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Editor’s Note: Earlier this year we took one of the buzz watches of Baselworld 2015 – the stealthy Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 – for a spin around our local Melbourne environs to see how it fared in landlubber life, far far away from the inclement conditions it was created to endure. And, true to its sport-luxe stylings, we paired it with a weekend-friendly wardrobe. The results were overwhelmingly positive from a swag point of view – the *cough* ‘model’ felt an injection of confidence more commonly associated with several beers – but what about the watch itself, beyond the on-trend, Bamford-banishing aesthetics? Felix digs deep behind this very pretty matte black face…
Rolex releases an Oysterflex bracelet (comes with new gold Yacht-Master attached). Rolex fans can’t even deal.
Will the introduction of the Oysterflex bracelet devalue Rolex’s luxury proposition, or are they finally catching up with trends?
The Yacht-Master is Rolex’s view on the perfect luxury lifestyle watch. First introduced in 1992 it’s less frequently seen on wrists than their other lines. This is because the proposition of the Yacht-Master is very specialised. The ideal Yacht-Master customer is literally someone who owns a yacht. Someone who is active but doesn’t necessarily get their hands dirty with fouled rigging, and just as likely to need to suddenly don a dinner jacket as dive into the ocean. For this rare breed of individual the Submariner is a little too functional and the Datejust not quite robust enough.
As a result of this the Yacht-Master has been perennially stuck between the two worlds of form and function and has never really seemed comfortable in its own skin. The 116655 is set to change this. The combination of Everose case and Oysterflex bracelet that is at the heart of the watch unashamedly and unequivocally declares that this latest Yacht-Master is at home in both worlds.
The big news here is that the case is hewn from 18ct Everose gold, the first time this metal has been used on the Yacht-Master. Everose is Rolex’s in-house red gold alloy, and it contains a few drops of platinum to ensure that the colour will not change over time. Other than that it’s a standard Oyster case, complete with Triplock crown and a depth rating of 100-metres. The Everose Yacht-Master is actually offered in two variations. Today we’re looking at the reference 116655 that measures in at a genteel 40mm. There’s also a 37mm version available (aimed primarily at ladies) which goes by reference 268655.
What you really notice about this case design is how much more refined it is when compared to that of the Submariner or GMT. Even though both are 40mm, the softer lines and gentler curves of the Yacht-Master make it a very different watch. The buttery soft Everose only adds to this perception.
This is where things get interesting. First, let’s talk about the bezel. This black on matte black Cerachrom bezel is something completely new for Rolex and when I first saw it through glass in Basel, I was in love. Fast-forward a few months and after spending a few days up close and personal with the bezel (which is bi-directional by the way), I’m still into it. It initially surprised me because the matte Cerachrom with high gloss markings in relief somehow feels un-Rolex to me. But this is the Yacht-Master, it’s always been defined by its bezel with raised numerals and markings set against a matte background. It makes sense within this context, even if it’s a little out of place in the wider Rolex family. It’s really hard to capture in pictures the three-dimensionality of the raised details but they add an almost sculptural quality to what is otherwise a very flat watch.
“It’s really hard to capture in pictures the three-dimensionality of the raised details but they add an almost sculptural quality to what is otherwise a very flat watch.”
The bezel also makes the watch look incredibly stealthy. So much so that at Time+Tide we’ve gone ahead and nicknamed it the #stealthmaster, which was promptly changed by an Insta-follower to #wealthmaster. Also appropriate.
The bezel is only part of what makes this watch so ninja-luxe (sorry, we just can’t help ourselves). The dial is the other significant factor. It’s the first black dial on a Yacht-Master, and somehow, despite its matte appearance it has a dramatic effect. If it were glossy, like most other black dialled Rolex’s it would look a lot more blingy, especially given the gold case. However, it’s a matte dial and it completely tones down the look. Interestingly the first thing I thought when I saw the dial was ‘wow, Rolex have done a vintage dial’ due to the gilt logo and red line model name. But this isn’t Rolex jumping on the retro trend. The Yacht-Master has always had red dial text (and no depth rating), but the text looks completely different on a black background. For the logo, they could have gone with applied Everose, but I’m glad they decided on gilt printing. The warmth of the text offsets the coldness of the polished Chromalight indices to create a dial that is wonderfully balanced and that always opts out of shouting when it can whisper.
The real surprise about this watch isn’t the bezel or the matte dial. It’s the brand new Oysterflex bracelet. Trust Rolex to massively over-engineer what, on the surface at least, looks like a simple rubber strap. The Oysterflex bracelet is anything but simple. Rolex tell us that the Oysterflex is as supple and comfortable as rubber, and as durable as a metal bracelet. And I believe them. At the heart of the bracelet is a thin blade of titanium/nickel alloy that forms the shape of the bracelet and also allows it to attach to the case and clasp. So if you were hoping to buy an Oysterflex and attach it to your Sub, you’re out of luck (for the moment) – it’s currently only compatible with this Yacht-Master. Over this alloy blade Rolex mould the black elastomer, which is (as you’d expect) soft and comfortable. The comfort factor is only improved by the ingenious wings on the inside of the bracelet, which provides some cushioning and helps ventilate the bracelet on sweaty days. Seriously, why has no one else thought of this? Before trying on the Yacht-Master I was skeptical about the Oysterflex bracelet, but now I’m convinced. It’s super comfortable. However it’s not perfect.
