Need Advice On DayDate

[Chozn1]

I've been back in the DD market as of late, and the watch I settle on will not be a safe queen. I'm wanting something I can wear daily and for a long time. I'm quite drawn to a 228235 or even a 118206, but I've found a a K serial 118238 near me which I'm not at all opposed to.. and it's $10k less that either of the previous options mentioned. One thing I'm an absolute stickler on is wanting the heavier band with solid end links found starting on the P (2000) serials. Of course, Rolex then upgraded the clasp starting with the F serials a couple of years later. I actually had one of these on my previous DD that I could kick myself for selling. I was only 27, timid about all gold, and wanted to pay off my house, so the watch was sold. Needless to say, values have gone up substantially in the subsequent 10 years But I digress.

What are your thoughts on the clasps of newer models with president bands? Is it substantial enough of a difference that it would be a deal breaker? Or a relatively minor perk in the grand scheme? And if you have any thoughts in general on the DD's with the info I've provided, I'm happy to hear those as well.

I've attached pics of both the old and new style clasp for those new to the topic or researching for themselves.

[jschmidtdmd]

If price is not a concern, get yourself a new DD40.

New movement, best bracelet yet.....etc. etc. etc.

No reason to go back in time, unless that's what you want.

[Swiss Mad!]

If it's to be a daily wearer, don't the newer bracelets have the ceramic inserts in the link tubes to help against premature wear?
Or have they been around for a while?
Cheers

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[Cubdrick]

Jack Nicklaus’ 1803 was a daily for 40+ years without any problems, nor upgrades.

[returntorolex]

Wait to find an example with the fat buckle.

[Gaijin]

My one and only DD was a Rose Gold "P", white dial with Romans. I went with the P as you said becuase I wanted the sold links.

I'd pass on the K cuz there has to be a weight difference right? But 10 K savings might sway me.

Paying off your house was the right move. I'm sure that has appreciated too.

[Quailhunter]

I’ve been wearing a YG DD I bought in the mid80s daily. Still looks good, keeps excellent time, and fits well even with a sloppy bracelet.

If I were to replace it, I’d buy the new model. Its a much better watch.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by jschmidtdmd

If price is not a concern, get yourself a new DD40.

New movement, best bracelet yet.....etc. etc. etc.

No reason to go back in time, unless that's what you want.

Agreed. That 10k you "save" is not going to mean much if it's not the watch you want.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

If it's to be a daily wearer, don't the newer bracelets have the ceramic inserts in the link tubes to help against premature wear?
Or have they been around for a while?
Cheers

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

They are new to the gold models, were on the platinum DD2s.

Go for the DD40, it's a really smart and more durable watch now.

[Old Geezer]

$10K is nothing to sneeze at. That’s another watch. That said, I’ve shopped DDs recently and like the features of the newer model. Weight, ceramic inserts, etc give the new model a very nice feel on the wrist.

[Tangier11]

Originally Posted by Cubdrick

Jack Nicklaus’ 1803 was a daily for 40+ years without any problems, nor upgrades.

Just because its 18K does not mean it is a fragile piece. As with all Rolex watches they are built like tanks!! Rolex has made some upgrades, but as stated even an 1803 if a tank!

[farscott]

The new clasp design is a worthwhile upgrade to me, but I am still wearing my watches with the older clasp design with no issues. For me, the new clasp is not worth $10k, and I like the 36-mm models. So I would get the 118238.

[Wahlberg]

When did the K-serial start? I tried googling but couldn't find anything.

[farscott]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

When did the K-serial start? I tried googling but couldn't find anything.

2000 was the start of K-prefix.

[Jeffreyc87]

The picture on the left, of the older DD models, illustrates something that I have brought up before but have been kinda shot down as wrong.

For a long time, on Rolex YG watches, especially DD, they made the clasps from a different color 18kt gold alloy...it looks more pinkish but not necessarily enough to be considered rose gold.

I have heard vintage collectors who agree with my observation call it "third color gold" and it is an 18kt gold alloy in btw yg and rg that is slightly more durable..hence.....the clasp is made of this.

Hopefully everybody can kinda see what I am talking about in your picture?

Thanks.

[farscott]

I believe the clasp alloy has more copper compared to the rest of the bracelet to increase its durability. Copper atoms are smaller than gold atoms and help to strengthen the alloy, resulting is higher tensile strength.

