The Rolex Yacht-Master collection has consistently captivated watch enthusiasts with its blend of sporty elegance and robust functionality. Within this prestigious line, the reference 116655, a 40mm Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master in 18ct Everose gold with an Oysterflex bracelet, holds a special place. This review delves into the intricacies of this particular model, comparing it to its successor (the 126655) and exploring its position within the broader Yacht-Master family. We'll examine its design, performance, value proposition, and ultimately, whether it remains a compelling choice in today's market.
Design and Aesthetics: A Rose Gold Statement
The 116655 immediately distinguishes itself with its warm, luxurious 18ct Everose gold case. This proprietary Rolex alloy boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and maintains its rich reddish hue over time, unlike traditional rose gold. The case is meticulously crafted, showcasing Rolex's renowned attention to detail. The polished surfaces gleam beautifully, contrasting with the subtly brushed areas, creating a sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. The unidirectional rotatable bezel, featuring a Cerachrom insert in black ceramic, provides exceptional durability and scratch resistance. The numerals and graduations are filled with platinum, ensuring long-lasting clarity and legibility.
The Oysterflex bracelet is a key element differentiating the 116655 from its steel counterparts. This high-performance elastomer strap is remarkably comfortable, offering a secure and supple fit on the wrist. Unlike traditional rubber straps, the Oysterflex boasts a flexible metal blade within its structure, ensuring durability and preventing stretching. The deployment clasp is seamlessly integrated, featuring the Rolex Glidelock extension system, allowing for precise adjustment of the bracelet length. This is particularly useful for adapting to changing wrist sizes throughout the day or across seasons.
The dial, usually black, is simple yet effective, featuring large, luminous hour markers and hands for excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. The date window at 3 o'clock is unobtrusive yet functional. The overall design is a testament to Rolex's philosophy of combining practicality with refined elegance. The 116655 exudes an aura of understated luxury, making it suitable for both formal and informal occasions.
Performance and Functionality: The Rolex Calibre 3135
Powering the 116655 is the self-winding mechanical calibre 3135, a workhorse movement known for its reliability and precision. This movement is a testament to Rolex's horological expertise, boasting a 48-hour power reserve and impressive chronometric performance. The calibre 3135 undergoes rigorous testing at Rolex's in-house facilities to ensure accuracy and durability, meeting the stringent standards of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The waterproofness of the 116655 is rated to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for various water activities, although it's not designed for saturation diving. The screw-down crown and caseback contribute to its excellent water resistance, keeping the movement safe and secure even under pressure. The unidirectional bezel allows for accurate monitoring of elapsed time, a crucial feature for sailing and other timing-sensitive activities, hence its place in the Yacht-Master collection.
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