Review of ROLEX Yacht-Master Rolesium "Noob factory" version, Asian 21J movement, amazing "budget" replica...!!!

[trailboss99 1,078]

 

Why Yacht-Master?

My forum friends know that I've never been a fan of this watch. Not because I thought the Yacht-Master wasn't a nice looker, but because it simply wasn't a watch for me. And besides, it would be quite pathetic to wear the same watch as Dr. Phil.

All joking aside, this particular version of the YM is very, very good replica, and it certainly deserved a review. Stephane's wonderful pictorial finally did it for me. My only problem was "how?" I still didn't want to buy a watch that I supposedly would never wear.

The solution was Narikaa, our EU-based dealer, who agreed to borrow this watch for me, just for this writeup. I requested it myself, and even before I got back to my computer to reply his PM, the watch was already on its way. Once again, Reg shows why he's considered top class.

This particular YM rep comes from the same factory with the Noobmariner (arguably the best 16610 Sub out of box), "Noob" GMT (the best GMT Master II base ever), and the legendary correct hand stack Explorer II (the black version is probably the best Rolex replica ever). Actually I just received one of these today (later about that in another review).

The term "Noob factory" sounds a bit stupid. Actually it sounds extremely stupid, but just like "MBW" or "TW Best" it's good and useful way to refer to these particular Rolex models.

One very characteristic and unique feature on the "Noob factory" Rolexes is the thick "front rehaut", which is pretty much lacking from all other Rolex reps. MBW/TW models have thick crystals, but the genuine cylindrical look simply isn't there.

This photo of my "Noob" GMT Master II explains what area I'm talking about.

"Noob" YM has the same thickness and cylindrical rehaut shape, excellent dial (although not quite as good as the Noobmariner and GMT), perfect cyclops/datewheel position and thick crown tube.

There are 2 versions of the "Noob" YM, with very subtle differences. The another version has markings "SWISSMADE" at '6. That variation was reviewed by bklm1234. You can view his article HERE.

That version also has a little bit thinner date font. The markings on my watch is SWISS''MADE. That is just as correct, because genuines come with both dial variations. The date font is a bit bolder on my watch, which I like. I think this thicker date is closer to the gen. Other than that, there are no differences.

Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, and the most popular model "Rolesium", which this watch is a replica of, 1997. "Rolesium" refers to "Rolex Platinum", which is a registered trademark. The whole bezel on the genuine YM is made of solid platinum. Naturally, this isn't the case with the $120 replica. How did you guess?

I have never seen a genuine YM in person, but I can only say that the rep bezel looks quite impressive and beautiful. Also the dial has very characteristic, "gnarled" look on the "Rolesium" version, which has been replicated nicely. Also notice the extremely long SEL (solid end link) on the bracelet. This kind of SEL is only used on the Yacht-Master. Gen YM doesn't have a deep rehaut, and neither does the rep.

The YM bezel teeth are a bit different from all other Rolex sports models, and to my eye the rep bezel looks spot on. The bezel should rotate to both directions, which is (again) accurate on the rep. However, the bezel rotation is way too loose on my watch. This should be an easy modification though.

YM uses the short and utterly pathetic "GMT/Explorer" clasp, which is used on genuine Yacht-Masters (as a default). The polished surfaces just make it look (and feel) a bit classier.

Crown is a little bit too thick, but extremely well defined. Maybe the best looking replica Rolex crown I've seen.

This particular Yacht-Master is available in Asian 21J movement, and also in Swiss ETA. The watch in my review is the Asian version, which Narikaa sells for 60 pounds (that's roughly 123 dollars). This price makes it one of the best "value for money" reps ever.

I always knew this was a brilliant rep, but I was still quite amazed when I finally saw it in person. While I'm still not the biggest fan of the Yacht-Master, the collector in me decided to keep this. While the YM is not a "dress watch" in traditional sense, I'm quite sure it'd look fantastic with a black suit.

If you're a fan of the YM (or Rolex generally), I highly recommed this rep, I doubt they can replicate this watch any better. My only complaints are the bezel rotation, and a little bit too small and thin YACHT-MASTER font on the dial. However, some members claim that there are variations on the font color. Other than that... brilliant! This watch proves again how amazing the "Noob factory" Rolexes are.

I'm also very surprised how much better this watch looks in person. It's a bit of an old cliché to say: "Pictures don't do this watch justice", but it certainly is the case with the Yacht-Master. Well... I tried my best.

 

 

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IMPORTANT NOTE: I will not reply to watch/part/mod questions via PM from the members anymore. I'd love to help everyone privately, but my PM box gets flooded/spammed these days with these enquiries and I simply don't have the time. This is a hobby for me, not a job. Please ask your questions in the public forum where you have thousands of potential helpers. It's nothing personal. Thanks for understanding. BY-Tor.

[dinandriver 0]

Man! I need this watch! Has anyone else bought this one? How do I get ahold of Narikaa?

[NCRich 14,918]

Had it, never wore it. Nice watch though. Nice review.

[Eadesy 6]

This review is very old! Doubt it would still be available for £60 now.

 

[By-Tor 0]

One of the best reps I ever bought for what... 60 pounds.

 

This is almost as good as the WM9 version. I never understood that people are willing to pay post 500 bucks for these Chinese wonders these days. :D

 

PS: I made this review almost 10 years ago. Ten ff.....n years! Amazing. :o

[ganalter3 0]

After spending some time searching for the perfect Rolex, I stumbled across ROLEX and I'm so glad I did. The craftsmanship is incredible – every little detail is carefully considered, and it shows in the finished product. I ordered a Rolex from them recently and can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I've made.

The quality is exceptional, much better than many other super clones I've seen or tried. It's obvious that Rolex .com takes its time to create watches that are as close to the real thing as possible. If you're eyeing a Datejust, I strongly recommend checking out their 41mm, 31mm, or 36mm models. I bought the 41mm, and it has that perfect blend of size and elegance. If you're skeptical about Rolex l will change your mind.