Help me decide on Day dates

[Gregs]

Im interested in adding a vintage Day Date to my collection. I am equally intrigued with the 18038/18238 versus the 19018 DD Oysterquartz. Would greatly appreciate opinions.

Thank you

[zapokee]

Would love to help, but not sure what your question is. Can you clarify?

[Gregs]

The watches are both Day Dates with distinctively different looks and function. I was just seeking opinions on how each resonates with the TRF community. I like them both equally but will seek to purchase only one. I was just looking for the communities opinion on which they would prefer. That’s all.

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by Gregs

The watches are both Day Dates with distinctively different looks and function. I was just seeking opinions on how each resonates with the TRF community. I like them both equally but will seek to purchase only one. I was just looking for the communities opinion on which they would prefer. That’s all.

If you expect to get only one between 19018 and 18038/238, imo it should be a mechanical/perpetual rather than an OQ. It’s the classic model, with the classic bracelet, while the OQs have a completely different Genta/AP Oak look to them. It may be that someday the OQs will become an early-tech collector’s item like Apple computers, but who knows? The 18s also allow you to easily change it up with a strap if you like, where the OQs do not. Finally, it seems to me that unlike many photos, IRL the broader, flatter brushed surfaces on the 19018 tend to show every tiny scratch and ding, in a way that the ‘regular’ DDs don’t.

[L.K Johnson]

I can share some thoughts...if you decide to go with your first DD I would definitely opt for the classic automatic one with the classic president bracelet. I own both the white gold and the yellow gold 1803 versions and I love them. I think you can really feel that the president range was more of a flagship range compare to the Datejust series.
The 19018 has more of a 80’s square design feel to its case and not so smooth built. Another down side with 19018 movement is that it’s harder (more expensive) to fix/service once it gets broken or needs service (from what I hear)...

[L.K Johnson]

Another thing that bothers me personally is that the links on the 19018 bracelet compared to the 180XX bracelet is that the links on the 180XX bracelet are better in proportion to the case than the 19018 one which are to flat IMO compare to
the case...

[zapokee]

If you're going vintage Day-Date, go 1803. That's your quality single-malt Scotch in front of the fireplace with friends and family, as opposed to a rum and Coke in some random nightclub.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by zapokee

If you're going vintage Day-Date, go 1803. That's your quality single-malt Scotch in front of the fireplace with friends and family, as opposed to a rum and Coke in some random nightclub.

Beautifully articulated and most definitely correct.

[BNA/LION]

18238 would be my choice out of the two.

[Ollie9swy]

Just ensure it hasn't been heavily polished and the stretch isn't so bad. I agree with Zapokee with the 1803 Ref. Have you also looked at 1607 datejusts also?

[Phrank]

Spent some time looking myself just over a year ago.

Found perfection with an 18238, A serial (1999), silver dial with sticks, had it serviced and the technician said the case had never been opened and it was in pretty much new condition, was fairly certain I'd found a "safe queen".

[Toronto Soup King]

Now that's a crisp example of a 20-year-old watch, good for you! Er your post might get the boot though, pretty sure that watch ain't "vintage".

[Phrank]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

Now that's a crisp example of a 20-year-old watch, good for you! Er your post might get the boot though, pretty sure that watch ain't "vintage".

Yes, 20 years isn't vintage yet, never occurred to me

Well, I'll let the pic sit in its glory till it's blown away...

[nevergiveup]

I like the 18038 single set.Over the 1803 Thicker case less gold milled out inside. 100 meters wr so I can wear it in the water. Crystal non plexy sits lower and more durable. !8038 second choice but I like the the thicker 18038 case and double quick makes no difference to me since its worn daily.

[RRY]

I don't have a perpetual DD but I absolutely love my OQ DD. The bracelet is super comfortable, and the burlwood dial is mesmerizing. I do want to add an 1803 to my rotation. One day.

[BamaHammer]

Just try them on and buy what you like the best, instead of buying what others tell you to buy

[borsche]

I’m lovin my 18238.


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[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by borsche

I’m lovin my 18238.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amazing dial! Tapestry and black indexes, wow!! Stunning!!

[motoikkyu]

By all means, try them on! I love both, the OQ has a great feel to it, substantial and streamlined, and they are a relative bargain in the secondary market. Resale-wise, the 1803 is more recognized and easier to sell than the OQ, definitely check out the Wide-Boy dials and hands as a preferred option (they're very sexy!).