Hi all,Help with my new Rolex.

[ms1000]

Hi all, ive just bought a Rolex Day-Date 18k with box 2nd hand from someone i know that has fallen on hard times.

However it doesnt have paperwork.Can this be bought from Rolex or is it not a big problem ? Does everything seem ok with the watch in the photos provided?

Here are some images of the watch.Its certainly a step up from my last watch wich was a $600 Raymond Weil !

Also what is the best way to insure the watch without paperwork?


Thanks for your time.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

First of all:

SUPERLATIVE WELCOMING
OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED

To your questions:

1) No, you cannot buy the papers if you do not have them.

2) The watch looks like the "real deal" to me, but has a bit of "stretch" in the bracelet that would lower its value a bit. But don't worry, "stretch" in a President bracelet is quite normal, especially if the watch has been worn loose.

3) Insurance: I would insure the watch like if it had all the papers. But if you are to sell it, I would expect some "discount" if I were the buyer due to the lacking paperwork.

[davinci]

Ditto ....what Bo said (says me, trying to sound knowledgable :) )

[ms1000]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

First of all:

SUPERLATIVE WELCOMING
OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED

To your questions:

1) No, you cannot buy the papers if you do not have them.

2) The watch looks like the "real deal" to me, but has a bit of "stretch" in the bracelet that would lower its value a bit. But don't worry, "stretch" in a President bracelet is quite normal, especially if the watch has been worn loose.

3) Insurance: I would insure the watch like if it had all the papers. But if you are to sell it, I would expect some "discount" if I were the buyer due to the lacking paperwork.

Thanks,Ive got a written receipt from my friend that i bought the watch off,is this enough to get the watch serviced etc.

Is the stretched bracelet a big deal?

[mcubed]

Rolex will service the watch regardless. the paperwork is only an issue if the watch was still under warranty. Your insurance company shouldn't care either, but they will probably need the serial number which is between the lugs on the six o'clock side, I believe

Stretch happens because the center links of the bracelet, which often are hollow, deform over time, and "flatten out" a bit as the pins pull on the links. It is very common in older bracelets, especially gold ones. Eventually, the bracelet might become unusable if it continues, but that could take decades......This is what I have heard, but it looks like the links on your bracelet are solid in the center, so I don't know if stretch happens for the same reason....

[ms1000]

Thanks for your help all.

[miner]

Originally Posted by ms1000

Thanks,Ive got a written receipt from my friend that i bought the watch off,is this enough to get the watch serviced etc.

Is the stretched bracelet a big deal?

Stretched ? looks ok to me BTW
How old is the watch?
Check the serial no here

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478

[SPACE-DWELLER]

No, as I state the stretch is not a big deal since you see if often in President bracelets. But I thought I would just note it

Sorry.....a handwritten receipt would not get you any service (under the guarantee, that is!).

But you can always get it serviced by simply paying for the service as you would also have had to do if the watch had passed its 2-year guarantee (which I believe it has by the look of it).

By "the look of it" I am NOT trying to say it looks "battered". I just have a feel that this watch dates back MORE than two years. For example, the bracelet's last link hanging on the end pieces look a bit fragile. As far as I know, on the newer Day-Date the end pieces and - especially - that last link just before the end piece was improved (i.e.: strengthened and all in ONE piece).

[ms1000]

Originally Posted by miner

Stretched ? looks ok to me BTW
How old is the watch?
Check the serial no here

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478

The "registered Design" says 18038

The other number on the lug seems to read 547729.Is this correct?

[ms1000]

The "registered Design" says 18038

The other number on the lug seems to read 547729 ?

Does this seem correct?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by ms1000

The "registered Design" says 18038

The other number on the lug seems to read 547729 ?

Does this seem correct?

Model 18038 With cal 3055 started production late 1977 now the serial should have one more digit where your ? is if so watch is from 1978/9.

[GerardoG]

A beautiful timepiece, congrats!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by padi56

Model 18038 With cal 3055 started production late 1977 now the serial should have one more digit where your ? is if so watch is from 1978/9.

I haven't brought my books, since I am at work.

But shouldn't the ref. # be 18238 when it has a fluted bezel??

[nko51]

Congrats on your purchase.

[ms1000]

Hi Bo, it definately says 18038

Does the other number seem ok?

[Arby]

For insurance you just need to have an professional appraise it for replacement cost. The cost is usually under $100 for this service.

