Question re Day-Date “bark” decorations

[miamiclay]

Tried asking this in vintage forum, but no luck ...

Am I correct in assuming that neither of these bark bracelets are factory? Certainly >95% of the Day-Date bracelets with bark finishes have the bark decoration on only the center links, while both of these examples have it reversed, on only the outer links. Also, I note that both of these have the standard fluted bezel, rather than the bark bezel (and neither is an 1807 or 18078 reference).

The only other possibility which occurs to me off the top of my head is that the bracelets could have been made by the authorized South American maker for Rolex, but that seems unlikely.

TIA for any info ...

[sond86]

Looks neat I had a bark with center bark 18078. I’d agree something odd
I’d be interested in the answer if someone knows

Some years ago a member barkmaster I think had good knowledge and chimed in a lot often when bark was mentioned.

[miamiclay]

One seller referred to it as a “ reverse bark “ bracelet ... Is it possible that this was a legit but little known / seldom chosen option? (Even if that were so, the upper one doesn’t look much like the factory bark pattern to me.) I’ve seen another 1 or 2 with this reverse bark pattern just since the original post.

Barkmaster? Bueller? Anyone?

[jeffnnj]

When I was a kid I fell madly in love with that watch when they offered it with a wood face.


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[Andrew NYC]

I don't believe that either of the finishes are "factory". I have an R series bark DD from what I believe is the last year of production. As mentioned, the factory bark finish is on the center links of the bracelet and the bezel. This finish is very fine, unlike the photos above. Also, Rolex has parts for the factory version in the event extra links or a replacement bezel are needed. Personally, I prefer the factory finish however I find that it's very polarizing. People either really like it or really don't, not a lot of middle ground.


IMG_1456 by Andrew C, on Flickr

IMG_0490 by Andrew C, on Flickr

DSC_5341v2 by Andrew C, on Flickr