About to purchase a YG President...help me decide which

[Rams2k]

I’ve been in the market for a 18038 President for a few months now and narrowed it down to these two watches.

They seem to both be listed by reputable sellers, both have 24 links, and they both seem to be in “very good” condition. I want your opinions since I’m fairly new to the Rolex game and there may be something I’m overlooking. The first one has all of the paperwork and original extras which may be important for future resale if I decide to sell it. The second is $500 cheaper which is nice for sure.

So which would you pick and more importantly why? Sorry I can’t post links yet.

[VintageVagabound]

For me the box/papers is easily worth $500 and I would go in that direction. I would also not pay the asking price on Chrono24 unless it was very good (in which case it will sell in 48hrs). You should make an offer for whichever one you decide on

[RolieKid]

I was always told to purchase a watch with box and papers. Helps with resale value.

[TswaneNguni]

Buy the box and papers

[timeldn]

The first one with all of the paperwork and original extras.

[Chope Man]

I would say the same: the one with box and papers.

Not only for resale value, but because it may be the sign that the owner really takes care of its belongings.

And as suggested, why not ask for a reasonable rebate?

[tchcxp]

- I never buy a watch without its warranty card/paper/certificate
- Box and paper are more than $500

So I will pick the left one.

[Verdi]

Try negociate the price a bit.
Get in touch with the seller and make an offer.

[joli160]

The bracelet on the second looks good. If the first one is of similar quality I gladly pay the extra.
(Consider a 18238, double quick set, same price range)

[Rams2k]

Thanks for the replies. I’ve already emailed them asking for detailed photos and to show me the condition of the bracelet. The research I’ve don’t shows the 18238 model is slightly more expensive ($1,000ish). My budget is 10-11 I know I can find the one I’m looking for in my budget. Any other advice or information would be appreciated.

[Tangier11]

To me condition trumps box and papers for sure. Also there should be some room left on the price.

[Mad Hatter]

Ask when was last time serviced. Have him show you a service invoice if possible. Would be great to see that it was serviced at RSC versus Joe's Jewelers for example.

[watchwatcher]

The bracelet is key in the older presidents, if it's stretched, it can be big bucks to bring back to life or worst case, replace.

I would lean toward the ad that states band is "mint," but I would want some kind of proof or assurance the watch could be returned if if fact it wasn't mint. Unfortunately, I see the word "mint" being tossed around more and more in the classifieds here when in fact, the item is anything but.

[Rams2k]

What would you say a very fair price is for the one with box and papers assuming the bracelet and rest of watch is mint?

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Rams2k

What would you say a very fair price is for the one with box and papers assuming the bracelet and rest of watch is mint?

for 12k there are nice 18238s out there, so maybe low 11s at most

[timedate]

pick the one with the full set, ask to see it with the case back removed so you know its the 3055 movement, and with the strap removed to show serial, make sure its a rolex strap.

the 3055 movement was exclusive to the day date, built solely for the daydate.

[RJRJRJ]

Buy the seller first. Then get detailed pictures of the bracelet. Then find out the last time it was serviced.