Thoughts on a 18038?

[l_chissle]

Longtime lurker of the vintage forum, but have only ever bought new from an AD, so this is new territory for me, so thanks in advance for the help!

Looking at a 18038 on chrono24 from a dealer, comes with a service card from 2017.

The watch is from the early 80s. The lugs look sharper than most examples to me, maybe they've been recut and refinished? I'm no expert, so wanted to get your views.

Separately, the crown on the bracelet looks the contrary and looks like it has been polished quite a few times.

And more generally, anything else to be aware of?

Would you advise going in person to see it (it's 4 hours away) considering I'm definitely not an expert?

Cheers!

[offrdmania]

The case looks fat and the lugs look good. Im not so sure that the lug sharpness is original seeing the protective tape on the side of the case which is usually put on after polishing. That being said, the lugs still look thick.
The bracelet looks pretty soft though, you can see the center part of the links are quite polished and the crown is soft. These pics dont show how tight the bracelet is. I also cant count to see that all 23 links are present. If the bracelet has sag then you will need to budget $1500-2000US to have a gold bracelet rebuilt.

The prices for these 36mm Day/Dates have gone through the roof in recent months and im sure this one is no different. Its a nice piece if the price is right.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The case looks fat and the lugs look good. Im not so sure that the lug sharpness is original seeing the protective tape on the side of the case which is usually put on after polishing. That being said, the lugs still look thick.
The bracelet looks pretty soft though, you can see the center part of the links are quite polished and the crown is soft. These pics dont show how tight the bracelet is. I also cant count to see that all 23 links are present. If the bracelet has sag then you will need to budget $1500-2000US to have a gold bracelet rebuilt.

The prices for these 36mm Day/Dates have gone through the roof in recent months and im sure this one is no different. Its a nice piece if the price is right.

Thanks, good tip on the 23 links.

I'm actually a bit confused about the lugs vs. the crown on the bracelet. Seems to contradict! Any thoughts on the bezel? Original? Overpolished?

Any worries about authenticity with 18038s?

[miamiclay]

I’m no expert, but I’d agree with Matt - If the case has lost anything, it doesn’t seem to be much. Bezel looks more consistent with the bracelet. I’d assume the case has just been lightly polished and the lugs re-brushed.

Imo it’s always best to inspect in person if it’s feasible, but at least get photos of the case back and back of the lugs, the bracelet “cantilevered” (horizontal from the case) to check for wear/sag, and of the entire bracelet, so you can count the links. If you visit, check that it is setting and winding smoothly.

Authenticity is not a frequent problem with these - If it’s from an established seller, I wouldn’t worry much on that score.

[HarryLime]

It's been nicely polished, most likely by Rolex during that 2017 service. Also the hands and dial are likely service replacements. I would want "t swiss t" for a 1981 single quick.

[zapokee]

Yes, the case was probably detailed at RSC service. Looks very good - like new.

I had my OQ detailed by Rolex during a service. They did an awesome job. There was no perceptible difference in lug width/case shape before and after.

I think bad polishing jobs that cause a visible difference in case shape are done by random jewellers, not by Rolex.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

It's been nicely polished, most likely by Rolex during that 2017 service. Also the hands and dial are likely service replacements. I would want "t swiss t" for a 1981 single quick.

Thanks for the input, any reason why you think these are service replacements? Are all 1981 single quicks "t swiss t"?

Originally Posted by zapokee

Yes, the case was probably detailed at RSC service. Looks very good - like new.

I had my OQ detailed by Rolex during a service. They did an awesome job. There was no perceptible difference in lug width/case shape before and after.

I think bad polishing jobs that cause a visible difference in case shape are done by random jewellers, not by Rolex.

This is probably one of the best looking cases I've seen on an 18038. Bracelet tells a diff story though, how did your bracelet look after?

[l_chissle]

When zooming into the pic, I think it's actually a "T SWISS MADE T" dial, which is era correct?

[joli160]

Take in account a bracelet refurb. Check out Goldschmiede Beste in Winterberg.
They did two for me, not cheap but great results.
I would ask if they can detail the crown on the clasp, if not I would pass and go for a double quick set 18238.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I had my OQ detailed by Rolex during a service. They did an awesome job. There was no perceptible difference in lug width/case shape before and after.

Originally Posted by LPC6

...how did your bracelet look after?

They didn't service the bracelet - just the head.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by joli160

Take in account a bracelet refurb. Check out Goldschmiede Beste in Winterberg.
They did two for me, not cheap but great results.
I would ask if they can detail the crown on the clasp, if not I would pass and go for a double quick set 18238.

Big wrists? 25 links I see

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Big wrists? 25 links I see

Perfect for the larger gentleman . My 1803 has 23 links.

And is that a rose gold clasp on a yellow gold bracelet? I see the OP's has the same.

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by zapokee

And is that a rose gold clasp on a yellow gold bracelet? I see the OP's has the same.

I think all YG hidden clasp President bracelets have RG clasps - All mine do, I think.
Iirc, it’s because the RG is a bit stronger and/or springier.

[offrdmania]

Yes, all YG hidden clasp bracelets have the RG clasp blades.

[carwashchris]

OP "Would you advise going in person to see it (it's 4 hours away) considering I'm definitely not an expert? "

Sounds like a great road trip.


BTW Great Lugs !

Chris

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by zapokee

...And is that a rose gold clasp on a yellow gold bracelet? I see the OP's has the same.

Originally Posted by miamiclay

I think all YG hidden clasp President bracelets have RG clasps - All mine do, I think.
Iirc, it’s because the RG is a bit stronger and/or springier.

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Yes, all YG hidden clasp bracelets have the RG clasp blades.

Love it! It's a nice secret detail. Every day's a school day.

It must be just the later models, though. I've seen hidden-clasp 1803s with YG blades. Example:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A3482

Although here's an 1803 with RG blades:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...nen-dial-A3277

#Nerds

[offrdmania]

I believe the very early hidden clasp models had YG blades but it was later changed to RG to address wear issues of the earlier models.