| 27 December 2015, 02:07 PM | | | | | | | | | 28 December 2015, 09:07 AM | | | | | | | | | 28 December 2015, 11:14 AM | | | | | | | | | Posting Rules | | post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is |   - Forum Listing
- Marketplace
- Advanced Search
- Watch Brands
GMT Master or Yacht-MasterI'm asking the members of this, the MKII forum, because I value the members opinions and many of us appreciate a similar aesthetic in watches. Additionally I see that many MKII forum members own various Rolex watches. Apologies in advance if anyone's nose gets out of joint for me posting here. I'm considering a new GMT Master II (steel, non-batman) or Yacht Master (steel/platinum, blue dial). I have wanted a GMT Master since the 80's when I saw Magnum in the treading water episode where there are several shots of his/his father's Pepsi GMT master (I'm sure I'm not the only one). I've recently made the mental jump to buying a Rolex. I briefly had a pre-owned Explorer I a few weeks ago but it didn't work out. All that being said I can't seem to keep my eyes off of the blue dial, steel Yacht-Master. I'm fairly resigned to going new from an AD. Any pros/cons or thoughts forum members might offer would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to capitalize on your collective experience. Cheers, JV  The yachty blue is a spankin ROLEX... I can say that ROLEX ownership is a fine experience having owned GMT MASTERs and SUBS in varying metals... Sourcing one can be had from a "trusted seller" on a few of these forums, and save yourself the AD experience of paying full retail! If you have a ROLEX trained tech in your "backyard" - as I do, then you can also not suffer from ROLEXs $ervicenter $ticker $hock when it comes time for servicing your fine timepiece. I find the GMT MASTER to be so different from the yacht that you really need to ask yourself in regard as to which has more fn'ality personally? Why not get both ! Best, Randy MK II White Knight AND Gilt Noire KEY WEST STEELINOX said: The yachty blue is a spankin ROLEX... I can say that ROLEX ownership is a fine experience having owned GMT MASTERs and SUBS in varying metals... Sourcing one can be had from a "trusted seller" on a few of these forums, and save yourself the AD experience of paying full retail! If you have a ROLEX trained tech in your "backyard" - as I do, then you can also not suffer from ROLEXs $ervicenter $ticker $hock when it comes time for servicing your fine timepiece. I find the GMT MASTER to be so different from the yacht that you really need to ask yourself in regard as to which has more fn'ality personally? Why not get both ! Best, Randy MK II White Knight AND Gilt Noire KEY WEST Click to expand... Thanks for the feedback Randy. They are quite different. I have two Key Wests coming sometime this summer (hopefully...first group preorder). Some part of my brain is whispering "3 GMT watches this summer is too much". I've found quite a lot of the blue Yacht from trusted sellers but sacrificing the Rolex warranty part (in most cases) is worrisome to me.  From a tool perspective, I think the GMT would be much more usable. Out of my 11 watches, 5 feature some of sort of GMT feature (either a dedicated hand or bezel). I use it every day for work (just to know what time it is for my team). I love the look of the black Yachtmaster, but I just can't see myself using it's features. Working for a multinational Corp I can certainly appreciate that Aceldama. I find my self needing both a timing feature and second time zone often. I particularly like the bi-directional bezel on both watches. It would be ideal if the GMT 116710 had a 120 click bezel but alas it's 48 for it's intended use. I imagine that many still use it to time things. The bezel is a bit too shiny but I don't think that's a deal breaker for me.  The GMT certainly has more utility, but you brought up a valid point that you already have two Key West on order. While there is a great deal of similarity between the two, there are some significant differences. The Key West uses an ETA movement which allows for setting the GMT hand without stopping the watch. I have an Ocean7 GMT with this function. Also has a quick set date function. The Rolex on the other hand uses the Rolex movement which allows the setting backward and forward of the hour hand which is pretty handy if you want to use the hour hand as your time in your new time zone and the 24 hour hand as the time at home. The biggest disadvantage of the newer Rolexes (Since the 16710 GMT) is there is no quick set date function., as that is the mechanism that controls the settable hour hand. Not much of a problem if you wear the watch every day, and or put it on a winder when you don't wear it. It's a total PINTA if you wear the watch occasionally. Nothing worse than picking up a watch with a non quickset date and realizing that you need to advance the hour hand around the dial 40 times to set the correct date!! AFA the Yachtmaster, I have never been a fan of them, as they are just a little too "blingy" for me, especially the platinum dial model. I know that I haven't answered your question, but if it were me, I would spring for the 116710, even though you have two Key Wests coming. Nice thing about these (Rolex) if you buy right, which means a lovingly cared for, slightly used