What is up with the Yachmaster?

[CaliBear]

Originally Posted by Brew

I guess I don't allow a manufacturer's marketing gimmicks define or limit my enjoyment of their goods.

I do not care for ceramic bezels, and the profile of the YM case is much slimmer and more comfortable on my wrist. I think the YM is a much better looking piece. The sub is a horological Camaro. Every kid has one.

I must admit that (for better or for worse) marketing does have an effect on what I think about a particular watch. I'd say the sub is maybe closer to a BMW 3 series (entry level luxury tool with a storied history), but I digress.

Getting back to the YM, aesthetically speaking, I do generally like the look of the YM (but not the YMII) although I think the design in some ways is a bit confused as to what the watch is trying to be. It is beautiful no doubt but it sort of seems like it is trying to hard be a mix of a little bit of everything to try and please everyone. I'd rather the watch be a little less ambiguous and either go more aggressive or more luxury -- not just straddle the line between the two. Of the non-ceramic models, I would personally prefer an Explorer, although that one might be the horological Jeep Wrangler.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by CaliBear

And even if I was interested in obtaining a watch that was at home in the water/sea, why would I choose the YM over a Submariner, which is and always will be the classic dive/sea watch, and does pretty much the exact same thing the Yacht-master does but with a much better depth rating.

Ahoy matey!

I have to disagree. A "Submariner" is about as appropriate for wear on a surface vessel as a pilot wearing a "'Chute Master" designed for skydivers. Wearing it carries the implication that you might need it.

If I'm on a boat, worst case my watch only needs a WR rating of the few feet I momentarily sink to after jumping overboard right before climbing into the life raft or while bobbing around in a vest trying not to have my lower half eaten by sharks. Staying right at Sea Level or a few feet above is the goal. Why anyone would want a watch for boating/sailing that has a 1,000' depth rating and a name that implies sinking plus going down with the ship is beyond me.

I will agree though that the name "Yachtmaster" sounds pretentious to the American ear because "yacht" is a word usually reserved for big-ass luxury boats, more often than not manned by a professional crew. But Rolex is Swiss and in other parts of the world even little, average pleasure craft a guy can park on a trailer next to his garage and tow to the nearest body of water on the weekend are commonly referred to (especially by their owners) as "yachts".

[CaliBear]

Originally Posted by CRM114

I have to disagree. A "Submariner" is about as appropriate for wear on a surface vessel as a pilot wearing a "'Chute Master" designed for skydivers. Wearing it carries the implication that you might need it.

If I'm on a boat, worst case my watch only needs a WR rating of the few feet I momentarily sink to after jumping overboard right before climbing into the life raft or while bobbing around in a vest trying not to have my lower half eaten by sharks. Staying right at Sea Level or a few feet above is the goal. Why anyone would want a watch for boating/sailing that has a 1,000' depth rating and a name that implies sinking plus going down with the ship is beyond me.

I will agree though that the name "Yachtmaster" sounds pretentious to the American ear because "yacht" is a word usually reserved for big-ass luxury boats, more often than not manned by a professional crew. But Rolex is Swiss and in other parts of the world even little, average pleasure craft a guy can park on a trailer next to his garage and tow to the nearest body of water on the weekend are commonly referred to (especially by their owners) as "yachts".

Good point on sailing vs. sinking. To me, the YM is an interesting watch, but the YM name itself (and the fact that it does not have the history of the sub or GMT) limits the watch to a more niche consumer audience of boating enthusiasts which accounts for its more limited sales.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by CaliBear

And even if I was interested in obtaining a watch that was at home in the water/sea, why would I choose the YM over a Submariner, which is and always will be the classic dive/sea watch, and does pretty much the exact same thing the Yacht-master does but with a much better depth rating.

Ahoy matey!

A. No one really chooses a watch based on a need for excessive WR, not really. They buy a look they prefer.

B. If they did buy based on WR then why do they need 300m? The Rolex submariner originally was only 100m. So basically it WAS a yacht master based on the WR criteria

This WR has gotten out of hand. Its WR for the sake of WR and isn't functionally practical...DSSD, SD in particular. Rolex watches are clearly more jewelry today than in the past and it is what it is. Excessive WR ratings are jewelry "bling" just as much as PCL, Ceramic bezels etc. None of it is useful, but its cool to have.

i like all these watches too... just saying

[superdog]

Originally Posted by CaliBear

Simple ... most people don't have a yacht that needs mastering. Personally, I'd feel like a tool if I owned a yachtmaster minus the yacht.

