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Old 27 April 2009, 05:09 AM   #1
Bisquitlips
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The Rolex Yacht-Master. SS/18K Black MOP Dial

Now that I have had this timepiece for above 7 months, I think I can truthfully write a balanced review of it as the honeymoon period is over. As you read this, you may not think so, but keep in mind that I have had it for enough time that I can speak what needs to be spoken.

What can be said of a watch that loves to be looked at?

Even though the popularity of the Yacht-Master is not as great as some of the Rolex models, it is nevertheless a timepiece with its own aesthetic character and demand that requires even the most seasoned Rolex WIS to formulate an opinion. Especially so when it comes to the SS/18K versions of this timepiece. Now add a Black Mother of Pearl and you either have anathema or adoration!

My wife purchased this astonishing watch for me while we were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in Switzerland during the month of September of 2008. The setting for the event was Bucherer’s in Lucerne, just around the corner from the fabled Chapel Bridge. Lucerne is a enduring city and exudes the perfect atmosphere for purchasing a enduring timepiece! A magical combination of everything perfectly Swiss!

Now on to the Rolex Yacht-Master SS/18K BMOP!

MOVEMENT: 10/10 What guts! Here we have a superb work of beauty that has the intestines of a field ox. The venerable Calibre 3135 movement, which has to be one or Rolexes finest moments in movements. No complications here. No intricate hand engravings. No gold wash. Just a splendid engine that will keep time as well as any other on the market. Mine keeps within 1 second on the + side in any 24 hour period. Many times I have prepared to set it with the atomic clock only to let it be.

CASE: 10/10 Is a graceful, highly polished 914L SS work of art exceedingly worthy of caressing that Calibre 3135. The case has been given more poised lines than many of the other Rolex sport watches. Some have said that it appears almost identical to the Daytona’s case, but I can see subtle differences. I really like the fact that Rolex polished this case in its entirety. No brushing at all except on the case back. Everything visible is mirror finished and when mated to the brushed outer links of the bracelet, it makes for a very pleasing contrast.

CROWN: 09/10 The case was given the triple lock crown. The same as the Submariner, however the depth rating of this timepiece is only 100 meters / 300 feet. It is not a diver’s timepiece, but has more than enough disposition to handle those times when you flip your 3 million dollar yacht over in high seas! You can be assured that when you climb back aboard and settle yourself on deck that your timepiece will have suffered no water damage to its innards!

BEZEL: 10/10 This is what sets this Yacht-Master apart from all other Rolex sport models, at least to my eye. That gorgeous frosted gold bezel with the highly polished indices…. just splendid in every way! Something about frosted gold has always drawn my affections.

Some of the ancient gold coins and doubloons that I have collected over the years have this affect. It comes from being in contact with sea sand over years and is certainly lovely to behold. Put it on a fine timepiece and make it functional as a timer, and you have purposeful beauty. The bezel is omni directional which means that it will turn both ways. Making it quick to set the bezel, but not good for diving as it could possible be knocked off its setting when timing a dive.

BRACELET:10/10 The bracelet is the perfect mix of brushed SS and polished 18K gold. The polished gold center links are the perfect compliment to the bezel and ties the watch all together! And again the brushed outer links contrast well with the polished case. As far as the clasp goes, I have read many unfavorable comments about it, but the clasp is designed to almost disappear in the bracelet. When you turn your wrist over you can see that it blends in to the bracelet in a unique way and fits flat against the wrist making it both aesthetically pleasing and extremely comfortable!


DIAL: 10+/10 Black Mother of Pearl!

More of a rich deep, dark, milk chocolate! Fitted with cream indices each surrounded with 18K gold bezels and underneath rides the 18K YG date wheel peeking at you through the cyclops. Floating on the top is the lettering "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date" "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" "Yacht-Master" (in Red of course).

Now here is what will set this timepiece apart and make it the grail of some watch aficionados. The effect!

Someone said it is like looking into “Deep Space”. If you have seen some of the Hubble telescope photographs you will know what they mean. In different light and angles the watch becomes a different watch. From deep violet and lilac to subtle flashes of bottomless greens, royal blues, and rich reds! And then when looked at again from a different angle, it all blends into one field of unstirred melted chocolate. Mix that with the frosted gold bezel and you have the luscious blending that makes this timepiece what it is.

As I said before, I have had this wrist watch long enough that I can speak of it on realistic terms. I will candidly say that this Rolex chronometer is one of those things that when you purchase it, go outside of Bucherer’s, and sit on their marble benches to admire it for the fist time on your wrist, you are thrilled with your decision! And as times goes, it only gets better. It makes you glad that you spent that kind of money on something as absurd as a timepiece.
















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Old 27 April 2009, 06:24 AM   #2
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Wonderful review, Richard!!!
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Old 27 April 2009, 06:45 AM   #3
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Wonderful review, Richard!!!
Thanks Karis!

I surely thought that this timepiece would wane in my desires! But it honestly grows more dear as the months pass.

When I pick it out of the Orbita to wear for the day, it still smiles that beaming countenance back at me. Even more so than the day Leah bought it for me.

Perhaps I have my grail watch.
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Old 27 April 2009, 07:12 AM   #4
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Thanks Karis!

I surely thought that this timepiece would wane in my desires! But it honestly grows more dear as the months pass.

When I pick it out of the Orbita to wear for the day, it still smiles that beaming countenance back at me. Even more so than the day Leah bought it for me.

