Rolex 18238 dial - legit or not ?

[lupasst]

Hey guys,

I’ve seen my share of vintage Rolex watches and dials over the years, but this one puzzles me. Seller claims it is a 18238 and the diamonds are genuine Rolex (which I seriously doubt tbh since the setting seems in white gold/material) what puzzles me is the tracked dial model that I have seen usualy on 1803s or new DJ 116233/4. Never on a 5 digit day date.
Let me know what you think.

Cheers!
Stef

[jgottsman11]

I've been Day Date crazy for years now and have never seen that dial before

[lupasst]

Mee too! Thanks for your feedback! Even if everything looks decent something seems off about it…

[miamiclay]

I couldn’t swear to it, but I tend to agree - I can’t recall seeing a minute track quite like that one on a 18238. (Iirc, even the most similar 1803 pie pan dials’ minute tracks weren’t quite like this one.)

Because I’m now curious though, I hope that crowncollection, CTech, or one of the other more knowledgeable DD pros will weigh in.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

It’s my belief that this dial is indeed genuine. But I do agree - this is from the 1803/18038 era. You would not find this in a 18238.

Otherwise, I do think the dial is good.

DD guys (and datejust guys - albeit to a lesser extent) have been known to swap out dials back in the day.

[lupasst]

Thanks again for your comments! The dial looks too detailed and well made… that’s why I was puzzled.
I don’t care much if the dial was replaced if the parts are genuine. For me it’s either full box papers etc… or nothing and the price should reflect that.
Bracelet seems decent in stretch and legit. It’s an L serial so 1989 or 1990 - for around 10k that I’m willing to offer I think it should be a good deal tbh. Needs service, crystal replacement etc.

Cheers!

[Haywood_Milton]

Looking at the poor quality of the printing and the misalignment of text / coronet, I believe this is a repainted dial.

[CTech]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

It’s my belief that this dial is indeed genuine. But I do agree - this is from the 1803/18038 era.

I disagree with this and think the entire dial is aftermarket and not particularly well done. It looks to be quite old as the quality is nothing like the current aftermarket dials. This might have started out as a plain dial and had the diamonds added later.

[lupasst]

Thank you for your input CTech. The owner doesn’t have a clue about it and claims it is genuine. Not the first one though. Cheers!

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

It’s my belief that this dial is indeed genuine. But I do agree - this is from the 1803/18038 era. You would not find this in a 18238.

Otherwise, I do think the dial is good.

DD guys (and datejust guys - albeit to a lesser extent) have been known to swap out dials back in the day.

I dont understand. 1803 and 18038 are two completely different dials. An 18038 dial fits on an 18238 and were commonly swapped between the pair.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by lupasst

Thank you for your input CTech. The owner doesn’t have a clue about it and claims it is genuine. Not the first one though. Cheers!

If the price is right and there is room to change the dial and the watch itself is nice then no harm in the purchase.
But I would walk away if there is a premium on that dial.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I dont understand. 1803 and 18038 are two completely different dials. An 18038 dial fits on an 18238 and were commonly swapped between the pair.

Agree. I’m saying this dial design in particular is of the 1803/18038 era. OP was wondering if this was a correct 18238 dial. It is not.

[crowncollection]

The dial setting is consistent with early 18038 diamonds set in white gold with a yellow gold coronet. The dial has clearly been resprayed. I Need better pics to see the setting of the diamonds better. So for now only pay the price of an aftermarket dial


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[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Looking at the poor quality of the printing and the misalignment of text / coronet, I believe this is a repainted dial.

I agree - and the position of the diamonds in relation to the outside track.

[suligeo]

100% not genuine


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