Rolex President DD1 Yellow Gold 18k Question

[iarenap]

Hello guys,

I have been browsing around the net and had some few questions that require your opinions. so I have been looking at the:

"Rolex President Yellow Gold 18k: Champagne Dial Mens DD1" 18238 (90s era)

I was wondering whats a good price nowadays for one with box and papers? pretty mint but not too mint. Whats the market value ? 10-12K ? for diamond dial vs non diamond dial (whats more rare?)

What holds the value more? And I am probably using it for daily wear.
Will they probably drop in more value to about 7-8K?

Where is a good place to buy one? I am scared of fakes and being ripped off.

-thanks y'all !

[JnmEaton]

most ppl will probably recommend DavidSW for a reputable pre-loved watch. I think $10-12 is probably the correct range but to get $7-8 you'll be backing down to 18038 80's era IMO....... the experts will chime in now.......

[Maiden]

I own a 18238 and its been fantastic. I was able to secure a mint version, zero stretch, fresh Rolex service for about 13k. Condition dictates the price. My advice, especially since you want a daily wear, is to buy the best condition you can find. Good luck. Pic of mine below.

[Verdi]

For a daily wearer get the '90s model with the crystal saphire.
Price depends very much on condition and if service has been done recently or not. Anyhow, for a good one you are talking +10k.

Diamond dial for a daily beater? I would stay away from any diamond dial. It makes the watch more expensive and less versatile.

[iarenap]

Thanks so far for the replies guys! And this might be weird but What series is 1990, 1991, 1992, etc. is there a chart i can check? like the X series , Z series ,etc.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by iarenap

Thanks so far for the replies guys! And this might be weird but What series is 1990, 1991, 1992, etc. is there a chart i can check? like the X series , Z series ,etc.

Those numbers are the year, the 18238 came out in late 1989 so a lot of models are from the 1990's. The important thing about the 18238 is the model has a sapphire crystal and the double quick set for the day and date. Many think this is a good "sweet spot" for purchase. If you go pre 1989 I think the 18038 had sapphire glass but a single quickset. The models previous had acrylic crystal and single quickset. Hope that helps and if I am wrong on anything other members will chime in I'm sure.

[worldfamoussam]

The L serial exists as the earliest on the 18238.

[THC]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478

Click this link good luck

[HogwldFLTR]

$7-8K is low even for and 1803. The price dropping is unlikely anytime soon; more likely that they'll increase.

[iarenap]

Originally Posted by THC

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478

Click this link good luck

Wow thanks a bunch !

[iarenap]

[QUOTE=THC;7767813]


Hey again,

I was looking at the forums for the serial, but cant seem what the serial is for a 1992. I know E.... is 1990s-1991? What would a 1992 serial for this DD 1 be? Much appreciated. I am trying to find one but always come short of a 1991 or 1994. Never a 1992. Just need a letter ! =)

Thank you

[Tangier11]

If you do go with a diamond dial make sure it is FACTORY Rolex, a TON of these with diamonds are non factory. I think 10-12 will get you a pretty nice Prez with diamonds closer to the 12K range. If you find one with diamonds under say 11K if more than likely is not original. BTW, based on current pricing the watch you are looking for is really a lot of bang for your buck!!

[iarenap]

Sometimes its hard to find one because of the lack of the box and papers. Yeah I have been debating between the one without diamond dial and the one with. Will value in the future be better with it or without? But drifted towards the diamond ones. And for the bracelet stretch the main problem for daily wear?

[Tangier11]

Originally Posted by iarenap

Sometimes its hard to find one because of the lack of the box and papers. Yeah I have been debating between the one without diamond dial and the one with. Will value in the future be better with it or without? But drifted towards the diamond ones. And for the bracelet stretch the main problem for daily wear?

If you get one in good condition, you can wear it for years with no worries. A friend of mine has one circa 1987, wears it ever day of his life, its a little worn, but hey were are talking about a Rolex, they are built like a tank. Wear and enjoy it is not as delicate as you might think.

[BentleyReese]

Depending on year...pre 1995
About $11,500 without papers and box.
$12,500 - $13,000 with papers and box

also depending on condition. I wouldn't worry to much about scratch as those all can be buffed out during your next service. You just do not want any major dents or cuts in the watch.

[iarenap]

Originally Posted by BentleyReese

Depending on year...pre 1995
About $11,500 without papers and box.
$12,500 - $13,000 with papers and box

also depending on condition. I wouldn't worry to much about scratch as those all can be buffed out during your next service. You just do not want any major dents or cuts in the watch.

Hey, do you know what year a 1992 one is? Thanks for the reply.

[BentleyReese]

1992 is like C or N series even 90, 90 L, N, or E....still retail used market is about $11,500-$12,500 without papers/box with paper and box is about $300 more.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Maiden

I own a 18238 and its been fantastic. I was able to secure a mint version, zero stretch, fresh Rolex service for about 13k. Condition dictates the price. My advice, especially since you want a daily wear, is to buy the best condition you can find. Good luck. Pic of mine below.

Bret advice

That looks pristine

[iarenap]

Originally Posted by BentleyReese

1992 is like C or N series even 90, 90 L, N, or E....still retail used market is about $11,500-$12,500 without papers/box with paper and box is about $300 more.

It was odd and thanks for the reply because the serial number is different for all sites. What you think will hold the value more? The one with factory diamonds in it or without?

Thanks !

[BentleyReese]

don't worry about it holding value. buy what you like and wear it. If you choose diamond dial...realize that you limit the market later for resale. i.e. the pool of buyers shrinks because many people do not want diamonds on the dial.

[joli160]

Never mind the dial, plenty originals for sale. Buy one with the best bracelet and case condition you can find

[Quailhunter]

I have a mid-90s YG DayDate in darn good shape. The bracelet has the normal amount of sag consistent with age. I was offered $10K in trade for the watch at an AD. I decided to keep the watch, but I would guess $10K to $12K would be a starting point for the price.

[watchwatcher]

If you are shopping for an older DD, condition is paramount. Especially the bracelet...even if you score a great deal, a bracelet replacement is not cheap.

One consideration I would throw into the mix would be double quickset vs. quickset. The double quickset is sooo much more worth it.

[tonupbklyn]

consider going up to the 118238 gen.