Should I trade part of my collection for an 1803?

[JulianK13]

Obviously this is a Rolex forum so there is going to be natural bias. But I would just like to talk to a few collectors who could shed some light on my decision. I am considering trading/selling the following:

Leaving:
1. 1980s Louis Cartier 18k Tank with original strap and 18k deployment buckle
2. Omega Speedmaster MKII 1969 with original bracelet

For:
1. 1970s Rolex day-date 1803 (no bracelet, box, or papers)

This value of these two watches should (roughly) make up for the value of the 1803 but I’m wondering if it is worth it. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated, I’m obviously unconvinced myself. Thanks for your time.

Julian

[Dan S]

If the values are equal, surely this is entirely a matter of personal taste.

[Acidstain]

I personally would prefer to keep the speedmaster.


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[haven_seeker]

Values seem inline. How do you feel about the trade?

It’s 2-for1 and definitely a trade up by most standards.

A lot of people don’t feel much for either of the watches you own (perhaps Speedy excepted), and most would love to own a DD...but really the only opinion that matters is yours

[kwcsports]

I'd do it in a heartbeat

[Retired Bob]

not a problem with the trade

[Sherbie]

Not sure -i dont think you are getting a good deal there


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[watch-guy.com]

If the speedie is a 321 model , then def not

Most standard 1803 with no box and papers ( not much value add IMHO) are around 10

A good condition speedie is similar

so if I was going to swap then 1:1 is better

The cartier tank is the profit for the dealer

I wold keep the speedie personally but all comes down to personal taste


I love a good 1803 as well

Good luck

Julian

[Dan S]

Just to be clear, he is talking about a Speedmaster Mk II, which is a cushion-case version. Apples to apples in condition, it's worth about half of the contemporaneous Speedmaster Professional "moonwatch" (speaking very roughly).

I have no idea what the Cartier is worth, it's totally out of my wheelhouse.

[Verdi]

Post some photos so we can offer some better advice.
Condition is very important when it comes to vintage. Also, what dial does the DD have?

[Dr.Smellody]

No brainers there for me!

[JulianK13]

Sorry everyone, I should have been a little more clear in my initial post. I currently do not have any deal with an individual to establish such a trade. I merely meant that selling the two watches would allocate the funds to buy the 1803 or I would offer both watches. I don’t have my sights set on a specific listing as of now. Dan is correct about the speedmaster in that it is not worth as much as a regular professional although it does house the cal. 861, similar to the 145.022.

I suppose my question was a bit arbitrary considering it is really up to preference at the end of the day. I am looking for one without bracelet so based on condition it should be about 5-6k.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by kwcsports

I'd do it in a heartbeat

This.

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[mohamedalimam]

I would bring what other watches in your collection / age / and sentimental value to the table.

Is this your first Day-date?, do you have other speedys?, why not any other Rolex if it's your first rolex?

Usually speedys are more sporty and casual in general, where 1803 is more of dress watch although is great casual wear on a strap. Is there anything changed in your lifestyle which you think a day-date will better fit in?

if the watches you have do not hold values other than money? I made a mistake once when I sold a watch which had a great memory thinking that the new addition will replace it, and it did replace the watch, however it did not replace the feeling.

I think looking at these aspects would give you better clarity on this, maybe you can share more info about your current collection so you can get more opinions on the matter.

These are just some thoughts outside the box (financial value)

[zapokee]

Do it. An 1803 beats both those watches any day of the week. 1803s have a captivating magic that Omegas and Cartiers don't.

[Chope Man]

I have two chronographs.

I sometimes go on track with my sports cars.

Do I use the chronograph complication? NO

Do you?

A chronograph dial is pleasant for its look but the function is rarely used. When I have a look at my Tudor 79270, I find less comfortable to read the seconds in a small register (unless I launch the chrono function).

I feel that a 1803 with a nice band is a great watch. It can be a dress watch and a cool casual one as well.

I would sell the Cartier and Speedmaster II to get the funds.

[royerlich]

The bracelet is kind of a big deal at around 2,250 for one and the lack of box and papers is not really good. Im going to buy a 18038 with bracelet box and papers from 1978 for 10,000 dollars. Take that into your mind

[dhknola]

I think you should keep the Cartier and part w the Omega; 1803's are some what common compared to the ones you have.

[Racer X]

I have an 1803 and love it, but I'd want to hold onto the speedy, especially one from 1969 as there's the moon landing connection.

Also, as these were top-end Rolexes in the day and it seems that, as a consequence, people often saved their boxes/papers. I'd want to hold out for an example that includes those.

