Rolex Daytona / Yacht-Master I & II

[Bonesey]

*Picture Credit AskMeAgain*

~ History ~​

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a mechanical, self-winding chronograph. It is manufactured since the early 1960s and known as the archetype of a sport watch for racing drivers.

There are two series of the Cosmograph Daytona. The original series, produced in small quantities from the early 1960s to the later 1980s, has a four-digit model or reference number, for example the reference 6263. This original series eventually became iconic but in very short supply in the early 1990s, which led to a second series to meet demand. This second series was a Zenith modified movement, the five digit series movements noted by dropping the "1" from the current 6 digit code is notably the most accurate of all movements whose pedigree is in the famous Zenith "El Primero" movement. This movement was originally manufactured and released in the '60s and is still the highest VPH mass produced movement on the market at 36,000 VPH. The "El Primero" movement is often considered the hallmark of chronographs for accuracy and reliability. Rolex purchased these movements for the Daytona and then modified the movement from 36,000VPH to 28,800VPH and made a few other subtle changes. These later series Daytonas prior to in-house movements were produced from 1988 to 2000 and represent the time period where Rolex Daytonas really began cult status, due to its limited production, accuracy, reliability and limited supply as they were coming from Zenith. This Zenith based movement is often considered more accurate and reliable than any other movement in the Chronograph space, including the current in-house Rolex Daytona model. The current series, the Rolex in-house made movement, has a six-digit reference number, for example reference 116520. The new six-digit Daytonas are certified, self-winding chronometers with chronograph functions.

From 4030 Zenith to 4130 of manufacturing (Small Story) - by Debellum

*Click picture for link*

Daytona- Everything You Need To Know and Then Some by txrob779

Hodinkee - A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection Of The Rolex Daytona, Past To Present (Part 1)

Hodinkee - A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection Of The Rolex Daytona, Past To Present (Part 2)

Hodinkee - A Vintage Watch Nerd's Critical Dissection Of The Rolex Daytona, Past To Present (Part 3)

~ A7750 useage and good practice ~

The A7750 overall is a robust movement in standard configuration. Complications arise when it is modified. This could be moving the seconds to 6, as per the Portuguese or Daytona replicas, or the seconds at 12 configuration for some Audemar Piguet replicas. However, these modifications aside there are good and bad ways to use any mechanical movement. Here are some handy links for anyone owning an A7750 equipped replica.

7750/7753 Technical Support Section

A7750 user guide and best practice guide by Trailboss

Swiss Valjoux 7750 Automatic VS Japanese Quartz

R2D4's 7750, 51,52, 53, 54 ect. Reference Sheet

How to distinguish Asian 21,6 7750 from 28,8 7750?

~ Seconds at 6 ~

Seconds at 6 explained by thedoover

The seconds at 6 configuration most commonly seen in the Rolex Daytona is, as stated before, a modification to the movement. Seen below is the older style seconds at 6 movement with multiple additional gears. These are often, dirty, misaligned, on press fit pivots and prone to very erratic timekeeping.

*Picture credit 14060 or 16610?*

The solution to this was to create a new movement plate that incorporated 3 new jewels to the gear train. This has lead to a much more reliable movement.

*Picture credit 14060 or 16610?*

For more in depth information please read this thread by 14060 or 16610?
The "New and Improved" Seconds-at-6 Movement Explained

How dmuit solved the Seconds at 6 problem my manually adding 3 jewels to the gearing

Review, FAQ & buying guide of ROLEX Daytona "Seconds at 6" by By-Tor

~ Seconds at 9 ~

Zenith El Primero Cal 400

Seconds at 9 is the native configuration for the A7750 movement. The only versions of the Daytona that I have seen are a mashup of the older Zenith Daytona (secs at 9) with the dial and the case set & clasp system from the current 1165** models. This being said, if you can live with the inconsistency of the movement vs the case set it means you can have the most stable of the Daytona replicas.

There is currently only one factory that builds the seconds at 9 Daytona. It is not well known for amazing QC according to the dealers. Current dial / case sets are limited to the 116520 with white and black dials. I have not seen any other variations recently but this doesn't mean they are not available.

116520 Black Dial Sec@9

116520 White Dial Sec@9

Review of Daytona Sec @ 9 by P4GTR

Daytona Seconds 9 From Mary by landrax

~ Frozen centre seconds (21j) ~

The frozen centre seconds Rolex Daytona was a piece offered by only one dealer on this forum who now, sadly, has passed away. This movement offered some advantages and disadvantages over the A7750 modified movements. It allowed for a thinner and more gen like case, with a reliable running seconds at 6 on the dial. This was a native 21j movement with this configuration. Standard 21j Daytona reps would have either both the main seconds hand AND the running seconds. It took 3 years before a dealer listened to us about a reliable 21j movement, for a reasonably cheap price, and a good case set. You can read about this offer HERE in T4Ds old section (RIP).

