The model presented today is perhaps one of the most interesting and unique Rolex models in general – for us personally, this is one of the watches we pursued for quite a long time.
The so-called “new” Yacht-Master itself was introduced in 1992, and in 2012–2013 the series was replaced by the improved 116622 version – with the new bracelet, new clasp and changes to the dial. As is known, these models were called “Rolesium” by the brand’s creators and designers – we have some suspicion that at Rolex, besides technical geniuses, there are also many philologists who take care of inventing terms and names – with this name the brand designates 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, and in this way the luminescence is also improved, if only because there is a larger surface area filled with luminous material.
The other difference compared with the other models from the Oyster Professional series is the shape and thickness of the case – on the Yacht-Master it resembles that of the Daytona, which belongs to a completely different series, more than that of a Submariner, for example. In this way, the entire appearance of the watch is much more elegant and dressy than its “diver” siblings.
The model presented today, however, is, let us put it this way – a little more special. First introduced in 2019, it became one of the brand’s most desired gold watches, as it carries several very important distinguishing features. First, this is the first Yacht-Master in a 42 mm case. Second, the case is made of 18-carat white gold – a precious metal that remains far more discreet and less eye-catching than yellow or rose gold. Third, the watch is fitted with Oysterflex – a rubber strap with internal metal blades, extremely comfortable and incredibly beautiful in combination with the solid gold clasp. And last but not least, the bezel is a raised Cerachrom bezel – a satin-finished base with polished raised numerals, which in combination with the white gold case achieves a phenomenal result.
All of this gives you the opportunity to own a truly unique watch, in the production of which precious metals and numerous innovations have been used – and all of this in a white gold case with an incredible yet discreet presence.
The other important difference is the movement – the Yacht-Master has the honour of carrying inside it the new calibre 3235, which has an increased power reserve of up to 70 hours, a seriously improved automatic winding system, in which the rotor is now on bearings and its efficiency has been increased. As for lubrication, the reversing wheels, being one of the problematic zones from the point of view of friction, have a special coating. The new 3235 has numerous built-in patents and more than 90% new components, and in addition it is twice as precise as the official COSC chronometer.
We are sure that most admirers of the brand are aware that Rolex call their water-resistant cases Oyster. In other words, whenever this name is present in the name of the watch, it means that it has a certain level of 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 tack you fail to keep your balance and end up in the sea, as the guaranteed water resistance is 100 m. And everyone knows that Rolex test this parameter with a very serious margin.
The dial of the watch is very clean and easy to read, while the luminescence of the hands and indexes makes it easier to use at night as well – it has a pleasant bluish colour and glows brightly and for a sufficiently long time.
Despite 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 quite some time it has become a luxury attribute – and for a long time this function has prevailed over the original reason for its creation. Perhaps precisely for this reason, Rolex do many things in this model so that the appearance and the overall impression created by the watch prevail over its functionality.
The first thing that makes an impression is the sapphire crystal – Rolex are proverbial for the fact that they do not apply anti-reflective coating to the outer side of the crystals of their watches. There are several versions as to the reasons, but the one we like the most is that Rolex do this so that the appearance of their watches does not change for a long time and generations of owners can enjoy this consistency.
For the caseback of the watch, Rolex use a simple solid back, as they do on all their models – in this case it is free of any markings, inscriptions or other “decorations”. As we have already mentioned, 18-carat white gold has been used for the production of this model, and it is widely known that Rolex can be called fanatics when it comes to the alloys they use. A large part of the metallurgical processes are carried out in-house in order to guarantee consistent quality of the raw material. Many watches have passed through our hands, but we can state absolutely categorically that no other brand devotes as much attention and effort to the quality of the final product from the perspective of case finishing – and as a result, a unique quality and presence are inevitably achieved.
The overall impression is complemented by the watch’s bidirectional rotating bezel – here again, the material is a special development and differs from commonly used materials, which is why Rolex call it “Cerachrom”. The bezel itself is raised – the base is satin-finished, while the raised numerals are polished – the final effect is phenomenal.
As we have already mentioned, here an Oysterflex rubber strap is used, with a profile that tapers towards the clasp. This makes it very comfortable, while the clasp has a safety lock and the possibility for micro-adjustment. The Glidelock adjustment allows up to 15 mm of extension, which is extremely practical and convenient in everyday life.
This model was certainly created at a time when Rolex are perceived more as a fashion accessory, yet one that has all the qualities to become a long-term partner of its owner – a watch that will not abandon you and will not lose much of its value either. It is no secret to anyone that this brand not only cannot be found with large discounts when new, but also has the reputation of making watches that best preserve their value, and this particular model can boldly be placed among the front ranks of Rolex in terms of attractiveness and accordingly among 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 wearing a formal suit or worn jeans and a white T-shirt – in both cases, the Yacht-Master will help you attract approving glances towards your appearance.
