2017 Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Rose Gold Oysterflex
Ref. 116655
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.
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.
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.
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.
40mm 18K rose gold case
18K rose gold oyster clasp
Oysterflex band
2017 purchase date
Foreign AD
Appearance is 9.9 out of 10. Almost like new.
Strap fits a 7-inch wrist
Complete retail package
Priced to sell at Php 1,198,000 only.
N-Cash Swiss Watches Pawnshop Philippines is the preferred pawnshop in the country when it comes to Rolex watches. With our extensive knowledge of Rolex models, both vintage and modern, N-Cash offers the highest appraisal for Rolex watches compared to any pawn shop or buyer in the Philippines. As a testament to this, our clients come from all parts of the Philippines, like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Pampanga, etc. For more details on how to receive instant cash using your Rolex watch as loan collateral, or if you’d like to sell your Rolex directly, please click here for the link: CLICK HERE
