The Clone Rolex Yacht-Master 40′s Gem-Set Evolution

When Rolex unveiled the Yacht-Master 40 116695SATS, it wasn’t just another addition to their storied catalog-it was a bold statement. This watch diverges from Rolex’s traditional clientele, targeting those who embrace unconventional luxury. While purists might balk at its gem-encrusted bezel, the watch embodies a daring fusion of sporty functionality and haute joaillerie, particularly appealing to collectors unafraid of a little flair.   irst introduced in 2015, the clone Rolex Yacht-Master 40 disrupted norms with its Oysterflex bracelet-a hybrid rubber-and-metal strap that polarized enthusiasts. Yet, its staying power proved undeniable, especially after the Daytona’s recent adoption of the same design. This year’s iteration elevates the model further with a bezel adorned in sapphires, tsavorites, and a diamond-a rare flourish for a brand synonymous with understatement. While gem-set watches often court controversy, Rolex’s execution here transcends cliché. Each of the 38 sapphires (in blue, orange, yellow, and pink), eight tsavorites, and the diamond at 12 o’clock is meticulously matched for hue, cut, and clarity. The result is a kaleidoscopic yet harmonious display, challenging even the staunchest critics to dismiss its craftsmanship.

Rolex’s gem-setting prowess is no secret. As David Bredan noted in his analysis of the Day-Date 40 Green Emerald Platinum, the brand employs painstaking manual curation and cutting-edge technology to achieve chromatic perfection. Sifting through thousands of stones to find a flawless set, their workshops operate like alchemists, transforming raw gems into horological art. Here, that precision shines: the bezel’s stones avoid garishness, instead radiating a refined vibrancy that complements the Yacht-Master’s athletic DNA.

The Oysterflex bracelet, often misunderstood as mere rubber, conceals a titanium-nickel alloy core beneath its elastomer shell. This innovation ensures a snug, adaptive fit, while raised “fins” underneath promote airflow-a subtle nod to practicality in extreme climates. Paired with a glossy black dial (a departure from the standard matte finish), the watch balances opulence with its tool-watch roots. Water-resistant to 100 meters and equipped with Rolex’s Caliber 3135 movement-a workhorse with 48-hour power reserve-it remains a functional dive companion, albeit one dripping in gemstones.

Critics often dismiss jeweled watches as ostentatious or effeminate, a stigma rooted in tacky aftermarket modifications or over-the-top designs. Yet the Yacht-Master 40 sidesteps these pitfalls. Unlike Rolex’s Pearlmaster line, which leans decidedly feminine, this model retains muscular proportions and a clean dial, preserving its identity as a sports watch. The gemmed bezel acts not as a distraction but as an accent-akin to a vibrant pocket square or bold cufflinks in a tailored suit.

Priced well beyond mere accessories, the 116695SATS is undeniably a flex. But it’s a flex with finesse. In an era where men increasingly experiment with color-think bold ties or neon sneakers-this watch offers a horological parallel. It’s a piece for yacht decks and black-tie galas alike, blending seamlessly into both worlds without screaming for attention. The stones, while vivid, avoid vulgarity; their uniformity lends sophistication to the playful palette.

Admittedly, gem-set replica watches rarely earn a place in daily rotations. Yet this Yacht-Master defies convention. Its versatility lies in its restraint-no diamond-studded dial or gilded excess. For those wary of “bling,” it’s a gateway into colored gems, proving that luxury need not sacrifice subtlety. Marketed primarily to Asia’s burgeoning elite, it nonetheless holds cross-cultural appeal, challenging Western norms of masculine adornment.

The 116695SATS is more than a watch-it’s a conversation. It asks us to reconsider boundaries between sport and splendor, between tradition and audacity. And for those willing to listen, the answer might just be ticking on their wrist.