Rolex Daytona 116520, Same Bezel bevel, Thickness with GEN Frozen Sec Hand, Running@6

[REVIEW] Some ? Daytona discussion... (a21j, Secs @ 6 Overview) by Spirit

Update: 02/04/2013

One of the newer dealers to the forum, Ryanwyer at Intime watches, has posted up some interesting threads about this 21j version and customers have already been receiving pieces from him. Good news for those wanting a reliable Daytona.

Rolex Daytona 116520, Same Bezel bevel, Thickness with GEN Frozen Sec Hand, Running@6

REVIEW: 21j Frozen Second hand from Ryan by chaw6125

Update: 08/05/2013 - WM9 Daytona??

This was not something that I have heard of before, or seen before. Possibly a first for the forum. A member has turned up and posted what he claims to be a WM9 Daytona with a slim profile and working seconds at 6 movement. This is, he claims, a prototype from the WM9 factory and possibly the only one. He has further modified it with a genuine crystal.

Have you heard about the WM9 Daytona?? by darktheko

One of a kind daytona by darktheko

Franken modern 116520 daytona by darktheko

~ 116505 ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability unknown
18k Rose gold plating / Sapphire Crystal

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116505 Rose Gold / Black dial

Example Daytona 16505 Rose Gold / Rose Gold dial

~ 116509 ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability unknown
Sapphire Crystal

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116509 Black dial

Example Daytona 116509 White dial

~ 116515LN ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability unknown
18k 'thick' Rose Gold plating
Sapphire Crystal

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Daytona 116515LN Brown Dial / Brown Leather strap

Example Daytona 116515LN White Dial / Black Strap

Daytona 116515LN Rose Gold, Black Bezel, Leather Strap discussion thread

~ 116518 ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability confirmed
18k Yellow Gold plating
Sapphire Crystal

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116518 - Blue Dial

Example Daytona 116518 - White Dial

~ 116519 ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability unkown
Sapphire Crystal
Unable to verify existence of MOP/Diamond dial combination

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116519 Grey/Slate Dial

Example Daytona 116519 White Dial

Example Daytona 116519 Black Dial

~ 116520 ~

Available with 7750 movement
29j Movement availability confirmed
Sapphire Crystal

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Daytona 116520 Black Dial

Example Daytona 116520 White Dial

~ 116523 ~

A7750 Version / Grey Sunburst
A21j Version / MOP & Diamonds
29j Movement availability unconfirmed
Availability of other versions unconfirmed

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116523 Grey Sunburst Dial / A7750 / Two Tone

Example Daytona 116523 A21j / White Mother of Pearl Dial / Diamond Markers / Two Tone

Example Daytona 116523 Black Dial / Two Tone

Example Daytona 116523 White Dial / Two Tone

~ 116528 ~

A7750 Version Available
29j Movement availability unconfirmed
Sapphire crystal
18k Plated

*Picture credit Watcheden.biz*

Example Daytona 116528 18k Plated / Black Mother of Pearl dial / Diamond Markers

Example Daytona 116528 18k Plated / Gold Dial

Example Daytona 116528 Black Dial

Example Daytona 116528 White Dial

~ 116506 ~

Introduced at Basel World 2013 is the newest version of the Rolex Daytona with a chocolate coloured ceramic bezel and powder blue dial. This is the first Daytona made from Platinum. As it's only just been released it should be a little time before we see a replica of this.

New 2013 Rolex Daytona Cosmograph by iamthestig

~ 116598 RBOW / 116599 RBOW~

Japanese Quartz Movement
Sapphire crystal
18k Plated

Example Rolex Daytona 116598 RBOW - Quartz Movement

~ Project X / Pro-Hunter ~

Project X and Pro-Hunter are customisation houses working specifically with Rolex watches. There are other customisation houses such as Bamford, Blackout and Fragment. You get the ability to customise the entire colour of every aspect of your watch. As far as replicas are concerned there are as many variations out there as you can imagine. With the ability for customers to change almost anything the replica makers have taken as many designs as possible and churned them out.

