Once around the wrist, this watch intrigues.
Rolex has used us to specific categories, which design has become a reference.
Yet, in this case, “the tester at your service”, although familiar with the Rolex, looses its marks.
The play is blurred.

 

A sports Rolex

Are we in front of a sports Rolex?

Numerous clues indicate so:

• a 40 mm diameter, an usual size for Rolex, which is nearly rare nowadays, and suits well my 17,5 cm wrist – Yes
• a triplock screwed crown protected by the caseband – Yes
• the 3135 caliber, well-known for its legendary robustness – Yes
• the sapphire glass, with no anti-reflection coating, with its cyclops, magnifying glass that does not get the approval of everyone, but is dreadfully efficient – Yes
• the revolving bezel (bidirectional) – Yes
• the Mercedes hands and the circled markers for a good readability – Yes
• the comfortable Oysterlock strap (reference 78360), fulfilled links with polished/brushed alternation, a lighter buckle but nevertheless solid – Yes
• the back totally free of any kinds of writings – Yes
• Certified Chronometer – Yes

Though, there is something more....

 

A vintage profile

Hence, what is the profile of the case?
Something from the Datejust maybe...

A delicate line, with more marked curves and lugs slightly plunging and above all, integrally polished: the famous “Rolex brushed” of the upper part of the lugs is now replaced with a mirror polished.

That's it: this Yacht-Master benefits a neo-vintage line, rich of unsuspected charms, which subtly makes the difference with the other models of the sports range (and in particular the Submariner).

 

“Unsual” colors for Rolex

Another new element: its light grey dial, enlivened by the red seconds' hand and the Yacht-Master inscription, also in red (My God! A “Red” could exclaimed a non-used amateur of the brand!), that seems finely glittered and catches the light.

At last, another differencing element: the bezel made of platinum...
Nevertheless, it takes up the traditional subdivisions of the Submariner with raised markers and numbers – which exposes it to the scratches of everyday life.

 

 

A really untypical Rolex

What risks have I taken to put this Rolex around my wrist for you, The Watch Observer's reader?

It is not a “smart” Rolex!

We know the delicate and small diameter Datejust, or in the sports range, some models with noble metals such as gold or gold/steel combined.

No, here, we deal with an untypical model.

 

 

Its detractors can devoice:

• this light grey dial makes the readability less intuitive than with a black dial!
• or: the bezel with its raised numbers engraved within the mass is little readable
• or even: there is a “Canada Dry effect” = it looks like a Rolex withouth looking like the model people have in mind...

And they will be right.
Let them go back to their first loves : The Yacht-Master is not the Rolex made for them.

 

Conclusion

Finally – and here I stake my all – this Yacht-Master is dedicated to a particular amateur of Rolex: the one that will not be afraid to assume what will be perceived by some purists of the brand as an heresy, but that merely corresponds to another type of Rolex, just a little more confidential...
Let's be a good gambler and recognizes it.

 

Pros:

• an untypical Rolex!
• a fluid, delicate and light line around the wrist
• a multitasking use

 

Cons:

• a less good readability than on the sports models
• the absence of anti-reflection coating on the sapphire glass
• a more confidential model, which reselling might be less easier than another Rolex.

 

Further information:

• tester's wrist size = 17,5 cm