Help with Midsize Yachtmaster SS/Platinum Questions Before I Buy

[venno]

So I am looking to buy my wife a midsize platinum/ss yachtmaster for her 30th birthday and I have a few questions as I peruse the many available online. Is there any major difference between a 2002, 2006, 2010, 2012 or a current 35mm Midsize Platinum/SS Yachtmaster? If so what are they.

I feel like a new one runs $9000-10,000 but doesn't have any truly distinguishable features? that the 2002 which can be had for under $6000 except maybe it doesn't have ROLEX engravings around inner bezel?

Any and all help is much appreciated.

[venno]

BUMP...anyone? Really looking for some guidance here.

[Lgear080]

you're correct on all accounts.

you'll also notice some significant disparity in pricing depending
on dial type. these are not very popular pieces. be extra careful
to buy one without a polished bezel.

[77T]

Rolex doesn't have model years like cars - I'm guessing you're referring to serial numbers and the imputed approximate years they came out.

Outside of the 3135's latest innovations – Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber - the watches are functionally identical. Bracelet and clasp can vary when you buy pre-owned - owners may swap things around. Make sure you're getting an original set that matches up as being generically correct for bracelet, clasp code and serial number.

[cd1485]

There in no difference other than the inner bezel engraving. The bracelet is the same for all the years you mentioned.

[vertigo s2r]

Thanks for asking this question. I'm in the exact same predicament (wife turned 30 in April but she's about due for a new trinket) Definitely not a lot of info out there on this watch.

@77T FYI the Midsize uses the 2235 movement not 3135.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Nm

[padi56]

Originally Posted by vertigo s2r

Thanks for asking this question. I'm in the exact same predicament (wife turned 30 in April but she's about due for a new trinket) Definitely not a lot of info out there on this watch.

@77T FYI the Midsize uses the 2235 movement not 3135.

Thats correct and a very fine movement it is and this movement has the highest first time pass rate at COSC.With the production dates you listed only differences are purely superficially cosmetic and different case serials and prices.So buy the best condition watch you can if buying used and if over say 7 years old and no service history it would be prudent to get watch serviced sooner than later.Its a great looking watch that's not sold in huge volumes like most of the rest of the Rolex line up.

[mfer]

Also, know that it sets time in the opposite direction with the crown. Freaked me out at first.

Buy a used one in good condition. She'll love it.

[Mystro]

Thats a great sporty woman's Rolex. Fantastic taste. Can the bracelet be sized small enough to fit her wrist??? That is a major issue with my wife and Rolex.

[dysondiver]

very nice watches , they still hold their value quite well , seem to get to a point and just stay there , the tt is very smart , some great dial combinations too.

[Boopie]

Very nice! My husband got me the ladies' size SS/platinum Yachtmaster in early 2001, for our 10th anniversary, and I have worn it nearly daily since then.

I haven't seen a new one in the stores, so I have no personal knowledge, but there is a thread (maybe in the Reference section) that some owners perceive the dials on the newer models as more "flat." I know mine is "sparkly" (for lack of a better word) and vibrant.

[venno]

So some are polished bezels and some are more matte looking it sounds like... were they all matte to start and then due to polishing they were made shiny or are only the later year yachtmaster watches made with matte/polished bezel?

Also does anyone know what the smallest size wrist a midsize yachtmaster can be sized to?

[Rameez-Q]

Originally Posted by venno

So some are polished bezels and some are more matte looking it sounds like... were they all matte to start and then due to polishing they were made shiny or are only the later year yachtmaster watches made with matte/polished bezel?

Also does anyone know what the smallest size wrist a midsize yachtmaster can be sized to?

I think its not much lower than 6 inches, just flipped it recently and I think it might fit around 5.5inch at the smallest, (go into a ad and pretend to buy and ask how small it can be made) or try a pre owned store

you can also remove solid links if necessary

[mfer]

168622 on my wife's 5.5" wrist.

[venno]

After all of this... today while were shipping we stop at an AD and she says ooooh oooh look at this one!!! Its a Datejust 31mm white stick dial. She cant decide now...I personally like the datejust, very classy and clean. Who knows now... i need to figure it out soon though!