How come the YM 40 SS isn’t popular?

[sls70]

I'm curious why the YM 40 in SS doesn’t seem to get as much love or discussion as other SS models. It has a lot going for it: a polished case with curves similar to the Daytona, a platinum bezel, and a choice of beautiful dials. Plus, it has that unique, under-the-radar sporty yet dressy look.

What do you all think makes it less popular? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks!

[KY..]

Stainless Sub or GMT are in the same price range for a rotating bezel and more diverse imo…

[cm13]

My personal take is the bezel without an insert looks quite scratched up over time. In comparison, the YM in Rose on OF has the insert - should look cleaner for longer (outside of gold being soft)

[swexlin]

I purchased my YM 40 Rhodium from my AD last April, and might be my favorite in the collection. Can wear it with a suit, or jeans. They're popular enough, I waited some time for mine.

[kingsey]

I've been wearing mine for almost 20 years. It goes with everything.
My favorite watch in my collection.

[996marty]

I’ve always liked them and I’m always surprised that they don’t feature more…..but I’m guessing they have close competition with the other references

[JRell]

I want to like them more but the dial looks too small and the bezel too wide for me.

[Fredrik]

For me it's the crown guards, they remind me of a bad chinese counterfeit submariner and I can't look past it unfortunately. I tried it several times but never got past the crown guards.

[alphadweller]

Been wearing my YM 116622 since 2015. Always found it more interesting than the Sub. I then added a Super Sub (SD43) and a TT blue Sub41. Strangely, I never wanted a regular Sub. My deal breaker was the supercase. However, since the arrival of the Sub41, I still don't feel compelled to get the 126610LN. Not sure why but I'm aware I'm in a minority.

[GST15]

I own 7 Rolex watches and this is one of my favorites, and absolutely the most comfortable on the wrist. It has a similar case design to the Daytona. The platinum bezel gives it a touch of flash and class. To each his or her own, but a highly underrated watch IMHO.

[Dr.Stu]

Originally Posted by GST15

I own 7 Rolex watches and this is one of my favorites, and absolutely the most comfortable on the wrist. It has a similar case design to the Daytona. The platinum bezel gives it a touch of flash and class. To each his or her own, but a highly underrated watch IMHO.

+1 Well said. I consider it a real Rolex connoisseur’s watch. If you buy it, it’s not likely your first Rolex and you appreciate it for the refined sporty/dressy appearance (especially the slate dial/Oystersteel/platinum version) (IMHO).

Yes, there may be less demand on resale- but no matter- mine’s not going anywhere.

[fgress3969]

Originally Posted by Dr.Stu

+1 Well said. I consider it a real Rolex connoisseur’s watch. If you buy it, it’s not likely your first Rolex and you appreciate it for the refined sporty/dressy appearance (especially the slate dial/Oystersteel/platinum version) (IMHO).

Yes, there may be less demand on resale- but no matter- mine’s not going anywhere.

[Flypanam]

It's not quite a diver, nor is it a dressy watch. It's a flashy sports watch with lots of polished shiny parts and a platinum bezel. I absolutely love this watch, but I can see why people would be a little turned off by the fact that it's neither here nor there.

[Divingdeep87]

Because the bezel looks cheap.

[Wilco68]

Originally Posted by Divingdeep87

Because the bezel looks cheap.

That’s the same thought I have about the Pepsi bezel! lol

Good to have different opinions though.

The YM40 bezel adds a pleasing amount of weight to the piece too.

OP - over time on TRF, I’ve got the quiet impression that the YM40 IS a popular model. Owners just don’t feel the need to shout about it as much.

[GMTmatt]

Too shiny, I liked brushed cases on my watches.

[1William]

I have owned most of the YM's in every metal and they just never stick around long. Don't know why but I assume that the Submariner is my watch.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by sls70

I'm curious why the YM 40 in SS doesn’t seem to get as much love or discussion as other SS models.

It's probably because there are more people who like other SS models who are talking about other SS models then there are people who like the YM40 in SS who are talking about the YM40 in SS. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

What is popularity? I can tell you what's popular in my house, past that I don't care. Everyone should buy what they prefer and I'll do likewise. The YM doesn't appeal to me because I don't like the bezel, I think it looks a bit clownish. YMWV.

[Stupot]

Its a good looking watch, to me a nice balance of sporty and classy.

First reason its not as popular is its expensive due to the Platinum bezel.

And its finish is fragile unfortunately, the sandblasted finish on that bezel scratches easily, and can go quite dull looking with wear, and then it looks awful.

It can only be refinished at independent repairers, which if you happen to know one and are local, great, but that's not a given, and it can only really be done once.

Rolex will not touch it and want to just replace, circa £2500.

And then it will just happen again.

Its also a bit small. Very similar case and wear profile to the Daytona.

Avoid the steel models until they put in a ceramic bezel insert and go 42mm like the white and yellow gold, and titanium versions. Surely has to be on the horizon.

[Ravager135]

I think they look great and as I've said many times on this forum, the Yacht-Master really accomplishes what most people really want in a Rolex: a versatile, waterproof sports watch. You can wear the Yacht-Master at the most expensive steak house in town or at the dock.

The reason people don't gravitate to them is because, at MSRP, they are more expensive than the more iconic sports models that Rolex makes. The 40mm models wear a little smaller than similarly sized models which is an issue for some. They also don't come in a relatively "basic" configuation. The 42mm titanium Yacht-Master aesthetically has a broader appeal, but it's expensive relatively speaking and not easy to get.

The other thing you really need to remember is that many people buying Rolex watches have no idea what the scope of their catalogue is. Listen carefully the next time you are in your AD. Many people buying a Rolex just want a Rolex and the Submariner is the only model they've heard of.

[DAGMoney]

It's definitely a different look from the usual S/S sport suspects, and it took me a while to get comfortable with it. While you mention that it doesn't seem as popular as the other S/S sport references - and you are correct - I haven't seen even an exhibition model over the last six months at the ADs I visit

I've been on 'the list" for nearly a year, and am still waiting. Love that slate dial with the blue second hand...

[swexlin]

Originally Posted by DAGMoney

It's definitely a different look from the usual S/S sport suspects, and it took me a while to get comfortable with it. While you mention that it doesn't seem as popular as the other S/S sport references - and you are correct - I haven't seen even an exhibition model over the last six months at the ADs I visit

I've been on 'the list" for nearly a year, and am still waiting. Love that slate dial with the blue second hand...

Wait will be worth it, trust me. My AD new I wanted the Rhodium, after many months, he offered me the blue. I turned it down (almost didn't LOL) and a couple weeks after that, he came through for me with the Rhodium. As I said above, it might be be my favorite.

[Barada7]

The raised indices on the bezel.

[mike morris]

I love mine, very comfortable and good looking watch.
I sold my first 2 years ago, regretted and bought new .

[stockae92]

I don't know why. but when I was in my 20s-30s, I want a Sub.

At 40s-50s, I want a YM.

:D

[travisb]

I miss my discontinued platinum dial. Best looking version in my opinion.
If they brought that back I'd be a buyer.
I still consider buying a 116622 from time to time.

[JSol1]

I owned the Slate 126622 dial for about 3 years and it’s a gorgeous piece that wears so well.
However I did find that I wore it less and less, even though every time I saw it in my watch box I enjoyed the beauty of it. I ended up moving on from it last year. I don’t necessarily regret it but I’ve been challenging myself to tailor my collection lately as it’s grown considerably.
Thankfully nobody on this thread (yet) has brought up the nonsense that’s it’s because of the name-I also own the 126655 so still have a YM…