Rolex bark finish

[DCportraits]

I've searched and searched and haven't really come to any conclusion on my own terms and am reaching out for some reference help.

Where did the bark finish come from? Is it aftermarket or straight from Rolex? Why was it only used on presidents? Does it have any history?

I'd just like to know more please, pics are always nice too!

[HobokenRolex]

I don't know much history. Mine was my father's. It's from 1977. Definitely from Rolex (not aftermarket).

[DCportraits]

Very nice! It's such a cool interesting look, I'm just surprised there isn't much information out there about it. How is it created? Why did they stop producing it?

Very nice example though!

[Fin]

Rolex made also bark finish Datejust (16248).

[REDiesel]

18078 is the YG Bark Day-Date there is also the earlier 1807. I remember seeing them in the Rolex booklets about 1993ish, but haven't seen a 18278 so I'm guessing the double-quickset is rare.

[dpa94114]

I'm hardly an expert, but bark is most common on Presidents (I've occasionally seen it on a rather odd 1601). It is a technique applied to the gold - along the same line as the florentine finish.

While I'm sure some are aftermarket, Rolex did make plenty - in yellow and white gold.

I've attached a white gold I threw on a 1601 because i couldn't find an affordable White Gold 1803.

I think they are amazing - and look gorgeous in sunshine

[zama]

Love mine, and there will be some bark experts, my understanding is they were made from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. Personally I much prefer the centre part of the links to a standard and easily scratched polished link like on my Daytona.

That said I still prefer the fluted Bezel to th bark bezel, but as a watch love my bark and as others will comment, the bark finish does trap and reflect light.

[Aquaholic21]

My 1960s 1002g (1.6million serial) has a bark finish, per Rolex it is a non Rolex finish on my watch.