The bracelet has a few limitations. Oddly, the ends do not sit flush with the case. Given that Rolex isn’t in the habit of overlooking the small details I’m sure there’s a good reason for this, but a flush finish would have looked better. The larger issue for me is the lack of flexibility in sizing. The bracelet itself comes in a range of sizes, with the correct size being fitted when you purchase the watch. Beyond this your adjustment is limited to the micro-adjustments on the clasp. Cutting the strap to length (as is common with rubber straps) is not an option due to the bracelet’s metal core. Not earthshattering problems but a pain if I wanted to lend my watch to my small-wristed brother, for example.
Full disclosure – the Yacht-Master I reviewed was a demonstration model, part of a collection of all the new watches that travels around the country taking part in photo-shoots and sales meetings. These watches are identical to the production versions except for one thing – the movement isn’t functional. That’s why the time is always 10:11:31. So I can’t comment on the sweep of the hands or accuracy over time. The movement in the 116655 is the Calibre 3135, the same movement that powers the Submariner, so it’s very much a known quantity. Expect rock-solid reliability and flawless accuracy. The movement in the 37mm 268655 is a little more noteworthy. It’s the Calibre 2236, a movement that debuted last year in the ladies Datejust Pearlmaster. This movement is the first to integrate Rolex’s new Syloxi silicon hairspring, and its inclusion in the 37mm is almost cool enough to make me want the smaller version.
In a word – comfortable. Even though the gold case adds heft, the new bracelet is a dream to wear, and the size and proportions of the case make it unobtrusive on the wrist. And as I mentioned before the watch is surprisingly stealthy for a solid gold Rolex. There’s a lot of black going on between the dial, the bezel and the bracelet, which mitigates the flashes of the Everose. Outside of platinum models this is probably the best example of stealth wealth from Rolex we’ve seen in a while. It really is a perfect marriage of sporty and luxury.
At the time of writing the 40mm Yacht-Master 116655 has an RRP of $31,600 AUD.
Talking point.
Oysterflex, Everose, Cerachrom, Chromalight. This watch is packed with cool tech that’s bound to impress.
What models will we next see get the Oysterflex makeover? Submariner? Sea-Dweller? No one knows, but that won’t stop the speculation.
While yacht ownership is not mandatory, the 116655 is for someone who owns a super yacht (think the Venus ), rather than a Bermuda sloop.
I’d like to see the ends of the Oysterflex fit the case perfectly. Otherwise we’re all good.
Images by James Geer.
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The Yacht-Master is Rolex's view on the perfect luxury lifestyle watch. First introduced in 1992 it's less frequently seen on wrists than their other lines. ... Other than that it's a standard Oyster case, complete with Triplock crown and a depth rating of 100-metres. The Everose Yacht-Master is actually offered in two variations. Today ...
In fact, my Omega Planet Ocean is only 42mm x 15.7mm, and feels much bulkier and heavier than the Yacht-Master II. The case is alternating with polished and satin-finished and features a nautical blue ceramic bezel. The pushers are, as is Rolex's MO, a perfect length. Even though I'm left handed, and therefore wear my watch on my right ...
Making the case: The Rolex Yacht-Master is the most versatile collection of all their 'Professional' models ... and it has a trip-lock screw-down crown secured Oyster case that is equally pledged with a depth rating of 100 metres - but could likely survive even greater depths. So, within this format you have three precious metal options ...
Depth Rating: 100 meters of water resistance Movement: Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding movement manufactured by Rolex Band: Offered with either an Oyster bracelet or Oysterflex strap; History of the Rolex Yacht-Master through the Years. The very first Rolex Yacht-Master was the Reference 16628. The brand only offered the model in a 40mm, 18 ...
The Rolex Yacht-Master II features one of the brand's most complicated in-house movements to date — the self-winding mechanical chronograph, caliber 4160/4161. ... Vintage Watch Reviews Under $30k: The Rolex Explorer Reference 1016; 13 Best Summer Watches; You may also like. Rolex Datejust. Rolex Datejust II Ref 116334 Lilac Arabic Markers ...
The Everose Rolex Yachtmaster, in Rolex Everose, with Everose Oysterclasp and Oysterflex bracelet, as shown, $22,000 in 37 mm, and $24,950 in 40 mm. For more info, check out Rolex.com. Rolex. A-week-on-the-wrist. For the first time, Rolex is delivering a watch on a rubber strap - except in classic Rolex fashion it's not a rubber strap at all.
The Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II are Rolex's most advanced offerings for those who prefer to remain above the surface; we recap how they came to be. ... a style which has never been an option on a Sub, and the inferior depth rating of 100m when compared to the Sub's 300m. Yet, the Yacht-Master was well-received upon launch, and with the ...
The ref. 226627 Yacht-Master is powered by Rolex's automatic-winding caliber 3235 movement. The 3235 was introduced in 2015 as Rolex's updated automatic winding movement with a date and came with an elongated 70-hour power reserve alongside other improvements including a longer mainspring and thinner barrel walls.
Its monochromatic color profile paired with its matte black ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet makes the watch inherently casual and sporty, and at first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was a humble stainless steel model. However, at its core, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is a $30k solid gold Rolex.
Yacht-Master is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). Manual winding (position 1) The crown is unscrewed. To wind the watch manually, turn the crown ... IMR-YM-US-22 - 4.2022 - Printed in Switzerland rolex.com Op: NB ME Yacht-Master ACTU 2022 USA IMR-YM-US-22.
The first practically sized titanium Rolex, the new Yacht-Master 42. It's a big deal. But when seen next to Daytonas with display casebacks, Day-Dates with emojis, a solid-gold GMT-Master II, and an entirely new line of dress watches, a titanium Yacht-Master barely moves the needle of surprise and excitement. What a wild 48 hours this has been ...
The two-sided personality Yacht-Master 116622 is meant for yacht-owners, and thereby its name. In this article, we'll go into detail about the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622. Rolex Yacht-Master 126622. As mentioned a new Yacht-Master version was released in 2016, but at Baselworld 2019, Rolex found that the model needed to be updated once again.
YACHT-MASTER MODELS USING YOUR WATCH ROLEX SERVICE SETTING THE WATCH Screwed-down position (position 0) The crown is completely screwed down against the case. When the crown is in this position, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Manual winding (position 1) The crown is unscrewed. To wind
Facts About the Rolex Yacht-Master II. Before we dive into the depths of this model, let's take a quick look at the dial layout and how it works. In contrast to a conventional chronograph, the Rolex Yacht-Master II features an arc with the numerals 10 to 0 running clockwise. This is joined by a short hand with a triangular tip.
The Movement. The movement within the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 is a perpetual, mechanical, self-winding system that utilizes Rolex's own Calibre 3235. This isn't just any in-house movement; it's one that assures a precision rate of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing, a feat that outperforms many other luxury timepieces in the market.
In 1958, the brand partnered the New York Yacht Club, creator of the legendary America's Cup. Rolex then formed partnerships with several prestigious yacht clubs around the world and became associated with major nautical events - offshore races and coastal regattas. These strong ties culminated in 1992 with the launch of the Yacht-Master.
Before we get to my Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 review, we need some background. In 1992 Rolex introduced a watch that shared the silhouette of their beloved Submariner but in solid 18k yellow gold, embossed YG bezel insert soldered to the bezel, funky white dial, and the unusual name "Yacht-Master" written where "Submariner" would normally live.
The Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 is renowned for its nautical heritage and sophisticated design. The rhodium dial and platinum bezel add a touch of elegance, while the robust construction ensures durability. This near mint condition watch comes with its original box, warranty card, booklets, and green tag, making it a complete set. ...
Other than that it's a standard Oyster case, complete with Triplock crown and a depth rating of 100-metres. The Everose Yacht-Master is actually offered in two variations. Today we're looking at the reference 116655 that measures in at a genteel 40mm. There's also a 37mm version available (aimed primarily at ladies) which goes by ...
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Listing: $14,002 Rolex Yacht-Master 40, Reference number 116622; Steel; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 2017; Watch with original . Skip. ... Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5 August 21, 2024. Rolex Submariner Date ...
Rolex Yacht-Master II Listing: $35,116 Rolex ロレックス ヨットマスターⅡ 116688 YG, Reference number 116688; Yellow gold; Automatic; Condition Good; Watch with original box; Locat. ... Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5 September 2, 2024. Omega Genève ...
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Listing: £12,145 Rolex ヨットマスター 40 / YACHT MASTER 40, Reference number 126621; Gold/Steel; Automatic; Condition New; Watch with original box and orig. ... Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5 2 September 2024. Breitling Chronomat 36 Received: 19 August 2024 ...
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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Listing: $30,397 Rolex Yacht-Master 42, Reference number 226659; White gold; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 2021; Watch with orig. Skip. ... Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5 August 30, 2024. Rolex GMT-Master II ...
Source: (2002) (2010) (2021) Federal State Statistics Service Russia (web). (2002) (2010) (2021) Federal State Statistics Service Russia (web).
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Listing: £10,661 Rolex Yacht-Master 40, Reference number 116622; Steel; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 2017; Watch with original . Skip. ... Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5 14 August 2024. Longines Conquest ...
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