Mens Rolex 1018 - Rare or Vintage?

[physjock]

I have a 1018 that was ordered in the late 1960's and does NOT have a luminous face or second hand. I have the original receipt (and other paperwork) for the watch. It specifically says no luminous dials, etc. My understanding is that Rolex wasn't known for special orders. Does this make the watch rare, or is it just a vintage watch from the 1960's?

[Dan S]

There were no-lume versions of several references. You will probably get more information if you post photos.

[physjock]

A picture of the watch isn't apt to look any different than the non-luminous version. What I was trying to get at is the 1018's routinely came with luminous hands and face. This had neither and was ordered as such. Does that make it rare?

[Dan S]

Sorry, now I'm confused. I thought you said this was a non-luminous version and it was ordered to be the no-lume version. But now you're saying the photos won't look any different from the non-luminous version, suggesting that it does have lume.

I don't understand the sentence "This had neither and was ordered as such". Ordered as what? Ordered as luminous? Ordered as non-luminous? Ordered with lumed hands and no-lumed dial? All could be solved by posting a photo of the papers/receipt.

Often we get questions like this, and when we see photos of the watch, it turns out that there are non-original parts, etc. So photos really do help. I assure you that there are many details that will help answer your questions that experts will see if you post photos. For example, it's very helpful to see exactly what is written at the bottom of the dial.

In any case, my original answer stands. There were both lume and no-lume versions. There is no "routine" version, both exist. I can't say if yours is correct and original without seeing photos.

[motoikkyu]

I love the 1018. I've owned several and agree with Dan S: both luminous and non-luminous. Great watch. If you have the 7206 bracelet that I've seen on some of them, that's an added bonus (not sure if THAT's a special order!).

[Toronto Soup King]

1018 is a nice watch - I like both of mine - but "rare"? Dunno about that, they're not as common as DJs or Subs I suppose but they're hardly unicorns, someone was selling a nice one last week (silver dial no bracelet) from Nova Scotia for not much money.

I don't think you'll find one 1018 fetching a premium over another except for the usual reasons - black dial probably a touch higher, all-original is higher, on bracelet is higher, box and papers add a little. But we're not talking one 1018 worth double another unless you have a NOS full set or something.

[physjock]

Thanks. Didn't realize you could routinely buy them either with or without luminous hands/faces. I was assuming a special order was required for without, but looks like I was wrong. Prices on eBay are all over the map. Depends somewhat on season, but I also notice a lot ship from Japan. Guessing at least some of what's advertised on eBay are fakes. Mine is originally bought in the 1960's at a US jewelry store, and I have all paperwork. Don't have metal bracelet, only leather strap. Will try to put a picture on here when I get a chance. Appreciate comments I've received so far.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by physjock

Thanks. Didn't realize you could routinely buy them either with or without luminous hands/faces. I was assuming a special order was required for without, but looks like I was wrong. Prices on eBay are all over the map. Depends somewhat on season, but I also notice a lot ship from Japan. Guessing at least some of what's advertised on eBay are fakes. Mine is originally bought in the 1960's at a US jewelry store, and I have all paperwork. Don't have metal bracelet, only leather strap. Will try to put a picture on here when I get a chance. Appreciate comments I've received so far.

Use the eBay advanced search to look at the prices of SOLD watches. Listing prices are not that helpful. You can also look at sales on this forum.

[physjock]

eBay search doesn't seem to go back far. Mine come with boxes, original bill of sale and chronometer info. Can you explain how to find them using sales info from this forum? I'm new to the forum and don't offhand see how to navigate to what's been sold and selling price. Meanwhile, I can post a couple of pictures if that would be worthwhile.

[Tools]

Back in the 60's the radioactivity of watch lume could affect readings in some tech/research industries.

CERN was one such organization who Rolex provided workers with non-lume watches.

A CERN Milgauss would be worth a pretty penny, an OP, maybe not so much, but it would still be a unique item.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by physjock

I can post a couple of pictures if that would be worthwhile.

Definitely would be worthwhile.

[fishaddict707]

What do you guys think about this one?

[physjock]

I'm having trouble posting pictures because they seem to be too large to attach, and this site won't allow me to drag and drop. Suggestions?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by physjock

I'm having trouble posting pictures because they seem to be too large to attach, and this site won't allow me to drag and drop. Suggestions?

Resize them, or use a photo hosting site and post links.

[R.W.T.]

It doesn't have a second hand?????????????????

[R.W.T.]

Lack of luminous on the dial or not isn't a major issue on this model.

I doubt you are going to find a fake 1018.

You will more likely find a 1018 with a 1016 dial and a changed digit to make a fake 1016.

[R.W.T.]

Go get an imgur account and resize the photos.

[iliketime]

theyre not very common i suppose, but one did crop up in the f/s section

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by fishaddict707

What do you guys think about this one?

Blue dial? Or are my eyes deceiving me? And, er, is that actually a 1018, stamped 1018 between the lugs? Markers look different from ones I've seen and I've never seen or heard of a blue variant, even if I'll freely agree I'm inexperienced compared to many of the members here.

[physjock]

This attachment is for my Rolex 1018. Don't know who posted the one with the blue face.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by jonfreedmanporsche9

I have had my eye on a few mens used Rolex watches for sale as well. None are vintage watches like the 1018. Are they still worth buying? Any recommendations on which one to get?

There is a thread where people post photos of watches they are wearing. Take a look there and see which ones you like.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=331580

[TimeLord2]

Nice that you have some of the accoutrements but if you want the full low-down from the experts that have chimed in, you will need some better pics. Of the watch. Some where you can actually read the dial and evaluate the hands and whatever else might be there. I can tell the face is silver and it's on a leather band. That's about it. Looking forward to seeing some closer images and maybe from several different angles. It is always interesting seeing these family gems.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Nice that you have some of the accoutrements but if you want the full low-down from the experts that have chimed in, you will need some better pics. Of the watch. Some where you can actually read the dial and evaluate the hands and whatever else might be there. I can tell the face is silver and it's on a leather band. That's about it. Looking forward to seeing some closer images and maybe from several different angles. It is always interesting seeing these family gems.

Looks like he posted three years ago dude.

jonfreedmanporsche9 just bumped an old thread.