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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

1991 Rolex Day-Date 18K White Gold "Bark" (Ref. 18249)

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, dating to 1991, features an 18K white gold case measuring 36mm in diameter. The watch is defined by its distinctive textured "bark" finish, applied to both the bezel and the accompanying Rolex 8385 President bracelet. The dial is a slate-colored "Pleiades" style, characterized by a pattern of factory-set diamonds across its surface, including diamond hour markers. The watch incorporates non-luminous white gold hands with black enamel inlay. Internally, the timepiece is equipped with a Rolex caliber 3155 movement, introduced in 1988, which provides a double-quickset feature for adjusting the day and date functions. Notably, the day and date wheels are printed in Chinese. The watch is presented with a recent Rolex Service Center card indicating a recent service. The case and bracelet exhibit minimal signs of prior use and polishing, maintaining crisp edges and symmetrical lugs.

Front view of the 1991 Rolex Day-Date ref. 18249 showing the slate 'Pleiades' diamond dial and Chinese language calendar.
Front view of the 1991 Rolex Day-Date ref. 18249 showing the slate 'Pleiades' diamond dial and Chinese language calendar. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18249
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDD18249
Source-reported date
1991
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
N1XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 36mm case is constructed from 18K white gold and features a textured bark finish on the bezel. The lugs are described as thick and symmetrical, retaining their factory finishing and crisp edges. The watch is fitted with an original two-dot twin-lock crown and a sapphire crystal.

The bracelet is a matching Rolex 8385 18K white gold President bracelet, which also displays the textured bark finish. It contains 22 links, with the auction description reporting nominal stretch, and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 7 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 18K white gold case features very thick, symmetrical lugs that display crisp edges and factory finishing throughout”
  • “The 18K white gold bark finish bezel is in exceptional condition, retaining defined edges with no notable wear.”
  • “The original Rolex 18K white gold bark finish President bracelet retains 22 links that show nominal stretch”

Dial and Movement

The slate-colored dial is distinguished by its 'Pleiades' configuration, which includes factory-set diamonds as hour markers and across the dial surface. The hands are white gold with black enamel inlay. The day and date wheels are presented in Chinese.

The watch is powered by the Rolex caliber 3155 movement, which was introduced in 1988. This movement allows for a double-quickset function, enabling the independent and rapid adjustment of both the day and date complications through the crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “The rare and beautiful slate Pleaides dial, featuring factory-set diamond markers, as well as factory-set diamonds throughout the entire dial, is flawless.”
  • “The language of the day and date wheels is Chinese.”
  • “Rolex introduced the cal. 3155 in 1988, this movement featured an updated double-quickset complication”

Provenance and Condition

According to the provided documentation, the watch was serviced by a Rolex Service Center.

The auction description reports that the watch shows light signs of use and minimal evidence of prior polishing. The sapphire crystal is noted to be free of scratches or chips.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was recently serviced by Rolex. It comes with a recent Rolex Service Center card and remains under Rolex Service Warranty.”
  • “exhibiting nominal evidence of prior polishing and light signs of use.”
  • “The sapphire crystal is clean, with no scratches or chips present.”

Open research questions

  • Determine if the 'Pleiades' dial configuration was a standard factory catalog option or a bespoke request.
  • Verify the exact production range for 18249 references featuring the Chinese language day/date calendar wheels.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1991 Rolex Day-Date 18K White Gold "Bark" (Ref. 18249)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference18249“Model 18249”
Material18K White Gold“Material 18K White Gold "Bark”
Date1991“1991 Rolex Day-Date 18K WG "Bark" (Ref. 18249)”
MovementCaliber 3155“Rolex introduced the cal. 3155 in 1988”
BraceletRolex 8385 18K WG Bark President“Bracelet Rolex 8385 18K WG "Bark" President Bracelet”
DialSlate Diamond Pleiades“Dial Slate Diamond "Pleiades”
CalendarChinese day and date“The language of the day and date wheels is Chinese.”

Visible details

  • Slate-colored Pleiades dial with factory-set diamonds
  • Chinese language day and date discs
  • Bark-finish bezel and bracelet
  • White gold hands with black enamel inlay

Research qualifications

  • Full serial number is partially obscured in the source data
  • Specific production history of the 'Pleiades' dial configuration is not confirmed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Rolex Day-Date رفرنس 18249 طلای سفید با پرداخت Bark و صفحه الماس‌نشان Pleiades، ۱۹۹۱

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5c7b792507

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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