118238 vs 18238

[Gym5050]

Hey all,

After speaking to some incredible helpful and knowledgeable people on this forum, I have narrowed down my next watch purchase to either the 36mm 18238 or the newer 118238 model. I realized after trying on a presidential, I don’t want to go back to stainless steel or two tone (even if it’s only a 36mm case, but my wrist is less than 7 inches so it’s fine)

I’ve done some research and I know that the main differences between the two is that the newer 118238 has solid links, where the 18238 has the hollow middle links, and I know the newer model has the polished lugs and it commands a 6-8k higher price tag.

What if I were to buy the 18238 to save money, if I could find out in close to mint condition, and get the lugs polished to make it look more modern. Would that be a viable option? I also figured that if the band eventually started to stretch I could always take it to one of those repair places where they work their magic to make it tight again.

Would it make sense for me to save some money and go this less expensive route? Or am I better off waiting for a bit and saving up for the 118238? I plan to wear this watch for a lifetime and clean it often.

[Gym5050]

Here is an example of a mint one I’d consider

[Calatrava r]

If you are considering a hollow link Pres against the modern solid link models, the weight and heft difference is substantial to me. The older model while great in its day feels flimsy compared to the new ones. Not much choice to me, unless there is a serious price difference between the two.

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

If you are considering a hollow link Pres against the modern solid link models, the weight and heft difference is substantial to me. The older model while great in its day feels flimsy compared to the new ones. Not much choice to me, unless there is a serious price difference between the two.

Thanks. We’re talking 15-17 grand vs 23-28 grand

[agsstructures]

I actually love older models mainly because the brushed lugs. I wear a 18239 almost daily!

[Gym5050]

Thanks, anyone else?

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

I actually love older models mainly because the brushed lugs. I wear a 18239 almost daily!

Cool!

[1665fan]

Had a 5 digit….wore to small and dainty for me….I mainly wear 40mm sport models

[Phrank]

Love my 18238 Day-Date...silver dial and sticks - A Serial.

I'm 6'4", 225lbs and 7.5 inch wrist....it's a classic.

[Kenny G]

I personally prefer and would buy the 118238 over the 5 digit.

If you do go with the 18238, I would definitely recommend that you do not polish the lugs. Keep it original. You say you’ll keep it forever but forever often changes…

[huncho]

i went with a 118238 over a 5 digit because i wanted the extra weight and it's tough to find a nice 5 digit example. looks like the one you're eyeing is pretty mint so it just comes down to budget and what's more important to you. looks wise they're basically identical besides a few minor things, so you have a classic watch regardless but the weight is a big reason people enjoy PM rolexes

i haven't actually held a 5 digit in person so i only know what people here have said and that is that the weight is noticeable. i think if you have the budget, it's probably worth it to go for a 6 digit unless you prefer the vintage look/feel. looks like you prefer the more modern look so the 6 digit is probably the better buy but the value is definitely there for the 5 digits. i definitely wouldn't polish the lugs if i went with a 5 digit though

[jgottsman11]

I know we've talked, but there are:

1) those who like the 118238 for the heavier bracelet and clasp

2) those who like the 18238 for the classic look, detailed finishing of the lugs, and sharpness of the case

3) those who say 36mm is too small

Whichever model you end up with will be a solid watch and just as much of a presidential as the other. Yellow gold wise, I was strictly a 118238 guy until I got my hands on a mint 18238. Having owned both, I was pleasantly surprised at the feel of the 18238 as I thought it would feel dainty. It feels just as solid as my 6 digit watches for the most part. I even like the clasp feel better

[JohnnyBer]

A vote for brushed lugs (and bark!)





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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

Thanks. We’re talking 15-17 grand vs 23-28 grand

Think if you are patient can do on today’s market a lot better than $15-17 K / $23-28 K for a full set DD 18238 / 118238 respectively. If were you probably would look for a nice used 18238 and save the extra $ towards something else.


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[jimcarver]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

Hey all,

After speaking to some incredible helpful and knowledgeable people on this forum, I have narrowed down my next watch purchase to either the 36mm 18238 or the newer 118238 model. I realized after trying on a presidential, I don’t want to go back to stainless steel or two tone (even if it’s only a 36mm case, but my wrist is less than 7 inches so it’s fine)

I’ve done some research and I know that the main differences between the two is that the newer 118238 has solid links, where the 18238 has the hollow middle links, and I know the newer model has the polished lugs and it commands a 6-8k higher price tag.

