18078 Appraisal

Rolex Day-Date President Ref. 18078 with Bark Finish

The item is a Rolex Day-Date President wristwatch, model reference 18078, crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold. The watch features a champagne-colored dial with dauphine-style hour and minute hands, and a slender seconds hand. The hour markers are applied diamond settings, appearing round at most positions, with baguette-cut diamonds at 6 and 9 o'clock. A prominent cyclops lens magnifies the date aperture at the 3 o'clock position, while a full day-of-the-week display is visible in an arc at the 12 o'clock position, currently showing 'WEDNESDAY'. The watch has Rolex branding, the coronet logo, and 'OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE' text below the 12 o'clock marker, and 'SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED' and 'SWISS MADE' near the 6 o'clock position. The most distinctive feature is the 'bark' finish, applied to both the bezel and the center links of the President bracelet. This textured finish simulates the appearance of tree bark, providing a unique and luxurious tactile quality that sets it apart from standard polished or brushed finishes. The bracelet is a classic Oyster President style with three-piece links, where the outer links are polished or satin-finished, contrasting with the bark-finished center links. The overall condition appears well-maintained, though minor surface wear consistent with a pre-owned timepiece may be present upon closer inspection, such as faint scratches on the polished surfaces or slight wear on the bark texture. The watch exudes a vintage luxury aesthetic, likely dating from the late 1970s to 1980s based on the reference number and bark finish style. This model is highly sought after by collectors for its distinctive 'bark' aesthetic and the robust Day-Date President lineage.