Rolex Yacht-Master 18K

About the Watch

The Yacht-Master was not the first Rolex timepiece made with sea adventurers in mind. Rolex seems to have set out to develop a tool for sailing while emphasizing on the luxury and aesthetic appeal of the watch rather than on the usability of the watch as a tool, as they did with the Submariner. When the Yacht-Master was first released in 1992, it appeared to profit from the popularity of Rolex's first timepiece with a maritime theme, the aforementioned Submariner. Although it resembles early Rolex Daytona models, the original Yacht-Master may have been a reworking of the Submariner. The release of a completely new model is especially rare, as 28 years had passed since the launch of the first Daytona models. But even though it takes decades for a new model to appear on the market, it is allways certainly worth the wait. Numerous adjustments were made, notably the size, which was 39.5mm instead of the Dayton's 36mm, later evolving into 40mm, 35mm and 29mm models. Other changes included an etched bezel insert that was permanently soldered to the bezel, larger hands and maxi-markers, and smooth, rounded edges.

About the Brand

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.