rolex yacht master ii steel

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Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680

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Embark on a maritime adventure with the pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680, a 2021 model boasting a 44mm stainless steel case and a pristine white dial adorned with index markers. Driven by the precision of the Rolex Calibre 4161 Automatic movement, this watch features a distinctive bidirectional rotating blue ceramic bezel, adding nautical flair. The stainless steel Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp ensures durability and comfort. Complete with a Rolex box, warranty card, and a 2-year Precision Watches warranty, this watch is more than a timepiece; it’s an invitation to explore the seas with style and precision.

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Yacht-Master II

Manufacturer ref #, yacht-master, stainless steel, dial markers, rolex calibre 4161 automatic, power reserve, bidirectional rotating blue ceramic, water resistance, 100 m/330 ft, strap/bracelet, band material, stainless steel oyster bracelet, 535-2002074, what’s included.

• Rolex Warranty Card, Rolex Yacht-Master II Manuals and Two Hang Tags
• 2 Year Precision Watches Warranty

Watch Description

Set sail into the world of maritime luxury with the pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680, a 2021 model that encapsulates the spirit of adventure and precision engineering. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this 44mm stainless steel timepiece is more than a watch; it’s a testament to Rolex’s legacy of combining innovation with enduring style.

Setting Sail with the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680

Embark on a voyage of sophistication with the pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680, a 2021 model designed to cater to the needs of sailing enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship.

Design and Dimensions

The 44mm stainless steel case, featuring a solid caseback, commands attention with its robust presence, making it an ideal companion for those who appreciate larger timepieces. The pristine white dial, adorned with index markers, exudes a sense of clarity and elegance, reminiscent of the open seas under clear skies.

Movement and Power Reserve

Powered by the Rolex Calibre 4161 Automatic movement, this watch not only guarantees precision but also boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability during extended adventures.

Functional Features

The bidirectional rotating blue ceramic bezel, a distinctive feature of the Yacht-Master II, adds a touch of maritime flair while providing functionality for timing sailing regattas. With a screw-down crown and water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet), the Yacht-Master II is not just a timepiece; it’s a reliable companion for water-related activities.

Bracelet and Clasp

The robust stainless steel Oyster bracelet not only complements the watch’s nautical aesthetic but also ensures durability and comfort. The secure Oysterlock clasp completes the bracelet, emphasizing the watch’s reliability and ease of wear during maritime pursuits.

What’s Included

Your Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 comes complete with a Rolex box, Rolex warranty card, Yacht-Master II manuals, and two hang tags, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive ownership experience. Additionally, enjoy peace of mind with a 2-year Precision Watches warranty.

Conclusion:

Owning the pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 is not just about having a watch; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of adventure, precision, and maritime elegance. From its distinctive design to the functionality of the bidirectional rotating bezel, this watch is a statement of refined luxury crafted for those who navigate life’s seas with grace and style.

Are you looking to sell or trade your Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680? Click here to get a free quote. We guarantee top market prices, a smooth, quick process, and fast payments. But don’t just take our word for it – check out hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from our satisfied customers.

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Rolex Yacht-Master II Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold m116681-0002

Rolex achieved perfection when it turned its attention to redefining the purpose and functionality of the bezel. Typically, a bezel operates independently from the internal mechanism; however, the Ring Command bezel in the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with it. As a mechanical component linked to the movement, the bezel literally acts as the key to the programmable countdown, allowing it to be set and synchronised to the sequence of race start times. Complex in design, but simple in use, it is functionally beautiful.

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a new dial, and new hands that are characteristic of Rolex Professional models, enhancing legibility and sharpening its aesthetic appeal. The dial now features a triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock and a rectangular hour marker at 6 o’clock for more intuitive reading of the watch. A luminescent disc on the hour hand clearly distinguishes it from the minute hand. The Yacht-Master II’s countdown can be programmed for a duration of between 1 and 10 minutes. The programming is memorized by the mechanism so that at a reset it returns to the previous setting. Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official race countdown.

Gold is coveted for its lustre and nobility. Steel reinforces strength and reliability. Together, they harmoniously combine the best of their properties. A true Rolex signature, Rolesor has featured on Rolex models since the early 1930s, and was trademarked as a name in 1933. It is one of the prominent pillars of the Oyster collection.

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict Rolex production capacity and, at times, the demand for Rolex watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Jewelers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

R.F. Moeller Jeweler is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers and can provide information on the availability of Rolex watches.

Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that lightness is a quality to be taken seriously.

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Rolex Yacht-Master II Oystersteel Men's Luxury Watch 116680-0002

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Rolex Yacht Master II

• Yacht-Master II
• Yacht-Master
• Rolex 116688
• Rolex 116689
• $7,000 to $10,000
• $10,000 to $15,000
• $15,000 to $20,000
• Stainless Steel
• Yellow Gold
• 2010 to Present

• $ 23,995 Buy
• Get Quote Sell

• $ 24,495 Buy

Cash wire prices shown. Prices may be higher if other payment methods are selected.*

About Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II was released in 2007 and has since become a pillar of the Big Crown’s maritime-inspired collection of timepieces. The Yacht-Master II was developed for yacht racing and includes a programmable countdown mechanism that can be adjusted from 1 to 10 minutes. The Yacht-Master II's regatta chronograph is also another noteworthy feature, allowing seafarers to time their maneuvers with the utmost accuracy.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Key Features

Rolex prefers to only produce the purpose-driven Yacht-Master II with a simple and clean white dial. Additionally, all Rolex Yacht-Master II dials have legible hour markers and hands, making the watch an ideal tool for all maritime activities.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is powered by a highly complex mechanical movement famous for its unparalleled precision and dependability. The watch currently features Rolex's in-house caliber 4161, which is an automatic mechanical movement with an extraordinary power reserve of 72 hours. Additionally, the Rolex Yacht-Master II movement boasts a programmable countdown timer and a regatta chronograph function, making it a favorite among regatta and sailing enthusiasts.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II sizes is one of the largest models in the portfolio, at 44mm in diameter. While quite large by Rolex’s standards, the 44mm case is necessary to house the complex movement and sophisticated Ring Command bezel. Collectors who prefer a watch with a more robust size and weight will appreciate the distinctive Yacht Master II in 44mm.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is crafted with superior materials that are both durable and timeless. The collection is sold in a handful of material options, including stainless steel, gold, and a combination of steel and precious metals like Everose Rolesor or white gold and platinum. Additionally, the watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a highly resilient Cerachrom bezel made from ceramic.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Price

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a prized collector’s item, and its value has steadily grown over the years due to demand and inventory. The watch's complex design, trailblazing technology, and premium materials add to its price and make it a sensible investment. While prices differ depending on influences such as model, condition, and availability, the Yacht-Master II is overall considered a luxury item with an appropriate price tag to reflect its status. Below is a pricing table for the Yacht-Master II models:

disc. = discontinued

Popular Rolex Yacht Master II Comparisons

Rolex yacht-master ii 116680 vs 116681.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 and 116681 are both remarkable timepieces in their own right, highly regarded for their distinctive features and design. The primary difference between the two Rolex watches is their metal finish; the 116680 has a stainless steel finish, while the 116681 features a combination of steel and Everose gold, called Everose Rolesor. Ultimately, choosing between the two Yacht-Master IIs comes down to personal preference and style.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116688 vs 116689

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116688 and 116689 are two outstanding precious metal luxury watches coveted by collectors and Rolex devotees alike. The major difference between the two models is their metal finish, with the 116688 being crafted completely from 18k yellow gold, while the 116689 pairs white gold with a platinum bezel. Both Yacht-Master IIs are equipped with advanced watchmaking technologies like a programmable countdown timer and a regatta chronograph function, making them perfect for boating and other maritime activities. Ultimately, the choice between either model comes down to personal preference, cost, and style.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel vs Two-Tone

Classic stainless steel Yacht-Master II exudes a timeless and sporty elegance. Its robust 904L stainless steel construction offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for those who lead an active lifestyle or frequently engage in water activities. On the other hand, the two-tone Yacht-Master II models harmoniously blend stainless steel with the warm luster of 18k gold, elevating the watch to a new level of luxury and sophistication.

Rolex Yacht Master II References

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a cult favorite with a versatile selection of reference models to accommodate different preferences and styles. The most sought-after reference models are the 116680 and 116681, which sport stainless steel and steel and Everose gold metal finishes, respectively. The 116688 and 116689 are made completely from precious metals and are ideal for those in the market for a more extravagant wristwatch.

Learn more about the collection by visiting our Rolex Yacht-Master II buying guide .

Available in an array of colors, designs, sizes, and precious metals, the Rolex Yacht-Master II collection offers a plethora of options to cater to individual tastes and preferences.

