New Yachtmaster II Stainless Steel

[shofzr]

So no one has noticed the stainless steel Yacht Master II has caliber 4161 while all other Yacht Master II's have caliber 4160 ? :)

[Tools]

Originally Posted by shofzr

So no one has noticed the stainless steel Yacht Master II has caliber 4161 while all other Yacht Master II's have caliber 4160 ? :)

This is an interesting point, but relatively minor and it goes to marketing..

Rolex made some minor changes in the 3185 to come up with a 3186 and marketed it heavily... Some think that it is the greatest thing since sliced cheese, but, in the end, the changes are so minor there is zero functional difference..

Rolex put a parachrom hairspring and paraflex shock system in the new Explorer 39, but didn't market the "new" 3132 movement and so it gets no fanfare.. The 3186 was put in the Explorer II for the last 4 years of production and not a peep from anybody, Rolex or otherwise..

All of the 3135 equipped Rolex now have Parachrom - but no marketing back-up..

Marketing can make simple changes earth-shaking and push demand where it really isn't otherwise warranted..

It's likely that the SS YM II sports the paraflex shock system and the WG and YG models do too... A missed marketing door for the Rolex PR department..

[FNFZ4]

looks like the theme for Rolex this year is BLUE

[snowpea]

I do loved this model, just hoping the price is reasonable.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is an interesting point, but relatively minor and it goes to marketing..

Rolex made some minor changes in the 3185 to come up with a 3186 and marketed it heavily... Some think that it is the greatest thing since sliced cheese, but, in the end, the changes are so minor there is zero functional difference..

Rolex put a parachrom hairspring and paraflex shock system in the new Explorer 39, but didn't market the "new" 3132 movement and so it gets no fanfare.. The 3186 was put in the Explorer II for the last 4 years of production and not a peep from anybody, Rolex or otherwise..

All of the 3135 equipped Rolex now have Parachrom - but no marketing back-up..

Marketing can make simple changes earth-shaking and push demand where it really isn't otherwise warranted..

It's likely that the SS YM II sports the paraflex shock system and the WG and YG models do too... A missed marketing door for the Rolex PR department..

Tools, interesting perspective and makes me chuckle a little at the many haters who insist Rolex only has the status it has due to unrelenting marketing.

[mvmbles]

Originally Posted by sohail

I have a small wrist. Does it look overly big to you guys?

My opinion is a resounding YES, but who cares what I think? If you're happy then wear it proudly.

I suppose I should wait until I see it in the flesh to pass judgement, but at 44mm I can't say I've ever been interested in the Yachtmaster II.

[DJJon]

Just think how all the current White Gold owners must feel right now.

The YM II Franchise just got knocked a peg in status. Pure and simple.

The Dinghy Master.

[mlotus95]

love the look of this watch

[HRV]

I could be wrong and it's all down to the lighting used in the press release photos, but does the new SS bezel and hands look like a lighter shade of blue than the TT and YG versions?

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by sohail

If the Msrp is around 16K i will buy this watch.

Me too... or wait to precious metal models to come down dramatically...

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by DJJon

Just think how all the current White Gold owners must feel right now.

The YM II Franchise just got knocked a peg in status. Pure and simple.

The Dinghy Master.

It would be a shame if any WG owners felt the way you're alluding to.

Do WG owners really wear their watches because they want others to instantly recognise they're wearing something expensive on their wrist?

What does it matter if the same watch comes in a SS version??

Would it really detract from the enjoyment of wearing a WG watch???

I like to think not.

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by Bangel

It would be a shame if any WG owners felt the way you're alluding to.

Do WG owners really wear their watches because they want others to instantly recognise they're wearing something expensive on their wrist?

What does it matter if the same watch comes in a SS version??

Would it really detract from the enjoyment of wearing a WG watch???

I like to think not.

Don't worry about his comments. He has been bashing YMII non stop in all threads.

People buy watches that they like the look and feel, what the metal is, who cares?

[steveclocks]

Originally Posted by sohail

I have a small wrist. Does it look overly big to you guys?

No man! Not to big at all, it looks perfect !

[myjianrong]

I really like this new model..why don't they put date? it will be perfect for me..

[alanc]

I think I finally understand the YM II.

When I first saw it (in photos and at the AD) I was reminded of the the gaudy cheap tin toys made in Japan in the 1960's (yes, in the 60's that was where junk came from) - it looked to me like a cheap Japanese toy rendering of a luxury watch.

