Rolex Day Date 1803 purchase

[Beggs]

Hi everyone

Looking to purchase my first day date. I have seen a 1803 for sale. What are the things I should look out for? I'd love to show the condition but unfortunately I can't post a picture as this is my first post.

The bracelet is pretty stretched. What are your thoughts in terms of buying the watch without bracelet, buying the watch with bracelet and trying to get it fixed (how much would that be ball park) or buying the watch and selling the bracelet for gold value?

Any help or insights would be great.

TIA

[joli160]

Bracelet is key on an older Day Date.
Without one or a worn out it’s a no buy.
An excellent refurbishment can set you back >3K. There are cheaper options but you get what you pay for.

(I’d go with the 18238 instead of the 1803)

[Dan S]

Anyone can post photos if sized properly. Use the go advanced button and manage attachments option.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by joli160

(I’d go with the 18238 instead of the 1803)

I assume you say that because of the quick-set feature, but I find the 1803s so much more charming, in part because of the acrylic crystal and dials.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by swish77

I assume you say that because of the quick-set feature, but I find the 1803s so much more charming, in part because of the acrylic crystal and dials.

Yes, you are right but still not only for the quick-set but for the capped bracelet links with hidden clasp as well.
The selection of dials for the 5 digits is pretty huge as well

[Andrejkka]

Originally Posted by swish77

I assume you say that because of the quick-set feature, but I find the 1803s so much more charming, in part because of the acrylic crystal and dials.

Yes, those 2-step dials and stick markers on 1803's are so lovely! I think it pays off to spend more time searching because you will find one with a decent case and bracelet. Do not forget to ask about the bracelet size. People's wrists may have been smaller back then and spare links got lost, so 1803 bracelets sometimes come very short.

[miamiclay]

You should make every effort to post any photos you can get here, before buying.

You don’t need 10 posts to attach pictures, just hit the “post reply” button (not “quick reply”), then hit the paper clip icon and upload your images in the popup window. Make sure they are not larger than 1250 pixels either direction, and the image file is not larger than 293KB. If the photos or files are too large, there are lots of free image compression programs available.

If the photos you have do not show how many links are in the bracelet, be sure to find that out. Refurbishing a bracelet is not inexpensive, but it can be very much worth it (depending on the dial type, the condition of the rest, the price, etc.)

[carwashchris]

The case and lugs are most important IMO. Most have been polished to the point where the watch has lost its shape. Here's 2 for a comparison. Chris

The YG over polished . The WG is what your looking for.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

[swish77]

Originally Posted by carwashchris

The YG over polished . The WG is what your looking for.
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

That WG DD .... Stunning example. Love that gray dial.

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by swish77

That WG DD .... Stunning example. Love that gray dial.

Thank you, it's a keeper.

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