About to jump in with a 2nd hand yachtmaster

[skotl]

Hi all

I could have (should have) posted this in the newbies forum but I thought I'd seek the learned members thoughts over here.

OK; so let's start with three truisims;

1. I'd love a Daytona but I can't afford one
2. I like the Yachtmaster but I can't afford a new one
3. I've got around £3,500 ($5k) to spend

I really do like the original Yachtmaster (not so much a fan of the Yachtmaster II) and, thankfully, I prefer S/S etc to anything with yellow gold.

Here's the question, though, for those with just one Rolex; leaping from a $700 Raymond Weil, do you think I'm going to **love** the (second hand) YM? I know it's subjective, but just looking for some positive reinforcement.

Oh, and how well does the YM hold up? Will a 4 or 5 year old YM look as if it's been thru the washer/drier a few times?

Cheers
Scott

[Lol-x]

You wil love the YM. It is a magic watch

The red second hand is a great touch. The watch is rock solid and will be just as good after 10 years.

[sj1523]

Totally depends on the YM...I've seen models that are 10yrs old and look great. Don't think you'll be dissapointed by a used one.

[PeteNYC13]

As a daily wearer, it's going to take some beatings...you will either find it part of the charm or have it polished regularly at the watchmaker. I have had mine a year now and I am just getting used to the PCL and the damage that my desk can do to it. In a year or two, I will have it shined up good as new. I am slowly working my way to wearing it more often but since my Sub was serviced and looks so good, I just seem to wear it most often. When I do wear the YM, about two or three days a week, I can't take my eyes off of it, and I see others looking at it too.

Good Luck.

-Pete

[Rolex Freak]

Very classy watch.

[Joey_V]

It used to be my Rolex grail. It doesnt sing to me anymore, but I can see why it's a fantastic watch.

[Tools]

Once you put a Rolex you love on your wrist, it will be very difficult to ever be satisfied with anything else........

[icnbne]

Originally Posted by Tools

Once you put a Rolex you love on your wrist, it will be very difficult to ever be satisfied with anything else........

so true..
previously, i used to want to own so many things... breitling, bvlgari, tag.. but after finally owning a Rolex... all i want is just another Rolex..

[andypandy]

Go for it ! It's a fine looking watch and you won't regret adding to your collection. You
will find that when you join the Rolex " Clan " that complete strangers will spot the piece and talk to you " Nice watch what is it ? " Of course , they will show you their
Rolex...it's a bit like joining the Masons , wherever you go...you've got a friend. By
the way , if they show you a Timex.......Start Running !

[skotl]

Thanks for the responses, all. You've confirmed my hopes so now I just need to get the guts up to go and splurge some money!

Regards
Scott

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by skotl

Thanks for the responses, all. You've confirmed my hopes so now I just need to get the guts up to go and splurge some money!

Regards
Scott

__________________________________________________ _______________

Good Luck!

It took me almost two years of thinking, looking, debating, sweating, debating etc...finally got the first. Somehow, it gets easier - but the Rolexes keep getting more expensive.


I tell my wife all the time how lucky we are and fortunate that my 8 year old SS Sub is my "cheap" watch...

We can't wait to see pictures when you pull the trigger.

-Pete

[Boopie]

If you like it, go for it! I have had the SS/platinum Yachtmaster for 9+ years. I have not "babied" it. I wear it every day, and have worn it in the swimming pool, to the beach, etc. It is a very durable watch.

The PCL do attract scratches (particularly on the underside), so if that sort of thing absolutely drives you nuts then that is something for you to consider. My bezel and oyster case (including lugs) are in perfect condition. There are scratches on the bracelet, though.

[superb]

skotl, you love the Daytona and you like the yachmaster. Clearly you are more passionate about the daytona. I would take a different approach and not buy a used yachmaster. Keep saving your money for your Daytona. You are almost half way there. my 2 cents.

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Tools

Once you put a Rolex you love on your wrist, it will be very difficult to ever be satisfied with anything else........

x3

Weird how that works!
Scott

[marcinthemiddle]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

You wil love the YM. It is a magic watch

The red second hand is a great touch. The watch is rock solid and will be just as good after 10 years.

x2! I flipped my ss/white 'K' series Daytona for one, and have not looked back! Love it!

