New Yachtmaster with rubber strap

[Rolex addict]

I have been lucky enough to see (and play with) the new rose gold Yachtmaster with rubber strap last week in Nashville and this week in Philly. I felt it was very underwhelming and didn't really like it. Pictures of it are incredible and I thought I would be drooling over it, but I'm not. All the black from the strap, dial, and bezel just seem to blend together too much. The AD in Philly said that others have echoed my exact statement. Just wondering what my fellow TRFers think who have had the opportunity to see one in person.

[tkerrmd]

I was actually surprised at how heavy it was. The band is cool and different but it's not for me

[HL65]

Went to buy it a few weeks back and passed. I just didn't like way band sat on wrist and the final lacked wow factor. Just not for me but am sure others will enjoy and appreciate it.

[Chadridv]

I loved the case, matte ceramic, and over feel and weight. However, the rubber strap is quite disappointing. The spaces between the case and strap should have been filled (similar to everest/rubber b) and the over quality of the rubber doesn't feel up to par.

When they decide to make this watch on a bracelet I may be more interested.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by HL65

Went to buy it a few weeks back and passed. I just didn't like way band sat on wrist and the final lacked wow factor. Just not for me but am sure others will enjoy and appreciate it.

Yes, underwhelming and understated. No real WOW factor. For those wanting a Rolex that truly "flies under the radar," this IS THE WATCH! They will love it.

[RHIII]

I went to look at one at my AD last week - and like Ken -- it just wasn't for me.
I'm sure some will love it - I just didn't really care for the band fit and it was a little too trendy for me.

Just my .02

[gatsbie69]

For the current retail price, one can purchase a preowned solid gold with gold band (i.e. smurf)

[Patton250]

I saw a guy having one installed on his Yachtmaster at the AD in Orlando about a month ago. I thought it was OK but not anything to really appreciate.

[Ravager135]

Like most Rolex watches, I think this reference would look better on a bracelet.

[1st amg]

I am also trying to love it, it's not working. Still beautiful, but not for me

[IT Nerd]

I haven't had the fortune of being at the right AD at the right time to see one in the flesh

[Star Ferry]

I like it because it offers something different. The dial is especially well done. The most damning criticism I've heard is that it has a Hublot vibe (not sure if I agree).

If I were a wealthier man, I'd definitely get one. As it stands I'm not sure if I could justify $20k+ on what would be a niche piece in my collection. I think the SS YM offers a better value proposition for those who want something a bit different than the usual Sub/GMT/Daytona.

[busytimmy]

I think it's a really nice piece, BUT I do think the price is a little cray cray compared to what else is on offer in that range...

[aayates]

I don't like that the numbers don't show up on the bezel well (at least in pictures). Change that and add a bracelet and then maybe.. oh, wait, I just created a completely different watch. I guess I'm not crazy about it.

[IntegratedCheese]

It was made to compete with the hublots and roos. Too fashionable. And fashion always change. No character.

[LuminousMaximus]

I really like it except for that the Oyster-Flex doesn't go all the way into the head, as opposed to the Daytona for example on a strap, it has an end link for a, finished look...

If you look at the YM, you can see through on both sides of the strap where it meets the head, forming two triangular voids. It's not solid. It looks weak, not strong. It feels under-engineered.

That's the first thing. The second thing is it should have came with a Rose Gold Bracelet AND the Oyster-Flex together as a package. (see image 3)

The third is the Bezel. It lacks the character that is Yachtmaster. It should be Ceramic, yes but it lacks that gene se qua... I have some idea's but who am I, right?

[travisb]

I've also tried to love it but it just doesn't work.

[Cru Jones]

loved it from day one and continue to love it! :-)

as for the lack of end links, the YM is more of a sports watch compared to the daytona, so, of course the YM's strap isn't flush with the case via end links.

[Rachaphon]

I got one couple of weeks ago!! Totally love it!! Very comfy! They were very careful at the boutique not to call it strap lol!!

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by travisb

I've also tried to love it but it just doesn't work.

