Why I <3 bark

[BarkMaster]

Call me "old school", but as most folks through the ages, I love the brilliance of yellow gold. Considered "blingy" by some, its' timeless beauty connects with most and why it is highly valued to this day. White gold is OK, but is basically the same "color" as stainless steel, sterling silver or platinum. That makes white gold flexible, more in line with current fashion trends and perhaps less ostentatious, but yellow gold stands out for what it is: yellow gold.

News flash: gold is relatively soft and prone to scratching. Some people like the character of blemishes on their jewelry , but I prefer my stuff to look as close to new as practical (including clothes, vehicle, house, etc) without being OC about it. You can easily polish out scratches from gold, but you remove some of the precious metal each time.

Like my wedding ring, the polished center links on the "president" bracelet show even hairline scratches, while the brushed links not as much. Some other finishes are excellent at hiding them and I believe that bark does it best. That is reason #1 I love bark.

The optional bark finish was unusual (as opposed to rare). There is a reason that Rolex chose to discontinue offering it and that it was not very popular... most people did not want it. It's an acquired taste I suppose.... Since it is no longer current, the look is dated to the time period it was available. This was the era of trash disco and reason #2 I love bark.

Reason #3 is hard to put into words, but has to do with the way that bark reflects light. It's electrical: fiery, even. Perhaps that is best left for pictures:

[EE33]

The Bark is pure, love it

[Idle Swede]

Lovely pics cecilia.

[greekbum]

I like Bark Finish myself also and have owned a few included a rare crown collection 1.

[hhh007]

No question about it, bark rocks!!....and it rocks on the Jubilee bracelet too!

An equally cool and even rarer band was the 'pyramid' finish center links (and matching bezel) which were available on the 18K Oysterquartz Day-Date.

[dalip]

Wow.

[Gerardus]

I salut you with your perfect DD, congratz, super watch!

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by hhh007

No question about it, bark rocks!!....and it rocks on the Jubilee bracelet too!

An equally cool and even rarer band was the 'pyramid' finish center links (and matching bezel) which were available on the 18K Oysterquartz Day-Date.

Here's a couple of pics so people can see what you are referring to!

[BarkMaster]

Here's a full bark. I prefer the "subtly" of the barked center links myself.

[BarkMaster]

Bark in WG

[hhh007]

Yes 777, that's the pyramid finish Day-Date! Talk about the coolness factor, and very attractive too IMO!

I've never seen that bark finish on the case lugs and outer links before, I was referring to the bark finish center links on the all 18K Jubilee.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by hhh007

Yes 777, that's the pyramid finish Day-Date! Talk about the coolness factor, and very attractive too IMO!

I've never seen that bark finish on the case lugs and outer links before, I was referring to the bark finish center links on the all 18K Jubilee.

Do you have a pic of that? I've never seen one!!

[BarkMaster]

There is one finish that I like even better than bark (did I really just say that??)...

It's called "Moire'". I did not know about it until this thread: www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=141847

My chance of ever owning one appears to be ZERO.

I like the second example better (with the polished case for contrast).

[hhh007]

<<< Do you have a pic of that? I've never seen one!! >>>



Hopefully this link works:

http://www.bjsonline.com/watches/vrc/007/017.shtml

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by hhh007

Hopefully this link works:

http://www.bjsonline.com/watches/vrc/007/017.shtml

I do like that a lot.

I need to find a high-res picture.

[cht]

I understand that this thread is so all the bark lovers can rally together, but, sorry, that is one of Rolex's most hideously embarrassing ideas...

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by cht

I understand that this thread is so all the bark lovers can rally together, but, sorry, that is one of Rolex's most hideously embarrassing ideas...

So I take it you are not a fan?

[ddnyc77]

777 I love your "bark is beautiful" graphic. Actually seeing your posts on other threads got me interested in what all this bark is about. I love the oyster but I think bark is a close second.

[HL65]

I was taught that if you don't have anything nice to say keep it to yourself--so with that--no comment.

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by 777

Call me "old school", but as most folks through the ages, I love the brilliance of yellow gold. Considered "blingy" by some, its' timeless beauty connects with most and why it is highly valued to this day. White gold is OK, but is basically the same "color" as stainless steel, sterling silver or platinum. That makes white gold flexible, more in line with current fashion trends and perhaps less ostentatious, but yellow gold stands out for what it is: yellow gold.

It is replete with irony when you think about it: gold becomes interesting because of its brilliant quality; gold becomes rare because everyone is interested in wearing it; gold becomes valuable because of its rarity; gold becomes ostentatious because of its value.

Then put it on a Rolex and it is REALLY expensive...

In any case, I love my YG DD (though without bark) Rolex also, and while I wouldn't wear it in certain situations that merit moderation, I love wearing it anytime that I can.

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by ddnyc77

777 I love your "bark is beautiful" graphic. Actually seeing your posts on other threads got me interested in what all this bark is about. I love the oyster but I think bark is a close second.

I have to agree. It's the educated members like 777 that I have learned so very much about the voluminous wealth of information of these iconic timepieces. And to me, that is what this forum is all about.

[QueueCumber]

OMG! I must find one of these!!!!

[Chris B]

Great pics , woof woof !!!

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

I was taught that if you don't have anything nice to say keep it to yourself--so with that--no comment.

Yet, you did.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by ddnyc77

777 I love your "bark is beautiful" graphic. Actually seeing your posts on other threads got me interested in what all this bark is about. I love the oyster but I think bark is a close second.

Awww, shucks. Thank you!

Originally Posted by rgdejong

I have to agree. It's the educated members like 777 that I have learned so very much about the voluminous wealth of information of these iconic timepieces. And to me, that is what this forum is all about.

Can I frame that???

Thanks for the kind words.

[Richard.]

Thank you for this 777. I have to say that I have never given bark a second thought but reasons one and three have got me thinking.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

OMG! I must find one of these!!!!

A red "X"??

I want one too!!! (I think )

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by Chris B

Great pics , woof woof !!!

Originally Posted by Richard.

Thank you for this 777. I have to say that I have never given bark a second thought but reasons one and three have got me thinking.

Thanks!!! Glad y'all appreciated this special gift care of Rolex.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by 777

Yet, you did.

Could have said what I think but I didn't--I am happy that you like it --Rolex makes watches for all kinds of tastes as different as they may be!

[R1@160@alltimes]

Lovely. Thanks for posting the history behind the bark.