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Gazza67 · 30 August 2017, 01:57 AM

I'm very interested in the Yachtmaster, especially with the Rhodium dial and blue seconds hand.
However, whilst it ticks many boxes for me, I am nervous regarding the durability of the bezel.
Obviously, it's not as durable as ceramic ones, so one would need to treat it with care, but when I look at some of the photos on the internet, it would appear that the sand-blasted finish becomes shiny over time and I'm not sure I could live with that.
Can anybody tell me if this is the case?

tkc324 · 30 August 2017, 02:17 AM

platinum bezel does have scratch potential and its not easy to fix. Only Rolex RSC can bring it back to original condition. That being said many people tend to wear it as is and not worry about it. Its similar to your bracelet being scratched, at first you you want to polish every little ding out, but over time you learn to live with it. Scratches = character!

Muzz · 30 August 2017, 02:18 AM

Never heard of someone cracking a YM bezel so I would have to disagree on the durability reference.

Is it prone to more scratches? No more so than any other piece with a metal bezel.

The good news is that every service it will come back looking fresh.

axelfoley · 30 August 2017, 03:20 AM

Here's my thread on this -- only up to you if you can live with it. I've decided I love the watch enough to keep it and not flip it for a ceramic model. I think the platinum bezel makes it difficult to use as a daily wear though. It WILL get scratched, but the scratches are only visible if you're looking for them. RSC can fix it but realistically you'll only service the watch every 5-ish years. I'll probably be getting a subC soon and saving the 116622 for special occasions due to the bezel.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=552253

saskmh · 30 August 2017, 03:37 AM

Easiest fix for the smudgy polished links...brush them! I did it on my YM and it was the best thing I ever did to it.

I wear my YM to the office and out for dinner etc. I don't beat it up when I wear it so I've never had any issues with marking the bezel.

It wouldn't be a weekend beater though.

warrior · 30 August 2017, 04:04 AM

Yes-- no more than any other piece with a metal bezel ( ie the datejusts,explorers I and II, 5 digit Rolex sport models like the Sub, non ceramic daytonas, Milgauss, etc)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muzz

Never heard of someone cracking a YM bezel so I would have to disagree on the durability reference.

Is it prone to more scratches? No more so than any other piece with a metal bezel.

The good news is that every service it will come back looking fresh.

joli160 · 30 August 2017, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkc324

platinum bezel does have scratch potential and its not easy to fix. Only Rolex RSC can bring it back to original condition. That being said many people tend to wear it as is and not worry about it. Its similar to your bracelet being scratched, at first you you want to polish every little ding out, but over time you learn to live with it. Scratches = character!

Not only RSC can fix it, good independents can as well (Rikki)

sager · 30 August 2017, 06:18 AM

The YM you are looking at is one of my favorites. Go for it!

AK797 · 30 August 2017, 08:15 AM

It should be fine if you have some wrist awareness, I do and not one mark in over 6 months.

MCO1 · 30 August 2017, 08:16 AM

I owned one to the plat dial versions and the scratch prone bezel is why I gave it up.

jsukey · 30 August 2017, 08:51 AM

I've had my Platinum YM for almost 4 years now, and have worn it almost every single day. I work hard and play harder, so it has definitely taken some abuse. It still keeps perfect time, and I still get compliments on it. I have put the Cape Cod polishing wipes to it a couple of times. Only after taping off the band so as to only hit the polished links. Don't crucify me over it though! I'm planning on keeping this watch the rest of my life, as it was my first. I think I've almost made up my mind on the Hulk being the next watch so I can have something to start rotating with.

Wenga · 30 August 2017, 01:31 PM

Ive had a few , the scratch more easily than anything else , metal bezels included , still a great watch , just ordered the latest model

Gazza67 · 30 August 2017, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsukey

I've had my Platinum YM for almost 4 years now, and have worn it almost every single day. I work hard and play harder, so it has definitely taken some abuse. It still keeps perfect time, and I still get compliments on it. I have put the Cape Cod polishing wipes to it a couple of times. Only after taping off the band so as to only hit the polished links. Don't crucify me over it though! I'm planning on keeping this watch the rest of my life, as it was my first. I think I've almost made up my mind on the Hulk being the next watch so I can have something to start rotating with.

You obviouslylove wearing this watch but, whilst I can accept scratches on the PCL's I couldn't live with the wear on that bezel.

Gazza67 · 30 August 2017, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the info guys, I have a Z Blue and a DJ2 and are not too concerned about them picking up scratches here and there but, would obsess if the bezel ended up with a shine like some I have seen on eBay and John's post - is that what to expect?

Gazza67 · 30 August 2017, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK797

It should be fine if you have some wrist awareness, I do and not one mark in over 6 months.

It's a lovely reference Neil and I have admired the photos you have previously posted.
I have my DJ2 and my daily beater Z blue so that would limit the wear, this would be more for best.
Do you know if the whole bezel is platinum or just an insert?

Yuma · 30 August 2017, 07:34 PM

Is the platinum bezel softer than stainless steel?

My guess is it would scratch very easily. Maybe just as easily as gold.

I am in the market for a 116622 /w platinum dial. Trying to get as much info about it before I pull the trigger.

