Latest Vintage Piece

2007 Rolex 18 karat gold & stainless steel Yacht-Master 16623 40mm. $14,500.00 CAD. 505-00629

For those not familiar with Rolex sports models, the Yacht-Master can be confused with a Submariner. The confusion is easy to understand as both watches are the same size (from this era), have a rotating bezel indexed for 60 minutes, have the large super water tight triplock crowns, large luminous dial markers with the same style hands. Where they differ is the Yacht-Master is a little less narrowly focused in design. A totally polished case and solid 18 karat yellow gold bezel give it a more dressy jewellery look. The lugs of the Yacht-Master turn down more and aren’t as sharp, making for an unquestionably more comfortable watch. This is still a watch that can be worn for all activities. Its famous oyster case provide a conservative water resistance rating at a mere 300 feet. The mild water-resistance rating is likely more political than practical as the Submariner has always been the halo model for the diver look. The two way indexed bezel is a handy device useful for timing any event lasting less than 60 minutes. I’ve heard people using this simple feature for everyday things like parking meters, lunch hours or even timing the perfect steak on the barbeque. The maxi hands and dial markers provide excellent contrast against the glossy white dial with black hour markers. When we first saw this dial we thought is was very odd and impractical with its black hour markers. In the dark it all makes sense as small triangular luminous plots ensure excellent visibility when the lights go out. Even in complete darkness, the “invisible by day, luminous by night” markers phosphoresce brightly. The clean white dial is far more subtle than the bright royal blue face found on a two tone Submariner. A splash of red text is applied so thick it actually shows height. This example is 18 years old, but it looks like new. It shows almost no evidence of use, even on the diabolically difficult to refinish sandblasted/polished bezel. The embossed coronet buckle logo isn’t worn down at all. If this watch has been refinished, it was done very lightly with great care taken not to disturb any original detail. The 11 link Oyster buckle shows next to no stretch or sag, although it’s missing a link or two. If you have a larger wrist we’ll need to get a link or two for you. It does not come with any original documentation of packaging. Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers includes a one year warranty covering all aspects of the watch the same as Rolex. Before this model was retired it carried a retail price of $12,600.00 USD. A current model two-tone (rose gold/steel) 40mm Yacht-Master comes with a retail price of $22,650.00 CAD. Our example is estate priced at $14,500.00 CAD. Stock #505-00629.

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