By-Tor

Yeah, the differences are apparent, now that I took a closer look. Looked it sloppily. It's just strange that suddenly there are so many new YM reps coming from everywhere. Joshua released another new one (obviously based on the Noob version), with ETA 2892. See it here. Absolutely HORRIBLE date font though. Thanks for keeping us posted Angus. I'm sure the membership would be glad to help if you can keep us updated during the process.

Just FYI: I constructed a comparison picture of two genuine Rolex Yacht-Masters, which clearly shows the difference in the YACHT-MASTER font boldness. From the same site (Blower's Jewelers UK), and apparently the same photographer. The difference is apparent.

Very good info LR. Thanks man. Someone told that the spring can fly like a bullet when you release it (if you're not careful).

@Angus: I'll leave this to bklm, since Yacht-Master isn't really my speciality. But I can say that the new version looks very, very accurate. It has the "U"-shaped crown guards, thinner (better crown), better crown position and also better and bigger "YACHT-MASTER" font on the dial. It looks very nice indeed. But of course we have to see the end product before we can comment. PS Angus: Check King's site. http://www.cclv.net/ 5th row from the top... Rolex-417. Are we talking about the same version?

I agree with Poopy. Does anyone seriously believe that when they can make a completely new version without screwing up something major (that was already done well)? I think it's unrealistic to except the factories to improve them. Both are superb replications, and I'd be very happy with both of them (I only own the SFSO though).

@Archie: If I'm not mistaken, King sells this same rep with 2892. Check 5th row from the top... top left. Rolex-417. Is that what you're looking for?

Wearing the magnificent Yachtie from Narikaa!!

Thanks Steph. It was your review that made me buy this. I didn't even like it, but it looks so good on my wrist. I hate to say "I was wrong", but I think I was (just a little bit at least).

Yeah, and the moon is made of cheese.

Excellent guess PZ, but nope.

Hi Max, you'll see... soon.

Thanks for the support, all who bothered to reply. Much appreciated. I have another review coming soon, and it might be my last one for quite a while.

Thanks Dutchy. Yeah, I'm definitely going to keep this. It doesn't make any difference if the watch is an "ETA version" or "Asian version". They are simply reps from different factories. The ETA version you're probably referring to, is the old one with extremely pale and wrong "Arial" YM font, and datewheel & cyclops positioned far too right. I thought the bezel teeth on this were pretty much spot on. Could you post picture of the better version?

