Nailing down the right Day Date 36 is hard

[JonaG]

I've been spending the last few months sort of looking around for a Day Date 36mm I would like to add to the collection. Not only is it hard choosing between references but also finding the right dial/condition in the current market. It seems quite a bad time to be on the hunt for one...but the Hunt is quite fun.
pretty random thoughts below.


I've swung from a 128238, 118238, 18238 and 18038.
I've mainly been looking at white dials with romans.
But have even considered champaign dials and having a dial swap.

I am now looking at 118238 and 18238s.
The modern clasp is obviously nicer but when I tried the older version on it wore very comfortably.

I saw a nice looking 18238 on Chrono24 with a very nice white dial and "stick" romans as opposed to the serif style ones most common but alas it is from a private seller and I would need to break a rule of buying in person or from a well-established dealer.

In terms of the above of what I am looking for, there is nothing here in Japan...it is as if all of the white dial DD36s have disappeared and the only ones left are rather gaudy bejewelled versions with rubies etc.

I thought finding 5 digit sports pieces was difficult in the right condition but the world of the Day Date definitely takes research and due diligence.

If anyone else has had a journey to the perfect DD36 I'd like to hear how you arrived at the piece that you did.

[joli160]

Go for the 118238 and not the early ones.
Those still have the old clasp.

In addition to the upgraded clasp you get polished lugs and a solid bracelet as well.
It’s really worth the extra.

Never mind the dial. There are so many original DD dials for sale for this reference.

And this from a happy 18238 owner

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by JonaG

I've been spending the last few months sort of looking around for a Day Date 36mm I would like to add to the collection. Not only is it hard choosing between references but also finding the right dial/condition in the current market. It seems quite a bad time to be on the hunt for one...but the Hunt is quite fun.
pretty random thoughts below.


I've swung from a 128238, 118238, 18238 and 18038.
I've mainly been looking at white dials with romans.
But have even considered champaign dials and having a dial swap.

I am now looking at 118238 and 18238s.
The modern clasp is obviously nicer but when I tried the older version on it wore very comfortably.

I saw a nice looking 18238 on Chrono24 with a very nice white dial and "stick" romans as opposed to the serif style ones most common but alas it is from a private seller and I would need to break a rule of buying in person or from a well-established dealer.

In terms of the above of what I am looking for, there is nothing here in Japan...it is as if all of the white dial DD36s have disappeared and the only ones left are rather gaudy bejewelled versions with rubies etc.

I thought finding 5 digit sports pieces was difficult in the right condition but the world of the Day Date definitely takes research and due diligence.

If anyone else has had a journey to the perfect DD36 I'd like to hear how you arrived at the piece that you did.

Keep your eye on Jacek’s website Tropical Watch. He gets some pretty mint 5-digit day dates. He has a nice 18238 on the site now.

[WalterW]

You’re doing it all wrong . Get the green ombré dial. It will not disappoint

[George58]

18078

[Benzsiam]

I would rather go for the brand new one at Rolex boutique/AD with some wait time.

[JonaG]

Originally Posted by joli160

Go for the 118238 and not the early ones.
Those still have the old clasp.

In addition to the upgraded clasp you get polished lugs and a solid bracelet as well.
It’s really worth the extra.

Never mind the dial. There are so many original DD dials for sale for this reference.

And this from a happy 18238 owner

Thanks, polished or brushed lugs don't bother me but the upgraded clasp would be nice. I've noticed you're a 18238 owner before! thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by agsstructures

Keep your eye on Jacek’s website Tropical Watch. He gets some pretty mint 5-digit day dates. He has a nice 18238 on the site now.

Had a look at his site, wow, some awesome pieces on there. A really nice change from just the usual NIB. That flat champagne dial 18238 is gorgeous, yes.

Originally Posted by WalterW

You’re doing it all wrong . Get the green ombré dial. It will not disappoint

Sadly, beyond my budget!

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

I would rather go for the brand new one at Rolex boutique/AD with some wait time.

This comes to me from time to time. No idea the wait times and if I was paying the $30+k msrp then sometimes I think why not just go for the 118238 meteorite dial.

[fania123]

A few years back I too was on the hunt for a 36mm day date and ended up with a mint 18038 under 10k. I personally think this is the perfect day date and can still be had for a good price. Good luck

[datejust24]

Personally …one of my all time favorite DD refs and will remain as such is the 118239 with subtle diamond indices…not too over the top and just the perfect amount of bling…let’s be honest here the 118238 stands out waaaaay more so than my suggestion. Unless you’re going for that look at me and my fancy watch thing, which I hope for your sake isn’t the reality of things


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[JonaG]

Originally Posted by datejust24

Personally …one of my all time favorite DD refs and will remain as such is the 118239 with subtle diamond indices…not too over the top and just the perfect amount of bling…let’s be honest here the 118238 stands out waaaaay more so than my suggestion. Unless you’re going for that look at me and my fancy watch thing, which I hope for your sake isn’t the reality of things


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I respect that view, but for me, the DD36 is a yellow gold piece. I feel it only stands out if you make it so. I honestly think most people never notice watches. I’ve been wearing Rolex at work for years and no one has ever said a thing…they don’t know and/or don’t care. I have all SS pieces, I’d like something warmer to compliment them, not wg.

[jgottsman11]

I'm a DD guy if you can't tell from my sig. I think the 118238 or anything six digit with the heavy clasp is worth the extra $.

[Maiden]

I really enjoyed my minty 18238. Find the best condition you can.


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[Ensign]

I’m in the same boat as you - now is a hard time to shop for a 36mm DD. The only ones I’ve seen are the ones with champagne dials.

I wonder if Rolex has cut back production of the 36mm in favor of the 40mm.

[HogwldFLTR]

I've had two and both were older (one four digit and five digit 18238). Now I'm down to none.



Here's the last one.

[WiseRat]

Originally Posted by fania123

A few years back I too was on the hunt for a 36mm day date and ended up with a mint 18038 under 10k. I personally think this is the perfect day date and can still be had for a good price. Good luck

I have almost the same story. I found a near NOS 18238 full-set for just over $10k a few years ago. Unfortunately prices have skyrocketed since then, with nice 18038s around $17k, and nice 18238s around $19k. Crazy times.

[Henrimontgomery]

Best day date is 128238, turquoise dial. It’s magnificent and I’d buy it if it came without the Roman numerals.