10838 day date pre purchase check

[KeenanK]

Hi all, I’ve been looking for a 18038 or 18238 for a while and have found a 18038 that is being represented as OEM.

I know the pictures are not the best but can any of the day date experts offer their thoughts?

I’m trying to upload photos but failing miserably.

The “how to” isn’t quite getting me there.

Any tips?

Help!

Thanks,

Keenan

[Filipão]

Welcome Keenan, you need 10 posts to be able to upload pix <1250x1250.

[TimeLord2]

10 posts to post a URL…only 1 post to upload pictures. "Go Advanced" and good luck!

[KeenanK]

Hope this worked!?!

[KeenanK]

Hi all, thought I’d circle back and see if anyone had any thoughts?

Thx,

Keenan

[miamiclay]

- The bracelet is missing 2 or 3 links - If it fits you as is, that may not be a big concern.
- Could be just reflection, but it looks like this has black hour and minute hands. Those should be gold, I believe, though black ones are probably more legible.
- The gold spring bars appear to have been swapped for steel. The steel ones can “waller out” the softer gold lug holes over time.

Looks fine otherwise - If it fits well, you might want to ask the seller to install the correct hands and spring bars.

Good luck!

[crowncollection]

Lots of things to consider you need to remove the band and a link and take idiots of engravings and link


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[offrdmania]

The one good thing is the case looks nice and fat

[KeenanK]

Thank you all for responding.

I will ask about more photos.

Are you recommending getting photos of the serial and the reference number or something on the end link?

I’m not sure if talk of pricing is allowed but would a price of $11,500 with the observed hands and spring bar issues cause concern?

I would need a couple more links to fit me.

I’ve searched on the FSOT forum and I can’t find a wealth of 18038’s and don’t really want to pony up for a 18238 based on current pricing there.

Thanks,

Keenan

[KY..]

Someone pointed out the spring bars being wrong and at least 2 links missing.
I will point out the bezel being over-polished (pet-peeve of mine with fluted bezels).
So over 1k in obvious parts corrections if you buy 2nd hand from eBay or C24.
11.5k is not horrible but not great IMO.
I would use these concerns to offer 10k and stay <10.5k all in if I know the movement and serials and hallmarks are ok.
Good luck.

[Andad]

Comparing it to my ‘91 DD it looks ok.

[joli160]

The bracelet looks tight which is a big plus

[pk552502]

Are the top of the lugs supposed to be a brushed/matte finish? It looks like the top of the lug is high polished which may be a concern.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Are the top of the lugs supposed to be a brushed/matte finish? It looks like the top of the lug is high polished which may be a concern.

That’s not the one for sale…..

[KeenanK]

Thanks everyone but in the back and forth it sold.

I’ll check back on the next one I find.

Thanks,

Keenan

[KY..]

Originally Posted by KeenanK

Thanks everyone but in the back and forth it sold.

I’ll check back on the next one I find.

I would just make sure to find one with nice angles/polish and will not cost extra money to clean up or replace parts.
23 links minimum on president bracelet and bezel sharpness and movement servicing are always worth paying close attention to since sellers often provide the bare minimum.
There are other attributes to pay attention to as well and it’s easy to get stuck in a rabbit hole.
Enjoy the hunt but don’t fall for the bait and switch tactics.
Good luck…