Me too! Tried it on a few weeks ago and took it straight off again. It looks sooo good in the pictures. I really wish I liked it more in the flesh!!

[WaxedElvis]

Saw it in the flesh for the 1st time last night at a Rolex sponsored event at the local AD. I really liked it and thought it well done. The dial and bezel are beautiful and work well with the rose gold case. The Rolex rep was very specific the "strap" is not a "strap" but actually a "bracelet" covered in rubber. He also admitted it was the Rolex "improvement" on the Rubber B concept, which he acknowledged Rolex is aware was a popular aftermarket choice. He pointed out the strength of the oysterflex vs. plain rubber in securing a 25K watch. My wife, to my surprise, really liked it but they only had the 40mm size. She currently were the mid-sized platinum face YM and loves it. Doubt I'll buy one but was glad to see it.

[jschmidtdmd]

Hopefully a bracelet version looms!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

I have been lucky enough to see (and play with) the new rose gold Yachtmaster with rubber strap last week in Nashville and this week in Philly. I felt it was very underwhelming and didn't really like it. Pictures of it are incredible and I thought I would be drooling over it, but I'm not. All the black from the strap, dial, and bezel just seem to blend together too much. The AD in Philly said that others have echoed my exact statement. Just wondering what my fellow TRFers think who have had the opportunity to see one in person.

Originally Posted by HL65

Went to buy it a few weeks back and passed. I just didn't like way band sat on wrist and the final lacked wow factor. Just not for me but am sure others will enjoy and appreciate it.

Agree, for that set up I went for the ceramic Daytona.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I fell in love with the promotional photographs last year but having seen real world photographs on here, I think I'd rather a SS YM. Not sure what's putting me off but I think I need to see one in the flesh to be sure.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by LuminousMaximus

I really like it except for that the Oyster-Flex doesn't go all the way into the head, as opposed to the Daytona for example on a strap, it has an end link for a, finished look...

If you look at the YM, you can see through on both sides of the strap where it meets the head, forming two triangular voids. It's not solid. It looks weak, not strong. It feels under-engineered.

That's the first thing. The second thing is it should have came with a Rose Gold Bracelet AND the Oyster-Flex together as a package. (see image 3)

The third is the Bezel. It lacks the character that is Yachtmaster. It should be Ceramic, yes but it lacks that gene se qua... I have some idea's but who am I, right?

One of my favorite watches is that ceramic Daytona! I previously mentioned also wanting the oyster flex to fit all the way to the case, which I still think would be a vast improvement. But now that you mention it, built in end links (like the Daytona) would be awesome! The rubber with the end links actually looks surprisingly good. See rubber b product below...

[Boxster]

I went to Rolex to check out the most popular watches. But the steel is not for me. The YM is perfect, it's wealth in stealth mode, which is what I like. I run a small business and I don't want my employee to notice the blink.

I guess there is Rolex for everyone. I have small wrist so the 37mm worked for me. I've had it for 1 week now, it's extremely comfortable. With the new movement, I am still bang on to the second in 2 days.

I'm loving it. Cheers.

[Lordofrolex]

i've seen one and personally its not for me. I would get a 116618 which is in the same price range on TRF.

[00pumpkin]

I just tried it on today. I liked the way it looked but the price tag is too heavy for a Rolex with so little gold. Like stated above, I think it should come with the full bracelet and the rubber option. Someone photo-shopped one with a full bracelet on here and it looked incredible.

[Sal_UKSheffield]

My AD said he was suprised how well this watch is selling

I think its a stunning peice and quiet diifferent, I just can't understand the price tag tho?

i think its overpriced imo and at that price point there are so many great options

[Abdon]

I've seen it, tried it on, really tried to convince myself to like it, but just wasn't for me. My dealer was trying HARD to convince me to get one for me and another for my wife, they had the pair. He was saying that the larger yacht master was in EXTREMELY high demand. They still have it in the AD. My wife however LOVES the 37mm version for her. She currently wears my gold Daytona on a leather strap, but feels that the 37mm RG yacht master fits better on her. I may get her that watch for Christmas, so that I can get my Daytona back! lol!