one, not a new one from and AD, you can wear it til you get your Key Wests in and should you find it redundant, you can get your money back in a sale. Thanks for weighing in Arthur. I'm familiar with the ETA 2893-2. I have a slightly water damaged but still working perfectly Debaufre' Ocean GMT with that movement. I totally get the quick set date issue of the 116710. PITA to be sure but I'm intrigued by the jumping hour hand for going back and forth to the west coast. Most of my logic in going new from AD (in tax free DE) is the 5 yr Rolex warranty. This was actually a considerable factor in my making the decision to go Rolex. I'm one of those cursed individuals who everyday checks how much time the watch i'm wearing has lost. I maybe only adjust every 3 or 4 days (but very frankly I sometimes wear more than one watch in a day, hell sometimes I'll changes watches just to sleep in). The plus/minus 2s 5 year guarantee/ 10 yr maintenance interval Rolex is touting is really compelling to me. The easy answer is to ask you back, "Do you own a plane or a yacht?" Unless the answer is both... Personally, I've never been a fan of the YachtMaster. Too "blingy" for me. The black GMTMasterII is a little boring, the White Gold Pepsi is gorgeous, but more than my car. But the two tone GMTMasterII with the gold markers is a complete knockout. If I had not picked up a Daytona a few years back, I'd be seriously considering that one! Not to say that there are not some that will "nibble around the edges" , but walking into an AD and expecting to get a 25-30% discount off MSRP is just not going to happen. The same dealer that only offers you a 3-5% discount on a Rolex may offer a 20% discount on another brand. Most AD's are deathly afraid of Rolex. They know that Rolex will yank their account if they get caught cutting prices. Lots of brands don't really care what a dealer sells a product for as long as they buy and pay the wholesale price for the product. Not Rolex, they are very aware of what the dealers are doing. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk  Arthur said: Not to say that there are not some that will "nibble around the edges" , but walking into an AD and expecting to get a 25-30% discount off MSRP is just not going to happen. The same dealer that only offers you a 3-5% discount on a Rolex may offer a 20% discount on another brand. Most AD's are deathly afraid of Rolex. They know that Rolex will yank their account if they get caught cutting prices. Lots of brands don't really care what a dealer sells a product for as long as they buy and pay the wholesale price for the product. Not Rolex, they are very aware of what the dealers are doing. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Click to expand... Interesting discussion. Thank you for your insights gentlemen. I said 25-30% as and example of some of the discounts dealers make on other brands. You have tons of Rolex AD's in New York, down here in the South smaller cities may have only one or two. Generally they are reluctant to deal, usually a 5% discount, and on really popular models, no discount. I'm sure discounts vary depending on the popularity of the model, how long the watch has been sitting in the showcase or the dealers safe, and how much competition the dealer has in his area. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Arthur said: I said 25-30% as and example of some of the discounts dealers make on other brands. You have tons of Rolex AD's in New York, down here in the South smaller cities may have only one or two. Generally they are reluctant to deal, usually a 5% discount, and on really popular models, no discount. I'm sure discounts vary depending on the popularity of the model, how long the watch has been sitting in the showcase or the dealers safe, and how much competition the dealer has in his area. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Click to expand...  Owning a Rolex is a truly wonderful experience. My personal tastes lean toward the GMT Master II. To me the GMT Master II is a timepiece meant for a man that is active and very involved with his surroundings. It has many roles to fulfill where as the Yacht Master is more specific and appeals to a different but more defined segment of users. This is of course my personal opinion. I will say you cannot go wrong with a Rolex purchase-fine timepieces. Thanks all for your input. I went with the GMT. Pic and details to follow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk vandergl said: Thanks all for your input. I went with the GMT. Pic and details to follow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Click to expand...  vandergl said: Click to expand... Nice choice! I actually prefer the black to the BLNR... Me too Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  Awesome choice. I agree with those who say the Yachtmaster is a bit blingy. Congrats on the new watch! I am holding out hope that Rolex will bring back the coke GMT II. I've given up hope on the pepsi, as I've heard once they take a color combination up the metal charts they never go backwards. Sigh--hence the demand for the Pepsi KW's. Congrats, I love my GMT!!! Easylink is amazing. I would go with the GMT, amazing watch Congrats. You'll love the real gmt movement. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - ?