• Rolex 116680
• Rolex 116681
• Rolex Men's Yacht Master II
• Rolex Yacht Master 2 White
• Yachtmaster 2 Gold
• Yacht Master 2 Stainless Steel
• Yacht Master 2 White Gold
• Yacht Master 2 Yellow Gold
• Two Tone Yacht Master II

Popular Nicknames

The Rolex Yacht-Master II has earned a few well-known nicknames since coming to market among Rolex enthusiasts and avid luxury watch collectors. Some of the most popular monikers are the "Regatta Timer" or simply "Regatta" because of its programmable countdown timer function, which was developed for nautical competitions. It is also often called the "Big Yacht" due to its robust size and polarizing design. Finally, some collectors refer to it simply as the "Yacht 2."

Why Choose Us

Bob's Watches is a trusted and dependable seller of luxury certified pre-owned Rolex watches. With over 20 years of combined expertise, we have earned a stellar reputation for our knowledge, customer service, and devotion to authenticity. Each watch is subjected to a rigorous authentication and servicing process, and Bob's Watches includes a 1-year warranty on every watch sold, giving customers peace of mind and confidence in their investment.

Sell Your Rolex Yacht-Master II

Unlock the value of your treasured timepiece by selling your Rolex with Bob's Watches. Our expert team handles each watch with utmost care and professionalism. With our seamless and trusted process, we ensure your experience is top-notch. Parting with your luxury watch becomes as effortless and rewarding as the moments it has tracked for you. Get started today by visiting our Sell Rolex watch page.

Testimonials

Nathaniel g..

"I had wanted a Yacht-Master for as long as I could remember, but could never justify the high price of buying new. Once I realized that buying pre-owned might be a smarter option, I searched around the internet, but only Bob's Watches made me feel comfortable with making such a large purchase online. I understood their business model, and past customers' reviews were very positive. The prices were competitive as well, and rivaled those of less-trustworthy dealers. Once I made my choice, there was a slight hiccup in the process to wire funds, but when I called in, the problem was quickly resolved.

I received my watch a few days later, and it looked stunning. When the site says "mint condition," it means it! Bob's was also able to tell me when the watch was last serviced, which (in combination with the one-year warranty) gives me peace-of-mind. As I look to expand my collection of watches, I'm sure I'll be a repeat customer of Bob's Watches."

Review originally published on Trustpilot

"I have been shopping for the Rolex Yachtmaster for the better part of a year. I visited multiple jewelers & brokers in my area. Either they were of poor condition or over priced. Then I found Bobs Watches. The staff was expeditious and courteous. They sent me new photos of the watch upon request with no hesitation. The service, price, and condition of the watch was without compare. I am now a lifelong customer of Bobs Watches, I cannot imagine buying from any other source."

Review originally published on Google

Expert Opinion

"The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a true masterpiece of engineering and design . The programmable countdown function is amazingly useful for avid sailors and sailing enthusiasts, and the regatta chronograph is both precise and dependable. The watch exudes a sense of opulence and prestige, and it's easy to understand why it's one of the most coveted pre-owned Rolex watches on the market today."

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the yacht-master 2 hold its value.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is infamous for holding its value long term. Due to its outstanding craftsmanship, groundbreaking features, and refined design, it is a popular watch among avid Rolex collectors and aficionados. As a result, the Yacht-Master II usually to hold its value well and might even appreciate over time, making it a solid investment for those in the market for a high-end timepiece.

Is the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 being discontinued?

There are currently no signs that the Rolex Yacht-Master II will be discontinued any time soon. Rolex is known for fostering the continuity of its staple collections, and the Yacht-Master II has been a massively successful model since its release in the mid-2000s. In fact, Rolex continues to make changes to the Yacht-Master II collection, which suggests that it is still an important part of the brand's portfolio.

Why is Rolex Yacht-Master so expensive?

The Rolex Yacht-Master is an expensive watch because of its extraordinary quality, innovative design, and use of high-end materials. Rolex is known for its rigorous quality control and tireless pursuit of perfection and precise craftsmanship, which produces a watch that is enduring, accurate, and reliable. Additionally, the Yacht-Master offers the wearer a range of groundbreaking features and functionalities, including a programmable countdown timer and regatta chronograph function, which also contributes to its premium and demand among collectors and enthusiasts.

How much does a Rolex Watch Master II cost?

