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Alcan · 14 February 2007, 08:57 AM

I was cruising eBay today and ran into a listing for a Platinum/SS Yacht-Master. Part of the ad read "First and foremost, it's a Yachtsman's watch". That got me to thinking. Which market did Rolex have in mind when they created this model? I can see the Explorer on expeditions to high mountains and faraway remote places, the Sub and SeaDweller in their natural habitat underwater, the GMT on a pilot's or traveller's wrist, and most of the Rolex sports models doing their thing in the enviroment they were designed and advertised for. But the Yacht-Master?

Rolex must have a different concept of yachting than I do. I've been a racing sailor for over 25 years, raced everything from Lasers to Sharks to Swan 47 to custom 50' catamaran, and everything in between. One thing I know for sure is that one full season of racing would knock the "new" off any watch. A YM would be full of battle scars and divots, and beat to ratsh*t, not to mention that it's a poor second choice as a yacht race timer.

So, what did Rolex have in mind with this model's name? Don't get me wrong, I think the Platinum/SS Yacht-Master is one of the most beautiful watches in the Rolex lineup, and I drool every time I'm in my AD and they let me try one on. Is it because "Ultra Gorgeous Fabulous Blinged-Out Killer Rolex To Die For" won't fit on the dial, or was this their target market?:

JJ Irani · 14 February 2007, 09:01 AM

Good post and excellent point, Al.

To answer your question: Definitely market!!

If you really needed a professional watch to time a Yacht race, why use something so blinged-up and expensive as a YM?

Any good, modern day Seiko or Casio digitial would do the job and right down to 1/100th of a second.

JJ

astcell · 14 February 2007, 09:52 AM

Seems to me Rolex is going after those who drive yachts or subs or who dwell in the sea... there is nothing for regular boaters or fishermen.

Rockrolex · 14 February 2007, 12:57 PM

I certainly wouldn't mind playing in that market. Nice little rowboat there.

Alcan · 14 February 2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I certainly wouldn't mind playing in that market. Nice little rowboat there.

That's Rising Sun, owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. At 134m, it's currently the largest privately owned yacht in the world. You think maybe he has a Yacht-Master?

Launch Mini · 14 February 2007, 01:07 PM

I thought that was the Dinghy behind My Cruiser

Alcan · 14 February 2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astcell

Seems to me Rolex is going after those who drive yachts or subs or who dwell in the sea... there is nothing for regular boaters or fishermen.

Well, I think a Sub would be perfect for a boater or fisherman. It'd get wet and it'd get banged around a bit, but isn't that the essence of a Sub?

14 February 2007, 09:01 AM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Good post and excellent point, Al. To answer your question: Definitely market!! If you really needed a professional watch to time a Yacht race, why use something so blinged-up and expensive as a YM? Any good, modern day Seiko or Casio digitial would do the job and right down to 1/100th of a second. JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

14 February 2007, 12:57 PM	#4
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,528	I certainly wouldn't mind playing in that market. Nice little rowboat there. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

14 February 2007, 01:07 PM	#6
Launch Mini "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Canada, eh Watch: can I? Posts: 6,241	I thought that was the Dinghy behind My Cruiser __________________ Something witty to go here. Member # 293

14 February 2007, 09:52 AM	#3
astcell "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Angelus Oaks, CA Watch: 116713 Posts: 6,828	Seems to me Rolex is going after those who drive yachts or subs or who dwell in the sea... there is nothing for regular boaters or fishermen.

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