he’s a keeper…the DD 18238 that is and let me explain.

[520lux]

She’s a keeper…the 18238 that is and let me explain.

I know there are a lot of people out there that don’t like threads like this and or don’t need threads like this but, for those that do, I wanted to take the time explaining my decision. I am one of those people who like to read what others have to say and their struggles in deciding on which way to go when purchasing something new.

After many hours or thought I came to the conclusion that owning a ROLEX DD Presidential watch should be looked at in different points of view and understanding that sometimes a watch is just not a watch but has other important factors and emotions involved in the decision process.

In todays world we often think that bigger equals better! Everything around us is getting bigger and more extreme and if you don’t have the newest, biggest and greatest than your less than. Take for example a classic car many people who buy these older classic historical cars are for certain reasons like it was a car they had when they were younger, or it was car their father had and or they just apreaciate the older body lines and the different vibe you have when driving a classic car vs a brand new car because IMO there is a huge difference in a 1967 mustang fast back and a 2020 mustang…I would take a restored fast back anyway of the week over a newer 2020 mustang!!! the body lines are so much better but thats just me and only an example of where I am going with this..

When I was younger my thought of owning a ROLEX DAYDATE PRESIDENT was only a dream, a goal if you will that one day I would own a 36mm DD. At the time there was no 40mm it was 36 and for many many years that 36mm never looked like a womens watch..It was so iconic and man I just could not wait until the day I might own one. The lines of the 36mm DD are so classic so, elegant, everything about it looks just so amazing. ITs a watch in its own class period!! This being said it was my first true grail watch this was in the 80’ and Fast forward to current times 2020.

Is it fair to compare a DD 40 or even a DDII to a classic DD? To some maybe?? But to me NO its not the same watch..Same model but not the same watch. There is a totally different vibe going on between the two. Don’t get me wrong I would absolutely love to own a DD40 and if I found one at the right price I would buy and to be clear I am not talking down the bigger and newer DD at all…they are very very nice watches with HUGE WRIST presence !! But the DD40 was not my grail watch!

Even going back and forth between the DJ41 and the DD36 was hard and for me honestly I was comparing the two as if they both of current times. It took a bit for me to realize it was like comparing apples to oranges. After I stepped back and realized this I really have started to appreciate the DD 36 more and more each minute. As I was working I had the watch in the box next to me on my desk so I could glance at it as often as I needed to and the more I did the more I fell in love with it! IT took my back to those simpler days that I miss as a kid. I remember watching leave it to beaver in the summer days and playing with my friends until 9-10 pm at night with no worries. Thinks were simpler then, no cell phones to worry about no internet no social media…It may be weird to you all but this watch to me represents just that..Simpler times and when things were more about class than presence !!!!!


Im going to be turning 45 in May and by no means to do I consider myself and old man but I do find myself having an old soul..and for that I can really appreciate the size and look and overall aesthetics of a vintage time piece.


This is what sealed the deal for me. I will always be able to get another DJ in great condition and very affordable price but, I wont always be able to get a mint condition classic YG DD 36! As years go buy the watches are harder and harder to source and crazy thing is I paid more for this older DD than I did for my TT YG DJII, how crazy is that,,, The DD 36 as old as it may be is one hell of a watch!!

With that being said I am totally content with my purchase and look forward to wearing this watch for many years. It will be my dress watch so I will baby her and keep her as mint as I can but, she will indeed get wrist time.

I thank you for all chiming in on all my recent posts. It was very helpful to me and I hope that this thread may help the other lost minded buyers on the fence with buying a 36mmDD…

Cheers and I am finally part of the DD club…

https://youtu.be/oNAbsAjxE5Q

[kieselguhr]

Congratulations on acquiring your dream watch

I agree with you. Many more would be happy with their collections or single watch if they just took the time to enjoy and appreciate what they already have

[Neo_Anderson302]

Great story. I have the same vibe is you but I'm 35. I really dont like change. Probably why I still have an iphone 4s.

[Setarip]

Congrats again!

Great story.

Thank you for sharing on such a personal level.

Hope the watch brings you years of happiness and fond memories of your childhood.

Time is short. Enjoy the ride!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alan111]

Nicely written post. I can resonate with all of your points, although I'm a good 13 years younger than you.

[Singslinger]

I turn 60 in August and have been trying to justify a DD purchase for years. Your post might just be what I needed to pull the trigger!

[jeorge]

Im 62 have been wearing a 36DD since I was 50. I agree what you wrote but don't reserve for special day watch. If its your grail wear it every single day like I do mine. Life is to short to try to keep a watch mint by not wearing it.

[1William]

Congratulations. A great watch and a very well thought through post.

[Little machines]

Congrats!! Nice looking DD and a great post ! Thank you!!

[JSolution]

I agree with you on this, and I’m only 29. Even would rather have the new DD36 over the 40

[Redbox]

Very well said!

I am 73 and have always taken the road less traveled. Someone that has vintage cars, I like your analogy.

I am still looking for my DD36. During the process I have looked at many DD40. I like everything about the new model. The problem is I can almost get two DD36 for one DD40. I don’t think the DD40 will ever end up as classic as the DD36.

Anyways, the hunt continues. Remember that the journey going down that road is half the fun. Stay tuned.

[520Matt]

I like it. Did you buy this locally? Based on your username we may be in the same city.

[Maiden]

Congrats and thanks for sharing your story. I own a 18238 and prefer the 36mm for the day date as well, despite my 7.25in wrist. You bought what YOU love, always the right move. A pic of mine.

[Rossww]

Old souls are underrated and congrats on the watch. As I type this, I'm wearing a retro Tag Monza. Not a fancy or expensive timepiece..but more of an homage to the previous generation.

[mykii]

Ballsy choice but one you made for all the right reasons, congrats op, it looks amazing!

[doramas]

Great story and better watch. Congratulations

[520lux]

Originally Posted by 520Matt

I like it. Did you buy this locally? Based on your username we may be in the same city.

No didn't buy locally..I did look but only few places I found had a couple and they were beat up. One was $18000 and was trash...people think around here that they can jack you and thats ok...but not me!!! I got it online...

but yeah if your in Tucson...were same city8)

[520lux]

Thanks to ALL for your compliments..I did indeed put so much thought into my next purchase and I think in the end there is probably never a"right" choice but the best choice at the time. I am pretty sure I would be very happy with another DJ but you know what there is nothing like saying you own a PRESIDENT....hahahah LAOL........

Awesome thing is that before I was contemplating between another DJ or DD and chocolate dial over wimbledon dial and yellow gold DJ or ever rose DJ but now I am pretty confident that with the YG DD and my TT YG DJ II I will be getting something for sure in the everose gold and that every rose wimbledon combo never looked so good.....already setting goals for my next purchase....hahahhaha....

Thanks again and I am glad that you all apreaciated the time spent in this post and I am glad that maybe its helped push some in a direction that perhaps they would have went.. Thats what its all about. Helping others out!!!!

THANKS ROLEX FORUM!!

[Heu]

Congratulations!

[iliketime]

nice! couldve scored a DD in white gold a few months back for around $12.5k definitely loooking forward to one when it seems appropriate.