Rolex Yacht Master
Both the bezel and dial used on the Yacht Master are made with solid platinum for a stunning finish

The Rolex Daytona and Submariner are definitely two of the company's most stunning and popular timepieces. However, if you haven't ever taken a close look at the Yacht Master, now is a good time to get to know this unique Rolex watch.

The Yacht Master is a fairly new addition to Rolex's lineup having first been introduced in 1992, but it wasn't until 1997 that Rolex rolled out the Rolesium (which is their term for the stainless steel and platinum finish they use) Yacht Master. It really was the Rolesium that made the public first take notice of the watch.

Like Rolex's Daytona, the demand for the Yacht Master exceeds supply every year. This is sure to continue to drive prices of both new and pre-owned Yacht Masters higher as time goes on.

The Yacht Master was the first of Rolex's Oyster Professional series watches to use their Maxi Dial. This dial used enlarged markers and thicker hands than standard issue Oyster Professional watch dials of the time. One big advantage to the thick markers is that more luminous material can be applied, which causes a brighter glow. This makes the Yacht Master one of the best Rolex watches for low-light visibility.

Both the bezel and dial used on the Yacht Master are made with solid platinum for a stunning finish. The bezel rotates in both directions and is surprisingly scratch resistant. The use of a deep red on the second hand and on the dial's lettering creates a beautiful contrast with the platinum. The dial itself is protected by Rolex's standard sapphire crystal, which is extremely durable.

As with any sport watch the quality of the bracelet is critical and even more so with the high price of a Rolex. The Yacht Master uses virtually the same bracelet as the Cosmograph Daytona, which is made up of solid center links as opposed to the hollow variety used in some of Rolex's Oyster Professional bracelets. The one drawback to the bracelet is the clasp, which is the same slip-lock style used on the GMT Master II and the Explorer II. While the clasp is okay for everyday use, you wouldn't want to trust it in extreme conditions. Many people who purchase this watch opt to pay extra to have the same clasp used on the Rolex Daytona installed.

One of the strongest selling points of the Yacht Master lies inside the 40mm case - the Rolex caliber 3135 movement. This movement is a 31 jewel automatic that is made entirely in-house by Rolex. Unlike many of their competitors that outsource the making of various parts in order to reduce costs, Rolex continues to make everything themselves in order to maintain quality and control over all aspects of the design.

The 3135 has been around since 1989 and has gotten a reputation for being one of the most reliable movements ever made. While some people argue that the 3135 lacks technological sophistication, the reliability lies in it's relative simplicity. Many experts believe that the movement was designed specifically to be enclosed in a stainless steel case and endure oppressive conditions. The case itself is water resistant up to 100 meters, which is fine for most conditions, but you won't want to use it for diving like you would a Submariner.

Unlike the Daytona, the Yacht Master really does look great whether you're wearing a 3 piece suit or your mountain biking gear. The platinum color goes well with whatever you feel like wearing.

However, all of this form, function and style doesn't come cheap. You can expect to pay at least $8,000 for a Yacht Master, which is more than a stainless steel Daytona or the two-tone Submariner. But the price does get you a watch with amazing accuracy and durability that's at equally at home in the mud or at a formal banquet.