Rolex Yachtmaster

[Burrost1]

Hi all, Just getting a few opinions on the Rolex Yachtmaster. Looking at buying a 2006/7 model but just wanted opinions on them. They are the same retail as the Daytona but do not seem to as popular and I just wanted to see why!!!

Look forward to your responses!

[matt4hand]

There is just not as much demand for them as a Daytona. There are tons of threads on here about them. You can literally read for hours.

I have owned them both in the last year and prefer the Daytona hands down.

You should be able to find a pre owned one for around $6000.00

[Burrost1]

Thanks, been trying to look but it seems there is a server error on here somewhere!

[dddrees]

The probably cost as much as the SS Daytona because of their platinum content. However like you said they don't seem to retain their value as good as a SS Daytona. It just goes back to Supply and Demand. The desire to own one does not seem to exceed what is readily availible in the markett place.

But then again if you buy one pre-loved you should do just fine. As long as you like it that is all that matters anyway. Their are quite a few members of this forum that own one.

[millmax]

Yachtmaster is a decent watch It was the first Rolex I bought, still got a white face and just flipped a blue, not fussed on the platinum face though. Keep looking mate one will turn up.

[liuk3]

I figured from a Rolex marketing of lifestyle perpective, more people can identify with the "fast car and racing" Daytona motif than "yacht owner or sailor" YM motif...

[freddyttt]

Never ever even thought of the YM as in the same class as the Daytona. that said I prolly will never own a Daytona(no desire) but do own and love my YM.

[Power Play]

I own both the SS YM and the SS Daytona. They're both fine watches and I really enjoy owning and wearing both of them.

Similarities: Very comfortable case with smooth edges, very classic and iconic, somewhat hard to read

Pros of the YM: Very simple, very pleasing, almost 'monotone' appearance; I wear it with dress shirts. Sparkle of the dial in the sunlight is absolutely awesome. 'Classic' bracelet and clasp. Date feature.

Cons of the YM: Bezel doesn't make sense to me, even though I understand and enjoy 'yachting;' bezel also tarnishes very quickly and is a bit of a beast to polish; bezel also spins a bit to freely in both directions. Ridiculously low resale value makes purchasing new a silly proposition, but purchasing pre-loved a smoking deal!

Just my two cents.

[tkc324]

Any precious metal Rolex will not hold its resell value, however if you can pick one up from the second hand market, its a no brainer.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by liuk3

I figured from a Rolex marketing of lifestyle perpective, more people can identify with the "fast car and racing" Daytona motif than "yacht owner or sailor" YM motif...

Neither the YM or the YM II has anything to do with the world of sailboat racing no matter how hard Rolex wants the market to think otherwise.

Most common watches around the docks before, during and after a sailboat race; submariner, date just and GMT in that order IMHO.

The two crewmen on a " big boat" for whom the countdown to the start is most important is the bowman and the tactician...who both will be using specialized waterproof and shockproof big display digital count down watches.

The only YM's I have seen worn around the waterfront, and I have seen three of them, were all gifts from wives who thought the watch would be useful for their sailboat racing husbands and were either fooled by the YachtMaster moniker or " sold" the watch by an AD salesman who wanted to move a YM out of inventory.

What the YachtMaster I did was bring some new metal /dial combinations to the Rolex line, some of which are very attractive. The yachtmaster II ....???? Who knows.

[liuk3]

Originally Posted by Paladin

Neither the YM or the YM II has anything to do with the world of sailboat racing no matter how hard Rolex wants the market to think otherwise.

That was my point. Rolex markets fantasy lifestyles with their watches. It's just a matter of which one tugs at the consumer's heart strings more. Some appeal more broadly than others.

[JJL]

Originally Posted by liuk3

That was my point. Rolex markets fantasy lifestyles with their watches. It's just a matter of which one tugs at the consumer's heart strings more. Some appeal more broadly than others.

Exactly! "Fantasy lifestyles" is right. Think about what small % of wearers are actually Pilots, Divers (that go > 100m), Car Racers, scientists, etc...

Peopes big gripe about Yacht-Masters is that real Yachtsmen don't really care for them, as opposed to the other sports models and their respective professionals. So Rolex critics look at the other models as great tool watches (even though they are used as tool watches by a tiny percentage) and the Yacht-Master as potentially a poser watch. In the end, probably 98% of Rolex sports model owners are posers anyway :)

This is why I feel buy the watch that makes you smile, the one that you think looks the best and fits into your lifestyle and personality.

Admittingly, I was originally looking to buy a SS Daytona. I always found the Yacht-Master to be a close second in terms of my favorite Rolex watches, but the Daytona had me UNTIL I went to an Authorized Dealer and saw them in person. The Yacht-Master (in my opinion of course) blew the Daytona out of the water. I found the watch to just glow in person. I immediately knew I wanted the Yacht-Master at that point. Then when I later found out that a pre-owned but mint Yacht-Master could be had for nearly 50% of MSRP, I couldn't believe it. What a steal!!

I won't say to buy the Yacht-Master instead of the Daytona but to go try both of them on and see if one stands out to YOU. I will say that I've owned mine for over a year now, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. It is such a versatile piece that can be worn on all occassions dressed up or down, and the platinum coloring goes with every color shirt, suit or outfit you have on. Not to mention when you see it in the daylight, the way the sun dances off the dial, it's amazing. I highly recommend pre-owned if you go in the direction of the Yacht-Master, because of the drop off.

That is my 2 cents on the Yacht-Master. I'm a fan, but not everyone is. Good luck!

I have more pics posted in this thread, please check them out! :)

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214013

[Lion]

The Yachtmaster is a very fine watch which does have a devoted following and look very nice. The Daytona due to auto racing and stars like Paul Newman have made the watch very famous and they do also have a very large following. Both watches are really great but as always the choice lies with you. Personally I would love to own one of each!!!

[T-Rip]

Love my YM!!!!



Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[T-Rip]

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[slimboyinhk]

Just got my Daytona and up close the dial looks beautiful. But I really like my TT YM with champagne dial, a very elegant watch. No date on the Daytona is a big reason this will be rarely worn compared to the other two.

[eric23]

I want to get a YM someday, they look great!

[Burrost1]

Thanks for all your help on this!!! I see alot of Daytonas and other sports watches but not so many of the yachtmasters.

[freddyttt]

Originally Posted by Burrost1

Thanks for all your help on this!!! I see alot of Daytonas and other sports watches but not so many of the yachtmasters.

saw a YM in the wawa this AM;)