The cost of a Rolex Yacht-Master II can vary depending on factors such as the specific reference model, material, and condition. On average, pre-owned Yacht-Master II prices range from around $15,000 for stainless steel models to over $40,000 for solid gold versions.

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Rolex Yacht-Master Ii 44mm Rose Gold and Steel Watch 116681

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Product Description

Stainless steel case with a stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet with 18kt everose gold center links. Bi-directional rotating 18kt everose gold bezel. White dial with rose gold hands and index hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Dial Type: Analog. Luminescent hands and markers. Seconds sub-dial. Rolex Calibre 4160 automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Screw down crown. Solid case back. Case size: 44 mm. Round case shape. Oysterlock clasp. Water resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet. Functions: hour, minute, second. Casual watch style. Watch label: Swiss Made. Rolex Yacht-Master II White Dial Stainless Steel and 18K Everose Gold Rolex Oyster Automatic Men's Watch

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Product specifications, jewelry information.

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 116681
• Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 17, 2016
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Rolex
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01KJPQ64E
• #36,326 in Women's Watches
• #48,134 in Men's Wrist Watches

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• How Rolex Became King: A Brief History of the World’s Most-Renowned Watchmaker

Rolex became the dominant industrial watchmaker through a series of eccentric, and effective, business practices.

Allen farmelo, allen farmelo's most recent stories, iwc’s new n.y.c. boutique is an espresso bar that doubles as a high-tech watch atelier.

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Rolex is the first—and often the only—watch brand people think of when it comes to high-end timepieces. But beyond that instant recognition, Rolex has become a broad cultural touchstone with symbolic meaning and social significance that speaks across cultures.

While such powerful branding may be ineffable on some level, it is possible to pinpoint the visionary strategies that put Rolex on the horological throne. Five of those strategies stand out: Rolex’s technical innovation, marketing é lan, design consistency, financial independence and selective scarcity have generated the company’s global presence in the hearts and minds of billions of people.

Technical Innovations

Demand for Rolex watches rose swiftly, and British taxes on the Swiss movements Rolex used prompted Wilsdorf to relocate the business to Geneva, Switzerland , in 1919. With production costs lowered, Wilsdorf set out to solve the problem of moisture and dust entering the watch case and damaging the movement. The Rolex team came up with a fully sealed watch case, which Wilsdorf dubbed the Oyster , and released it to much fanfare in 1926. During the 1920s this screwed-together device was so innovative that some consumers, who were accustomed to protecting their watches even from rain, were skeptical. It would take some marketing brilliance to convince the general population that the Oyster case was, indeed, waterproof.

Interestingly, the Oyster case structure is the reason for the fluted bezel found on so many Rolex models today. That bezel was fluted to receive an interlocking tool used to screw the bezel on and off of the mid-case. The caseback was similarly fluted for the same reasons, but like any caseback, it never became a dominant aesthetic cue. For decades, Rolex’s fluted bezels have served no function, and the fluting itself has become gently flared (more like waves than ridges) to the point where, even if one tried, no tool could interlock. As with other technical innovations from Rolex, the visual impact has long outlived its functionality to become a signature of the brand. Witness a professional tennis match , an international airport clock or a Rolex ad today and you’re guaranteed to see that gleaming fluted bezel doing nothing more than gleam. It’s an interesting case of form outliving function.

Despite Switzerland’s neutrality, WWII was challenging for the Swiss watch industry, and technological innovations aimed at the civilian market were few. Many watch companies retooled to focus on war contracts, which demanded simple, rugged watches for ground soldiers and pilots. Always the maverick with an eye on the long-game, Rolex only supplied a limited number of watches to the British military and otherwise marched forward with innovations for the civilian market. In 1945, Rolex released the Datejust. The Datejust was the first watch to have the date jump instantaneously at midnight, rather than taking hours to turn over as in most mechanical wristwatches. Legend has it that the name comes from the date jumping just before midnight.

After the war, Rolex was uniquely poised to supply an increasingly affluent civilian market that wanted futuristic products, and the brand found innovations. Rolex secured the patent for the date magnifier, or Cyclops , around 1950, and it appeared for the first time in 1953 on that year’s edition of the Datejust. To this day, no watch is as instantly recognizable as a Rolex with a Cyclops and a fluted bezel, making the Datejust, Day-Date and Sky-Dweller horological icons. By launching the Cyclops on the Datejust, Wilsdorf literally magnified one modernization with the other, a brilliant marketing move that capitalized on his well-honed instinct for titillating his customers with exclusive introductions.