[dwr]

Larry is right! The only person who knows my Rolex is 2nd hand is me. It doesn t bother me a bit.

[Mrdi]

At least try on the YM II before you finally decide.
It comes in white as well as yellow.

[dalip]

The YM is a stunning watch....but for an everyday...would not be my choice. I love mine but it comes out way more rarely than any of the others. It really is a mood specific watch for me...it's hugely classy - is subtle and wears beautifully. In all these ways you will not look back...why are you not considering a more obviously daily wearer...GMT2c or Sub? Just curious.

[datejust1]

Go for it, Buddy! It's a great watch and you'll love it!

[marcinthemiddle]

Here's a quick wrist shot I took Easter morning...since no one's put one up yet...




Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Gerardus]

I love mine,

[Desperado]

Go For it...you will never regret

[Singslinger]

I think the S/S YM offers tremendous value for money, especially since you're buying used.

You get a watch that can be dressy yet sporty, contains a fair amount of platinum and is by far one of the least common Rolexes you'll ever see in the wild.

Congrats on a fine first Rolex!

[2005rivers]

I would recomend a ym, I saw my dad over easter weekend and I was reminded of how good his tt ym looks when I saw it. It is a couple years old, the polished center links have the usual minor scuffs mainly on the clasp. but over all it's a very classy time piece.

[skotl]

Thanks, again, all the experienced folk who have taken the time to respond to this newbie. I do have some thoughts on some specific responses, if that's ok;

Originally Posted by Boopie

If you like it, go for it! I have had the SS/platinum Yachtmaster for 9+ years. I have not "babied" it. I wear it every day, and have worn it in the swimming pool, to the beach, etc. It is a very durable watch.

The PCL do attract scratches (particularly on the underside), so if that sort of thing absolutely drives you nuts then that is something for you to consider. My bezel and oyster case (including lugs) are in perfect condition. There are scratches on the bracelet, though.

That's actually really comforting. I know that, if you spend $$$k on a watch, you should expect it to be robust but it did worry me that it could quickly "look second hand". As you suggest, if the crystal, log and bezel stay crisp, the rest doesn't really matter.
Any chance of a photo or two?

Originally Posted by superb

skotl, you love the Daytona and you like the yachmaster. Clearly you are more passionate about the daytona. I would take a different approach and not buy a used yachmaster. Keep saving your money for your Daytona. You are almost half way there. my 2 cents.

You're absolutely right! If I had any kind of self-restraint, then I would salt the money away and spend it on the daytona in a couple of years.
But, I've got this cash burning a hole in my pocket and I need some semi-immediate gratification... You all know how this works, right?
Honestly, I don't really see this as my one and only Rolex - I suspect that this is my "keep him quiet" watch for a few years then it will be a trade-in on the Daytona.
Just don't tell the wife...

Originally Posted by dwr

Larry is right! The only person who knows my Rolex is 2nd hand is me. It doesn t bother me a bit.

Great! That's my thought too. I've a fab second hand BMW sitting in the drive, but I couldn't imagine buying one brand new.
On the other hand, all cars (even BMWs) depreciate whereas, if you buy the right watch, they will hold their value or even appreciate in value (hello, Daytona!)

Originally Posted by Mrdi

At least try on the YM II before you finally decide.
It comes in white as well as yellow.

Yeah... looked at the YMII but it doesn't seem like the same watch to me. Much fancier...
Lovely, sure, but not the same plain elegant lines as the YM1.

Thanks again, all

[fleabag]

What a watch,it looks so good,i am thinking about one too

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by skotl

then it will be a trade-in on the Daytona.

So,.......you think that one Rolex will be enough?..........

[tkc324]

YM is a wonderful watch... go for the second hand... no one will know the difference.

[Puffy]

After Rolex there is nothing else.

[skotl]

Well, it's been a while, but I finally splurged and bought a YM #1 (really don't like the YM#2!) from GeorgeAb.

I'm not in posession yet, but that should be remedied on Monday. So, I am very, very excited and will post pictures soon.