Why Yacht-Master? My forum friends know that I've never been a fan of this watch. Not because I thought the Yacht-Master wasn't a nice looker, but because it simply wasn't a watch for me. And besides, it would be quite pathetic to wear the same watch as Dr. Phil. All joking aside, this particular version of the YM is very, very good replica, and it certainly deserved a review. Stephane's wonderful pictorial finally did it for me. My only problem was "how?" I still didn't want to buy a watch that I supposedly would never wear. The solution was Narikaa, our EU-based dealer, who agreed to borrow this watch for me, just for this writeup. I requested it myself, and even before I got back to my computer to reply his PM, the watch was already on its way. Once again, Reg shows why he's considered top class. This particular YM rep comes from the same factory with the Noobmariner (arguably the best 16610 Sub out of box), "Noob" GMT (the best GMT Master II base ever), and the legendary correct hand stack Explorer II (the black version is probably the best Rolex replica ever). Actually I just received one of these today (later about that in another review). The term "Noob factory" sounds a bit stupid. Actually it sounds extremely stupid, but just like "MBW" or "TW Best" it's good and useful way to refer to these particular Rolex models. One very characteristic and unique feature on the "Noob factory" Rolexes is the thick "front rehaut", which is pretty much lacking from all other Rolex reps. MBW/TW models have thick crystals, but the genuine cylindrical look simply isn't there. This photo of my "Noob" GMT Master II explains what area I'm talking about. "Noob" YM has the same thickness and cylindrical rehaut shape, excellent dial (although not quite as good as the Noobmariner and GMT), perfect cyclops/datewheel position and thick crown tube. There are 2 versions of the "Noob" YM, with very subtle differences. The another version has markings "SWISSMADE" at '6. That variation was reviewed by bklm1234. You can view his article HERE. That version also has a little bit thinner date font. The markings on my watch is SWISS''MADE. That is just as correct, because genuines come with both dial variations. The date font is a bit bolder on my watch, which I like. I think this thicker date is closer to the gen. Other than that, there are no differences. Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, and the most popular model "Rolesium", which this watch is a replica of, 1997. "Rolesium" refers to "Rolex Platinum", which is a registered trademark. The whole bezel on the genuine YM is made of solid platinum. Naturally, this isn't the case with the $120 replica. How did you guess? I have never seen a genuine YM in person, but I can only say that the rep bezel looks quite impressive and beautiful. Also the dial has very characteristic, "gnarled" look on the "Rolesium" version, which has been replicated nicely. Also notice the extremely long SEL (solid end link) on the bracelet. This kind of SEL is only used on the Yacht-Master. Gen YM doesn't have a deep rehaut, and neither does the rep. The YM bezel teeth are a bit different from all other Rolex sports models, and to my eye the rep bezel looks spot on. The bezel should rotate to both directions, which is (again) accurate on the rep. However, the bezel rotation is way too loose on my watch. This should be an easy modification though. YM uses the short and utterly pathetic "GMT/Explorer" clasp, which is used on genuine Yacht-Masters (as a default). The polished surfaces just make it look (and feel) a bit classier. Crown is a little bit too thick, but extremely well defined. Maybe the best looking replica Rolex crown I've seen. This particular Yacht-Master is available in Asian 21J movement, and also in Swiss ETA. The watch in my review is the Asian version, which Narikaa sells for 60 pounds (that's roughly 123 dollars). This price makes it one of the best "value for money" reps ever. I always knew this was a brilliant rep, but I was still quite amazed when I finally saw it in person. While I'm still not the biggest fan of the Yacht-Master, the collector in me decided to keep this. While the YM is not a "dress watch" in traditional sense, I'm quite sure it'd look fantastic with a black suit. If you're a fan of the YM (or Rolex generally), I highly recommed this rep, I doubt they can replicate this watch any better. My only complaints are the bezel rotation, and a little bit too small and thin YACHT-MASTER font on the dial. However, some members claim that there are variations on the font color. Other than that... brilliant! This watch proves again how amazing the "Noob factory" Rolexes are. I'm also very surprised how much better this watch looks in person. It's a bit of an old cliché to say: "Pictures don't do this watch justice", but it certainly is the case with the Yacht-Master. Well... I tried my best.

Hi Cheney. The chrono version is my favorite.

Thanks all for the nice comments. Appreciated.

I just wound this up for Monday. Good old trusty Seamaster ETA from King. Sorry folks, probably the 100th time I use the same wristshot. Gotta shoot some new ones one of these days...

Amazing pictures and watches man! I've never seen that ladies' Aquaracer before, very nice.

...I just can't stop shooting these two beauties.

Thanks all. I'm glad that people find these old writeups useful. The watch is still in daily use by my gf... works like a charm. All: Make sure you post a lot of pics when you receive yours!

Narikaa can get the quartz versions. Of course it can't be compared to the gen, but it's not a bad rep. Good finish and details, and very enjoyable watch. And since there's no 7750 version, beggars can't be choosers, right? I reviewed it. You can see the article here.

This guy, John Hombrook, is one of the most well known watch photographers on the Net. I'm a (rep) watch photographer myself, so I look at good photographers' work very closely. I read this particular review a few months ago, and recalled the picture. This review doesn't have his best stuff, some of the photos there are rather noisy and oversaturated. I also borrowed this guy's idea of making a comparative review of reps. Well... actually it's not his idea, but I thought he did it really well.

Stolen pic. Check out this review: http://rolexreferencepage.com/SDPO/sd%20vs%20po.html The seller is a liar and a scammer. Run, don't walk! Here's the pic he "borrowed": http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/articles/bdpo2aod2.jpg

If you don't mind...

I didn't even notice that. That's great to have the bezel aligned. It only took the factories 3 years to figure it out. About the SMP chrono still... Every single time when I put this rep on, I feel like "holy s**t". It's extremely well built rep, and awesome looker too. And I like that it's not oversized. 41-42mm is pretty much perfect (and balanced) size for a sports watch.