Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Blue

The presented model is perhaps one of the most interesting and unique Rolex models ever – this is one of the timepieces we pursued for a relatively long time. The so-called “new” Yacht-Master itself was introduced in 1992 with reference 16622, and in 2013 the series was replaced with the improved version 116622 – with the new bracelet, the new clasp, and changes to the dial. The one presented is from the newest series, introduced in 2019, and this particular example was purchased from an authorized service center at the end of 2021. As is known, these models are called “Rolesium” by the brand's creators and designers (we have some suspicions that at Rolex, besides technical geniuses, there are also many philologists who take care of inventing terms and names) - with this name, the brand denotes the combination of steel and platinum in its watches. The Yacht-Master is the first model from the Oyster Professional series in which Rolex used the so-called “Maxi Dial” – a dial design where the markers and hands are larger for better legibility, thus also improving the luminescence (at least because there is a larger area to be filled with the luminescent material). The other difference compared to other models from the Oyster Professional series is the shape and thickness of the case – on the Yacht-Master, it more closely resembles that of a Daytona (which is from a completely different series) than a Submariner, for example - in this way, the entire look of the watch is much more elegant and dressy than its “diver” brethren. The other similarity with the Daytona is in the design of the bracelet – here it is again three-piece, with a polished center link, solid links, and a clasp like the Daytona's (this is the model where Rolex first used a clasp made from a single piece of steel, which they subsequently put on all their models). But the most impressive specific feature of this model, which also gives it a large dose of uniqueness, is, of course, the bezel, which is made of a precious metal. This allows you to own a watch in the making of which precious metals were used, without imposing this fact on those around you – because the appearance of platinum is almost indistinguishable from steel. The red accents of the seconds hand and the “Yacht-Master” inscription only emphasize the nobility of the model, and the “Cyclops” at “3 o’clock” only confirms that the watch is a purebred Rolex. I am sure that most of the readers are aware that Rolex calls its water-resistant cases Oyster. I.e., as long as this name is present in the name of the watch, it means that it has a certain water resistance – well, with this model you will not be able to explore the depths of the sea – but you will have no problems on your yacht, even if during a turn you failed to keep your balance and ended up in the sea waters, as the guaranteed water resistance is 100 m. and it is known to all that Rolex tests this parameter with at least a 50% margin. The watch's dial is very clean and easy to read, and the luminescence of the hands and indices facilitates its use at night – it is in a pleasant-to-the-eye bluish color and glows sufficiently bright and long. Regardless of the fact that the Yacht-Master is a professional instrument, as was the manufacturer's intention from its very launch, it is clear to everyone that for a long time it has become a luxury attribute – and for a long time this function of it has prevailed over the original reason for its creation. Perhaps for this very reason, Rolex does many things in this model so that the appearance and the overall impression that the watch creates prevail over its functionality. The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire – Rolex is notorious for the fact that they do not put anti-reflective coating on the crystals of their watches – there are several versions for the reasons, but I like the one most that Rolex does it so that the appearance of their watches does not change for a long time and generations of its owners can enjoy this constancy. For the case back of the watch, Rolex uses a simple solid back (as, by the way, in all its models) – in this case, it is devoid of any markings, inscriptions, or other “decorations”. As we all know, for its watches, Rolex uses noble 904L steel – the difference with the usual 316L for other brands is in the greater resistance (especially against salt water). It is a widely known fact that Rolex can be called fanatics when it comes to the steel they use – a large part of the metallurgical processes are done in-house to guarantee a uniform quality of the raw material – many watches have passed through our hands, but we can say absolutely categorically that no other brand devotes so much attention and effort to the quality of the final product from the point of view of the case finish – and as a result, a unique quality and presence is inevitably achieved. As we have already mentioned, a three-piece bracelet with solid links and a profile that tapers towards the clasp is used here – this makes the bracelet very comfortable, and the clasp has a security part with the possibility of micro-adjustment and a diver's extension. The movement integrated into the watch deserves separate attention – this is the so-called “true GMT” new in-house movement Caliber 3235, which has an increased power reserve of 70 h, a seriously improved automatic winding system in which the rotor is now on a bearing, and its efficiency is increased by 15%. As for lubrication, the reversing wheels, as one of the problematic areas from the point of view of friction, have a Teflon coating! The new 3235 has 14 integrated patents and more than 90% new components, and it is also twice as accurate as an official COSC chronometer. All this allows the movement to be one of the few that fall into the brand's “Superlative Chronometer” category! Certainly, this model was created at a time when Rolex is perceived more as a fashion accessory, which, however, has all the qualities to become a long-term partner to its owner, which not only will not abandon you, but will also not lose much of its value, because it is no secret to anyone here that this brand not only cannot be found with large discounts when new, but also has the reputation of a brand with the best value-retaining watches, and this particular model can boldly be ranked at the forefront of Rolex in terms of attractiveness and, accordingly, one of the most sought-after and desired. Certainly, one of the reasons for this is the fact that this watch looks equally good on your wrist whether you are in a formal suit or dressed in worn-out jeans and a white t-shirt – in both cases, the Yacht-Master will help attract approving glances to your appearance.