[fskywalker]

If were you would buy the $10k cheaper DD. My 18239 came on the older president with clasp (which was later dropped in favor of current concealed version). Not concerned at all about bracelet weight or wear, since as said above Rolex are built to last a lifetime. Actually like more the clasp version as length is adjustable






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[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

$10K is nothing to sneeze at. That’s another watch. That said, I’ve shopped DDs recently and like the features of the newer model. Weight, ceramic inserts, etc give the new model a very nice feel on the wrist.

I want all to know that I'm reading (and re-reading) all posts and taking them to heart. Several worthy points being made on both sides of the argument. Lovely argument to have really... either way a DD will be back on the wrist.

[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

My one and only DD was a Rose Gold "P", white dial with Romans. I went with the P as you said becuase I wanted the sold links.

I'd pass on the K cuz there has to be a weight difference right? But 10 K savings might sway me.

Paying off your house was the right move. I'm sure that has appreciated too.

Good point about the house. We've already bought and flipped one home, and then built another which we're now living in since that time. But nothing like getting that first one paid off!

Not sure if this is what you meant, but the weight is basically the same 30% heavier from P models on. K came after P, and the newer/older clasp didn't feel any different on my wrist on prior models I've owned. Can def tell a difference with the weight on 118238 vs. previous bracelet, but still the most comfortable watch I've worn. I'm basically wondering if those who've had them longer term and wore quite often had any qualms about the old clasp... and it's not sounding like it so far. I'm picking up the 118238 tomorrow morning if all goes well and will have wrist shots to share.

[RXAPPP]

Go big or go home

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by Chozn1

Good point about the house. We've already bought and flipped one home, and then built another which we're now living in since that time. But nothing like getting that first one paid off!

Not sure if this is what you meant, but the weight is basically the same 30% heavier from P models on. K came after P, and the newer/older clasp didn't feel any different on my wrist on prior models I've owned. Can def tell a difference with the weight on 118238 vs. previous bracelet, but still the most comfortable watch I've worn. I'm basically wondering if those who've had them longer term and wore quite often had any qualms about the old clasp... and it's not sounding like it so far. I'm picking up the 118238 tomorrow morning if all goes well and will have wrist shots to share.

Looking forward to shots of your DD. I picked up a mint 18238. I had a choice between the 18238 or the 118238. The upgrades on the six digit are great no doubt, but when I held both in hand I couldn't really feel the weight difference. Plus it was around 7K more for a more used 118238 vs the mint 18238 which also just had a Rolex service. Plus I couldn't resist the tapestry dial. In any event , ANY day date is special on the wrist. Congrats in advance.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by Jeffreyc87

The picture on the left, of the older DD models, illustrates something that I have brought up before but have been kinda shot down as wrong.

For a long time, on Rolex YG watches, especially DD, they made the clasps from a different color 18kt gold alloy...it looks more pinkish but not necessarily enough to be considered rose gold.

I have heard vintage collectors who agree with my observation call it "third color gold" and it is an 18kt gold alloy in btw yg and rg that is slightly more durable..hence.....the clasp is made of this.

Hopefully everybody can kinda see what I am talking about in your picture?

Thanks.

Yep my 18238 is the same. 18K gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals. In the five digit version they used a little more copper in the 25% for strength as you mentioned. I think it adds a little character to the watch.

[Chozn1]

The deed is done, and I'm a happy man. I thank all again for their input. I ended up with more than $12k saved compared to a minty (but not new) 228235, and this watch just spoke to me in the end.

[christo4]

very (!) pretty! ...looks like a nice tight bracelet, too.

[Jamesw20]

Looks great. What model year? I’m trying to decide YG or platinum and rehaut or no.

[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by Jamesw20

Looks great. What model year? I’m trying to decide YG or platinum and rehaut or no.

K serial 2001

[Tangier11]

AWESOME CHOICE!! A big congrats!!!

[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by christo4

very (!) pretty! ...looks like a nice tight bracelet, too.

Thanks very much The band has been very well taken care of, and the watch is unpolished.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by Chozn1

The deed is done, and I'm a happy man. I thank all again for their input. I ended up with more than $12k saved compared to a minty (but not new) 228235, and this watch just spoke to me in the end.

Well done sir!

[enjoythemusic]

Forget cost, get what you want and wear it daily. 20 years from now you'll be smiling.

As always...