[worktolivelife]

looks very "gold" in colour! the crowns a bit worn/wrong, do rolex actually stamp 18K on there watches? my case also is hallmarked

steve

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by ms1000

Hi Bo, it definately says 18038

Does the other number seem ok?

If Padi56 says so, it probably is OK

I just seem to remember the ref. 18238 for the Day-Date with a fluted bezel and concealed clasp.

But what I am sure about: Rolex DOES stamp "18 K" on the underside of the lugs, together with the number for 18 kt gold (750) plus on the underside of the clasp a "head" symbol together with "18 K", "750" and the Rolex writings with swirls around it......well, just as your photos tell.

BTW: The "Head" symbol can be seen on the 4th. photo (the underside of the clasp) to the right of the "Rolex in swirls". Under the "Head" symbol are two other gold hall marks. The "Head" symbol is a bit worn, as you can see (quite normal, considering gold is soft and has been rubbing against the underside of the wrist for a considerable amount of time).

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF.

That is one all time classic Rolex....very, very nice!!

[Lubrifar]

Your watch appears to be 18038 with a 1978 production year. Another clue about production period are the T markings next to "Swiss Made". The band does appear to be loose and stretched, but the links are solid rather than hollow.

To verify the authenticity and to confirm information (i.e. model #, serial #, cal, etc.) of your watch, you also have the option to send it to Rolex HQ for an evaluation. I would also suggest to have it service there if you choose to send it in.

Visit these sites for more information:
http://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5
http://www.oysterinfo.de/
http://www.oysterworld.de/

Congrats on your new purchase!

[ms1000]

Thanks all for your help.

So the watch was made in 1978?

[Flyjet601]

Great watch...always loved the YG DD

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

If Padi56 says so, it probably is OK

I just seem to remember the ref. 18238 for the Day-Date with a fluted bezel and concealed clasp.

But what I am sure about: Rolex DOES stamp "18 K" on the underside of the lugs, together with the number for 18 kt gold (750) plus on the underside of the clasp a "head" symbol together with "18 K", "750" and the Rolex writings with swirls around it......well, just as your photos tell.

BTW: The "Head" symbol can be seen on the 4th. photo (the underside of the clasp) to the right of the "Rolex in swirls". Under the "Head" symbol are two other gold hall marks. The "Head" symbol is a bit worn, as you can see (quite normal, considering gold is soft and has been rubbing against the underside of the wrist for a considerable amount of time).

18238 is correct Bo for the one you describe and is the same model as my DD.

However.

Nick Hacko had a 18208 for sale a while back:-

Mint and unused, 10 out of 10! Rolex Day-Date 18K yellow gold "President". Ref.18208. Recipt of purchase and original box included.

He will have more details on this model.

118208 18k with polished bezel & super President bracelet 8385/8

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Thanks, Eddie. I am glad I was not all wrong about that ref #.

Sometimes I wish I had all my books with me when I am working, but I don't want to carry them forth and back all the time since there a quite a few of them, heavy, and I am afraid of damaging the covers.

[Uncle-AJ]

Hello ms1000 and welcome to TRF.

[Tools]

Hello ms1000,
Welcome to TRF.

The paperwork is of little value to a second owner except for a "warm fuzzy feeling". Warranties are only good for the original purchaser and only then for two years. That is the only time any paperwork has to accompany your watch for repairs; a service or refurbish is not part of warranty work.

If you want paperwork, send it in to the RSC for service. They will return it with service paperwork, which is "good as gold" since it demonstrates that you have taken good care of your watch. They may even return it in a nice service box. These you can save in the event you want to sell it at some future date.

If you are concerned in the least about it's authenticity, take it to any good watchmaker. They can take the back cover off and confirm a Rolex movement is inside.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

I haven't brought my books, since I am at work.

But shouldn't the ref. # be 18238 when it has a fluted bezel??

Well Bo the 18038 was first released around 1977 cal 3055 single quick set.The 18238 was released around 1988 and was a double quickset with the cal 3155.

[Edensknight]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

A beautiful timepiece, congrats!

What an elegant timepiece! Enjoy!

[ms1000]

Thanks all again for your help and congrats.

Any idea on the rough cost of a Rolex service and the timescale?

Thanks

[mike]

Originally Posted by ms1000

Thanks all again for your help and congrats.

Any idea on the rough cost of a Rolex service and the timescale?

Thanks

Rsc in the USA is about $470-$500 USD, about 3 1/2 week turnaround.