[updated] —it’s 36m! > help me choose between 2 Day Dates

VdeL · Sep 29, 2020

[edit] After trying a 34mm in real life, I decided 36mm was the way to go for my wrist / style. Can you help me decide between those two day-dates below?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/updaed-—it’s-36m-help-me-choose-between-2-day-dates.120479/#post-1614292
Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I am hesitating between 2 different 18k Rolex, which differ in terms of sizes and age.
Can you give me your opinion on which one has the best value / is the most desirable? (they're about the same price)

1. 15238 (date) in 34mm, black dial, box-papers, sapphire crystal (good condition, looks unpolished), 1991
vs
2. 1803 (day-date) in 36mm, white dial, no box-papers, plexiglas (quite polished), 1977

Thanks a lot!

The 15238:

and the 1803:

Dan S · Sep 29, 2020

It's not about what is the best value or more desirable IMO, that's an approach to watch collecting that has become popularized by social media, but will not make you happy in the long run. I would strongly encourage you to buy what appeals to you personally. If you have specific questions about condition, originality, or price, I would be happy to give whatever feedback I can.

VdeL · Sep 29, 2020

Thanks @Dan S both appeal to me, but you're right, I shall be more specific:
- both are offered for ~5.6k€ from a dealer. Is that a fair price in both cases, given their respective condition?
The 1803 seems pretty cheap vs other examples on the market, is there something it hides?
- Is the dial original in both 15328 and 1803 (I was under the impression that yes)
thanks a lot!

janice&fred · Sep 29, 2020

VdeL
The 1803 seems pretty cheap vs other examples on the market, is there something it hides?

I'm not sure about worldwide, but from I have been hearing in NYC most president models, despite gold price increases, are dropping in price and popularity. Head only is even tougher.

Dan S · Sep 29, 2020

TBH, I really don't follow precious metal Rolex prices, but if they are like DJs at all, then there is a substantial price premium placed on black and colored dials. The hands on the day-date show the type of age I would expect for a late 70s watch, but the lume dots on the dial are a lot lighter, so you might want to take a closer look at that (e.g. UV photos), or at least ask the seller if the lume or dial was replaced at some point. Lume on dial and hands can definitely age differently, and also dial originality doesn't seem to matter as much to collectors on these watches (compared to sport watches), since people often swap out dials on their Rolex dress watches, so it's not necessarily a dealbreaker as long as the dial is authentic and you like it.

joeshoup · Sep 29, 2020

If you're buying to wear occasionally and hope to retain value, buy for condition - the Date is so crisp! If you're looking for something to wear regularly, then which one appeals to you more? Which matches your clothes or style? Black mode seems appropriate given the world situation but maybe you're an optimist 😟

kaapstadflaneur · Sep 29, 2020

Both are great choices, and I don't disagree with the comments advocating condition over size, especially as the OP Date has a black dial, comes with box and papers, and is super crisp. It's the logical choice.

But that particular Day-Date has loads of character -- sure, it's been polished somewhat and the date and day wheels have aged differently. It's clearly been worn-in. Plus, the Italian day wheel give it a certain panache along with the green strap.

Personally, I would go with the 1803 because it's just more interesting...but that's me. Good luck with your choice!

VdeL · Sep 29, 2020

Thanks @Dan S @janice&fred @joeshoup @Zapatta @kaapstadflaneur . Very, very useful opinions, including car dealer advice 😉 .
Your answers are a good example of why this forum is so useful to many of us.

VdeL · Sep 29, 2020

And actually, I know that ultimately, it’s all about my taste and my preference... but in this forum I kind of appreciate the very subjective discussion @kaapstadflaneur started.
=>> so if it was your 5.6k€, which one would you buy to wear on a regular basis ?

Thanks for sharing your personal and subjective preference 😀

15238 or 1803, let’s vote!

V.

MarcelGuinchard · Sep 29, 2020

VdeL
And actually, I know that ultimately, it’s all about my taste and my preference... but in this forum I kind of appreciate the very subjective discussion @kaapstadflaneur started.
=>> so if it was your 5.6k€, which one would you buy to wear on a regular basis ?

Thanks for sharing your personal and subjective preference 😀

15238 or 1803, let’s vote!

V.

OK, I’ll start:
15238,
for the condition and black dial, despite smaller size

rootbeer7 · Sep 30, 2020

For me it comes to wearability. What’s the point of buying a piece you won’t wear as it wears too small? I would try each piece or equivalent and make a decision. If it’s something to stick in a safe and pull out to look at then condition is the most important. 36mm is about as small as I feel comfortable wearing and therefore the 15xx series would remain unworn.

Marsimaxam · Oct 1, 2020

All things considered equal except condition... cost, wearability, etc... I vote for the 15238. It is a stunning watch, the black dial and the yellow gold just pop.

VdeL · Oct 1, 2020

Thanks rootbeer7 and marsimaxam for the arguments and counter-arguments!
What are others' point of view?
Thanks!

jud · Oct 1, 2020

Why not purchase this one from a forum member. I have been seriously thinking about it. Much better value.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/rolex-1002-solid-14k.118232/#post-1612998

watch3s · Oct 1, 2020

neither. this is not a good way to spend 5.6k Euro to me.

VdeL · Oct 2, 2020

Thanks @watch3s @rootbeer7 and @Dan S
Is one of those 2 any better bet?
They’re both 18038, so with sapphire and simple quick set.

On the first one (gold dial), Day disk seems to be a later replacement (it is white instead of goldish).
On the second one (Roman numerals), the fluted bezel seems more worn down.
The rest looks OK to me
Am I missing something?
thank you!

VdeL · Oct 2, 2020

jud
Why not purchase this one from a forum member. I have been seriously thinking about it. Much better value.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/rolex-1002-solid-14k.118232/#post-1612998

I’d love to, but did not find one I like.
I’m now looking for a 36mm; the one offered here is a 34mm.
After having the opportunity to try a gold 34mm Rolex in the flesh yesterday, I figured out it was disproportionate for me (a feeling you can’t really tell from pictures).

MarcelGuinchard · Oct 2, 2020

VdeL
Thanks @watch3s @rootbeer7 and @Dan S
Is one of those 2 any better bet?
They’re both 18038, so with sapphire and simple quick set.

On the first one (gold dial), Day disk seems to be a later replacement (it is white instead of goldish).
On the second one (Roman numerals), the fluted bezel seems more worn down.
The rest looks OK to me
Am I missing something?
thank you!

I’d say the first one (gold dial) has a case in much better shape (based on the state of the fluted bezel).
But again, I let the experts give their judgement.

Bakertime · Oct 2, 2020

I vote the 15238. I think the crisp case and black dial will be a lot of fun.

VdeL · Oct 2, 2020

Thanks @AWBaker ! I discovered 34mm is a bit too small for my wrist.
Out of the 2 18038, which one do you guys recommend?
(updated the title accordingly)
Thx!

[updated] —it’s 36m! > help me choose between 2 Day Dates

VdeL

Dan S

VdeL

janice&fred

Dan S

joeshoup

kaapstadflaneur

VdeL

VdeL

MarcelGuinchard

rootbeer7

Marsimaxam

VdeL

jud

watch3s

VdeL

VdeL

MarcelGuinchard

Bakertime

VdeL

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