Project X Designs

Pro-Hunter

~ Daytona Reviews ~

Daytona 116515LN Rose Gold, Black Bezel, Leather Strap by Rep Master

Just received: Daytona 116509 by Ingelero

Noobfactory Rolex Daytona 116520 Black Dial Review by DarthAlex

Noobfactory Rolex Daytona 116523 Two Tone White Dial Review by DarthAlex (second part of post)

Gen Vs. Rep Daytona 116520 comparison by ryanwayer

~ Eye Candy & Wristshots ~

New Daytona Modded By Domi - 116520 White dial

116528 Full gold, Champagne dial 116528​

 

[Bonesey]

Picture credit AskMeAgain*

~ History ~

The Small History of the Yacht-Master by Debellum

The Rolex Yacht-Master is a sport watch made by Rolex, first introduced in 1992 with the model 11628 in 18KT yellow gold. In 1994, Rolex released a lady's model (69628) and a mid-size man's model (68628), which was the first time Rolex had ever issued a smaller professional size watch. In 1996, Rolex introduced two-tone (stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold) to the lady's and mid-size line.

In 1997, Rolex released the Yacht-Master in Rolesium, a term patented by Rolex in 1932 which gives the Yacht-Master a stainless steel and platinum construction; the bezel and dial are platinum, while the case, band, crown, etc. are stainless steel. This model is also known as the Platinum Yacht-Master.

Some facts on the rep quality:

- Biggest tell typically is the Rolesium dial reproduction. First versions, noob Yacht-Master included, tended to have a brownish color here.

- The 2008 ETA version, as well as the current SA3135 rep try solving that by applying a flat grey background with some metal sparkle elements in between.

- The TW best had the right rough texture and now brown color tint, but it was slightly too dark overall, plus it came with some flaws in the black print reproduction (crown, Rolex word, etc).

- Golden (or Rolesium?) standard is the wm9. TC uses the identical dial like wm9.

- Second biggest flaw is the bezel insert. Both numbers font, numbers spacing, numbers position relative to the inner and outer bezel rim, the degree how much the numbers get rised, and the texture of the sanded background is not always well reproduced on the reps.

- Again wm9 and TC are golden standard, followed closely by SA3135, then TW best. All others are typically bad, including aftermarket inserts from eBay.

- Other potential flaws are: the red color both in the "Yachtmaster" print (the latter being too thin font sometimes on top) and the seconds hand; the date font, size and position (only perfect on the wm9, even the TC has flaws here); crown position; case shape ("Sean case" on wm9, TC and TW best v1 is most accurate); crown reproduction on the clasp (tell on all reps, including wm9).

~ 16622 ~

Available with 21j through to 'Swiss ETA'
Quality varies with case set
Available with / without rehaut engraving
Available 34mm through to 40mm sizes

*Picture credit silix-prime.co*

Noob Yacht-Master (2008)
Click picture for full size image


Example Yacht-Master 16622 Rolesium 21j

Example Yacht-Master Rolesium 16622 without rehaut engraving Clone ETA / Swiss ETA

[REVIEW] 16622 ? Yacht-Master "Rolesium" by Spirit

Gen Yacht Master dial vs rep dial by Ruprekt

Best YM Rolesium price variations? a discussion thread started by odyseus10

New Yachtmaster From Andrew @ Trusty Time (Pic Heavy) by bbphrog

~ 16623 ~

Available with 21j through to 'Swiss ETA'
Quality varies with case set
Available 29mm through to 40mm sizes
14k Wrapped Bracelet option possible

*Picture credit silix-prime.co / watcheden.biz*

Example Yacht-Master 16623 18k Plated / Swiss ETA / 40mm

Example Yacht-Master 16623 29mm / 34mm Swiss Movement

~ 16628 ~

Available with 21j through to 'Swiss ETA'
Quality varies with case set
Available 29mm through to 40mm sizes
18k Plated

*Picture credit silix-prime.co / watcheden.biz*

Example Yacht-Master 16628 18k Plated 29mm / 34mm / Swiss ETA

Example Yacht-Master 16628 18k plated / 40mm / 21j movement

~ 116622 ~

The blue faced Yacht-master has just appeared in the dealer websites as of 29/12/2012. The only version of this so far on the market appears to have the SA3135 Rolex clone movement as does the original SA3135 Rolesium version. Although superficially it appears good there are some issues with this new version.

First of all the sunburst blue dial. It is difficult to tell whether this is a feature of this new watch. Secondly the numbers on the bezel insert are too close to the outer edge. Thirdly the bracelet has the wrong clasp. The clasp on the new 116622 Yacht-Master should be the Easylink clasp found on the GMT and Milgauss models, instead it is the older style short Fliplock bracelet found on older style GMT II's. This would be a simple replacement job, but is another sign that this is the original SA3135 Yacht-Master Rolesium with an updated dial rather than a completely new watch.

