Rolex Everose Oysterflex Yacht-Master 116655
Released in 1992 as Rolex’s first all-new watch since the Daytona in 1963, the Yacht-Master was Rolex’s solution to creating a luxury-orientated version of their tool-watch-specific Submariner collection. Inspired by the Submariner’s dive watch credentials, the Yacht-Master introduced some subtle design details that set it apart as a yachting watch with a sporty yet luxurious aesthetic. To achieve this, Rolex gave the Yacht-Master bigger hands, more prominent hour markers, smoother edges with finer beveling, and a solid bi-directional metal bezel with an engraved inlay that, while functional, provided a fashionable statement on the wrist as the bezel caught the light. In 2015 Rolex decided to update the Yacht-Master collection with one of Rolex’s largest deviations from their typically restrained aesthetic in a long time, with the ref. 116655. Not only was the ref. 116655 the first Yacht-Master to swap the collection’s precious metal bezel for a new matte black ceramic version, it was also the first Rolex to feature the brand’s innovative take on the humble rubber strap; the Oysterflex. Made of black rubber with a titanium core, the Oysterflex is not as it seems. While it wears and functions like a rubber strap thanks to its outer shell, it provides all of the safety that a bracelet would, thanks to the continuous strip of titanium that runs through it. With vents on the rear providing airflow to the wrist, the Oysterflex compounds upon the Yacht-Master’s tool watch credentials, but with its sleek black aesthetic, it builds upon the ref. 116655’s black dial and bezel combo creating a wonderfully stylish timepiece that is stunning on the wrist as it contrasts its elegant 18kt rose gold construction. With its matte black ceramic bezel, jet black dial, and comfortable black Oysterflex strap, the Yacht-Master is a wonderful exhibition of how Rolex's luxurious design far exceeds any functional expectations that their collectors set for their watches. Appearing as a rubber strap, the Oysterflex was the first new bracelet design from Rolex in decades. With its titanium core, vented back and supple texture, the Oysterflex is the perfect marriage between wearability, aesthetics and function. This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
