THE ROLEX YACHT-MASTER: THE WATCH OF THE SEASON

The pedigree Rolex boasts of today as a watchmaker is a product of their distinctive and evergreen designs. The Rolex Yacht-Master is another great example.  Rolex is not a brand that continues to introduce fresh models of wristwatches year after year. As a matter of fact, this watchmaking giant takes its time after every release before sending out another.  For instance, the Daytona came into the scene in 1963. Thereafter, we had to wait for another 30 years before Rolex launched another new model. This model released in 1992 was the Rolex Yacht-Master.  In this post, you get an extensive Rolex Yacht-Master review. Check out every detail of this amazing timepiece from Rolex with an entirely new and distinct outlook and function. 

• What are the different key specs of the Rolex Yacht-Master? 

• How did the Rolex Yacht-Master come to be through the years? 

• Who are the notable wearers of this wristwatch?

• Who is the wristwatch best for? 

• Is the Rolex Yacht-Master best for any particular season?

Get answers to all of these questions and more as you read on. Keep reading!

An Overview of The Important Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master

• Case Measurement And Variety: There are three distinct size varieties of the Rolex Yacht-Master. It can either be 37mm, 40mm, or 42mm. Also, it comes in two material varieties. Such as platinum, and gold, or two-tone gold.
• Bezel Details: The bezel is a 60-minute graduated, rotatable, bidirectional bezel.
• Crown Details: It features a Triplock, water-resistant, screw-down crown system
• Depth Rating: Rolex Yacht-Master can go as deep as 100 meters underwater.
• Movement Details: The timepiece features a self-winding, perpetual, mechanical movement built in-house by Rolex.
• Band Details: You either get the Oyster bracelet band or the Oysterflex strap band. 

As mentioned above, the Rolex Yacht-Master is not just any random release from Rolex. With the space of 30 years, the matchmaking world knew how much of a bombshell Rolex would drop in 1992. Simply put, the Rolex Yacht-Master maintains a rather special spot in Rolex’s array of sports watches. The water-resistance feature combined with a rotatable bezel is not an entirely unique blend of features. These are two features Rolex Yacht-Master shares with the Submariner.  However, the Submariner is water-resistant to as low as 300 m underwater. While the Yacht-Master water resistance is only as deep as 100 m underwater. You cannot refer to the Rolex Yacht-Master as a tool watch. Furthermore, the Yacht-Master comes in different case materials varieties. There is the platinum and steel type. Also, there is the gold and steel type also referred to as Rolesium and Rolesor. Depending on the size and metal you opt for, you can either get something subtly or unequally luxurious.

How Did The Rolex Yacht-Master Come To Be Through The Years?

The Reference 16628 was the very first Rolex Yacht-Master to hit the world of wristwatch lovers. Rolex simply presented this model with a 40mm measurement. In addition, the case was an 18-karat yellow gold type. Plus, it came with a white dial.  More so, the crown of this first version of the Yacht-Master was a Triplock crown that also featured a screw-down. Lastly, Ref. 16628 again had a water resistance feature as deep as 100 m below water level.  Plus, it came with the Caliber 3135 movement housed in its shell.  As the years passed, Rolex continued to make alterations to the Yacht-Master line. Check out the different changes and the years they came into the picture. 

1994: The First Two Modifications

Initially, years into the production of this wristwatch, Rolex barely made any modifications to the Yacht-Master model. However, in 1994, the brand introduced a negligibly varied iteration of the Yacht-Master. That was the Reference 68628 model. This new reference was a smaller variation as it came with a 35mm case. In the same year, Rolex again introduced a women’s edition of the Yacht-Master. This was the Reference 69628. This women’s edition presented an even more subtle case size. Its case measurement was a mere 29mm.

1999: Yet Another Update

There was another update in 1999. This time, Rolex made the first huge update to the Yacht-Master lineup.  That year, Rolex showcased a completely fresh, patented blend of metals made particularly specific to the Yacht-Master timepiece. Rolex named this two-tone blend of platinum and stainless steel, Rolesium.  The watchmaking brand unveiled the material used in 3 distinct sizes at the annual BaselWorld Fair. These distinct variations were:

• The 29mm Reference 169622.
• The 35mm Reference 168622
• The 40mm Reference 16622

2005: The Stainless Steel Addition

In 2005, we saw another update to the Yacht-Master line. In that year, Rolex introduced another two-tone variety to the collection. However, this time it came in stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold case. Rolex presented the new colorway housed in the 40mm Reference 16623.  Yet, barely two years later, Rolex gave us the most notable modification to the Yacht-Master collection. That year, we witnessed the launch of the Yacht-Master II. Nevertheless, this was not the end for the original Yacht-Master collection. The evolution continued. 

2012: The Reference 116622

Rolex debuted another new and significant upgrade to the Yacht-Master line in 2012. This upgrade came with the Reference 116622.  For this variation, the brand maintained its 40mm size measurement. But, there was a completely fresh “super case”. This case came with a unique design.  More so, it showed off an all-platinum bezel. This is a different feature compared to the usual blend of stainless steel and platinum. To wrap it up, this variation came furnished with a sophisticated version of the Oyster bracelet. This Oyster bracelet featured a refined clasp.