- 23.1M posts
- 592.5K members
Top Contributors this Month Shop New Arrivals What’s the Difference Between the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II? Ever since the debut of the Explorer II in the early 1970s, Rolex has made a habit of periodically releasing a “Part II” to some of their most famous collections of watches. Sometimes, the second edition of the collection is intended to replace the first as the next step in the evolution of the watch, similar to how the GMT-Master II completely replaced the standard GMT-Master in Rolex’s catalog. Other times, like with the introduction of the Explorer II, the “II” version is intended to supplement the existing collection, offering additional or different features not found on the standard model. In these instances, the “II” version is not is not a replacement for the original model, but rather it is intended to be offered alongside the standard version as a more premium or professional focused offering. Sometimes, these “Part II” Rolex models are very similar to their original watches, offering near-identical aesthetics and functionality. For example, the Rolex Datejust II is simply a larger version of the standard Datejust – it may be larger in size, but functionality and overall appearance are virtually identical. Other times, like with the Yacht Master and the Yacht-Master II, the “Part II” watch is an entirely different timepiece, and is instead intended to cater to an entirely different demographic of user than the original collection of watches. If you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between the Rolex Yacht Master and the Yacht Master II, then read on for our guide that breaks down the key differences between the two Rolex Yacht-Master watch collections. Manufacturing Periods & Reference Numbers: Yacht-Master vs. Yacht-Master IIRolex introduced the Yacht-Master collection in 1992 as a top-tier luxury watch with a nautical flair. This was not a utilitarian tool watch like the Submariner or the GMT-Master (although you can use the rotating bezel to time elapsed events) but rather, a sporty chic high-end watch to wear while at sea. Indeed, the full 18k yellow gold construction of the inaugural 40 mm Yacht-Master set the luxurious tone of the collection. Two years later Rolex rounded out the collection by adding midsize and ladies’ size versions of the Yacht-Master. The men’s Yacht-Master 40 reference numbers and production dates are as follows: - Yellow Gold Yacht-Master 40 ref. 16628: 1992 – 2011
- Platinum/Steel Yacht-Master 40 ref. 16622: 1999 – 2012
- Yellow Gold/Steel Yacht-Master 40 ref. 16623: 2005 – 2015
- Platinum/Steel Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116622: 2012 – Present
- Everose Gold Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655: 2015 – Present
- Everose Gold/Steel Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116621: 2016 – Present
The Yacht-Master II joined the Rolex lineup in 2007. Unlike the Yacht Master, the Yacht Master II offers much more functionality for sailors thanks to its regatta timer to use during competitive races. Since it’s a relatively new collection, there has only been one generation of the Yacht-Master II so far, offered in different materials: - Yellow Gold Yacht-Master ref. 116688: 2007 – Present
- White Gold/Platinum Yacht-Master ref. 116689: 2007 – Present
- Everose/Steel Yacht-Master ref. 116681: 2011 – Present
- Steel Yacht-Master ref. 116680: 2013 – Present
 Functionality: Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master IIAside from telling the time, the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are quite different functionally. Powered by Rolex Cal. 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve, the dial of the Yacht-Master houses center hours, minutes, and sweeping seconds along with a date window at 3 o’clock. On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II runs on Caliber 4161, which is one of Rolex’s most complex movements to date. In addition to the center hour and minute hands and running seconds subdial (and no date), the Cal. 4161 furnishes the Yacht-Master II with a regatta countdown with patented mechanical memory and on-the-fly-synchronization. What’s more, the bezel, dubbed Ring Command, is not just for exterior looks and functionality, but it also controls part of the movement inside the case. The Yacht-Master II has 72 hours of power reserve.  