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Rolex 16622 Yacht-Master II - Blue dial

~ WM9 Yacht-Master Rolesium ~

Click pictures for full size image


WM9 / BKLM Yacht-Master watches are no longer produced. They still command a premium depending on whether or not genuine parts have been added to the watch. The only chance of you buying one now is through the member to member sales forum.

BKLM Yacht-Master: So how good is it really?

Rolex No Rh YM e or reason.... A day in the sun pictoral.... by eVojlib

~ TC Yacht-Master Rolesium ~

Small volume, high quality case sets come from TC enabling you to build an excellent Yacht Master 16622 watch. The TC factory Yacht Master was a pre-order sale and I'm unsure at this time of its further availability. You can find more details over on TCs Supporting Vendor section on RepGeek.com or on his blog directly.

TC vs. WM9 Dial
Click pictures for full size image


TC Watches Blog Spot

TC Watches Supporting Vendor page on RepGeek.com

TC Factory Direct YM Pre-Order Shipping Address Form

Massive pictorial review of the TC Yacht-Master 16622 Rolesium by Fixen

~ TW Best Yacht-Master Rolesium ~

This version from the TW factory (Taiwan) were available for a short time. Current availability of this version is unknown.

Click pictures for full size image


TW Best dial Vs. Gen


Puretime TWbest 16622 Yacht-Master with Swiss ETA

TW BEST & SA3135 YACHTMASTER side by side pics by watchguyusa1

TW Best YM vs. SA3135 YM (both from PT) by SOLEX

SA3135 Yacht-Master Rolesium

The SA3135 version should still be available. Please read the Rolex WIKI page for more information on this movement.

Puretime Yacht-Master 16622 SA3135 Best Edition with Rehaut Engraving

SA3135 tear down and review by Ruprekt

A Pictorial Review - Rolex Yachtmaster 'Rolesium' 16622 SA3135 by Justloungin

I Love My SA3135-For Those Of Us On Board by txrob779

Rolex Yachtmaster from PureTime SA3135 went smooth by Warrcraft

~ Sean (ETASwiss) ~

Sean at ETASwiss is another boutique dealer offering case sets close to 1:1. As with the BK/TC Yacht-Masters expect to pay a premium for this accuracy. These case sets are designed for the genuine Rolex 3135 movement. You can purchase movement spacers to allow you to use ETA movements, or if you are lucky enough to have a genuine movement (or an SA3135) it will drop right in to the case.

**As of 21/07/2012 the case is not listed on his site. I am unsure of its availablity**

ETA Swiss Homepage

New Yacht-Master 1:1 Case Set by FatMatt

Picture credit AskMeAgain*

~ History ~​

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a sport watch made by Rolex, first introduced in March 2010 with the models 116688 (Yellow Gold) and 116689 (White Gold). One year later, Rolex introduced model 116681 which was made from steel and everose gold. The Yacht-Master II uses the 4160 movement specifically designed for the Yacht-Master II. All Yacht-Master II watches have a case size of 44mm.

The Rolex 4160 movement is a chronograph movement with the complication of a programmable timer that counts down ten minutes. The countdown mechanism was primarily designed for regattas where the Starting sequence can last up to 10 minutes. The movement took 35,000 hours (nearly 4 years) to create and is made up from 360 parts. The movement also has a 72 hour power reserve for when the watch is inactive.

The countdown mechanism is constructed using a column wheel that extends through the main plate and a vertical clutch. The mechanism makes it possible for the wearer to program in advance of and official countdown time and then start the timer once the countdown has begun and the mechanism can be programmed to count down 0 to 10 minutes. The countdown feature can be locked and unlocked by twisting the bezel through 90 degrees. The Yacht-Master II was one of the first watches in the world to have a bezel that worked in conjunction with the movement.

If the wearer has started the countdown either too early or too late then the countdown can be synchronized. By pressing the start/stop button, located at the 2 o'clock position, and then pressing the reset button, located at the 4 o'clock position, the minute countdown hand re-positions its self to the nearest minute while the seconds countdown hand returns to 0.

~ Replica Movements ~​

There is unfortunately nothing in the replica world that could re-create the functions of this watch. As per the description above it was incredibly hard to make and I believe was the first ever watch with a mechanical function tied to the rotation of the bezel. The replica movement is a modified 2813 movement with running seconds at 6. The exact functions of the movement are unclear as I simply have not seen anyone who has bought this watch. This watch is also I believe the first 44mm watch that Rolex have made in modern times, with most being 40mm or less and only the new Explorer II (42mm) and Datejust II (41mm) above that range.

