say to go newer if this is to be a daily watch. However, for me, this reference only comes out for special occasions. The 18038 fits the role perfectly.

how big is your wrist?

Brizzybrad · 4 January 2017, 07:23 PM

7&3/4"

crowncollection · 4 January 2017, 07:43 PM

As reliable as modern day imho

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yunach · 4 January 2017, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brizzybrad

7&3/4"

Wow it wears well.
I have a 7" wrist, I'm afraid the 36mm will look too small.

77T · 5 January 2017, 10:47 AM

The movement inside will remain accurate whichever you choose as long as it's routinely serviced.

The thing many like better is the clasp on Presidents after 2003 vs. earlier one. Easy for you to visually see which is which. And you'll see in the pics below how short the hinge was on the earlier one.

2003 onward

Earlier clasp

Maiden · 5 January 2017, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yunach

Wow it wears well.
I have a 7" wrist, I'm afraid the 36mm will look too small.

My 18238 on my 7.5 in wrist. 36mm is fine for most wrist sizes, the president bracelet and fluted bezel give this watch all the presence it needs.

yunach · 5 January 2017, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maiden

My 18238 on my 7.5 in wrist. 36mm is fine for most wrist sizes, the president bracelet and fluted bezel give this watch all the presence it needs.

Perfect! looks great on you.
I had really never considered anything under 40mm up until these last few pics.

3 January 2017, 04:29 PM	#1
DanD.1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Chicago Posts: 33	Day-Date 18038 and 18238 Reliability I am contemplating on purchasing either a 18038 or 18238 day-date and I was wondering how reliable these watches are. I understand that these watches might have issues with the bracelet stretching, but how about the movement and other components of the watch, are they considered relatively bullet-proof watches overall? Thanks in advance for any feedback on this matter.

4 January 2017, 04:06 AM	#6
Formulansx "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Guy Gadbois Location: Norcal Watch: Rolex,Omega,Seiko Posts: 1,759	Double quick-set is a nice feature to have __________________ Day-Date President, Datejust (flipped), Bluesy 16613, Omega 14kt Seamaster, Seiko Cocktail Time, Seiko Alpinist, REC 901-2 (Porsche 911), REC TTT Escape (Steve McQueen Triumph). A few Bulovas, cars, and fountain pens

4 January 2017, 06:57 AM	#8
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,758	I have the 18238 with the double quick set, never any issue. Keep the bracelet a bit on the tight side. Frequent bouncing on your wrist increases the wear on the bracelet. Bracelet repair is costly so buy the best one and you're good to go for daily use for many years without troubles. __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

4 January 2017, 07:43 PM	#17
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	As reliable as modern day imho Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

5 January 2017, 10:47 AM	#19
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,015	The movement inside will remain accurate whichever you choose as long as it's routinely serviced. The thing many like better is the clasp on Presidents after 2003 vs. earlier one. Easy for you to visually see which is which. And you'll see in the pics below how short the hinge was on the earlier one. 2003 onward Earlier clasp __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

3 January 2017, 04:38 PM	#2
GEORGE505 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: George Location: IL, USA Posts: 197	Nothing to worry about. Very reliable movement and if properly taken care of you can pass it along to your kids, grandkids, etc.

4 January 2017, 02:40 AM	#3
JnmEaton "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Gulfport Watch: 18038 Presidential Posts: 1,009	very reliable. make sure the bracelet is fitted correctly (not to tight) and keep it clean with soap, warm water and soft toothbrush. the dirt is what causes the stretch. there are several threads here on TRF referring to this......

4 January 2017, 02:48 AM	#4
yunach "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: iphone Watch: RolexRolexRolex Posts: 297	So which one would TRF prefer between the 2? 18038 or 18238?

4 January 2017, 03:04 AM	#5
CassiusNZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Galveston, TX Posts: 216	118238... 30% more gold in the bracelet.. BIG difference in how it wears.. picked up my Diamond Dial with older clasp for $15,100 about a year ago... once you feel the weight of the newer bracelet hard to go back! My 2c

4 January 2017, 05:23 AM	#7
Maiden "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 3,652	Both great watches. I recently purchased a mint 18238. For me it was the best value proposition, double quick set, sapphire glass etc. Get the best condition though. As mine was mint with zero bracelt stretch this was the best bang for buck for me. Good luck, a day date is an excellent choice no matter which reference.

4 January 2017, 07:13 AM	#10
DanD.1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Chicago Posts: 33	Thanks for the responses. I was also wondering what to look for when buying these day-dates? I see many that where polished for instance, should I try to avoid these? Is there any way to see how much polishing was done to these watches?

4 January 2017, 07:15 AM	#11
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	Weight, clasp, quickset... go newer

4 January 2017, 07:19 AM	#12
CassiusNZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Galveston, TX Posts: 216	I actually found the older clasp more comfy for my wrist... but it isn't AS secure.. so pref. for new Clasp 2003+ Onwards (i think)

4 January 2017, 10:39 AM	#13
Daytonaman799 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC/South Fl Watch: Rolex, Patek Posts: 3,693	18238 or 118238....DQ set and extremely robust. Would be the equivalent of a sports watch for many other brands. I have worn mine in the same places as my SD or Exp II....performs great

4 January 2017, 11:42 AM	#14
Brizzybrad "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Real Name: JP Location: CONUS Watch: ??? Posts: 245	I would say to go newer if this is to be a daily watch. However, for me, this reference only comes out for special occasions. The 18038 fits the role perfectly.

4 January 2017, 07:23 PM	#16
Brizzybrad "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Real Name: JP Location: CONUS Watch: ??? Posts: 245	7&3/4"

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