What if I were to buy the 18238 to save money, if I could find out in close to mint condition, and get the lugs polished to make it look more modern. Would that be a viable option? I also figured that if the band eventually started to stretch I could always take it to one of those repair places where they work their magic to make it tight again.

Would it make sense for me to save some money and go this less expensive route? Or am I better off waiting for a bit and saving up for the 118238? I plan to wear this watch for a lifetime and clean it often.

Personally I would go 18038 (same as the 18238 without the double quickset) or 118238. There is a big enough saving that you could get another watch too if you went for the 5 digit, the price difference between the 18238 and 118238 is close enough that i'd definitely go for the latter.

The part of your email that concerns me is the "even if it’s only a 36mm case". Get the 36mm if you love it but not to settle as it will always be in the back of your mind.

I speak from experience, I have a 18038 and am always aware that its an older 36mm watch and I did settle for it, that's not to say I am not happy with it. The truth is I was never in the market for the 40mm.

The proportions of the 36mm are great though, so if thats definitely the size you want and its a keeper then save for the 6 digit and you will have modern watch in the size you want, no second best whatsoever.

[Rollied]

I, for one, am not into the polished lugs of the 6-digit refs. I’d say go with the 18238, the proportions are better. The single-quick is a pain to set if you don’t plan to wear daily (who knows, you might find some other watch you’d want to wear in rotation with this one). Also, it’s hard to find one that’s in good condition where the watch isn’t over polished with a saggy band. If you DO find one in good condition, at that price point, you might as well opt for the newer 18238.

On a side note, have you looked into the reference 18248? The bark DD as posted above?

[marmite2005]

I prefer the Brushed lugs of the 18238.

Which ever one you get, buy the best condition and Service for your budget. It's a Day Date and it's 10-30 years old.
Questions I would ask myself.....
Does the bracelet match the head?
Does the bracelet have Sag?
Has it been over polished?
When was it last serviced by Rolex?
Original dial, hands?

I bought my 18238 from a Bricks and Mortar shop back in 2017, the reason I went for it was that it had a fresh service from Rolex (with paperwork and card), so knew that everything was legit.
Yes bracelet has a little Sag and a little overpolished but it all matches and wears perfect.

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[George58]

get a 18038 case is slightly thicker case has less gold milled out from inside the the case compared to 18238

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Think if you are patient can do on today’s market a lot better than $15-17 K / $23-28 K for a full set DD 18238 / 118238 respectively. If were you probably would look for a nice used 18238 and save the extra $ towards something else.


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I thought of this also. Although I'm seeing the 118238's for around the 23-28k price point- that's at this moment. Maybe, prices will go down, and I'll eventually be able to find a cheap deal on one. I don't have a crystal ball, but my guess is that pieces will start to pop up more frequently, and I'll find out for cheaper.

I do like the more modern look, and I have tried both watches on. I enjoyed them very much. I was really in love with the 18238 with the diamond dial. However, since I am planning to buy and keep one forever as my grail watch, I'd prefer the most newest watch I could afford, and obviously the 118238's are going to be newer.

I didn't try both models on at the same time, so I can't really distinguish a weight difference, but I'm not really concerned about the feel. I was more so concerned with the band holding up over time vs it stretching. No one would know how it would feel from looking at it, except for me. So, the durability of it is more important than the feel (for me).

Posted you will see me trying on a 2018 model (which be closer to the 118238, so I think it’s is a 128238)
And the second pic is the 18238 (from 1990)

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

I thought of this also. Although I'm seeing the 118238's for around the 23-28k price point- that's at this moment. Maybe, prices will go down, and I'll eventually be able to find a cheap deal on one. I don't have a crystal ball, but my guess is that pieces will start to pop up more frequently, and I'll find out for cheaper.

I do like the more modern look, and I have tried both watches on. I enjoyed them very much. I was really in love with the 18238 with the diamond dial. However, since I am planning to buy and keep one forever as my grail watch, I'd prefer the most newest watch I could afford, and obviously the 118238's are going to be newer.