2015: Welcome The Rubber Strap

Only three years after Reference 116622, Rolex introduced yet another first of its kind. The brand launched the Yacht-Master Reference 116655 wristwatch.  And, this time, Rolex didn’t go for new metal. Instead, they debuted their own precisely built and tested edition of the rubber strap. Plus, it was the Oysterflex bracelet that captioned the introduction of the first-ever rubber strap for the brand. Thereon, the rubber strap is now a staple of the Yacht-Master lineup. Conclusively, a lot happened in the last few years. Rolex proceeds to create subtle upgrades and improvements to the Yacht-Master collection. A notable example of these additions is the latest release of the Yacht-Master 40.  This addition presents a gem-set and multi-colored bezel. Most recently, in 2019, Rolex launched a maiden addition. This was the 42mm sized time-and-date Yacht-Master Reference 226659. We must add that this was yet another big one.  Finally, the name “Yacht-Master” is moreover, incidentally, the term used for a certificate of competency in yachting. This term goes to a competitive athlete in yachting. The Royal Yachting Association is responsible for presenting this certificate of proficiency.  It is not clear whether or not there is any particular link between the RYA and the Yacht-Master wristwatch. However, you will agree that this is one interesting discovery.

A Deeper Look Into The Major Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master

In this section, you get to discover a deeper view of the details of the Rolex Yacht-Master. You will find out more about the case sizes, the bezel, the water resistance, and so on. Follow through!

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Case

For several years, the Rolex Yacht-Master maintained 40mm as the standard sizing. Hence, most of the Yacht-Master watches made had this sizing. Thereafter, there came a smaller version in the 35mm variation. This was the only other option up until another introduction in 2016.  Over time, Rolex ensured there is a replacement for this with the 37mm iteration. With this iteration, we had another smaller alternative.  Additionally, there was another introduction to this lineup in 2019. That year, Rolex built a bigger, 42mm alternative. This alternative is available to those who prefer a bigger wristwatch.

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Bezel

The bezel is another perk that sets the Rolex Yacht-Master aside from the rest of the pack. It is one of the most significant and major features of the Rolex Yacht-Master.  This is the rotatable, bidirectional, 60-minute graduated bezel. Thanks to its design, it is a tool watch for skippers.  With this bezel, skippers can calculate and predict the important countdown period. So, they get ready for the beginning of a sailing race or regatta. 

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Crown

More so, there is the screw-down and Triplock crown. This is also another major part of the Rolex Yacht-Master. The combination of the Triplock with the screw-down leaves barely anything more to be desired of the crown part of this timepiece. 

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Water Resistance

In addition, there is the water-resistant system that comes with the Rolex Yacht-Master wristwatch. Over time, this feature evolved into a staple of this line of wristwatches. This is one partnership that existed from the launch of this timepiece.  This Yacht-Master wrist watch comes with only 100 meters of water resistance. It is safe to say that the Yacht-Master wristwatch is ideal for basking a day on the water. It might not be the best watch to wear to scuba diving. 

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Movement

This will be incomplete if we fail to add information about the movement housed in the Yacht-Master wristwatch. This is the in-house, self-winding, mechanical, perpetual movement. This movement goes on to make it a powerful timepiece. With the addition of this movement, the Rolex Yacht-Master will pass as the perfect timepiece for any outing. 

• The Rolex Yacht-Master Oysterflex Strap

Finally, there is the presence of the Oysterflex strap. Thanks to this addition, this timepiece is now versatile enough. It can adapt to both the usual land conditions as well as the sea climate. Learn more about this innovative addition below. 

The Rolex Yacht-Master Oysterflex Strap

Simply put, the Oysterflex bracelet is rather an excellent display of effort. The Oysterflex strap is one of the most charming qualities of Rolex as a watchmaker   This innovation is a rather clear demonstration of what one can only characterize as a remarkable level of utmost devotion. Rolex displays how much work the brand is willing to put into each of their creations with this one. For this particular inclusion, we can say one thing for sure. The brand dug deep into research and dedication to give what is today a revolutionary innovation. This Oysterflex comes with a simple design. The design of this addition features the hypoallergenic and relaxing elements of a rubber strap. Similarly, there are the strength and shape-retention details of a bracelet.  Right in the heart of the Oysterflex bracelet, you have metal inserts. These inserts are products of nickel and titanium. With the help of these metal inserts, the bracelet gets fixed to the clasp and watch case firmly. On top of that, there is a cover of “high-performance black elastomer.” For starters, “Elastomer” is a portmanteau term. It comes from the blend of the words “elastic” and “polymer”. This is a broad term to describe natural and man-made rubbers.  To add to the sophistication of the materials of the Oysterflex bracelet, the bracelet comes shaped in a somewhat rare fashion. You have ridges chipped into the face part of the bracelet. With this input, the bracelet can now appear better on the wrist. This is possible as it blends seamlessly with the natural curvature of the wrist. This is always a perfect sight on the wrist when worn.

The Celebrity Fan Base Of The Rolex Yacht-Master?

The Rolex Yacht-Master is a famous timepiece among several celebrities today. Most of the a-list athletes, entertainers, and chefs love this wristwatch. From a long list of celebrity followings, here are some of the Yacht-Master’s popular wearers.

• On-screen icon Ellen DeGeneres 
• Movie stars like Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt 

The Yacht-Master wristwatch is also a beloved timepiece amongst athletes all over the world. Some of the star players that rocked this timepiece are: 

• Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan
• Former pro-footballer David Beckham
• Former World Number One golfer Justin Thomas. 

Finally, the legendary chef, Emeril Lagasse appears on the list of admirers the Yacht-Master wristwatch have 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, it is not limited to how many productions a watchmaker has in its collection. A parade featuring well-executed and widely accepted timepieces might be all that is necessary. The Daytona and the Rolex Yacht-Master appearing on your collection is enough to boost the pedigree of your brand. Little wonder Rolex boasts of this Yacht-Master wristwatch as one of its best products.