However, if you put it in the context of where its name suggests it belongs - a regatta at an exclusive marina where everyone is wearing bright Ralph Lauren red, white and blue stripes with khaki or white pants and shorts with boat shoes - it fits in perfectly. Just looking at it now I smell salt air and feel a sea breeze. Think of the character played by Ted Knight in Caddyshack - it would look just right on his wrist.

Granted that's a pretty narrow use, but I think the YM II works fine as a summer watch for casual wear generally. Like white, though, I think it gets put away after Labor Day...

[tom2517]

I don't think SS version will depress the sales of the WG version.

Daytona and other series have WG version for years, people who want WG will still buy them, even if there are SS versions available.

WG has more shine and heft, it will make you feel special and at the same time understated.

If submariner have a platinum version, I will definitely save up for one.

[Puffy]

it's a mostly useless watch, i don't see how this could become collectible but can appreciate the movement which to some would be value adding

it's one that would be interesting to own for a while. i'll snap one up when they come down to the £10k range

can't wait for it to hit the shelves

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is an interesting point, but relatively minor and it goes to marketing..

Rolex made some minor changes in the 3185 to come up with a 3186 and marketed it heavily... Some think that it is the greatest thing since sliced cheese, but, in the end, the changes are so minor there is zero functional difference..

Rolex put a parachrom hairspring and paraflex shock system in the new Explorer 39, but didn't market the "new" 3132 movement and so it gets no fanfare.. The 3186 was put in the Explorer II for the last 4 years of production and not a peep from anybody, Rolex or otherwise..

All of the 3135 equipped Rolex now have Parachrom - but no marketing back-up..

Marketing can make simple changes earth-shaking and push demand where it really isn't otherwise warranted..

It's likely that the SS YM II sports the paraflex shock system and the WG and YG models do too... A missed marketing door for the Rolex PR department..

I don't agree with your analyse regarding 3185/3186 evolution. It's not a simple marketing change, there's functional evolutions. Just try crown test to see it.
They modified some parts in it (wheel, springs, main plate, bridges ...), and added parachrom.

We can discuss on the importance of that, but it's there.


Regarding 4161 I don't know yet what the evolution is, but it is not the paraflex. It's not in it.
And yes, we can assume 4161 will be put in all YM2 begining now.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by sohail

Would any one of you sell the full 18kt YG gold to buy this? i simply do not wear the YG as much since i have an 18Kt GMT (which i dont wear much) & i have a DD II rose (which i dont wear much)

no it has become my daily wearer

but in your case it may be a good idea. I have found I dont were my YG sub or GMT that much, or even the RG Daytona so everyone is different!!
For me once I started wearing the YM II I really liked the 44 mm size!

as for the wrist size mine is 6.5 inches and fits to me great!

[roadking40]

Love it. The size is perfect. Nice collection btw, the white face really pops out.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by sohail

I have a small wrist. Does it look overly big to you guys?

I have small wrists too, so I understand your position. I think it looks large, but not outside what would be considered reasonable today. If standards change back towards the historical norm, then it would probably be too large.

[fishingbear]

Not for me; although I certainly appreciate the brilliant movement.
I feel the same about this model as I always have about the Daytona: Way too busy on the dial especially not to have a date.

[SohAIS]

Tom that is a great collection. I love the YMIi shot with the Porsche keys.

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

no it has become my daily wearer

but in your case it may be a good idea. I have found I dont were my YG sub or GMT that much, or even the RG Daytona so everyone is different!!
For me once I started wearing the YM II I really liked the 44 mm size!

as for the wrist size mine is 6.5 inches and fits to me great!

[Alex Ks]

Love the SS YMII, however, for that price I would get something else (ROO or a used Gold GMTII)

[gwozhog]

This IMHO is the nicest YM2 out of the whole collection

[myjianrong]

Italy AD quoted me Euro 15,400

[427shark]

I love the new ym2 ss. I wanted a white face and wasn't quite satisfied with the explorer 2 so I held off. Really glad I did, on my list to pick up the new ym2 in the next couple years

[kilyung]

I've been skirting the idea of getting a YMII for a while now (in no small part thanks to Tom's amazing pictures). I had it narrowed down to YG and TT but now the SS is very appealing!

[advocatia]

YMII. From a technology standpoint, very cool watch. From a practical/functional standpoint, useless. From a cosmetic standpoint, very beautiful but I could live without the "YACHMASTER II" on the bezel.

Would I wear one? Sure, any day. Would I buy one? No chance.

[77T]

Originally Posted by myjianrong

Italy AD quoted me Euro 15,400

Was that with 20% VAT?

If so it works out to 16K-ish USD