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springer · 6 April 2014, 06:39 AM

I don't know if it's age, but it seems that my tastes in watches have changed somewhat the past couple of years and some of the Rolexes that I once thought were somewhat nice now have much greater appeal to me. While always a fan of the vintage sports models, and most notably the GMT-Master, we all seem to have found our own particular niche in vintage. I've always admired the 18k gold sport and President models and often find myself looking at them at watch shows. Two of my favorites are the white-dialed, 18K Yachtmaster and the 18K yellow gold Day Date with the white stick dial. I just love these two watches but could never justify my need for one.

The other day, I had the opportunity to purchase a vintage, surely a classic, 30-year-old President day date, single-quick 18038. The watch was sold new in 1984 for $6913 and survived the past three decades with minimal wear. In examining the watch, it was 100% original, untouched and in immaculate condition, complete with box, booklets hang tags and warranty paper. I brought it to my watchmaker for a quick examination who remarked that this was one of the nicest, vintage original Presidents that he had ever seen. I had to concur with my watchmaker, and as I left his shop, I made the decision to keep the President and not worry too much how the years have changed my tastes.

MonBK · 6 April 2014, 06:42 AM

Your taste has changed for the better.

springer · 6 April 2014, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Your taste has changed for the better.

I agree.

Ue11 · 6 April 2014, 06:57 AM

Great story, great watch!

TimeToGo · 6 April 2014, 07:01 AM

Congrats, Amigo!

BNA/LION · 6 April 2014, 07:06 AM

Good Taste! Great Watch!

HL65 · 6 April 2014, 07:39 AM

Congrats John and love it! Cheers,

CrownMe · 6 April 2014, 07:43 AM

That a real beauty John. Nothing wrong with owning watches that aren't GMTs.

southtexas · 6 April 2014, 07:43 AM

Timeless!

cruvon · 6 April 2014, 07:51 AM

A beauty John!

silversurfer96790 · 6 April 2014, 07:51 AM

Nice find, thanks for sharing.

springer · 6 April 2014, 07:54 AM

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the comments.

GregoryZ · 6 April 2014, 07:55 AM

Nice going John! I so relate with you!

Ever since I was 19, I always wanted a President.

Just last year at the age of 52, I bought a black dialed 'Barked' version. I LOVE IT! I know some people think Bark President's are dated...I don't...I think they are the most distinctive and elegant looking Presidents out there. My second choice would be the one you bought!

Congrats!

springer · 6 April 2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregoryZ

Nice going John! I so relate with you!

Ever since I was 19, I always wanted a President.

Just last year at the age of 52, I bought a black dialed 'Barked' version. I LOVE IT! I know some people think Bark President's are dated...I don't...I think they are the most distinctive and elegant looking Presidents out there. My second choice would be the one you bought!

Congrats!

Thanks Greg, they are all good. I'm up there in age myself, a little older, and not getting any younger. It was time to pull the trigger and I couldn't be more happy.

Daytonaman799 · 6 April 2014, 07:57 AM

Great story and a beautiful watch!!!

Kingair · 6 April 2014, 08:26 AM

Nice one John

Congrats

HAGWe

dpa94114 · 6 April 2014, 08:31 AM

Flawless...i'm with you!

seattleal · 6 April 2014, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregoryZ

Nice going John! I so relate with you!

Ever since I was 19, I always wanted a President.

Just last year at the age of 52, I bought a black dialed 'Barked' version. I LOVE IT! I know some people think Bark President's are dated...I don't...I think they are the most distinctive and elegant looking Presidents out there. My second choice would be the one you bought!

Congrats!

I thought similarly about barked day-dates - too blingy, too dated - then I bought one because it was also a wide boy, and it didn't leave my wrist 'till it went in for an overhaul. And it will be right back on my wrist in a week or so.

They do grow on you. Enjoy! and you to John!

lhanddds · 6 April 2014, 09:04 AM

Love the white dial, congrats

g-boac · 6 April 2014, 09:38 AM

Nice watch John! Are you considering wearing it occasionally, or will you keep it preserved as-is and in a safe at all times?

Michael M. · 6 April 2014, 10:10 AM

Beautiful example John! Nice unmolested YG day dates are harder to come by these days.

crowncollection · 6 April 2014, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by springer

I don't know if it's age, but it seems that my tastes in watches have changed somewhat the past couple of years and some of the Rolexes that I once thought were somewhat nice now have much greater appeal to me. While always a fan of the vintage sports models, and most notably the GMT-Master, we all seem to have found our own particular niche in vintage. I've always admired the 18k gold sport and President models and often find myself looking at them at watch shows. Two of my favorites are the white-dialed, 18K Yachtmaster and the 18K yellow gold Day Date with the white stick dial. I just love these two watches but could never justify my need for one.

The other day, I had the opportunity to purchase a vintage, surely a classic, 30-year-old President day date, single-quick 18038. The watch was sold new in 1984 for $6913 and survived the past three decades with minimal wear. In examining the watch, it was 100% original, untouched and in immaculate condition, complete with box, booklets hang tags and warranty paper. I brought it to my watchmaker for a quick examination who remarked that this was one of the nicest, vintage original Presidents that he had ever seen. I had to concur with my watchmaker, and as I left his shop, I made the decision to keep the President and not worry too much how the years have changed my tastes.

