Rolex Lume Shot of the Day: Explorer II Mark II Dial Lume...

...Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Rolex Orange Hand Explorer II

[Reference 1655]

Rolex Lume Shot of the Day: Stainless & Platinum Yachtmaster

Maxi Lume by Jocke

Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: Submariner Fat Hands...

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's LV Sub with fat hands.

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day Jocke's Roman Numeral Datejust

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day

Jocke's Roman Numeral Datejust

The Complete History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

"We must not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive at the place where we began, and recognize it for the first time." 

—RALPH WALDO EMERSON

The Complete History 

 

YACHT-MASTER

Rolex very, very rarely introduces all-new models, as a matter of fact, the last Rolex model introduced before the Yacht-Master was the Rolex Daytona which was introduced in 1964. Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992, so it took them 28 years to come up with an all-new model! Just for frame of reference, it took Rolex another 20 years to come up with another all-new model, which was the Sky-Dweller, which they introduced in 2012.

In 2012, Rolex also introduced an all-new version of the stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master, with a cobalt blue sunray dial and it was an instant classic!!!

An Ultra-Rare Rolex Prototype

The 1967-1969 Rolex YACHT-MASTER

My pal and fellow Rolex fanatic from Italy, John Goldberger recently sent in these stunning photos of his Ultra-Rare 39.5mm Rolex Yacht-Master Chronograph Prototype [Reference 6239/6242] the dial of which was made in 1967 and the watch in 1969. How rare you ask? It is one of only two known examples. I know Eric Clapton owned one.

Note: You have to click on this image to check out the detail. It is also a great piece of desktop wallpaper courtesy of John Goldberger.

John is one of the worlds leading vintage Rolex collectors and last year he published his amazing 100 Superlative Rolex Watches which I did a detailed review of, along with a fascinating podcast interview with John which you can see by clicking here.

So what is the origin of the Rolex Yacht-Master Chronograph? From my study of Rolex design, it is crystal clear to me that Rolex experimented like crazy and one could argue that Rolex threw everything they could think of at the wall and waited to see what stuck. The original Rolex Yacht-Master is interesting because it was the second Rolex developed around the Nautical theme–the first being the Rolex Submariner.

Ironically, Rolex developed the Yacht-Master Chronograph before they developed the SEA-DWELLER. I believe Rolex wanted to try to capitalize on the extreme success of the Submariner as a tool watch.

The original Yachtmaster looks like early Rolex Daytona models, but the Daytona models at the time were 36mm, where the Yachtmaster was 39.5mm. Rolex ultimately decided not to bring the Yachtmaster Chronograph to market in the late 1960s, but it remains a very interesting piece of Rolex design history!!!

The Rebirth Of The Rolex Submariner Yacht-Master

In 1992 Rolex introduced an all-new Yacht-Master, but what was its design genesis? A friend of mine, many years ago told me the story of how and why Rolex developed the modern Yachtmaster. I can't confirm his story because I was not there but I will share it with you:

In the late 1980s, Rolex wanted to significantly update and modernize its Rolex Submariner model. The Rolex design team experimented like crazy and came up with what today is the modern Yacht-Master. The challenge was that Rolex loved the new design, but was scared to death to radically transform the Submariner. The Rolex Submariner was at the time and remains to this day, the most iconic watch in the world.

One could argue that for the last half-century, the Submariner has been Rolex's bread & butter.

Rolex loved the design of the new Submariner prototype; where the original had hard right angles, the new one had smoothly radiused edges. The new version had an etched bezel insert that was permanently soldered to the bezel. The new watch had fat hands and maxi markers and was a magnificent work of streamlined art. The challenge was that it looked nothing like the original.

Jocke, the famous Rolex photographer took the side by side photo above of the Rolex LV Submariner with Black Bezel Insert next to his Stainless and Platinum Yacht-Master. If you look at the two watches side by side, you really see how similar they are so much so, one could argue they are the exact same watch.

Rolex Design Language Evolutionary Steps

Design Note: Rolex design language has always been about evolving and then checking back-in with the past. This design methodology typically results in a timeless product that has strong ties to its past. If you examine the all-new Rolex Submariner Rolex Introduced in 2011, you see how it leap-frogged right over the Yacht-Master, while building on the Yacht-Master design language.

In other words, the new Supercase Submariner (2011 Model) has a ceramic bezel insert with lowered white gold markers, which give it a more sculptured/etched look like the Yacht-Master bezel in reverse. Just in the same way the crown guards grew fatter on the Yacht-Master than on the older Submariner, the new Ceramic Submariner has even fatter, crown guards.

Same thing with the new Ceramic Submariner getting fattened up lugs that give it a SuperCase. Also, add the fat hands, and Maxi-Markers, and the Ceramic Submariner leap-frogs the Yacht-Master by adding the super-innovative glide-lock clasp.