Update: 07/06/2013

We finally have confirmation that the rep does have the correct functions as the gen watch.

this one actually has all the working parts same as gen. Working 10 minute countdown down, same as gen 90 degree rotating bezel, removed "date" after Oyster Perpetual, correct small chrono.

YM II by Bruisedknux

~ 116688 ~​

44mm x 14mm
Nickel-plated Asian 2813 automatic 23J Movement
18K rose-gold plated solid 316L stainless steel case
Scratch-proof sapphire crystal
Bi-directional rotating bezel

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Yacht-Master II 116688 Full Rose Gold

~ 116689 ~

44mm x 14mm
Nickel-plated Asian 2813 automatic 23J Movement
Solid 316L stainless steel case
Scratch-proof sapphire crystal
Bi-directional rotating bezel

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Yacht-Master II 116689 SS case / White dial

~ 116681 ~

44mm x 14mm
Nickel-plated Asian 2813 automatic 23J Movement
Solid 316L stainless steel case
Stainless steel bracelet with 18k yellow gold-plated midlinks
Scratch-proof sapphire crystal
Bi-directional rotating bezel

*Picture credit Puretime.co*

Example Yacht-Master II 116681 Two Tone

~ 116680 ~

Released at Basel World 2013 is the Yachtmaster II available in Stainless Steel for the first time. Given that the rep is already based on Stainless steel there isn't any need to change much other than the serial number and adding the blue bezel with a white font from the 116688 or 116681 model.

Contributers to this WIKI:

I would like to thank the following people for contacting me and adding to this WIKI page.

AskMeAgain
txrob779
Gngn
justloungin
Debellum​

 

[rols16610]

Great info Bonesey, love the Daytona, this is really useful

 

[Bonesey]

Thanks Rols, i think the Daytona section is pretty finished. Of course will always be a work in progress.

Just finishing up the Yacht Master section. Would love to hear from someone who's bought the 23j version of the Yacht Master II so I can flesh out how the rep version works.

 

[hado67]

Very good!. Thumbs up. Love the Daytona!

 

[Bonesey]

Thanks mate

 

[Spirit]

I did a pictorial detailing the Daytonas a21j some time ago, has some pics, although needs to be updated it´s a start to have a look at the low-end Daytona reps.

You can add the link there if you want too, Bones

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/review-some-9819-29429

Cheers,
Spirit.

 

[Bonesey]

That's great Spirit, thanks a bunch

 

[Rick914]

Killer info in here, these are coming out fantastic Bones! Your doing a great job! I know i appreciated all the effort. Thank you Sir!

 

[SecretAgentMan]

Wow.........super information!

 

[Bonesey]

Hold the presses! I've found the Rainbow Daytona!

http://www.watcheden.net/rolex-dayt...style-gift-box-is-included-i-175876-p-1.html?

 

[txrob779]

Gaytona Jr.

 

[Spirit]

Gaytona Jr.

ROFL! :biglaugh:

...But that actually doesn´t look that bad for a new replica, the interesting thing is that it´s quartz.
If this could be one of those so-called "sweeping" quartz, this would sweeten the deal a bit more.

Cheers,
Spirit.

 

[gogize]

Very Very good pack of information on one single post

 

[tootall]

Is there any word on the factories doing a jeweled movement for the Daytona? I can live with a thicker case, but the watch needs to work.

 

[boostin20]

Any updates on how the v2 stem is doing with the sa3135 mov't?

 

[Bonesey]

Is there any word on the factories doing a jeweled movement for the Daytona? I can live with a thicker case, but the watch needs to work.

There's already a 29j movement for the Daytona. I've not seen many reports of this failing yet.

Any updates on how the v2 stem is doing with the sa3135 mov't?

There's a new version of the SA3135 movement out in a Yachtmaster. I will update the thread when I know more information.

 

[n0yxl]

A great collection of information here.

"The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a mechanical, self-winding chronograph" -actually, the 1st series - i.e. 62** model Daytona's use the manual winding Valjoux cal. 72 with a few refinements, and was dubbed "Rolex Cal. 727"

 

[Bonesey]

Thank you. Yes this is true, but this thread is not discussing the vintage 6xxx series of Daytonas.

 

[Jeanmarc]

My Daytona never worked!

Dear Cherry pie,

Thanks a lot for your post, I understand now with may Daytona, I became owner of that model before two years, Daytona 116509 White (Silver) Dial, and it never worked( It worked only one week even after I send for repair 2 times to the dealer).

Sure it is the Second's hand at 6 the problem.

I like very much this model and I am sad to have it not working.

I'd like to know if we can get this kind of new movements as spare, or what dealer provide this kind of movement in his watches?

If that model with second's hand at 9 is more reliable where can I find one?

Thanks for support.