Design: Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master IIThe men’s Yacht-Master sports a 40 mm Oyster case topped with a rotating bezel with raised numerals. The dials of the Yachtmaster are similar to other Rolex sports watches with Mercedes-style hands and round/baton/triangular luminescent indexes. While Rolex originally made yellow gold and two-tone yellow gold and steel versions of the Yacht-Master, the company has now replaced these with full Everose gold and two-tone Everose gold and steel models. When Rolex introduced Everose Yacht Master, it was the first watch to include the Oysterflex bracelet composed of a metal band wrapped in black rubber. The steel versions of the Yacht-Master include platinum bezels. Rolex used to make 29 mm versions and 35 mm versions of the Yacht-Master, but today the only sub-40 mm size is the Yacht-Master 37. Conversely, the Yacht-Master II is only available in one size—a very large 44 mm Oyster case. That case comes with a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel (except for the white gold version which includes a platinum bezel). The dials of the Yacht-Master used to include blue pencil-style center hands and square indexes. However, in 2017, Rolex updated the dials (but kept the same reference numbers) to feature Mercedes-style, plus added baton and triangle indexes at 6 and 12 o’clock, respectively.  The Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II, Distant RelativesThey may share a similar name, but as we’ve illustrated, the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are far from the same watch. The first is a luxurious time and date Rolex sports watch while the latter is a big, bold, and complex Rolex watch built for competitions. Regardless of which version of Rolex’s yachting watch you choose, they are both statement watches in their own unique way.  About Paul AltieriPaul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.  Bob's Watches Blog UpdatesSign up and be the first to read exclusive articles and the latest horological news. Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Resources  Recommended Articles Famous Watch Designers That Changed History When Did Rolex Start Using Sapphire Crystal? Ceramic vs. Steel Bezels: Pros and ConsYou may also like.  Omega SeamasterOmega Seamaster Planet Ocean Black & Orange  Rolex ExplorerRolex Explorer 214270 Stainless Steel  Rolex DatejustRolex Datejust 41 Ref 126333 Champagne  | 
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The depth rating between the two GMT and YM is the same along with the bracelet, so there is no contest there. In the end, as others have said, go to an AD and try them both on so you can get a feel on their fit on your wrist.
At first glance, the GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II may look like the same watch, but if you look under the hood, you’ll soon see that the biggest difference between the two models is the type of functionality the movements inside the watches offer.
Comparatively, the Yacht-Master can time events up to 60 minutes with its rotating bezel and the Yacht-Master II is outfitted with a countdown timer with flyback or fly-forward functionality to use when timing out a regatta race.
I'm considering a new GMT Master II (steel, non-batman) or Yacht Master (steel/platinum, blue dial). I have wanted a GMT Master since the 80's when I saw Magnum in the treading water episode where there are several shots of his/his father's Pepsi GMT master (I'm sure I'm not the only one).
There are many differences between the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II. Manufacturing Periods & Reference Numbers: Yacht-Master vs. Yacht-Master II. Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master collection in 1992 as a top-tier luxury watch with a nautical flair.
While the Yacht-Master II is a chronograph like the Daytona, its mechanics and construction differ significantly from a classic stopwatch function. Thanks to the patent granted in 2007, the technical principles behind the mechanism are visible to the public.