From SwissWatchExpo…
The Rolex Yachtmaster, and Its Opulent Dials. The different kinds of dials on the Rolex
Yachtmaster.
Rolex is known for creating watches for just about any sport and niche. The divers have
the Submariner and Seadweller, scientists have the Milgauss, and racers have the Daytona.
In 1992, superyacht owners and sailing enthusiasts got the Rolex they were waiting for – the
Yachtmaster. Unlike Rolex’s previous water sport watches, the Yachtmaster was not a tool
watch but a luxury watch through and through
With a 100m water resistance and plenty of style and flair, it was best suited for wearing
on the decks of boats, and while lounging in yacht clubs.
So popular was the Yachtmaster that Rolex took the decision to offer it in multiple
sizes, and to this day, remains the only Rolex sport watch available in three sizes.
When it comes to the dial, it doesn’t fall short either! Check out the different opulent
dials of the Rolex Yachtmaster collection:
Most commonly seen on Rolex Yachtmaster watches, are sunray dials – or dials made of polished
metals.
The sunray dial comes from a method of achieving a pure metallic colors such as silver, champagne,
and ruthenium. Silver-plating is most often used as a base layer for the sunray finish, then further
colour is added to achieve the desired end result.
The Rolex Yachtmaster’s sunray dials come in expressive hues of silver, blue, champagne,
rose gold and rhodium.
Rolex uses white and Tahitian mother of pearls for some of its most beautiful dials, and
these can also be seen in the Yachtmaster line.
Mother of pearl dials are extracted from nature; and can vary in color depending on which part
of the shell it was extracted. This means no two mother of pearl dials are alike in
Rolex watches.
In Yachtmaster models, the most common colors seen are the iridescent white mother of pearl,
and the black or Tahitian mother of pearl, which shifts in color from pink to gray, and
even green.
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The Yachtmaster line also makes use of platinum on its dial, specifically on the monochromatic
reference 16622 (one six six two two).
The one-tone look of the watch can feel somewhat utilitarian, so the sandblasted matte finish
platinum dial adds a touch of luxury. This watch perfectly represents the “stealth
wealth” concept, with subtle accoutrements that can only be seen up close.
We see a lot of black dials with white or luminous hour markers in Rolex watches, but
this one on the Yachtmaster is inverted.
The clean white face is topped with black triangular, baton, and dot hour markers. They
are also outlined in gold, making them pop even more against the dial.
These are more than just aesthetics however. Although the black markers do not glow like
the luminous white hour markers, the high contrast makes for easier reading.
To up the ante further, the Yachtmaster line also has what Rolex calls their ‘Serti’
dials -- or sports watches whose dials are set with precious gems – such as diamonds,
sapphires, and rubies.
Yachtmaster Serti Dials combine diamonds with sapphires, with brilliant blue sapphire crystals
taking the place of 6, 9, and 12 hour markers.
Meanwhile, Serti Ruby dials use all rubies for the hour markers. These markers are finished
off with yellow gold surrounds, adding value and impeccable style to the timepiece.
Furthermore, Yachtmaster Serti watches are fitted with mother of pearl dials too, making
them even more luxurious, while staying functional.
The Rolex Yachtmaster is known for its rich and opulent style, creating a striking statement
piece for formal and casual occasions alike.
Which dial was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
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