Why is the Yacht Master not as popular as the other sports models?

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by omx5o

Strictly speaking, a Submariner is for submarines.

I don’t think so. Doesn’t Submariner mean someone beneath the water. So snorkelling or diving with or without scuba gear count just as much. If not more, a sailor in a submarine wouldn’t need much water resistance (hopefully!).




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[Onikage]

Price and recognition I'd say. The average schmuck doesn't care about history or aesthetic. They want the big numeric coloured Rolex bezel and a Cyclops. The Submariner does it cheaper and says 'Submariner' on it.

[Sherbie]

For me, i find the polished bracelets far too blingy. Just my 2cents


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[AK797]

Really like the model as a luxurious sub, only issue was maybe the bezel was too prominent.

[viper]

Originally Posted by AK797

Really like the model as a luxurious sub, only issue was maybe the bezel was too prominent.

Agreed. The bezel is simply unproportianately too large.

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by viper

Agreed. The bezel is simply unproportianately too large.

And the numbers, the numbers are way to big. Like a 90’s Blancpain Air Command.

If they made the Bezel more elegant and less of a standout I think this could be a hit. But perhaps it would be too similar to a Turn-o-graph then.

[alphadweller]

YM bezel is actually same width as Sub, about 5mm (rim+insert),. There could be some kind of optical illusion due to PM insert and rim being the same colour, as opposed to black cerachrom insert and steel rim making it look slimmer.

Originally Posted by AK797

Really like the model as a luxurious sub, only issue was maybe the bezel was too prominent.

Originally Posted by viper

Agreed. The bezel is simply unproportianately too large.

[zian]

Originally Posted by AK797

Really like the model as a luxurious sub, only issue was maybe the bezel was too prominent.

there is no issue with bezel , it pure class, looks stunning on picture

[Ichiran]

I'm guessing the lack of ceramic bezel hurts its popularity. I love the blue YM very much though.

[TMEwatch11]

I had that feeling so is good you shared here because i also want to know why

[JP.]

I never liked the YM until I borrowed one from a friend and photographed it. I also wrote a small review of the watch. Very nice model and as you say it's underrated.

Here's my writeup of the YM:
https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.c...ter-ref-16622/

[DLRIDES]

Plain & simple .................. because it says Yacht Master.

[SteelSubmarinerGuy]

Originally Posted by JP.

I never liked the YM until I borrowed one from a friend and photographed it. I also wrote a small review of the watch. Very nice model and as you say it's underrated.

Here's my writeup of the YM:
https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.c...ter-ref-16622/

Excellent write up!


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[bathducks123]

I had the same question before, but after some discussion with my WIS friends, I came into these findings:

1) lack of ceramic bezel, or rather a much protruding bezel
2) the odd pairing of colors with the dials and sec needle (I personally think its ok)
3) not much history and recognition compared with the sub
4) higher priced before this whole shortage thing (weird enough its actually cheaper and more available than subs in ADs or greys where I came from)
5) more of a leisure watch connected with the branding of “Yacht Master” rather than a modest tool watch of “Submariner”

IMO, its a great watch on its own account, regardless of what the masses thinks.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by bathducks123

I had the same question before, but after some discussion with my WIS friends, I came into these findings:

1) lack of ceramic bezel, or rather a much protruding bezel
2) the odd pairing of colors with the dials and sec needle (I personally think its ok)
3) not much history and recognition compared with the sub
4) higher priced before this whole shortage thing (weird enough its actually cheaper and more available than subs in ADs or greys where I came from)
5) more of a leisure watch connected with the branding of “Yacht Master” rather than a modest tool watch of “Submariner”

IMO, its a great watch on its own account, regardless of what the masses thinks.

I agree. It's a great watch. Especially the blue dial, but I am not crazy about the bezel either.

I would describe it as a beautiful watch that I like a lot, but there are other watches out there I like better. For example, if I were going to spend that money, I'd get the Bluesy.

[Paul7]

It has a pretentious name, IMHO, how many of the owners have a yacht?

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by Paul7

It has a pretentious name, IMHO, how many of the owners have a yacht?

Haha, that's a good one! that's like saying the submariner has a pretentious name, because how many of the owners have been to depths of 300m or more? probley more yacht owners here the deep sea divers

[L_S_SHOE]

Originally Posted by Paul7

It has a pretentious name, IMHO, how many of the owners have a yacht?

Exactly.


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[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by Paul7

It has a pretentious name, IMHO, how many of the owners have a yacht?

I agree that the name is unfortunate. It doesn’t conjure up heroic figures like a fighter pilot (GMT), Navy Diver (Submariner), or Sir Edmund Hillary (Explorer).

In reality, Rolex could have named the nautical watches as follows:

YM 1: Submariner
Sub: Diver
Sea Dweller: Master Diver

Unfortunately, while that would have avoided the Yacht Master name and stigma, it would left the YM 2 with the title Egg-timer.


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[SteelSubmarinerGuy]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

I agree that the name is unfortunate. It doesn’t conjure up heroic figures like a fighter pilot (GMT), Navy Diver (Submariner), or Sir Edmund Hillary (Explorer).

In reality, Rolex could have named the nautical watches as follows:

YM 1: Submariner
Sub: Diver
Sea Dweller: Master Diver

Unfortunately, while that would have avoided the Yacht Master name and stigma, it would left the YM 2 with the title Egg-timer.


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[adawil2002]

To me the Yachtmaster stainless a gussied up colorful Submariner. The PM RG & WG Yachtmasters with the black bezel are one of my favorite looking Rolexes.

[Jabbo84]

Not everyone races a sailboat

[Toproll85]

I do not understand the issue with the bezel. It is well done, and it is a precious material (platinum) that we rarely meet.
The dial is well done, more beautiful than a black of Sub. The case is top, thinner, and waterproof enough for everyday use.
Well, a beautiful Watch !

I think we go Sub - GMT as an automatism because few people are interested…this is not the most highlighted piece in the catalog, you must be a little informed.

[BentleyReese]

YM is classy.

[inadeje]

It isn’t the quintessential Rolex for many. Much like the YMII, it isn’t as ubiquitous and, as such, has less recognition. People often buy watches for recognition by others and certain Rolex are not in the genre of historically recognizable pieces. The YM is off radar but, I like it, as I do the YMII.

[Bybybmw]

This thread has been very helpful. Since I'm trying to figure out my second, and final Rolex purchase, the YM is now in the top 2.
Thanks to the OP.

[robrtx]

I actually find the bezel understated unless you are close to it. From a modest distance it is much less noticeable than a ceramic bezel.

I think that it is a great piece for someone looking for a sport watch with a bit more elegance than all stainless. Maybe in the same category as the TT Bluesy Sub.

Lack of popularity mostly due to added cost of PM and less pedigree than Sub or GMT.

[Spanky4888]

Meh...just not a striking watch to me. Several others out there that I’d rather have over the YM.

Just an opinion here.
Randy

[JWD531]

I think all YM watches look bad in pictures, except maybe the RG on OF. In person, on the wrist is really where it shines. For some reason the bezel in pictures looks disproportionately large, yet in real life I think it works. I never thought I'd want two of the same Rolex model except maybe a Sub variation or Daytona (not likely these days), but the newest YM may actually hve a shot.

[reddog4063]

I am hoping it stays unappreciated so maybe i can actually get one around retail in a year or two. The 116622 with the blue dial and red second hand is gorgeous. Killer piece!