Crazy? Trade Sub 116613LB for YM 126622

[SaddleSC]

I have been around the Rolex block quite a few times and in my many flips and trades, I have owned nearly every model in the catalog.

One of the only models I have never owned is the Yachmaster. I have owned the YMII, but quickly traded it because it was a lot to handle visually and I preferred something not so crazy. It also wore quite large.

I currently own both a 16613LB (my first Rolex) and a 116613LB. Lately, I have been drawn to the idea of flipping the 116613LB for a new 126622 Rhodium dial YMI, not only to diversify the collection a bit, but also for another reason...

About 3 years ago, I lost nearly 75 pounds, and my wrist shrunk from 7" to just over 6.5" so I am starting to prefer smaller watches. My current favorite Rolex (other than my 116610LV Hulk) is my Explorer 214270, which garners nearly all the wrist time.

So, for people with experience with both watches, does the YMI tend to wear a bit smaller than the 11-series ceramic Submariner?

Any insight and photos are greatly appreciated! Thanks guys (and gals)

For reference here is the stock photo of the 126622 I am considering from the Rolex web site :)

[mike morris]

I trade my YM40 blue on GMT2 , because PCL and bezel (like butter) , yes you right about size it’s very comfortable, but I want use watch and don’t think about bezel.

[indianmachine]

seems like a good buy given you already have an LB. The YM case proportions are very nice, IMHO better than the fatter 6 digit older sub model.

If you're not in a rush, you might consider just getting the YM from an AD and then selling the 116613LB to net you some cash. Famous last words, but I don't think the wait for a YM is too too long.

[SaddleSC]

Thanks for the feedback so far, guys! I am guessing, because this post only got two replies, that the YM is not a watch that many of you own?

Perhaps I can narrow my question a bit...does the YM wear noticeably smaller than the 11 series Submariner? Trading away a bluesy definitely feels like trading away a Rolex icon, but I still have the 16613 in the collection and feel like it is time to try something new!

[travisb]

It does wear slightly slimmer and smaller despite them both being 40mm. The YM's lugs are slightly slimmer and have a small curve to them which helps the watch conform to the wrist a bit more.
Nothing crazy about considering this trade. Aren't we all a bit crazy around here?

[RoRoRo]

I recently bought the YM40 126622 slate (rhodium) dial.

I had the choice of the 126610, 126613LB and this.

I chose the YM40 because it looked the best, I wanted a dive-esque watch but without the utilitarian vibe. Consider this a DJ with a sporty appeal.

The case size and fit comparison wasn't the consideration, my realisation was that I just don't like coloured bezels. It wears smaller than the 6 digit subs 40 and 41, thickness is better (smaller) and the contour is better across the wrist

I find this watch dresses up and down nicely and I like PCLs. which you're no stranger to with the LB

I did an incoming and did't get many replies. I think this watch is overlooked as the sub is the "go-to" dive style watch. It's been around longer and is recognisable, over the years Rolex have marketed and capitalised on it for obvious reasons. The YM40 gives you a break away from the norm without breaking the mould (if that makes sense)

Give it a go, it looks way better in person and on the wrist than in pics

[yesnaya]

I've tried it on and it does wear smaller, similar to a daytona. If wanted to choose between the 16613 and the 116613 I would keep the 6-digit for the ceramic bezel and glidelock... but if you have a clear pref for the 16613 there is no reason to force the 116613. 2 blueseys does seem a bit redundant. You will probably be very happy with a YM40 instead of 2 LB.

[GST15]

I have both, and YM is the most comfortable watch I have ever owned. Perfect for a smaller wrist and as some have said, wears similar to a Daytona.

The comments about it scratching easily are WAY overblown. I do not baby my watches, and I have no marks on the bezel. The PCL's do get some scuffs, as any similar bracelet would, but I have no serious scratches.

I would get the rhodium YM. It's a winner, and while I love both, if my wrist were 6.5...YM all day.

[Cru Jones]

Hi Charles. Why not give it a go? You would still have your 5 series LB.

I am a big fan of the grey dial YM with light blue hand. Really nice. Plus, switching to a light blue strap (matching the hand) is a great summer look, IMO.

Worst case, you go back the LB, but try out the 12 series?

Fun “problem” to have!

[mailman]

You have a 16613 so why not try it. I love the YM40 blue dial. It’s a beautiful watch and very comfortable on the wrist. Only thing is if you want to go back, the 126613 has white text on the dial opposed to the gold on the 116613

[Kiddodoc]

I own both and love both for different reasons. The YM wears better than most Rolex watches. The bluesy is gorgeous and gives a splash of bling. Truth be told, I have had numerous people do a double take when wearing my YM blue dial.

Get the one you want the most.

