Vintage Rolex Datejust Watch with Bark



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Vintage Rolex Datejust Watch with Bark

Item: ROL17

Rolex Datejust with Bark


 

Model: 1601
Year Made: 1969
Case: 14K Bezel, Stainless steel back, Bark
Dial: Textured platinum with gold markers
Movement: Rolex 1570
Dimensions: 43mm lug to lug, 38mm crown

Price: $2,895.00



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Bet you can't find one. Bark was reserved primarily for Presidential models. Never see it on datejust unless you're from Texas. (In the 70s and 80s, some people tried to duplicate Rolex Bark treatment with a steel brush - worked fairly well.) Bet you can't find a third quarter 1969 (41 years old) in unrestored, original condition from Rolex like this watch.

By now most of the Jubilee bands have been replaced, but a Bark Jubilee and case are just "that rare." A potter owned this watch, or I should say it was his father's. This watch was serviced last year and is working perfectly. The datejust is a little larger than the date, measuring 38.35mm (including crown) and 43.19mm from lug tip to lug tip. The platinum textured dial with gold markers, gold original hands, and large cyclops magnifying crystal are in fine condition for 41 years young. So is the 14K bezel with clear and distinct unbuffered lines. The case as well as the band have the distinct bark marks making this a striking watch to wear and look at. The dial has a few scratches (but you have to look). The original acrylic crystal has a few spots, but again, you have to look for them. The case back clearly is marked 1601 and 111/69 or third quarter 1969. Serial number 2,500,xxx and model is 1601 with a 1570 movement. The 1570 is one of my favorite and is described as offering exceptional engineering and craftsmanship (read about and see the movement at abbeyclock.com, Rolex 1570). The band is complete and large, but it shows normal wear for the age. Very usable, however, we are offering a Hirsch high end black band with the watch. (Save the rare Bark Jubilee band for future value and wear the watch daily.)