For those who dream of flaunting a gold watch without the hefty price tag, the idea of a dazzling chunk of gold on your wrist might seem tempting. Yet, some may feel it’s too flashy. For those looking for a more refined look, the Rolex Yacht-Master in gold offers a balance of luxury with a touch of sophistication. Now, the Yacht-Master comes in several variations, from the 40mm 18K rose gold model to the newer 42mm 18K white gold and 18K yellow gold versions. While all three are great choices, I personally prefer the 40mm 18K rose gold version—it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and understated luxury.
The rose gold Yacht-Master has two versions: the older 116655 with the 3135 movement and the newer 126655 with the 3235 movement. You can easily tell the difference by looking at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. If there’s a small crown symbol between “SWISS” and “MADE,” it’s the new version with the 3235 movement. If not, it’s the older 3135 movement model.
While many people still talk about N and AR versions of the Yacht-Master, both of these factories have now exited the market. As you may already know, Clean Factory has taken over and is now making versions of nearly every Rolex model, including the Yacht-Master. The quality of Clean’s work far surpasses that of N and AR, and they have corrected many of the issues these two factories struggled with in the past. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Clean Factory’s gold Yacht-Master to see if it’s worth adding to your collection.
Material and Durability:
The Clean Factory Rolex Yacht-Master features a 904L stainless steel case plated with thick 18K rose gold via PVD electroplating. Before we dive into the details, let’s address a couple of common concerns:
- Will the Clean Gold Yacht-Master Fade?
Many people are concerned about the wear and tear of gold-colored or rose gold watches. In the past, gold-plated watches often suffered from “gold peeling” due to poor craftsmanship. However, Clean Factory has taken extra care with their plating process, using a thick PVD electroplating technique that applies a durable 18K rose gold layer. This means that the watch will not face the same peeling or fading issues as older models. After two to three years of normal wear, the color will naturally dull a bit, but it won’t peel off. Keep in mind that if you’re rough on the watch—scratching it often—the plated gold may eventually wear down, revealing the steel underneath.
- Does the Clean Gold Yacht-Master Have the Same Weight as the Original?
One important difference between the Clean Factory version and the genuine Rolex Yacht-Master is the weight. The Clean Factory model has a total weight of around 112g, while the original weighs approximately 155g. The difference is mainly due to the use of 904L stainless steel and PVD gold plating in the Clean version, while the original is made of solid 18K rose gold. The 40g weight difference isn’t a huge issue for casual wear, but if you’re expecting the exact weight and feel of a solid gold watch, that’s something to keep in mind.
Dimensions and Design:
The Clean Gold Yacht-Master maintains the 40mm case diameter, with a thickness of 12mm, which matches the original. The matte black ceramic bezel features a two-way rotatable design with polished 60-minute markers. Clean Factory is known for its craftsmanship in producing bezels, and this model is no exception. The ceramic bezel has well-defined markers with beveled edges, making it feel more refined than those from other manufacturers.
The dial features a striking matte black finish, with gold Mercedes hands and rose gold hour markers. The luminescent coating on the hands and markers is applied evenly, with no overflows, and the details on the hands are precise and sharp.
The rose gold markers are surrounded by metal edging, which is slightly curved, just like the original. Clean Factory’s attention to detail in this area is impressive, as the curvature of the markers’ edges matches that of the genuine model.
Movement and Functionality:
The Clean Gold Yacht-Master is powered by a custom 3235 movement, which is the same as the movement used in the official Rolex model. It features a quickset date function and an accurate time-setting mechanism. To adjust the time, you simply turn the crown counterclockwise, and the hands move clockwise, just like the genuine Rolex. This is a clear differentiator from the older 3135 movement. Clean Factory claims a 70-hour power reserve for this movement, though in practice, it lasts around 50 hours—enough for most wearers. Overall, the movement is stable and has a low repair rate.
Bracelet and Comfort:
The Clean Gold Yacht-Master comes with a rubber strap lined with a metal insert, which makes the watch feel sturdier and more comfortable to wear. The rose gold Oysterlock clasp is equipped with a micro-adjustment feature, allowing for a perfect fit.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Clean Factory Rolex Gold Yacht-Master is a solid choice for anyone interested in adding a gold Rolex to their collection without the hefty price tag. While it may not match the exact weight of the original, the quality of the craftsmanship, the durability of the plating, and the reliable movement make it a great option for replica watch enthusiasts. Keep in mind, the demand for these models is high, so it’s best to grab one while you can.