Beautiful example, love that dial, so clean and easy to read. Your taste has improved IMHO.

Tokyo Time · 6 April 2014, 10:58 AM

Great watch great story. I've had my 1803 for less than 2 months and it has dominated wrist time. I even wear it to bed. Always hated gold as being too flashy but now can't get enough. Is that the actual box yours came in? If so more pics please. I've never seen that style and am looking for one myself. Thx

springer · 6 April 2014, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattleal

I thought similarly about barked day-dates - too blingy, too dated - then I bought one because it was also a wide boy, and it didn't leave my wrist 'till it went in for an overhaul. And it will be right back on my wrist in a week or so.

They do grow on you. Enjoy! and you to John!

Post it up when you get it back. I'd love to see it as well as many others here.

springer · 6 April 2014, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Beautiful example, love that dial, so clean and easy to read. Your taste has improved IMHO.

LOL...Thanks Dave. I guess I'm in the club now.

springer · 6 April 2014, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrownMe

That a real beauty John. Nothing wrong with owning watches that aren't GMTs.

Well put Kevin.

springer · 6 April 2014, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Time

Great watch great story. I've had my 1803 for less than 2 months and it has dominated wrist time. I even wear it to bed. Always hated gold as being too flashy but now can't get enough. Is that the actual box yours came in? If so more pics please. I've never seen that style and am looking for one myself. Thx

The small Rolex box is an aftermarket ornamental box that my watchmaker picked up at a watch show a few years ago. He keeps it out with an old Rolex display stand. Below is pic of all three together.

zapokee · 6 April 2014, 12:09 PM

That's beautiful. The Day-Date has been on my radar for a while now. I hope to find one as nice as yours!

Starbucksboss · 6 April 2014, 12:26 PM

A true classic...timeless! ( unlike some newer models I fear)

red1108nyc · 6 April 2014, 12:45 PM

Truly great taste J. I like it a LOT.

6 April 2014, 07:06 AM	#6
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,239	Good Taste! Great Watch! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

6 April 2014, 07:39 AM	#7
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,477	Congrats John and love it! Cheers, __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

6 April 2014, 07:43 AM	#9
southtexas 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,695	Timeless! __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

6 April 2014, 07:51 AM	#10
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,688	A beauty John! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

6 April 2014, 07:54 AM	#12
springer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,233	Thanks everyone! I appreciate the comments. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

6 April 2014, 06:42 AM	#2
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,281	Your taste has changed for the better.

6 April 2014, 06:57 AM	#4
Ue11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: California Posts: 81	Great story, great watch!

6 April 2014, 07:01 AM	#5
TimeToGo 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,618	Congrats, Amigo!

6 April 2014, 07:43 AM	#8
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	That a real beauty John. Nothing wrong with owning watches that aren't GMTs.

6 April 2014, 07:51 AM	#11
silversurfer96790 Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jon Location: Tokyo Watch: GMT 16710, 1675 Posts: 294	Nice find, thanks for sharing.

6 April 2014, 07:55 AM	#13
GregoryZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Greg Location: Ohio Watch: 1680 Posts: 340	Nice going John! I so relate with you! Ever since I was 19, I always wanted a President. Just last year at the age of 52, I bought a black dialed 'Barked' version. I LOVE IT! I know some people think Bark President's are dated...I don't...I think they are the most distinctive and elegant looking Presidents out there. My second choice would be the one you bought! Congrats!

6 April 2014, 07:57 AM	#15
Daytonaman799 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC/South Fl Watch: Rolex, Patek Posts: 3,531	Great story and a beautiful watch!!!

6 April 2014, 08:31 AM	#17
dpa94114 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: ex SF, back east Posts: 531	Flawless...i'm with you!

6 April 2014, 09:04 AM	#19
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	Love the white dial, congrats

6 April 2014, 09:38 AM	#20
g-boac 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 343	Nice watch John! Are you considering wearing it occasionally, or will you keep it preserved as-is and in a safe at all times?

6 April 2014, 10:10 AM	#21
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Beautiful example John! Nice unmolested YG day dates are harder to come by these days.

6 April 2014, 10:58 AM	#23
Tokyo Time "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Douglas Location: Tokyo Watch: but don't touch Posts: 481	Great watch great story. I've had my 1803 for less than 2 months and it has dominated wrist time. I even wear it to bed. Always hated gold as being too flashy but now can't get enough. Is that the actual box yours came in? If so more pics please. I've never seen that style and am looking for one myself. Thx

6 April 2014, 12:09 PM	#28
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,354	That's beautiful. The Day-Date has been on my radar for a while now. I hope to find one as nice as yours!

6 April 2014, 12:26 PM	#29
Starbucksboss Banned Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Reno Posts: 1,028	A true classic...timeless! ( unlike some newer models I fear)

6 April 2014, 12:45 PM	#30
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,506	Truly great taste J. I like it a LOT.

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