I didn't try both models on at the same time, so I can't really distinguish a weight difference, but I'm not really concerned about the feel. I was more so concerned with the band holding up over time vs it stretching. No one would know how it would feel from looking at it, except for me. So, the durability of it is more important than the feel (for me).

Posted you will see me trying on a 2018 model (which be closer to the 118238, so I think it’s is a 128348)
And the second pic is the 18238 (from 1990)

even with a 5 digit the bracelet won't just stretch in a few years. if you keep it clean it will last a while before you need to start worrying. the reason you see so many 18038s/18238s with bad bracelets is because people wore the shit out of them in the 80s/90s without caring

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

I thought of this also. Although I'm seeing the 118238's for around the 23-28k price point- that's at this moment. Maybe, prices will go down, and I'll eventually be able to find a cheap deal on one. I don't have a crystal ball, but my guess is that pieces will start to pop up more frequently, and I'll find out for cheaper.

I do like the more modern look, and I have tried both watches on. I enjoyed them very much. I was really in love with the 18238 with the diamond dial. However, since I am planning to buy and keep one forever as my grail watch, I'd prefer the most newest watch I could afford, and obviously the 118238's are going to be newer.

I didn't try both models on at the same time, so I can't really distinguish a weight difference, but I'm not really concerned about the feel. I was more so concerned with the band holding up over time vs it stretching. No one would know how it would feel from looking at it, except for me. So, the durability of it is more important than the feel (for me).

Other than the better bracelet and the case lug finish the 6 series 118238 has a better fit of the bracelet against the case lugs, which makes it look nicer. I had a 18239 and then a 118209 / 118239 and that is the most visually evident change among the 2 series. Here some pictures:

18239:





118209:




The 11823X is indeed heavier than the 1823X model mostly due to the heavier bracelet. Please also consider that within the 11823X series there were 2 bracelets issued: first edition has a lighter buckle while the later version has the heavier more solid buckle.

First gen buckle on 1182XX DD’s:




Second generation buckle on 1182XX (heavier, think started by K serial ):




Some more information here:


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=587647

And here:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=108262

Hope this helps!




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[Gym5050]

Thanks for the detailed post. Sounds like 118238 is the way to go.

[FlyinHawaiian]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

Thanks for the detailed post. Sounds like 118238 is the way to go.

I don't know where in New York you live, but if you're in NYC, I hope you will have a bodyguard with you while wearing your grail watch!

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by FlyinHawaiian

I don't know where in New York you live, but if you're in NYC, I hope you will have a bodyguard with you while wearing your grail watch!

Lol yup, I'm in the Bronx. First thing I would do is get it in insured.. I thought of this though, believe me.


But, I think the 118238 seems to be the way to go, it will probably take me some time to find this at an affordable price though.

[zjd168]

118238 of these two

[FlyinHawaiian]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

Lol yup, I'm in the Bronx. First thing I would do is get it in insured.. I thought of this though, believe me.


But, I think the 118238 seems to be the way to go, it will probably take me some time to find this at an affordable price though.

Good! Stay safe out there!

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by zjd168

118238 of these two

Thanks. Jeez, I wish I never tried on an all gold Day-Date. I would have just bought the two tone with the gold dial 41mm and saved a lot of money! But I can't go back now!

[EvelynWaugh]

It comes down to your budget. Substantial weight and heft of solid link DD36 was well worth it for me. While some may prefer the classic brushed lugs, I, for one, enjoy the high polish finish of a modern day-date. It feels luxurious. 118238 also has wider lugs which gives it a greater wrist presence.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Gym5050

Thanks. We’re talking 15-17 grand vs 23-28 grand

I would make that jump 10 times out of 10. I can attest that the heft/feel/un-flimsiness of the modern, 6-digit DDs is completely different than the 5-digit ones of decade(s) past.

[Gym5050]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

I would make that jump 10 times out of 10. I can attest that the heft/feel/un-flimsiness of the modern, 6-digit DDs is completely different than the 5-digit ones of decade(s) past.

I hear that. 23k is definitely way more than I ever expected to pay for a watch. However, as I mentioned somewhere before, now that I’ve tried it on, I can’t imagine going back to a steel or TT watch.