Your advice please on these two 1803?

[topcat30093]

Firstly, please let me apologise for only enclosing the links of the two DD 1803
I would really appreciate some advice regarding my choice?
Both have just come back having been fully serviced by Rolex.
The first one only has the box and service card, while the second is the full set.
Apart from the price difference, the only real concern that I have is the ledgibity between the two dial and their hands.
The first has a champagne dial while the other is gold.
Is the “Wide Boy” a rare piece and what is the history behind it?
Primarily whichever one I choose will not be used as an everyday watch.

The first seller is a local jeweller who I have contacted several times and he has sent me additional photos, which show the watch better. He will also get from Rolex the correct strap and pin buckle.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-Gen...0/232827852148

The second piece is from a dealer in London.
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/day...-id9624770.htm
Both watches still have the service stickers on them.

As a wild card, I have also been looking at the following piece, which looks lovely. But I am unsure on whether it has been over polished.
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/dat...-id8198923.htm

Thank you for any help that you can provide.

[Andad]

I can see some issues but after 10 years on TRF I am sure you can also see them.

[topcat30093]

Hi Eddie
We are currently on holiday in your beautiful country and throughly enjoying our stay with family
We are staying on the Gold Coast and just returned from Noosa. What a stunning place

I am not so knowledgeable about vintage Rolex watches and know that it can be a minefiekd! So please feel free to point out any obvious and not so obvious issues!

Many thanks.
Tony

[rootbeer7]

Both overpriced for watch only. 2nd one more so although dial is more desirable. Cases of both a little soft and one of the lugs on first one a little thin.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Both overpriced for watch only. 2nd one more so although dial is more desirable. Cases of both a little soft and one of the lugs on first one a little thin.

Thank you for your reply.
I will take another look at the first one.
What would be a more realistic price?

[L.K Johnson]

My comments would be that the first one has really “rounded” lugs, probably from a lot of polishing.
On the second one it nearly seems that the case has been laser redone (I am no expert on this though).

The 116138 with its sapphire crystal and flat dial (compared to the pie pan 1803 dial) is just so sterile and charmless...plus you will lose the “warm” feeling the dial gets from the plexi glass...

You could find other ones I would say, that are both cheaper and better...

[topcat30093]

^^^^
Thank you.
I obviously have much to learn.

[topcat30093]

Managed to get a photo of the Wide Boy.



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[zapokee]

Confused. There are loads of pro-grade photos of the above watch on the seller's website at https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/day...-id9624770.htm.

[rootbeer7]

As before, great dial, but over priced. Boxes can be bought, RSC service maybe close to £1000 for gold. Add the bracelet cost and it’s no bargain. I’d want to pay no more £6500, maybe £7k if I really fell for it.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Confused. There are loads of pro-grade photos of the above watch on the seller's website at https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/day...-id9624770.htm.

You are correct, I asked them to send me a wrist shot, which I was then able to save.

[crowncollection]

Wide boy looks less polished and a better option imho

Datejust is not a day date so no go there for me


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[topcat30093]

I am still searching for a Day Date.
This week I shall be going to look at a freshly serviced by Rolex 1803 on a strap.
However I continued to look and found this 18038 which also had just un gone a Rolex service.

My question to those in the know, is regarding the bracelet.
Is the stretch to bad for the watch to be worn?
The seller has assured me that though there is stretch, it can be worn. And there is also the option of removing a link to make a better fit.
Part of the deal, is that it would come with a new Rolex strap and pin buckle.

I would really appreciate your thoughts before I proceed either way.






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[topcat30093]

Two further wrist shots




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[zapokee]

Stretch doesn't look too bad - definitely wearable, and easily repairable. There are people who can un-stretch the bracelet for you, notably Michael Young in HK.

Certainly not a deal breaker for me.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Stretch doesn't look too bad - definitely wearable, and easily repairable. There are people who can un-stretch the bracelet for you, notably Michael Young in HK.

Certainly not a deal breaker for me.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[topcat30093]

Here are some photos taken today with a link removed to show a tighter fit.







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