Rolex
*Unpolished* 1996 Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) 18k YG White Dial
There are those pieces that need no introduction, and others that simply defy definition. This 1996 Rolex Yacht-Master is both.
First introduced in 1992, some say the Yacht-Master was initially envisioned as the second-coming of the inimitable Submariner before eventually becoming its own model (and a more refined, “above water” version of the model it was perhaps meant to replace). Part of that refinement came from the fact that the earliest iterations of the Yacht-Master were only made of precious metals, which is where this beauty comes in.
Built just 4 years into the line’s run, this Yacht-Master is made entirely of 18k yellow gold, which somehow mixes sport and luxury better than just about anything else out there. Add to that its striking white dial with contrasting black markers and you’ve got one helluva piece that also just happens to be completely unpolished, making it one of the best value gold Rolexes out there.
| Stock # | RLXYM16628 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Yacht-Master | |
| Model | 16628 | |
| Serial | T9XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | White Dial W/ Black Markers | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Rolex 78768B 18k YG Bracelet W/ Solid End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The iconic oyster case in 18k yellow gold is in original and unpolished condition. It retains its original Rolex-signed crown. The solid 18K yellow gold bidirectional rotating bezel is unpolished like the case and features minimal signs of previous use. The unpolished case back is clean, showing practically no signs of use despite its age. The 18K yellow Gold Rolex 78768B Oyster bracelet features solid end pieces and retains 12 links with no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2 inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The stark white dial is the perfect canvas for the pitch black enamel markers, Rolex name and logo, and Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified text, as well as the red Yacht-Master name. The tritium lume on the hands has aged to a light cream patina and shows no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The tritium arrows under each hour marker are uniquely applied directly to the dial and have taken on a handsome yellow patina, under U.V. light inspection the dial lume exhibits no degradation whatsoever.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.