Perhaps I have my grail watch.
That's definitely the sign of a 'keeper'! And the fact that Leah bought it for you for such a special occasion makes it even more meaningful!

You're making me miss my YM!
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Old 27 April 2009, 07:29 AM   #5
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That's definitely the sign of a 'keeper'! And the fact that Leah bought it for you for such a special occasion makes it even more meaningful!

You're making me miss my YM!
Hehehehee!

Yes! The fact that Leah bought my first Rolex for me and it was rather my grail watch makes it infinitely more valuable to me.

I will never sell this timepiece unless it is to fund a Meteorite WG Daytona! And it will be only with her explicit permission for the substitution.
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Old 27 April 2009, 11:16 AM   #6
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Beautiful watch! I've always loved the YM!

You two make a great couple, too!
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Old 27 April 2009, 12:10 PM   #7
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Great review. Lovely watch.
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Old 27 April 2009, 10:08 PM   #8
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Lovely watch you got there...
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Old 28 April 2009, 09:26 AM   #9
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Beautiful watch! I've always loved the YM!

You two make a great couple, too!
Thanks Cato!!

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Old 28 April 2009, 09:26 AM   #10
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Lovely watch you got there...
Thank you Spaniard!

It is a dream to wear!
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Old 28 April 2009, 09:26 AM   #11
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Great review. Lovely watch.
Thanks Andy!
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Old 28 April 2009, 10:51 AM   #12
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Yes they are very versitile watches, I had a SS/ Plat YM and changed the silver dial to a Blue Dial, I love the YM it's actually one of my most worn pieces in my collection.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg yatchmaster rolee.jpg (14.8 KB, 2630 views)
File Type: jpg Datejust rolee.jpg (15.2 KB, 2627 views)
File Type: jpg REAL SUB ROLEE.jpg (12.8 KB, 2617 views)
File Type: jpg daytona rolee.jpg (16.3 KB, 2613 views)
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Old 28 April 2009, 11:15 AM   #13
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Yes they are very versitile watches, I had a SS/ Plat YM and changed the silver dial to a Blue Dial, I love the YM it's actually one of my most worn pieces in my collection.
Polo,

You are so right! My YM is my most worn Rolex. You would think other WIS's would give them more of a chance.

Thanks for the comments,

Richard
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Old 30 April 2009, 10:39 PM   #14
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I gotta get me one of those! Great watch
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Old 1 May 2009, 01:15 AM   #15
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I gotta get me one of those! Great watch
Patrick, you will not be sorry my friend!

Everything I wrote about it is completely true.

I hope you find one and you are as pleased with it as I am mine.
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Old 2 May 2009, 11:18 AM   #16
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I want a wife like that!
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Old 3 May 2009, 11:39 PM   #17
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I want a wife like that!


Go on the internet! That's where I got mine!
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Old 16 May 2009, 01:42 AM   #18
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Very nice. By far my favorite combo for the YM.
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Old 16 May 2009, 01:44 AM   #19
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I posted this in another thread. I you are considering a BMOP Rolex, please read it.

A couple of you have expressed interest in acquiring a BMOP Rolex and, if I could, I would like to give just a little advice.

Do not ever purchase one of these without looking at it personally first. I would never buy one over the net or eBay. You must see them to really determine whether it will be one with the effect and beauty that you want. These BMOP dials can be as different as night and day. Most of them are more feminine in nature and don't really fit on a man's watch IMO.

When I was searching for mine, I saw so many of them that were just plain unattractive. The color was bland or even milky, the depth of the pearl, (that is something that is really created by the cut and camber of the work on the dial), was non existent and most of the ones I considered were just not that great.

I must have looked at dozens of them and then finally happened onto this one in Switzerland.

My point is not all BMOP dials are the same. Far from it. Just take your time and be very discriminating in your choice and you will be happy with your choice.
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Old 16 May 2009, 05:44 PM   #20
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Great review Richard and that last pix is superb.

I can only now imagine what it looks like in the flesh.
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Old 26 May 2009, 12:48 PM   #21
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Thank you Eddie! It is a lovely piece!
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Old 29 May 2009, 12:44 PM   #22
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This is a beautiful watch. I was looking at the sub but now I'm confused. LOL
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Old 29 May 2009, 01:41 PM   #23
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great review
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Old 30 May 2009, 12:29 AM   #24
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A fantastic review of a truly special watch. Thanks Richard!
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Old 10 July 2009, 02:17 AM   #25
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Very nice review, Richard. Purchasing it in Switzerland is ideal isn't it. I was in Geneva in 1999 and picked up a ref 16710 GMT from Bucherer there. Gorgeous watch by the way.
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Old 23 July 2009, 12:47 PM   #26
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It is absolutely exquisite! Your MOP dial is the best one I have seen. Most of the others have been more pink (still beautiful), but your chocolate sheen is perfect on this watch.
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Old 27 July 2009, 11:26 AM   #27
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great review! I was not into pearl face before but it is now starting to give me some mix signals.
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Old 27 July 2009, 11:39 AM   #28
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... I don't know about the wife, I think shes jealous of the watch already... hogging all the spotlight of the photo by covering your watch and wrist...
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Old 26 August 2009, 12:57 AM   #29
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Maaan thats a nice watch,Congrats.
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Old 27 August 2009, 08:21 AM   #30
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Never been much of a yellow gold person...

But Other than a solid gold pres. this combo is the only other watch I would personally want.

The black pearl dial with the engraved solid gold bezel around it... truly is gorgeous.
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