Would anyone recommend a 18038/18238 over a 118238?

[jgottsman11]

Just curious if anyone here in the vintage forum would have any reasons as to why one should choose an earlier model daydate opposed to the 118238/118239? I personally want a post 2003 model due to the updated clasp and heavier bracelet, but am I missing anything that makes these vintage DD's special?

[miamiclay]

18238 has the advantage of double quickest over 18038, but the only advantages of 18238 over 118238 which occur to me are a) the much wider choices available (in dials, bezels, and even bracelets), and b) the cost. Some minor style differences (brushed vs. polished lug tops, engraved rehaut, etc.), but nothing major.

BTW, I’m not sure the heavier bracelet and clasp change both occurred in 2003 - Clasp change was 2006, maybe? Someone with actual knowledge will chime in, I’m sure ...

[L.K Johnson]

The huge difference between a 5 and a 6 digit DD is the solid bracelet of the 6-digit vs the hollow bracelet of the 5 digit, pretty hefty weight difference...not sure if the the 118238 case also is heavier then the 18038/18238 case...you can search threads that tell you the exact difference...in regards to dials, all 5 digit dials fits the 6 digit ref and vice versa...

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

18238 has the advantage of double quickest over 18038, but the only advantages of 18238 over 118238 which occur to me are a) the much wider choices available (in dials, bezels, and even bracelets), and b) the cost. Some minor style differences (brushed vs. polished lug tops, engraved rehaut, etc.), but nothing major.

BTW, I’m not sure the heavier bracelet and clasp change both occurred in 2003 - Clasp change was 2006, maybe? Someone with actual knowledge will chime in, I’m sure ...

New model and band came in 2000
Newer clasp 2003


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[borsche]

I’m lovin my 18238.


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[ronricks]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Just curious if anyone here in the vintage forum would have any reasons as to why one should choose an earlier model daydate opposed to the 118238/118239? I personally want a post 2003 model due to the updated clasp and heavier bracelet, but am I missing anything that makes these vintage DD's special?

I like the 18038’s because:

It is about .3 mm thicker than a 18238 so it ‘wears’ slightly larger
Tons of different dials to pick from compared to a 118238
I like the brushed and sharper lugs over the rounded and polished 118238 lugs
Cost is much cheaper than a 118238 or even a 18238
If worn daily the single quick vs double quick debate is moot really
Somewhat vintage appeal (this likely doesn’t matter to many people)

Everyone has a preference and there really is no right or wrong answer. For me personally I rank them:
18038
118238
18238

I just really like the character of the 18038 over the 118238 but all 3 are great watches with their own slight differences and nuances that make them special.

[aayates]

The cost difference was the clincher for me. Bracelet may be lighter on the 18238 but the price more than justifies the difference to me. Basically I can't afford the newer 118238, but that's ok.