President 18238 or 18038

[thebestornothing]

Hi to everyone

I'm new to the rolex world and I'm in the market for my first Rolex.

I always adored the Rolex Presidential and I'm stuck between two watches.

Im using BOBs Watches due to the good reviews and they are rated an A on BBB ------ 18238 18k YG with original Box and Papers. price 11K
18038 18K YG with original Box and Papers. price 9k
both in MINT condition

The price different is about 2k and i know that the 18238 has double quick set and an updated movement that is still used today in the Rolex watches. Also the 18238 is made the 90s actually (88) where the 18038 is made in the 80s

This being my first Rolex what do you guys recommend and what would you do?

is spending the extra 2k worth it?

the double quick set option is not that important in my opinion because once you set the watch you shouldn't have to worry about setting the date again or do you?

Also i heard the 18238 has more gold than the 18038 and overall is a better timepiece.

i would like to hear what you guys think because i value your opinion

thanks

[KZZN]

Hi,

Personally, I'd go with the 18038 and save a little bit of money. As you say, the single biggest difference between the two is the double quick-set, and if this is going to be your only watch (or you're going to always remember to keep it manually wound when it's not on your wrist), then that won't really matter. But if you will be wearing a few watches in rotation and find yourself coming back to the Day-Date quite often after it's run down, then this could get a bit irritating for you, and the 18238 would make for an easier life.

[crowncollection]

Not much difference IMHO except the double quickset, if you wear or daily it's not a problem

[Casey VP-26]

I would suggest that condition plays a roll in your decision, The 18038 is an older watch and could have more bracelet wear. Although both great watches, Good Luck.

[Racerdj]

Welcome! I sold a TT Daytona to Bob's and they are totally first class and a pleasure to deal with.

[Tokyo Time]

I recently acquired an 1803 with no quickset and have no problems since it sleeps on the winder on its rare off days. If this is your first Rolex you are skipping several steps by going straight for the best. Make sure the bracelet is tight and includes all the links.

[Lgear080]

I'd just focus on buying the best condition piece, model notwithstanding.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

I'd just focus on buying the best condition piece, model notwithstanding.

X2

[tkerrmd]

Get one in best condition

Welcome and congrats!!!

[77T]

All things being equal (and they seldom are), you will like living with the double quickset for a DD. If it runs down, the date and day resets will be much easier.

Gold content if bracelet is meaningless since you won't be melting it.

Just make sure they attest it is 100% Rolex parts. And give you 100% return rights. If the watch hasn't had service in past 5 years then get one if it all checks out.

[afc1]

If it's a daily wearer, go for the one that's in the best condition (assuming price is reasonable). Make sure you take a good look at the bracelets to see if they have any stretch. This can be an issue on the Presidents, and it's expensive to get the all-gold bracelets restored.

[Gerardus]

18238 for me

[luvsub]

I would choose between 1803 and 18238. If money is not an issue, get the newer model.

[rodrob59]

I love my 18238, and since it's not a daily wearer the quickset is a convenience, but not one that's worth $2000. Are the dials identical? White Roman was a major factor in my decision.
Good luck with your purchase.

[thebestornothing]

thanks for the responses

so after all your advice i made my mind up and decided to go with the 18238
i based my decision on the condition of the watch which is Mint where the 18038 is just great. Make sense due to the 18238 being newer and the bracelet will obviously have less stretch.

i narrowed it down to these two 18238s

the first link is my first choice
http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-pre...ial-18238.html

my second choice
http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-day...ial-18238.html

the difference is a few years in production and the first one is champagne tapestry dial where the second is champagne index with black chapter ring.

My last question is can someone explain what the difference in these watches is and what the black chapter ring actually means. Also i noticed that the second watch has small roman numerals where the champagne tapestry doesn't but almost has a 3D look that pops out at you.

i love both watches and both come with original papers and box and both in MINT condition.

Also i just turned 26 years old and my life been pretty crazy up to this point i am buying my first rolex as a present to myself for never giving up and just keeping my head up even through the hard times.

i appreciate all your help on this forum and can't wait to buy my first rolex

[Andad]

Looks good.

I have an 'N' 18238 from around '91.

Have these DD prices gone up because that looks about 2 - 2.5K too much?

[crowncollection]

Chapter ring us just describing the design, specifically where the Roman numerals are printed, the outer edge design on that dial. I like the tapestry myself.

[SALTY]

Good on you for your determination and for earning a "Crown" for your achievement(s).

Though it may have fallen out of favor with the masses somewhat, I still feel as thought the "President" Day Date is the top of the heap. I wear mine on special/dressy occasions. Don't rule out some of the trusted sellers here for a good deal.
I agree that condition drives the deal and that you should definitely buy the seller before buying the watch.

Happy hunting!

[thebestornothing]

thanks y'all,

ended up picking the 18238 I'm starting the wiring process this week i can't wait to post pictures once i get it

[BNA/LION]

18238 was my first Rolex and I love it! Please post pictures when you get it.

[Starbucksboss]

Get the one in the best condition.

[elcompa]

18038. Get it and wear the piss out of it.

[cmcm3]

The first of your choices is more timeless given the second has the bark-finish bracelet and less classic bezel. As my only DD I would go for your first option.

[aria]

I had an 18038, lovely watch. Wear it in good health

[Oyster99]

What's with the upbringing of this ancient post? Haha