Rolex daydate 18238 buying

[Jtam08]

Hi everyone!
I’m a new user to the forums but have been lurking around for a while. I’m currently looking at buying the double quick set day date (reference number: 18238).
Is there anything particular I should be looking out for?
I have attached some images of one that I’m currently interested in. It comes as full set with box and papers but is just missing the outer sleeve of the box. It’s a 1995 model and comes with diamond hour markers. There are a few scratch marks on the bracelet. (Probs should get better photos)
Let me know what you guys think.

Cheers

[dimag333]

Need some better pics; any service history, I just went through the same thing and went 118238 instead for solid links and upgraded clap

steve

[offrdmania]

Make sure the seller is giving you all of the links in the bracelet. It is common practice for sellers to remove links when selling a watch in order to make more money on the deal.

[Jtam08]

I’ll try to get some better pics, also I’m unsure if it has been serviced recently or if at all. ( could be a bad sign?
What about polishing, what’s the best way to check if it’s been over polished.

[BentleyReese]

show us some better picks

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Make sure the seller is giving you all of the links in the bracelet. It is common practice for sellers to remove links when selling a watch in order to make more money on the deal.

This. There's nothing worse than a President bracelet that's too tight. Finding extra links to fit exactly what you have is a MF, unless you want to pay through the nose and get them directly from Rolex. I was quoted USD 700 per link for WG.

It's alright if it's not the hidden-clasp type because then you can use the holes on the clasp for micro-adjustment. But with the hidden-clasp type, it's either abject misery or absolute joy. There's no inbetween. Ask me how I know.

[jeorge]

True about the draw back on the hidden clasp. But it's not misery to me when it's slightly tight or slightly loose thru out the day.

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by Jtam08

I’m unsure if it has been serviced recently or if at all. ( could be a bad sign?
What about polishing, what’s the best way to check if it’s been over polished.

As to service, a fresh service is nice but not critical if it keeps good time, imo.

As to bracelet and polishing - One standard stretch check is to “cantilever” the closed bracelet from the case, a tight bracelet will be almost horizontal. For polishing, one sign can be losing the crispness of the bezel flutes - NIB they will almost cut. Brushed lug tops and side links can be polished over or badly recreated.

[moore2]

Clearer pics needed please