This article will be a review of the Rolex Yacht-Master with Rubber B Straps. Rubber B has dedicated themselves to designing an extensive selection of custom designer straps for the Rolex Yacht-Master series of timepieces.
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Just like many timeless Rolex creations, the Yacht-Master targeted a specific type of sportsman. Instead of car racing, diving, and exploring, Rolex set their sights on sea adventurers, particularly yacht racing.
Rolex has held a strong affection for the seas with many other timepieces going all the way back to the 1950’s. Solo yachtsman, Sir Francis Chichester, wore his Oyster Perpetual as he circled the globe on his yacht during August 1966 – May 1967. He is among 3 of the first yachtsmen to complete the voyage alone in under a year.
A rather young Rolex by historical standards, the Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992. The early Yacht-Master reference 16628 looked almost identical to the Submariner 16610. Although it only had the water resistance to 330 feet, the same 3135 movement powered both the Sub and the Yacht-Master. At nearly 40 mm, and with 18k gold it was released as a luxury version of the very popular Submariner.
Shortly after its release, in 1994, Rolex introduced a smaller Yacht-Master Reference 69628 with a 35mm size for men and a Reference 69628 with 29mm for women. This opened the door to both women and men who could appreciate the smaller wrist size. Some believe it particularly targeted the Asian male population, where Rolex interest has been increasing in demand year over year. Other models appeared as well. Besides the popular 18k yellow gold, there was an 18k yellow gold and steel (reference 16623) and the steel and platinum (reference 16622) that appeared.
Today the Yacht-Master features several sizes 42mm, 40mm and 37mm. The new Yacht-Master 42mm is a stunning timepiece that features both a white gold case, black dial and bezel, and the new Oysterflex band.
However, it was in 2007 that Rolex finally came out with the Yacht-Master II. This massive 44mm timepiece was powered by a new caliber 4161 automatic movement and had a unique Ring Command bezel which can be rotated 90 degrees. This unique timepiece was designed for the professional yachtsman to allow for precise synchronization with the regatta countdown clock.
The Yacht-Master II combines touches of red, white and blue in a dazzling, yet patriotic display. The complexity of this new Yacht-Master II is breathtaking. It comes in 18k yellow gold (reference 116688), 18k white gold (reference 116689) and steel + everose gold (reference 116681). It also features the Oyster bracelet with Easylink 5mm comfort extension system.
Review of the Rolex Yacht-Master with Rubber B Straps
Rubber B has developed a Tang Buckle series for the Yacht-Master 35mm. The vulcanized rubber strap is precisely calibrated to fit the case of Rolex Yachtmaster 35mm case (17mm Lug Space ONLY). This strap utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering, incorporating solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Yachtmaster 35mm case.
These bands feature the Rubber B signature “T” design and includes a 316L Stainless Steel Tang Buckle. It comes in 4 colors – black, red, white, and blue, and a luxurious black tuxedo option. This strap does not fit the larger YM model. Like all Rubber B bands, these are made in Switzerland of pure vulcanized rubber. No coating, blends or bonding is used ensuring waterproofness and support for swimming and sunbathing.
Rubber B has developed 4 models for the Yacht-Master 40mm timepiece. This modern masterpiece has plenty of Rubber bands to select from. Rubber B has a model that supports the original deployant buckle, a model that supports the tang buckle, an industrial strength Velcro® Closure option, and a brand new SwimSkin® Rubber Cuff series Combat Strap.
The new Rubber Cuff series is similar to the NATO bands, but the center is wider and covers the whole back side of the timepiece. This not only protects the wrist from potentially a hot metal watch that has been in the sun for an extended period of time, but it also is vulcanized rubber and feels more comfortable. The Rubber Cuff series also has the texture that feels like canvas, but is instead more durable rubber.
The Yacht-Master with Oysterflex now has a sister band, offered by Rubber B. These Swimskin bands not only emulate true alligator or snake skin, but it is made of a sturdy vulcanized rubber which Rubber B has mastered the art of making. This allows owners to support the original Rolex buckle and clasp, but they can replace their original band with a Rubber B band and keep the one that came with Rolex preserved for future resale. These durable bands are fully waterproof and have a much more exquisite design than the original Oysterflex.
Rubber B has designed 3 dual-color straps for the Yacht-Master II. Not only do these bands match the blue, red, and white of the stunning American themed timepiece, but the racing stripe on the side allows the owner to customize the look. This band has Blocked Integration with the case and supports the original Oyster Deployant Buckle.
Rubber B has also released this new high-tech watch band, made of “SwimSkin®” for the Yacht-Master II. Although this strap looks and feels identical to moisture sensitive materials such as Kevlar® and twill, it is actually 100% RUBBER, therefore waterproof for all sports and aquatic activities.
This tang buckle strap can be compatible with other types/brands of watches with similar lug space. This Vulcanized Rubber watch band has been Tortion-tested for extreme strength and security. The Velcro® Alfatex® provides an inner closure with micro-adjustibility for maximum comfort. It is hand-sewn with Hydroturf® Marine Thread. This strap comes with a 20mm 316L Stainless Steel Buckle included, or can also be used with any other 20mm tang buckle. This is not intended to be used with deployant style buckles.