[motoikkyu]

Without being unduly critical of my fellow forumites, I am sensing that most of you don't know what a Speedmaster Mark II looks like. It's not a moon-watch, it's a horse of a different color. The values on those have been up and down in the past decade, currently they are strong. I had one that I had trouble selling for YEARS at just what I'd paid for it. The Cartiers tend to hold value well, but there is a huge supply of 1980s tanks. As for 1803s, many examples are common (gold dial like mine), and many more examples are overpolished, with thin lugs.

You have a lot of factors in play here. My advice regarding the Mark II: if you have a buyer and don't have attachment to it, move it now, they are not easy to sell in my experience. Make sure you love the specific 1803 you are buying, there is a huge spectrum of variation in the examples available, while prices tend to be very similar.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

Without being unduly critical of my fellow forumites, I am sensing that most of you don't know what a Speedmaster Mark II looks like. It's not a moon-watch, it's a horse of a different color.

That is driving me nuts too.

There are two versions as well. Does it have the race dial?

And are you sure you can trade even up or not?
Or are you just speculating that you can sell them for enough to cover the price of an 1803?

Because you may find out otherwise if you do not have an eBay sales history. Most of the general public do not have a good outlet to get "retail price" for their watch.

I have over 3'000 positive feedbacks on eBay.
I have a watch listed on there now. There are two other similar watches listed. One for double my price, the other is triple my price. No buyers, and it has been up for a year.

Now you are talking about selling a Cartier Tank, I did a quick search. There are 624 18k Cartier Tanks that you are competing with on eBay. It might not be an easy sale.

Point is, I would make sure you could sell your watches before I would make the decision to buy the next one.
My experience has been Cartier's are very slooooow sellers.
The Omega's have always been better sellers for me, but it depends on if the price is realistic.

[offrdmania]

The 1803 with no bracelet or papers is only about a $5K watch all day long unless it has rare dial, so evaluate your two pieces if they are of similar value to make your decision.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Do it. An 1803 beats both those watches any day of the week. 1803s have a captivating magic that Omegas and Cartiers don't.

This


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[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by kwcsports

I'd do it in a heartbeat

[JulianK13]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

That is driving me nuts too.

There are two versions as well. Does it have the race dial?

And are you sure you can trade even up or not?
Or are you just speculating that you can sell them for enough to cover the price of an 1803?

Because you may find out otherwise if you do not have an eBay sales history. Most of the general public do not have a good outlet to get "retail price" for their watch.

I have over 3'000 positive feedbacks on eBay.
I have a watch listed on there now. There are two other similar watches listed. One for double my price, the other is triple my price. No buyers, and it has been up for a year.

Now you are talking about selling a Cartier Tank, I did a quick search. There are 624 18k Cartier Tanks that you are competing with on eBay. It might not be an easy sale.

Point is, I would make sure you could sell your watches before I would make the decision to buy the next one.
My experience has been Cartier's are very slooooow sellers.
The Omega's have always been better sellers for me, but it depends on if the price is realistic.

There is a very good point here. I can’t even consider really buying one until I can successfully sell both watches needed to obtain funds. The watches don’t really have their value until I can find a buyer.

[JulianK13]

It seems like an overwhelming majority are in favour of the decision. I definitely think it would be a better piece but there were also some good points concerning value. Although I may think my Speedmaster is worth ~2k and the Cartier ~3.2k, they won’t be worth that unless I find someone willing to buy them. So I think before I even start dreaming of owning an 1803, I have to focus on selling the other two successfully.

[TCU34]

Just remember, those non-quick set Day Dates are a pain in the butt to set when you let them die.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by TCU34

Just remember, those non-quick set Day Dates are a pain in the butt to set when you let them die.

I think this is a common misconception. You just move the hour hand from 9 to 12 and the date flips over, then wind back to 9, then back to 12 and the date flips over again. Rinse and repeat. Then you move the hour hand backward to get the right day.

I've had a few of these, and it takes three minutes max to set even if you have to wind through the whole month.

Not a real calorie burner in the great scheme of things. Do it while you're on the toilet.

[JulianK13]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I think this is a common misconception. You just move the hour hand from 9 to 12 and the date flips over, then wind back to 9, then back to 12 and the date flips over again. Rinse and repeat. Then you move the hour hand backward to get the right day.

I've had a few of these, and it takes three minutes max to set even if you have to wind through the whole month.

Not a real calorie burner in the great scheme of things. Do it while you're on the toilet.

To be fair, spending an extra couple minutes with a $5000 watch doesn’t seem like the end of the world haha. I understand why some people prefer to go for the 18038 for the quickest but the pie pan dial is so nice.

[TimeLord2]

Crap! Can we see a few examples? I'm a visual person...