1803 or 18038, which one to get?

[Micha]

I am thinking of adding a DayDate to my collection. The price difference between both models does not seem very significant, and I would certainly like the date quick set feature on the 18038. Am I answering my own question or is there anything else to consider...?
Thank you in advance for chiming in

[mysharona]

Originally Posted by Micha

I am thinking of adding a DayDate to my collection. The price difference between both models does not seem very significant, and I would certainly like the date quick set feature on the 18038. Am I answering my own question or is there anything else to consider...?
Thank you in advance for chiming in

While the 1803 has a vintage charm that is hard to beat, a quick-set feature on a watch with both a day and date complication is huge. I don't think you'll regret either, but you will appreciate the hell out of a quick-set for this style watch.

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[enginerd]

If you like a quick date, you'll love a quick day. I'd look at 18238s as well. If you're after the vintage charm of plexi, nothing wrong with the 1803. You've just got to take your time setting the watch.

[jdmi32]

I'd go with the 18038 but first priority for me would be the condition of the case and bracelet as well as the dial configuration. There are tons of dial variations so you will want first decide which one is right for you as the color and layout does make a big difference.

Next, I would wait for one that has a great case as well as the bracelet that has enough links for your wrist. Even if you plan on wearing it on leather, I would still suggest you find one that comes with the bracelet.

[L.K Johnson]

I would go for the 1803 with its sleeker case and more dynamic dial due to the pie pan feature. The 18038 dial is just too flat IMO. The charm of the plexi also really beats the sterile sapphire crystal...

[R!$]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

I would go for the 1803 with its sleeker case and more dynamic dial due to the pie pan feature. The 18038 dial is just too flat IMO. The charm of the plexi also really beats the sterile sapphire crystal...

[Amex4711]

1803 in WG for me

[steversaurus]

That WG never gets old.

Originally Posted by Amex4711

1803 in WG for me

[mysharona]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

I would go for the 1803 with its sleeker case and more dynamic dial due to the pie pan feature. The 18038 dial is just too flat IMO. The charm of the plexi also really beats the sterile sapphire crystal...

I must agree that aesthetically, the 1803 is the clear winner. My daily wear is a 1978 pie pan 1601... that era and that case profile takes the cake


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[springer]

Originally Posted by Micha

I am thinking of adding a DayDate to my collection. The price difference between both models does not seem very significant, and I would certainly like the date quick set feature on the 18038. Am I answering my own question or is there anything else to consider...?
Thank you in advance for chiming in

Great watches. I've owned both and prefer the 18038. Good luck with the purchase.

[sunny2cd]

I just recently bought my first Rolex, a white gold Day-Date after a lot of research and searching. My advice would be to decide what features/dial configuration/condition requirements you have and consider both references (as well as the double quickset 18238, which is close in price as well). For me dial configuration (silver stick dial with matching tritium plots) and condition (unpolished, or at least only minimally polished) were musts. I also prefer the hidden clasp bracelets, which some 1803 don’t have. As for dial, I would have liked a pie-pan, but I didn’t find an 1803 in the condition I wanted at a price I could afford. I ended up getting an 18239 in lightly worn and super crisp condition with a silver stick dial for what I consider to be a good price (a little lower than most WG modes available at the moment and in better condition than most I saw).

[Tom1675]

For me quickset is overrated. If we love vintage, part of it is occasionally setting the date. As its a datejust, I'm guessing its a daily wearer. Every four years you'll have to change the date by 4 days. And if not a daily, that's 15 or so days max. Part of the charm IMHO.

[Jsol]

Originally Posted by sunny2cd

I just recently bought my first Rolex, a white gold Day-Date after a lot of research and searching. My advice would be to decide what features/dial configuration/condition requirements you have and consider both references (as well as the double quickset 18238, which is close in price as well). For me dial configuration (silver stick dial with matching tritium plots) and condition (unpolished, or at least only minimally polished) were musts. I also prefer the hidden clasp bracelets, which some 1803 don’t have. As for dial, I would have liked a pie-pan, but I didn’t find an 1803 in the condition I wanted at a price I could afford. I ended up getting an 18239 in lightly worn and super crisp condition with a silver stick dial for what I consider to be a good price (a little lower than most WG modes available at the moment and in better condition than most I saw).