I realize I got a little sidetracked with the Submariner/Yacht-Master discussion, so now let's go back to the Yacht-Master. Rolex ultimately decided to revive their old trademark of Yacht-Master, and the rest, as they say, is history. If you carefully examine the modern Yacht-Master you will find it is almost identical in every way to a Submariner!!! The stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master below almost looks like an albino version of the Submariner.

Rolex originally introduced the 40mm Yacht-Master in 1992 it was a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold, with a white dial and 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. The Yacht-Master had a triple-lock crown, and it was water resistant to 100 meters (10 bars) which is 320 Feet.

Essentially, the first Yacht-Master was positioned as a Luxury version of the Submariner. The Submariner was for use underwater, and the Yacht-Master was for use topside. If the Submariner was for The Captain/The Skipper, the Yacht-Master was for Thurston Howell III (The Millionaire).



Just for frame of reference, I am sharing these image of  Emeril Lagasse and Brad Pitt sporting full-size 40MM Men's Rolex Yacht-Master models.




In 1994, Rolex introduced a 35MM "Mid-size edition" named the Reference 69628 which was geared toward the Asian market, or for men with smaller wrist sizes. In the photos below we see Charlie Sheet rockin' a three-quarter size Rolex Yacht-Master.

That same year Rolex introduced the women's 29MM version of the Yacht-Master named the Reference 69628.

In the same year, Rolex also introduced a 18KT gold 40mm men's version with a blue sunray dial, which I happened to purchase. I took the wrist-shot photo below of my yellow gold Yacht-Master in 2002. I don't own this beauty anymore, but I really enjoyed wearing this striking work of art.

In 1999, at Basel Fair, Rolex introduced the 40 MM stainless steel and platinum version of the Yacht-Master known as the Reference 16622. Rolex referred to this stainless steel and platinum combo as Rolesium. 

This watch is unique in the sense it has a platinum machined bezel with beautifully raised markers, as well as a dial made out of platinum. I have often criticized this model for lacking contrast and being too monochromatic, or albino, but in certain lighting, conditions the dial really comes to life as you can see in this photo taken by Vu.

In 2005 Rolex introduced a 40MM Rolesor stainless steel and gold two-tone version of the Yacht-Master known as Reference 16623. Rolex refers to two-tone stainless steel versions of their watches as Rolesor.



Rolex also started making Yacht-Master watches with a special mother of pearl dial, as seen below.

...Rolex Instantly Re-invents A Classic...

Stainless Steel & Platinum Yacht-Master

Cobalt Blue Sunray Dial

[40mm: Reference 116622]

Rolex very, very rarely introduces all-new models, but when they originally introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992 it was a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold, with a white dial and 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. 

All New Blue Dial Yacht-Master Photo By Jurgen

At BaselWorld in 1999 Rolex surprised everyone when the introduced the stainless steel and platinum version. Rolex refers to the combination of Stainless Steel and Platinum as Rolesium. This all-new model was the first to bring back the timeless Maxi Markers and fat hands. Since then Rolex has slowly returned all sports models to incorporate Maxi Markers and fat hands-Thank God!!! 

The stainless and platinum Yacht-Master dial and bezel were made out of platinum but, the challenge was that the watch had no contrast. It was beautiful but it looked albino and had no pop. That all changed this year at BaselWorld when Rolex introduced the new 40mm Reference 116622 with a Cobalt Blue Sunray dial, which is just stunning. With this new version, Rolex also updated the case design, by giving the Yacht-Master a Supercase, which means, they made the lugs much thicker.

YACHT-MASTER

42MM WHITE GOLD

Last year Rolex introduced the all-new white gold Rolex YACHT-MASTER in 42MM, which is stunningly magnificent!!! I LOVE the 42MM sizing, and noticed the Fat Hands and Jumbo Markers, which look amazing!!! Essentially, the Rolex Yacht-Master—just like the SEA-DWELLER—has always been a Rolex Submariner variant. So basically, we are are seeing what a 42MM or 43MM Submariner would look like, and it's BRILLIANT!!!!!

Also notice that Rolex seriously narrowed the lug width on this puppy, as the design language is going retro, back to the old-school lugs. 

Below you can find my previously published story from 2014 that will walk you through the history of the Rolex Yacht-Master so you will get a much better understanding of the evolution of the model and understand how we got to this point:

Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: LV Macro Magic by Jocke

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

LV Macro Magic by Jocke

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day Jocke's Pepsi Rolex GMT Master Reference 1675

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Pepsi Rolex GMT Master

Reference 1675

Jocke's Rolex Alchemy Design Masterpiece...