[Oldfellow]

I have an 11 series Sub C which to me looks great and is quite comfortable on my 6.75” wrist.
I also have a YM 40, blue dial which I believe has a more refined case with slightly curved lugs and wears somewhat smaller than the Sub C. It is my most comfortable 6 serial watch and has an elegance while still retaining the diver appearance.
The bracelet is no different to other polished Centrelink pieces in that it does attract scratches more easily than brushed, and I do not have any issues with the beautiful platinum bezel with careful wearing.
Overall, it is a classy piece, whether in blue or slate dials.
Give it a go, I’m sure you will be pleased with your decision.

[dannyp]

Though I've never worn either, I would guess that the blue dial wears smaller than the rhodium due to the higher dial/bezel contrast. At least that's what I found on my OP: tried the OP34 in blue and thought it looked tiny; tried the silver and thought it looked just right (as a smaller watch).

[joli160]

Originally Posted by GST15

I have both, and YM is the most comfortable watch I have ever owned. Perfect for a smaller wrist and as some have said, wears similar to a Daytona.

The comments about it scratching easily are WAY overblown. I do not baby my watches, and I have no marks on the bezel. The PCL's do get some scuffs, as any similar bracelet would, but I have no serious scratches.

I would get the rhodium YM. It's a winner, and while I love both, if my wrist were 6.5...YM all day.

This sums it up

[Demon Barber]

The rhodium yachtmaster 40 is my third Rolex after a DSSD and a Daytona, and it's the most comfortable and versatile watch I've ever owned. Low profile on the wrist, dressier than a ceramic bezel, but not fancy like a day date. The platinum bezel has not been an issue from a durability standpoint. I highly recommend it, and I think in a couple of years it will be much harder to get from an AD due to rising popularity.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by joli160

This sums it up

I also agree with this. Have both and love my Rhodium/Slate. Bezel scratching is overblown and simply hasn’t been an issue. I wear it in rotation and don’t baby it. Just super comfortable and classy looking.
The only watch I own that doesn’t show scratches is my brushed SubC….

[CAN_VAN7]

I have the YM slate (rhodium) and absolutely love it - have SD43 as well and that is way too big for me. Like going to sell as don't wear it. YM goes with everything - go for it!

[Becweb]

Do it - stunning watch in the metal. Had the 11622 (platinum dial) and regret selling it.

[alphadweller]

Swapping the 116613LB for the 126622 makes sense, since you already own the 16613. The YM is discreet and versatile compared to the Bluesy. Personally I find the YM classier, whereas the TT blue Sub is showy, which can be nice at the weekend or on a night out.

In terms of comfort, I can only speak of the YM 116622 and the latest 126613LB. The YM is very comfortable to wear. The TT Sub is heavier and thus more noticeable on the wrist. I’d say the YM wears smaller and better under a cuff.

[Chester01]

I like the YM, but its far more flashy. Not that its a problem per se. However, the likely scenario given what you said is you get the YM, feel good for a bit, and then grow bored, simply collecting things and the cycle continues and thats moved on. Now, I guess the ability to flip these things is one added "benefit" of the current market.

But I kind of think about that and feel the watch then becomes like an apple watch, simple a disposable item moved on every year or so. They are objects or things. What makes rolex meaningful and I have noticed the watches that get peoples attention are the watches that folks kept, worn day in and day out, where they become associated with memories, events, and the people around us see those 1-2 watches being worn day in and day out.

Now dont get me wrong, I get the urge to buy watches, im human after all. But I also realize that the yes I can buy the watch, but there is not one that I have owned since the 80's that I did not either get the urge to sell/flip or get bored of. All of them. So whats to be done. Well in my case, I have an icon as my daily and wear the hell out of it. Once you have an icon, there is no need for anything else because nothing can replace it.

[watchlover576]

I have the YM and I love it. Size/proportion wise, it will fit far better on the wrist than the sub.

[SaddleSC]

Great feedback everyone...I truly appreciate it!
My new 126622 Slate is being shipped out this afternoon and will arrive tomorrow morning!
I will post pics as soon as I get it unboxed and sized.

[Keepchasing]

Sure. Why not? You already have a bluesy which would look better on a 6.5 inch wrist. (Sorry. I better say IMO it would look better on your wrist than the 6 digit. The 126622 would look perfect I think. Wears a little smaller.

Congrats on the weight loss! I lost 30 pounds and went from a 7 to 6.75 inch size wrist.
I could barely pull of the SD43, and now I think it looks too big on me.

Go for it.

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Keepchasing

Sure. Why not? You already have a bluesy which would look better on a 6.5 inch wrist. (Sorry. I better say IMO it would look better on your wrist than the 6 digit. The 126622 would look perfect I think. Wears a little smaller.

Congrats on the weight loss! I lost 30 pounds and went from a 7 to 6.75 inch size wrist.
I could barely pull of the SD43, and now I think it looks too big on me.

Go for it.

Thank you, my friend! It is amazing how much your wrist size (and even shoe size) can change with weight loss. Congrats to you as well, sir!

I also agree with you...the 16613 fits me like a glove. The 116613 is a bit bulky and wears larger than my Hulk for some reason.

YM will be delivered tomorrow...super excited!!!