This is a riot.

Especially because I pretty much hate being on any type of boat.

But I love my YM.

[Highjinx]

I lust after the blue face YM. I have my Yachtmaster Offshore qualification too.

Anybody got any pics of those shiny lugs after a few years wear and tear they can share ?

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[R!$]

i always see girls wearing it

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by R!$

i always see girls wearing it

I always see girls wearing daytonas, big boys wear YMII

[GMT Aviator]

Originally Posted by R!$

i always see girls wearing it

I’m a girl.

[Horationelson]

I got my YM about a month ago.

The low resale value and fact that many purchasers (from enthusiasts to laymen) would probably rather have a sub is something which appeals to me.

I was on the tube in London the other day and immediately saw two men wearing subs in the same half of my carriage. Don’t get me wrong, the sub is a lovely watch, but having a platinum bezel, blue dial and the red text/second hand makes this just a little more special, for me at least. Even in Harrods when I went to buy the watch, I was served upstairs beforehand (in the homeware department, picking up some glassware) and the sales assistant had a sub! Again, no disrespect to the sub, but it’s just so ubiquitous.

[DramaTurtle]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

I got my YM about a month ago.

The low resale value and fact that many purchasers (from enthusiasts to laymen) would probably rather have a sub is something which appeals to me.

I was on the tube in London the other day and immediately saw two men wearing subs in the same half of my carriage. Don’t get me wrong, the sub is a lovely watch, but having a platinum bezel, blue dial and the red text/second hand makes this just a little more special, for me at least. Even in Harrods when I went to buy the watch, I was served upstairs beforehand (in the homeware department, picking up some glassware) and the sales assistant had a sub! Again, no disrespect to the sub, but it’s just so ubiquitous.

100% the ubiquitous nature of the sub takes away from it. I've owned 3 and seriously considering selling my kermit for a YM myself!

[TheWatchEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

100% the ubiquitous nature of the sub takes away from it. I've owned 3 and seriously considering selling my kermit for a YM myself!

Love my blue dial YM but I’ll trade you for your Kermit. Let me know.




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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

100% the ubiquitous nature of the sub takes away from it. I've owned 3 and seriously considering selling my kermit for a YM myself!

totally, the ubiquitous nature of the sub takes away from the sub. Its a great watch no doubt, but its almost standard issue in some places. If i want something a bit different, no way its a Sub. It goes both ways and its appealing to some too for that reason. Its really about the look you are going for. Its not as recognizable obviously and if thats good or bad depends on who you talk to

[rolexinfl]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

I got my YM about a month ago.

The low resale value and fact that many purchasers (from enthusiasts to laymen) would probably rather have a sub is something which appeals to me.

I was on the tube in London the other day and immediately saw two men wearing subs in the same half of my carriage. Don’t get me wrong, the sub is a lovely watch, but having a platinum bezel, blue dial and the red text/second hand makes this just a little more special, for me at least. Even in Harrods when I went to buy the watch, I was served upstairs beforehand (in the homeware department, picking up some glassware) and the sales assistant had a sub! Again, no disrespect to the sub, but it’s just so ubiquitous.

True, but on the contrary I have seen more YM recently than Submariners, in Florida.

My friend has a YM, my neighbor has a YM, and I just saw a random guy at a football game with a YM on as well.

I have not seen a single Submariner in months.

YMMV!

[HONDABBQ]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

YMMV!

Yacht
Masters
May
Vary

[nektar]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

I got my YM about a month ago.

The low resale value and fact that many purchasers (from enthusiasts to laymen) would probably rather have a sub is something which appeals to me.

I was on the tube in London the other day and immediately saw two men wearing subs in the same half of my carriage. Don’t get me wrong, the sub is a lovely watch, but having a platinum bezel, blue dial and the red text/second hand makes this just a little more special, for me at least. Even in Harrods when I went to buy the watch, I was served upstairs beforehand (in the homeware department, picking up some glassware) and the sales assistant had a sub! Again, no disrespect to the sub, but it’s just so ubiquitous.

In Miami, there are thousands of Porshe, and plenty of Bentleys. So what?? Not everybody can go with a Ferrari


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[carfanatic991]

Enjoying my PL YM and TT blue Sub.

[Dsmith1974]

RG YM40 is on my wish list. Would prefer that to a YM2.

[EDL7]

Hate the name..luv certain versions of the watch..
Hey Rolex..why not put out a YM with a green sunburst dial..call it the Forrester or Woodsman..anything but YM...

