I think this is a 18038

[Jerrocop]

Attempting to learn more about this Day-Date. I know some of the history. Purchased in or around 1986, not certain if it was purchased new. Originally on a bark bracelet if I remember right. The current bracelet has a rolex folding clasp and appears to fit the curved case. Although not original, the bracelet looks like it belongs to the watch.
Owner has box and papers but I haven't seen them yet. All I have is the image below.

I believe it's an 18038 but not certain. I haven't seen the inside of the lugs nor do I know the serial number.

I'd like some help in identifying what the model is, the year range that it would've been produced, and anything that might standout as questionable (service dial,lume, text fonts.) I believe the 18038 era models came with a saphire crystal but this one looks like a plastic crystal, not sure though as I only held the watch for a short time. I have the opportunity to buy it from a relative and just want to be prepared before I meet with them again in a month or so. Appreciate any thoughts or comments from TRF community.

[ronricks]

That’s going to be a 1807 most likely.

[Incroyable12]

It's an 1807 with acrylic crystal and Rolex Milanese bracelet. Everything looks original although that crystal needs to be replaced and the case has been polished.

Rolex offered Milanese bracelets in their catalog until the early '90s though you rarely see them.

[miamiclay]

Rolex did offer at least three varieties of mesh/Milanese bracelets, but I don’t recall seeing one like this, with this “rope” texture. (I thought I had a photo of the three types, but can’t find it now.)

[KY..]

Good looking watch whether the bracelet is factory original Rolex or not.
The watch should be from before 1978.
Do they still have the original bark bracelet?
There’s a big price value difference if the bracelet is factory Rolex or if you have the original factory bark bracelet though.

[Incroyable12]

That Milanese bracelet if it's factory should be worth a bit since they are comparatively rare.

However most Day-Date buyers probably wouldn't want it and would prefer the barked President bracelet.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

That Milanese bracelet if it's factory should be worth a bit since they are comparatively rare.

However most Day-Date buyers probably wouldn't want it and would prefer the barked President bracelet.

Speak for yourself. I love this Milanese one, if genuine. You'll never see one of those in the wild.

OP, can you post a picture of the inside and outside of the open bracelet clasp?

[karleone]

Can’t be a 18038 as the glass is plexiglass and not sapphire glass

[Jerrocop]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

It's an 1807 with acrylic crystal and Rolex Milanese bracelet. Everything looks original although that crystal needs to be replaced and the case has been polished.

Rolex offered Milanese bracelets in their catalog until the early '90s though you rarely see them.

Besides the plexi, what other elements identify this as a 4 digit?

[Jerrocop]

Originally Posted by zapokee

OP, can you post a picture of the inside and outside of the open bracelet clasp?

Wish I could but this is all I’ve got. I did have a quick inspection with the watch. The end links underneath the lugs looked similar to what I’ve seen on other Rolex bracelets of the 70’s 80’s with the tab. The clasp had the Rolex crown on the outside and stamped. My initial thought was that the end links and clasp were correct but I didn’t think the actual bracelet was correct because I’ve never seen one with a Milanese bracelet.

[Jerrocop]

I’m also curious if the open 6, rectangular batons (without taper or chamfer), and style of winding crown would help date it within a certain Time period.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Jerrocop

Besides the plexi, what other elements identify this as a 4 digit?

It's a pie-pan dial (with a step down at the outer edge) typical of 180X models. The five-digit models have flat dials.

I'm guessing late 1960s/early 1970s. The hands and baton markers look correct for that period. You'll need to remove the bracelet to see the serial number between the lugs. That will help you date it.

[offrdmania]

Yeah, if that bezel is original then it should be marked 1807 between the lugs.

[MorningTundra]

Here’s my 1807 for feature comparison. This one is from 1977. AFAIK, this has the correct finish with brushed top and polished sides. I think your bracelet is possibly an 8631.
https://app.vrfm.io/prints.html
https://storage.googleapis.com/icky-...aaf794f2e4.jpg

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

https://storage.googleapis.com/icky-...aaf794f2e4.jpg

Some very seldom-seen DD bracelets indeed!
I wish the photo were better, it looks to me like both the President 8551 and Jubilee 8552 have the Morelli decoration (? - The one which looks like someone repeatedly used a center punch), the 8623 large and 8456 small “woven” mesh, and (one I would love to find), an 8210 barked Jubilee.
.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

Rolex did offer at least three varieties of mesh/Milanese bracelets, but I don’t recall seeing one like this, with this “rope” texture. (I thought I had a photo of the three types, but can’t find it now.)

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-47...ssummary&lid=1

[Jerrocop]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-47...ssummary&lid=1

This is great and really helps resolve some of the questions I had about the bracelet and the timeline of when my relative purchased the watch. I know he bought it between 1984-86 but I always thought it was new at the time. (I was in my early teens) With the information provided by others and the referenced auction, it seems he would have bought it used in fact. This adds to the story as I think it may be a clue that connects to other acquisitions he made at that time.

[seattleal]

Here is my 1807 with the original standard clasp bracelet for comparison.

[Jerrocop]

Another "mesh" bracelet on an early Day Date.

Starts at about 2:36

https://youtu.be/qLtRiVhmLBI

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Jerrocop

Another "mesh" bracelet on an early Day Date.

Starts at about 2:36

https://youtu.be/qLtRiVhmLBI

Curious if you ever purchased the watch from your relative. It is quite nice.

[Jerrocop]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Curious if you ever purchased the watch from your relative. It is quite nice.

Still tentative on the sell. They live in the UK and I won't be back over until this spring. It has a lot of sentimental ties for them and though no one in their immediate family wears it, they're reluctant to let it go yet.