9 Years Of Jake's Rolex World!!!

Note: It is hard to believe, but today represents the beginning of the 9th year of Jake's Rolex World!!! So I thought I would share the following "Watch Quote Of The Day" which was published originally on May 15, 2008:

"It is the emotional discovery of the secrets of time, of the very soul of a watch. Watches appeal to us, and win us over by the beauty of their soul and the secrets they conceal: the life of a mechanical watch and of its beating heart; its words; its ticking; and its face, which expresses sadness at 8:20 and joy at 10:10. The relationship we have with a watch is like a love story, and love cannot be described by specific and objective criteria" –Franco Cologne

I was looking through my archive and stumbled into this post I originally published on June 8, 2008. It caught my eye, as I think this Rolex dial is insanely beautiful, so I thought I would share it. As I enter into my 9th year of publishing, I am even more enthusiastic that when I began on May 15, 2008. In large part this is due to the fact that I have a great deal more fascinating Rolex history to share with you! If you want to learn more about how and why I became a Rolex Fanatic of The Highest Order you can check out my personal Rolex History.

More Rolex Alchemy

Jocke is an extremely talented and passionate Rolex fanatic from Sweden, as well as an excellent photographer.

Jocke is my kind of Rolex fanatic because he always thinks about how to make excellent Rolex watches even better.

Jock took a standard Stainless Steel Rolex and added a stock Rolex Sunbeam dial with raised white gold Roman numerals and added a set of hands from a Rolex Yachtmaster, and with these simple modifications created what in my opinion is one of the most beautiful and stunning Rolex watches in existence.

When I first saw Jocke's brilliant creation, it took my breath away–literally. I was in complete awe, as I still am!!!

But what was Jocke thinking?  Essentially he wanted to create a hybrid watch that had the sportiness of a Rolex Explorer with the elegance of a dressy Datejust, along with the red pop of a Yachtmaster–and as you can see he did just that.

Jocke did not stop there.  Oh no!!! He also took a Datjeust with a stock Rolex Tuxedo dial and added a red second hand and red date dial and with just those two simple modifications created another masterpiece.

It is amazing what a hint or red can do to change the vibe of anything.  Just about every design can benefit from a touch of red.

Picture above are Jocke's two masterpieces side by side.

Pictured above is Jocke's Roman numeral Masterpiece on his wrist.

Pictured above is Jocke's creation next to a standard Rolex Explorer.

Pictured above is a current generation Rolex Datejust with a black dial with raised white gold Roman numerals.

I am showing this watch to you so you can see what a standard Datejust with a black dial with Roman numerals looks like.  Also, this datejust has a domed bezel, polished center links with solid end links.

The watch above shows what the Sunbeam looks like with standard hands.  It is amazing how just changing the hands changes the look completely.  Jock, my hat is off to you. As far as I am concerned you have created an absolute masterpiece!!!

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Week: Jocke's Rolex Yachtmaster ...

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

Platinum Perfection

Jocke's Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day: Jocke's Rolex GMT Master Close Up

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Rolex GMT Master Close Up

[Reference 1675]

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day... Jocke's Love of the LV Submariner

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Love of the LV Submariner

...Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day... Jocke's Polar Explorer II

...Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Polar Explorer II

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day: Jocke's Platinum & Stainless Yacht-Master

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Jocke's Platinum & Stainless Yacht-Master

Jocke is from Sweden and he is one of the top Rolex photographers in the world. Jocke has also been known to customize some of his Rolex watches, particularly to add a touch more red, and on his Yacht-Master pictured below he replaced the standard black numeral date dial with a red one, which looks great!!!

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day... Jocke's Single Red Submariner

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Single Red Submariner

Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: Jocke's Rolex Yachmaster

Jocke's Magical Macro

Jocke is one of the most talented Rolex photographers in the world. Every time I see a new photo of his, my jaw drops. Here Jocke has captured the magnificence of the platinum dial on the Stainless and Platinum Rolex Yacthmaster.

Rolex Platinum and Stainless Yacht-Master...

...Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day...

Jocke's Rolex Platinum and Stainless Yacht-Master

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day Jocke's Vintage Coke GMT Master...

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day

Jocke's Vintage Coke GMT Master

[Reference 1675]

Ever Wonder How It Works? How A Rolex Oyster Case Is Put Together: DEEP-SEA SEA-DWELLER

Ever Wonder How It Works?

How A Rolex Oyster Case Is Put Together

DEEP-SEA SEA-DWELLER

Rolex design and engineering is amazing. One of the challenges we are working on overcoming is that most people who wear Rolex watches have no idea how the parts are designed and assembled. They also have no idea of how exactly a perpetual Rolex movement (automatic) works.

In the future we intend to share in great detail exactly how the magnificent mechanical masterpieces are put together. Today we are in for a treat which Jocke, from Sweden sent in. This Rolex illustration shows all the parts of a Rolex case for a DEEP-SEA SEA-DWELLER and how the fit together. If you examine it closely, it is just mind-blowing.

One challenge with this image is that "F" which is the "Domed Sapphire Crystal" is hard to see since it is transparent, so you have to use your imagination a bit. Special thanks to Jocke for sending in this amazing Rolex illustration to share!!!

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day: Have A Coke GMT-Master & A Smile!!!

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Have A Coke GMT-Master & A Smile!!!

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day Jocke's Stainless & Platinum Yachtmaster

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Jocke's Stainless & Platinum Yachtmaster