[woof]

YM is very under rated Rolex. Its gorgeous!

[Brew]

I hesitate to type this, given my left wrist, but I've yet to see a pic of a damaged platinum bezel. [note, haven't look too hard] I've been enjoying my YM since March (e.g., desk job, some fishing, hiking, running beach time, gym and swimming, etc.), and with an occasional scrub with a toothbrush and some dish soap, it still looks new.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Brew

I hesitate to type this, given my left wrist, but I've yet to see a pic of a damaged platinum bezel. [note, haven't look too hard] I've been enjoying my YM since March (e.g., desk job, some fishing, hiking, running beach time, gym and swimming, etc.), and with an occasional scrub with a toothbrush and some dish soap, it still looks new.

my wife has the platinum dial 35mm and beats the hell out of it. I actually cringe sometimes. The bezel is fine, the bracelet is all beat up. So everyone can relax about the bezel as many models share the same PCL bracelet so complain about the bracelet if anything as proportionally the bracelet has not held up as well. I am assuming its PCL as TBH i cant tell anymore

[Brew]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

my wife has the platinum dial 35mm and beats the hell out of it. I actually cringe sometimes. The bezel is fine, the bracelet is all beat up. So everyone can relax about the bezel as many models share the same PCL bracelet so complain about the bracelet if anything as proportionally the bracelet has not held up as well. I am assuming its PCL as TBH i cant tell anymore

Your wife's watch looks well-loved. Thanks for confirming re: plat. bezel.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by Brew

I hesitate to type this, given my left wrist, but I've yet to see a pic of a damaged platinum bezel. [note, haven't look too hard] I've been enjoying my YM since March (e.g., desk job, some fishing, hiking, running beach time, gym and swimming, etc.), and with an occasional scrub with a toothbrush and some dish soap, it still looks new.

Agree. I've had mine for just over a year now (just realized this actually) and I have a few scratches on it, but nothing different than what a Datejust or any non ceramic bezel would look like at this point.

Originally Posted by MrWeha

Have to agree with what others already said: it's just too feminine.

I've seen multiple people mention that in this thread and it never once crossed my mind that it was feminine. To each their own.

[Yodel]

For me it’s the bezel and can also look a bit feminine.

[Quailhunter]

I had a blank check from my wife to buy a watch for a major birthday. I chose the blue dial Yacht Master. I have a DayDate, DateJust, and a GMT II and the Yacht Master gets worn the most. It’s striking in appearance and wears easily. I don’t flip watches so resale value is a moot issue.

[oroloi]

Some comments here are funny

Why buy a YM if you don’t own a Yacht ?????

Ok then..........

Why buy a Submainer if you don’t dive ?

Why buy a Daytona if you don’t race a car ?

Why buy a datejust if your phone has the time AND date ?

Why buy a DD ? Can’t you remember what day it is ?

Why buy a Skydweller If you don’t fly ?

Why buy a GMT If you don’t travel or fly a plane ?

Why buy a Cellini ? It’s less than 300mt WR......how sad, it’s going to drown when it rains

[VicLeChic]

For those who don't know, "yachtmaster" is a certificate allowing you to drive A yacht, not YOUR yacht, no need to own the thing. It's like a driving licence for yachts. I know people with a driving licence who don't own a car, that doesn't make them stupid, some rent cars on holiday for example.

Since this was supposed to be a toolwatch for regattas, I would have preferred a more adventurous name like "Yacht-Racer", but it is what it is.

(picture borrowed from the web)

[oroloi]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

For those who don't know, "yachtmaster" is a certificate allowing you to drive A yacht, not YOUR yacht, no need to own the thing. It's like a driving licence for yachts. I know people with a driving licence who don't own a car, that doesn't make them stupid, some rent cars on holiday for example.

Since this was supposed to be a toolwatch for regattas, I would have preferred a more adventurous name like "Yacht-Racer", but it is what it is.

(picture borrowed from the web)

Thanks for this information. I certainly didn't buy my Yachtmaster to sail a yacht or because I own a yacht. I appreciate your valuable comment

At least now I know i'm licensed.......for when I take my kayak out

[Quailhunter]

I have tried on Submariner watches several times and walked away as they just don’t fit my wrist comfortably. My DayDate and DateJust fit well. My GMT BLNR is comfortable. The blue dial Yacht Master fits extremely well. There is something about the case/bracelet that melds with my wrist.