The Yacht-Master became the first replica Rolex sports watch available in three different sizes, with a 29mm lady’s version and a 35mm midsize sitting alongside the larger 40mm, sometimes famous as the Jumbo.
Although sharing the styling cues and case size of the Submariner, the Yacht-Master’s graceful lugs and softer lines give it a more understated presence on the wrist. Water resistance to 100m rather than 300m has seen it able to trim its waistline too, with the flatter underbelly making it a more comfortable all-day wear. 
Some early references were criticized for a lack of contrast, with dials and hands blending and affecting legibility. By the time the Yacht-Master fake watch appeared, Rolex had addressed the problem, and the silver slate Maxi dial on our Yacht-Master scans perfectly against the broad, lume-filled hands and indexes.
The bi-directional bezel is solid gold, with engraved and polished numerals standing out against the sandblasted surround, a lustrous accent that is echoed along with the center links of the Oyster bracelet. Unusually for a Rolesor model, the crown of the replica watch, sitting between its rounded guards, is made from stainless steel rather than gold. It’s a tiny feature, but one that has a big effect and helps differentiate the watch against the two-tone versions of the Submariner.
Inside, the 40mm Yacht-Masters have all been powered by the workhorse caliber 3135, the most widely-used and reliable engine in the Rolex’s catalog. Invented in 1988 and with only minimal upgrades required for the last 30 years, it is recognized as one of the best watch movements ever made.
However, the most exciting thing about the original Rolex replica Yacht-Masters is now the price. Due to their exclusively precious metal manufacture, brand new versions of the watch have always been on the more bank account-stretching end of the budget. On the pre-owned market, having dispensed with the inherent depreciation that affects all luxury goods, a flawless watch can now be as affordable as a fresh-out-of-the-box Submariner. And because of their relative scarcity when compared to the dive watch, they represent a perfect and rewarding investment.
