Day-Date Advice

[illiguy]

What’s the best “bang for buck” / value proposition to acquire a Day-Date 36? My research suggests gently pre-owned, but would love feedback from others. Would wants box and papers, and minimal bracelet stretch. I’m normally not one who would ever put my watches near a polishing wheel, but feel exception might be justified for this reference?

Overall, I’m eyeing the 5-digit (18238), but not as readily available as I’d expected.

[Daytonaman799]

18238 or 118238 are prob best bang for buck in the Day Date world but you need to make sure the bracelet has minimum to zero stretch. Buy condition with this one.

[ashullscachull]

Originally Posted by illiguy

What’s the best “bang for buck” / value proposition to acquire a Day-Date 36? My research suggests gently pre-owned, but would love feedback from others. Would wants box and papers, and minimal bracelet stretch. I’m normally not one who would ever put my watches near a polishing wheel, but feel exception might be justified for this reference?

Overall, I’m eyeing the 5-digit (18238), but not as readily available as I’d expected.

I'm in the same boat. What my research has been leading me to is the with some patience a box and papers 118238 can be had for 17-20k. Even a complete 18038 is 12-15, and that's an old style link, single quickset watch. 18238 is somewhere between the two, but still that's at newest a 22 year old watch (or so). I think it makes sense to get all the upgrades that come with the 6 digit for that comparatively small price increase.


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[Sublovin]

Bang for buck is likely a nice vintage 1803. If I were going newer than that, I would spring for the 6 digit model with solid bracelet.

[Etschell]

Depends the 6 digit bracelet is better constructed than the 5.

Best bang for the buck is a 4 or 5 digit on leather. But for me it has to be on gold.

Here is an example.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=775913

[alpharulez]

118238




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[joli160]

18238

[THC]

The early 6 digit (2003 and beyond) have the solid link bands.. I would suggest saving a tad more for any of these, ala, the best bang for your buck.

[fania123]

18038 and a good watch winder unless you’re wearing it everyday.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by joli160

18238

Wish they still did the lumed hands on models without the sticks. Nice watch.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by THC

The early 6 digit (2003 and beyond) have the solid link bands.. I would suggest saving a tad more for any of these, ala, the best bang for your buck.

The earliest 6 digit models (118238) still had the old clasp from the 5 digit albeit with a solid bracelet. One should be sure to buy with the newer clasp if going for a 6 digit.
I had my President bracelet overhauled and the hollow links filled with gold. It feels now like a modern bracelet. Not very cost effective but a nice modification.

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Wish they still did the lumed hands on models without the sticks. Nice watch.

Indeed, thanks

[SearChart]

18238 would be my personal choice. Either with Madrona wood dial or onyx.

[teabags001]

My wife has a 118238 and loves it. She prefers the end links on it and the double quickset.


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