A vintage Rolex Day-Date 36mm ref. 18078 in solid 18K yellow gold with the sought-after Bark bezel and matching Bark center links, paired with a classic champagne dial. Approx. 1986 production (9.6M serial). Very good vintage condition with a notably tight President bracelet (little to no stretch). Small hairline on the cyclops only under close inspection. Includes Rolex box, hang tag, and full links (23 total). Timegrapher: -4 s/d, 287 amplitude. A proper old-school President—texture, weight, and restraint.

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Full Description

Offered here is a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, reference 18078, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and fitted with the iconic Bark finish—Rolex’s old-world answer to adding character without adding noise. This example is approximately 1986 production based on its 9.6 million serial, placing it squarely in the era when the Day-Date was still built with traditional heft and purpose.

The Bark bezel and matching Bark bracelet center links give this reference its unmistakable identity, adding depth and a tactile, architectural texture that photographs well and looks even better in hand. The champagne dial keeps the watch disciplined and timeless—classic Day-Date formality without unnecessary complication.

Condition is very good for a vintage Day-Date. The case presents clean with strong overall shape, and the President bracelet is notably tight with little to no stretch—an important detail on any older gold bracelet. The crystal is clean overall with one honest disclosure: a small hairline on the cyclops that can be seen under close inspection/harsh lighting. Functionally, the watch is performing well, with timegrapher results reading -4 seconds per day and 287 amplitude.

Included with the watch are the Rolex box, hang tag, and full links (23 total), offering excellent sizing flexibility. A correct, wearable vintage President in a configuration collectors actually look for—solid gold, Bark texture, and understated authority.

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Keyword Block

Rolex Day-Date, Rolex Day Date, Rolex President, Rolex 18078, 18078 Bark, Rolex Bark Bezel, Bark President Bracelet, 18K Yellow Gold Rolex, Rolex Day-Date 36mm, Vintage Rolex Day-Date, Champagne Dial Day-Date, 1986 Rolex Day-Date, Rolex 9.6 Million Serial, Rolex Caliber 3055, Rolex Box, Rolex Hang Tag, Tight President Bracelet

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Watch Specifications

Brand: Rolex

Model: Oyster Perpetual Day-Date (President)

Reference: 18078

Approx. Production Year: Circa 1986 (9.6M serial)

Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland

Condition: Very Good Vintage (tight bracelet, minor cyclops hairline)

Gender: Unisex

Age Group: Adult

Style: Luxury Dress / Classic President

Display: Analog

Case

Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold

Case Size: 36 mm

Case Thickness: Approx. 12 mm

Case Shape: Round

Case Finish: Polished with Bark-textured bezel

Bezel: Bark (textured)

Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops (small hairline on cyclops)

Caseback: Solid

Crown: Screw-down

Dial

Dial Color: Champagne

Markers: Applied baton indices

Hands: Gold tone

Lume: None (typical for this configuration)

Features: Day at 12, Date at 3

Movement

Movement: Rolex Caliber 3055 (Automatic)

Power Reserve: Approx. 42 hours

Escapement Type: Swiss lever (Rolex architecture, quickset era)

Chronometer Certified: Yes (Rolex Chronometer standard for era)

Frequency: 28,800 vph

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date

Bracelet

Bracelet: President with Bark center links

Material: 18K Yellow Gold

Clasp: Concealed Crownclasp (period-correct style)

Band Width: Approx. 20 mm (at lugs)

Wrist Fit: Full links (23 total), very tight with little to no stretch

Additional Details

Timegrapher: -4 s/d, 287 amplitude

Included: Rolex box, hang tag, full links (23 total)

Condition Type: Pre-Owned / Vintage