Wildy · 30 August 2017, 09:10 PM

I have a blue dial from 2013. It was serviced at RSC London in April and looks as new. Go for it.

Rolex DSSD Blue
Rolex GMT LN
Rolex Yatchmaster Blue dial
Rolex Explorer 2 White

AK797 · 30 August 2017, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazza67

It's a lovely reference Neil and I have admired the photos you have previously posted.
I have my DJ2 and my daily beater Z blue so that would limit the wear, this would be more for best.
Do you know if the whole bezel is platinum or just an insert?

Thanks. The bezel and insert are platinum.

funNactive · 19 June 2019, 02:28 AM

I'm new here so the sight won't let me post any pictures until I have 10 posts.

Can a platinum YM bezel that is scratched & dinged up on both the polished & blasted areas be refinished? What would the approximate cost be?

Could/would Rolex replace it? Cost?

30 August 2017, 01:57 AM	#1
Gazza67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: UK Posts: 174	Yachtmaster Bezel I'm very interested in the Yachtmaster, especially with the Rhodium dial and blue seconds hand. However, whilst it ticks many boxes for me, I am nervous regarding the durability of the bezel. Obviously, it's not as durable as ceramic ones, so one would need to treat it with care, but when I look at some of the photos on the internet, it would appear that the sand-blasted finish becomes shiny over time and I'm not sure I could live with that. Can anybody tell me if this is the case?

30 August 2017, 03:37 AM	#5
saskmh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 1,027	Easiest fix for the smudgy polished links...brush them! I did it on my YM and it was the best thing I ever did to it. I wear my YM to the office and out for dinner etc. I don't beat it up when I wear it so I've never had any issues with marking the bezel. It wouldn't be a weekend beater though. __________________ RCN (Canadian) Tudor Milsub database co-manager

30 August 2017, 09:10 PM	#17
Wildy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: UK Posts: 500	I have a blue dial from 2013. It was serviced at RSC London in April and looks as new. Go for it. Rolex DSSD Blue Rolex GMT LN Rolex Yatchmaster Blue dial Rolex Explorer 2 White __________________ Rolex DSSD JC, Rolex GMT LN,Rolex DJ41 silver fluted on jubilee,Rolex Yacht-master blue dial, IWC Ingenieur 3227, Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 3861, Tudor P01. Bremont ALT , Hamilton Khaki Below Zero

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30 August 2017, 02:17 AM	#2
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	platinum bezel does have scratch potential and its not easy to fix. Only Rolex RSC can bring it back to original condition. That being said many people tend to wear it as is and not worry about it. Its similar to your bracelet being scratched, at first you you want to polish every little ding out, but over time you learn to live with it. Scratches = character!

30 August 2017, 02:18 AM	#3
Muzz "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Steve Location: TO CAD, HCMC VN Watch: MP 18946 Posts: 7,292	Never heard of someone cracking a YM bezel so I would have to disagree on the durability reference. Is it prone to more scratches? No more so than any other piece with a metal bezel. The good news is that every service it will come back looking fresh.

30 August 2017, 03:20 AM	#4
axelfoley "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: NY Posts: 37	Here's my thread on this -- only up to you if you can live with it. I've decided I love the watch enough to keep it and not flip it for a ceramic model. I think the platinum bezel makes it difficult to use as a daily wear though. It WILL get scratched, but the scratches are only visible if you're looking for them. RSC can fix it but realistically you'll only service the watch every 5-ish years. I'll probably be getting a subC soon and saving the 116622 for special occasions due to the bezel. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=552253

30 August 2017, 06:18 AM	#8
sager "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Sage Location: MENA Posts: 1,562	The YM you are looking at is one of my favorites. Go for it!

30 August 2017, 08:15 AM	#9
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,219	It should be fine if you have some wrist awareness, I do and not one mark in over 6 months.

30 August 2017, 08:16 AM	#10
MCO1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Missouri USA Watch: Daytona C white Posts: 2,248	I owned one to the plat dial versions and the scratch prone bezel is why I gave it up.

30 August 2017, 01:31 PM	#12
Wenga "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Denmark Posts: 60	Ive had a few , the scratch more easily than anything else , metal bezels included , still a great watch , just ordered the latest model

30 August 2017, 04:18 PM	#14
Gazza67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: UK Posts: 174	Thanks for the info guys, I have a Z Blue and a DJ2 and are not too concerned about them picking up scratches here and there but, would obsess if the bezel ended up with a shine like some I have seen on eBay and John's post - is that what to expect?

30 August 2017, 07:34 PM	#16
Yuma Banned Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: USA Watch: 116613LB Posts: 51	Is the platinum bezel softer than stainless steel? My guess is it would scratch very easily. Maybe just as easily as gold. I am in the market for a 116622 /w platinum dial. Trying to get as much info about it before I pull the trigger.

19 June 2019, 02:28 AM	#19
funNactive "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Utah Posts: 26	I'm new here so the sight won't let me post any pictures until I have 10 posts. Can a platinum YM bezel that is scratched & dinged up on both the polished & blasted areas be refinished? What would the approximate cost be? Could/would Rolex replace it? Cost?

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