Rolex DD Bark Question

[TCU34]

Hello Everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

I recently inherited a mid 70's (I think) 18k YG Day date from my grandfather. He was't a wealthy man, but he certainly liked nice things.

I'll post pictures later today when I get more down time but I had a question.

The Bracelet and the lugs both have bark finish on it. What is throwing me off is that the outer links that have the bark, not the middle link like you normally see. The bezel is what looks to be an aftermarket diamond bezel, so no help there.

My question is this- Did Rolex ever do bark finish on the outer links? Again, maybe this is worthless without pictures, but I'll try and post those later.

FWIW I also have a Submariner 16610 circa 2005 that I wear as a Daily.

Thanks in advance!

[miamiclay]

According to Barkmaster, bark finish on outer links only was indeed a factory option, and would have originally come with an “interval” bark bezel with smooth segments, like the bezel on this 18249. There was plenty of ‘aftermarket barking’ applied though, so post your pics!
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[TCU34]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I’ll upload pictures when I get home tonight. This one has a diamond Bezel. Not sure if factory or aftermarket.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by TCU34

Thanks for the reply! Yes I’ll upload pictures when I get home tonight. This one has a diamond Bezel. Not sure if factory or aftermarket.

You will need 10 posts to post pics so just do a countdown of posts until you get to 10

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

You will need 10 posts to post pics so just do a countdown of posts until you get to 10

Ah makes sense. I guess this is #3

[TCU34]

Sorry about the delay. Here are the pictures. Sorry the quality isn't great.

[MILGAUSS88]

That finish looks aftermarket to me.
I believe all Day Dates have a different reference number depending on the style of finish bark, moire, florentine, etc...
So, if you get the reference number off the case, should be able to find out for sure.

[miamiclay]

Check the reference number on the case - Assuming it’s pre-1977 (and that the bezel is aftermarket), it should say either 1803 or 1807. If it’s 1807, at least it was born as a bark.

[TCU34]

Thanks for the replies guys! I’ll take the bracelet off when I have some time.

Thinking about sending it into Roliworks for a full service and a band repair.

[miamiclay]

Now that I think of it, I wonder what Rolliworks does with original bark finish bracelets. As I understand it, the factory bark finish was pressed into the links, not cut or engraved. (I’m not sure whether Rolex ever put a bark finish on the cases.)

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

Now that I think of it, I wonder what Rolliworks does with original bark finish bracelets. As I understand it, the factory bark finish was pressed into the links, not cut or engraved. (I’m not sure whether Rolex ever put a bark finish on the cases.)

Yeah I need to talk to Roliworks more, they talked about polishing but I think I want to keep the bark as its how my Grandad intended.

[BisonHead]

Lovely watch there, sure Rolliworks will sort you out fine.

Is the bezel aftermarket?

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by BisonHead

Lovely watch there, sure Rolliworks will sort you out fine.

Is the bezel aftermarket?

Hey thanks! And honestly I have no idea. Not sure of the story behind the watch other than that my Grandad has had it since the 70's.

Is there a way to tell?

[BisonHead]

Gosh i wouldn't know. I am sure there will be somebody here with the knowledge to be able to tell.

[Tantalum]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

According to Barkmaster, bark finish on outer links only was indeed a factory option, and would have originally come with an “interval” bark bezel with smooth segments, like the bezel on this 18249. There was plenty of ‘aftermarket barking’ applied though, so post your pics!
.
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This is how my barked Day-Date is.

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by Tantalum

This is how my barked Day-Date is.

Does yours have bark on the lugs like mine as well?

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

Check the reference number on the case - Assuming it’s pre-1977 (and that the bezel is aftermarket), it should say either 1803 or 1807. If it’s 1807, at least it was born as a bark.

Finally took off the bracelet. Looks like it is indeed an 1807. Serial number dates it to 1971. So I guess it was born bark

[TCU34]

So I took the watch to a very reputable watch store here in Houston. Though I don’t think he’s an AD.

The owner said the bark isn’t factory because they “never put it on the outside bands”. I tried arguing but to no avail. He did admit that it would have been bark at one point because it is indeed an 1807. Still confused by the barking on the outer links. Maybe it’s not an original band?

Anyway. He said they send their bracelet repair jobs to a place in Italy. He showed me a quick set DD that had been done. Looked amazing.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by TCU34

So I took the watch to a very reputable watch store here in Houston. Though I don’t think he’s an AD.

The owner said the bark isn’t factory because they “never put it on the outside bands”. I tried arguing but to no avail. He did admit that it would have been bark at one point because it is indeed an 1807. Still confused by the barking on the outer links. Maybe it’s not an original band?

Anyway. He said they send their bracelet repair jobs to a place in Italy. He showed me a quick set DD that had been done. Looked amazing.

Take a look at this thread and look at the 1807 reverse bark in the list

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=552383

[Robtayham]

You’re close enough to Dallas, take it to the RSC in Dallas the next time your in that area.

Ask them for a service estimate. They will tell you what would be required to be fixed and what would be optional. If it’s fake, they’ll let you know.

This will stop all the speculation.

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Take a look at this thread and look at the 1807 reverse bark in the list

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=552383

Thanks. Very helpful. Mine certainly does look like that 1807 with the outer links barked. But mine does have the barked lugs.

I can’t decide what I want to do with it. Keep the bark or take it off...

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by Robtayham

You’re close enough to Dallas, take it to the RSC in Dallas the next time your in that area.

Ask them for a service estimate. They will tell you what would be required to be fixed and what would be optional. If it’s fake, they’ll let you know.

This will stop all the speculation.

Good idea. I’m actually up there often for work. I’ll just have to carve out some time. Does the RSC fix stretched bands? They will probably tell me to just replace it.

[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by TCU34

Good idea. I’m actually up there often for work. I’ll just have to carve out some time. Does the RSC fix stretched bands? They will probably tell me to just replace it.

I don’t think they do. And I wouldn’t expect them to require you to replace it. I’m not even sure they have the same style bracelet anymore. But, let them issue a service estimate, ask all your questions, and tell them you need time to think about it. It is a unique, vintage watch. Don’t let them remove any original parts without making a fully informed decision.

[gunhose]

Up to last year Rolex still offered new bark bands if you want one. They want the old though exchange.

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by Robtayham

I don’t think they do. And I wouldn’t expect them to require you to replace it. I’m not even sure they have the same style bracelet anymore. But, let them issue a service estimate, ask all your questions, and tell them you need time to think about it. It is a unique, vintage watch. Don’t let them remove any original parts without making a fully informed decision.

Really good advice. No rush I suppose.

[TCU34]

Originally Posted by gunhose

Up to last year Rolex still offered new bark bands if you want one. They want the old though exchange.

Any idea on what a new 18k president band from Rolex costs?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by TCU34

Any idea on what a new 18k president band from Rolex costs?

Last I heard between $12-14K

[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Last I heard between $12-14K

That’s what I paid this summer. But, it didn’t have bark.

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by TCU34

Any idea on what a new 18k president band from Rolex costs?

A quote this month from Rolliworks to refurbish a similar band for an 1803 was $70 per link, or barely over 10% the cost of new. It’d be nice to have the vintage band in good condition, if you’d consider that?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

A quote this month from Rolliworks to refurbish a similar band for an 1803 was $70 per link, or barely over 10% the cost of new. It’d be nice to have the vintage band in good condition, if you’d consider that?

I wonder if they will even work on his since the bark is on the outside where they need to clamp down on the link ends to pull them apart. Im sure the clamp could harm the bark finish since gold is soft.