Introduction
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 by swapping the collection’s precious metal bezel for a new matte ceramic version and the brand’s new 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 that casually contrasts its elegant precious metal construction. Offered as a particularly rare variant of the Yacht-Master, the ref. 116659SATS “Skittles” that we have here boasts a sapphire rainbow-set bezel instead of the Yacht-Master’s matter ceramic bezel, giving the watch an incredibly luxurious presence on the wrist.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Papers, Guarantee Card, Hang Tag
Est. value range
$80,000 – $120,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Yacht-Master "Skittles"
Movement
Automatic cal. 3135
Reference
116695SATS
Bracelet
Black Oysterflex bracelet
Year
2018
Condition
Like new
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch, box, papers, and hang tags
Dial Color
Black
THE BEZEL
Far more exclusive than an ordinary Yacht-Master, the ref. 116659SATS swaps the ceramic bezel with a rainbow-set sapphire bezel that gives the model its "Skittles" nickname.
THE OYSTERFLEX BRACELET
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.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
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.
Condition
The watch is in like-new condition, showing only very light signs of wear. The case back stickers are still intact, as are some of the clasp blade stickers. There is light wear visible on the exterior of the clasp. The Oysterflex bracelet fits an approximately 6 1/2” wrist. The watch comes as a full set with boxes, warranty card, booklet, hangtags, and card holder.
Our Perspective
Only relatively new to Rolex's lineup, the Oysterflex Yacht-Master has enabled men and women to wear a precious metal timepiece that continues to offer robust capabilities while still looking beautiful at the same time, and with its gem-set bezel, this variant truly takes that to the next level.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
