Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1807 - 'Bark' w/ Satin Blue 'Buckley' Dial
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 1977, the Reference 1807 that we have here features not only a sought-after blue 'Buckley' dial, but also a wildly rare factory finishing on the bezel and the matching bracelet. Unique to this reference, this piece 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 links on the 'brick'-style bracelet feature a hand-finished pattern that that was found on special Day-Dates in the 1960s into the 1980s.
It remains in excellent overall condition, with a thick Oyster case — seemingly devoid of any previous polishing. The case, bezel, and bracelet show normal signs of wear and match nicely. Inside, the dial is simply stunning. The satin surface and gold printed 'Roman' indices remain crisp and clear, with attractive patinated Tritium plots.
The combination of the vibrant blue dial within the yellow gold case and the 'bark' finishing on the bezel and bracelet is undeniably a very of-it's-time combination and a perfect one at that. We think it had aged beautifully and collectors seem to agree. As a result, these remain sought after and collectible — and its not everyday that they surface in strong, honest condition like this.
Condition Report & Details
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