Sounds like a great purchase! Was it through the forum ?

[Micha]

Originally Posted by Amex4711

1803 in WG for me

wow, I did not even know of a WG version...beautiful

[Toronto Soup King]

I chose the WG1803 and am happy with my watch. Quickset is helpful but with the "9-12" trick, setting my 1803 is a whole lot less hassle than my 1675, seems like

[Tudor66]

I have been considering the same watch. In my case the vintage 1803 is the perfect combination of style and vintage charm. Both models you mentioned are nice. Beyond the functionality of the newer movement, for me the key is finding what suits you in terms of metals: Yellow Gold, White gold, Rose Gold, and of course dials. I like the fatboy markers with a black or blue dial.

Good luck..

[mineral]

I’d recommend the 1803 too. I like the vintage charm of the older day date.




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[Tudor66]

Nice blue dial....

[dbhak22]

As others have mentioned, the "pie-pan" dial on the 1803s is the differentiator for me. Totally went fashion over function which is silly but I love these little things more so for how they look in my eyes. The vintage (ie. open 6/9) date wheel, acrylic crystal, etc. are nice as well but it was the "depth" in the dial that I love. The 1803s also don't have the roman numerals along the minute track...

This is also assuming all other things are equal (ex. condition, etc.). And finally, I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys the bit of time you spend setting the watch...yeah, I could save time with quicksets but I also don't think I'll find myself in a position where I'm scrambling to put on my Day-Date and don't have the time to set it, :)

[BlackOnyx]

condition, condition, condition should be your main criteria. The 1803 is the nicer reference with the pie pan (often sunburst) dial and the plexiglas, way more charme then the 18038.

However, you could also go for a 18038 or 18238 with a stone dial. Those are reallllllly exciting!

[Amex4711]

Thanks Michael

Originally Posted by Micha

wow, I did not even know of a WG version...beautiful

[crowncollection]

18038 has the greatest variety of dials. However, 1803 are rising in price lately and are a sound investment


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[zapokee]

Eff quickset. 1803 all the way for vintage charm.

[Micha]

thank you guys for all your input...and the thrill of the hunt begins...

[Micha]

Originally Posted by BlackOnyx

......
However, you could also go for a 18038 or 18238 with a stone dial. Those are reallllllly exciting!

beautiful......but also realllllllly pricey...

[dbhak22]

Originally Posted by zapokee

eff quickset. 1803 all the way for vintage charm.

yessssss

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by dbhak22

As others have mentioned, the "pie-pan" dial on the 1803s is the differentiator for me. Totally went fashion over function which is silly but I love these little things more so for how they look in my eyes. The vintage (ie. open 6/9) date wheel, acrylic crystal, etc. are nice as well but it was the "depth" in the dial that I love. The 1803s also don't have the roman numerals along the minute track...

This is also assuming all other things are equal (ex. condition, etc.). And finally, I'm one of those weirdos that actually enjoys the bit of time you spend setting the watch...yeah, I could save time with quicksets but I also don't think I'll find myself in a position where I'm scrambling to put on my Day-Date and don't have the time to set it, :)

Great condition on that bad boy!

[77T]

I like the 1803 over its later 5 digit successor. I had a wide boy dialed one in YG once upon a time...you don’t see them often.




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[hondauk]

Tridor day date 12x1000 by [url=https://www.flickr.com

How about a 18039b Tridor

[Micha]

[QUOTE=hondauk;9057392]Tridor day date 12x1000 by [url=https://www.flickr.com

How about a 18039b Tridor[/QUOTE]

wow...never seen of these...a beauty