Rolex Day-Date ref. 18078, 'Bark' with Champagne 'Tropical' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck. The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here. However, this isn't your run of the mill Day-Date... Dating to circa 1982, the Reference 18078 that we have here features not only a wild 'tropical' dial, but stands out amongst your typical Day-Dates from the era with what Rolex might call 'special finishing' — in this case, 'bark' finishing. The bezel and center links on the 'President' bracelet feature a hand-finished pattern that that was found on some Day-Dates in the 1970s into the 1980s. The case, bracelet, and bezel all appear to be unpolished, and show uniform honest wear throughout. The bezel and center links on the bracelet retain strong 'bark' finishing and the lugs on the case remain symmetrical and thick at all four corners. The dial within, however, is the real highlight of this piece... What was once a run-of-the-mill sunburst champagne dial has aged over the years to what appears to be an absolutely wild 'burned' patina. It shows largely even darkening around the indices, with a gradient fade to slightly less darkening towards the center and outer edge of the dial. It is likely that the applied indices may have played a role in amplifying the effects of the suns exposure by reflecting UV around the areas that they sit on the dial. Probably. The result is totally unique and very attractive. The Tritium plots also remain fully-intact and exhibit a light and even patina throughout, and the handset matches beautifully. Additionally, this piece possesses an always alluring caseback engraving. Last but not least, accompanying this piece is a fantastic set of goodies, including: its outer box, inner brown leather box, COSC hangtag, papers which match the caseback engraving dated 12/13/1985, original invoice dated 12/13/1985, and service papers. The combination of the 'bark' finishing, the wild 'tropical' patina on the dial, and the well-documented set accompanying the piece amount to a very compelling package for someone looking for a strong, unique piece in their collection.