Marketing Innovations

We can’t quite say that Wilsdorf invented the adventurous and athletic brand ambassador. Cartier’s watches adorned the wrists of famous pilots, and Jaeger LeCoultre’s Reverso were hot on the polo circuit. But Wilsdorf would repeatedly make sure his watches were on the wrists of some of the bravest people that accomplished some of the most daring feats of the day. Specifically, Wilsdorf understood that when someone sets a record, they’re going to make the papers, and setting records was a 20th-century obsession. With Rolex’s decidedly rugged, adventure-ready timepieces—which stood in stark contrast to what most watch brands were producing at the time—Wilsdorf could legitimately equip explorers and daredevils with expedition-ready timepieces.

Consumers were still highly skeptical of the Rolex Oyster’s ability to resist water. Wilsdorf put those doubts to rest by submerging Rolex Oysters in aquariums he had set up in the windows of high-traffic department stores such as Harrods , in London, while ads brought images of submerged Oysters to a much broader international customer base.

1933 – A Rolex flies over Mt. Everest at an altitude exceeding 33,000 feet with the first team to do so, as part of the Houston Expedition.

1935 – A Rolex sets the world record for land speed at 276 mph alongside celebrity driver Sir Malcolm Campbell. A few months later, he would break the 300 mph barrier at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.

1953 – A Rolex accompanies Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the first successful summit of Mt. Everest. Rolex releases a version of that watch called the Explorer in the same year.

1955  – Rolex watches accompany the first commercial intercontinental flights. Rolex then equips Pan American pilots with GMT Masters.

1956 – US President Lyndon B. Johnson famously sports a Rolex Day-Date, and Rolex advertises heavily around the ensuing association with world leaders.

1956 – The Milgauss is proven to withstand a magnetic field measuring 1000 gauss at the CERN particle accelerator. Ads announcing this were targeted toward engineers and scientists.

1960 – A Rolex Deep Sea Special descends to the bottom of the Mariana Trench aboard the record-setting submarine Trieste , a feat that made the papers worldwide.

1963 – Rolex launches the Cosmograph Daytona, an automotive-specific chronograph, linking the brand interminably with one of the world’s most famous motorways.

1976 –  Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Oyster, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise program is launched to award individuals who make significant contributions to improving the world in arenas from conservation to health. Rolex explains, “The awards were designed to fill a void in corporate philanthropy by supporting exceptional individuals around the world, pioneers who had no or little access to traditional funding and were responding to major challenges with original and innovative projects that advance human knowledge and well-being.”

1992 – Rolex launches the Yacht-Master and begins sponsoring yacht races that draw worldwide audiences to this day.

2002 – The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative is initiated, which sponsors creative individuals in the arts, linking Rolex to a wide swath of artists, musicians, performers and architects. The cultural capital of these affiliations has, no doubt, some value for Rolex, but, as we shall explore below, may be more about fulfilling Wilsdorf’s vision for Rolex to become a true corporate benefactor.

Financial Independence & Not-For-Profit Status

What truly sets Wilsdorf apart from so many founders—and what sets Rolex apart from so many corporations—is that upon Wilsdorf’s death in 1960, ownership of Rolex S.A. (a conglomerate of interlinked sub-companies) passed to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation (founded by Wilsdorf in 1945), the mission of which is simply to sustain Rolex S.A. indefinitely. Under Swiss law, Rolex does not pay taxes on its $4 billion annu al revenue, and because the corporate entities are private businesses, Rolex is not required to disclose any financial records. This arrangement makes Rolex’s business practices entirely opaque, yet it seems clear that Rolex’s contributions to its various charitable outlets (the aforementioned Awards for Enterprise and Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative) are significant. Both of those charities are managed by the Rolex Institute, a kind of parent charity that—assuming it is like most other not-for-profits—likely holds a significant endowment into which some portion of that $4 billion in revenue must go. Operational and development expenses would, of course, eat up a significant portion of the annual revenue as well.

Speculation aside, Rolex is uniquely positioned to do nothing more than sustain itself how it sees fit. There is no mandate to grow market share or to increase profits, and certainly, the company’s vision looks far afield of the current financial quarter. By setting up his legacy this way, Wilsdorf’s esoteric entrepreneurial spirit has outlived him, resulting in two business practices that would surely irk quarterly focused investors: ignoring trends and shorting supply.

Design Consistency

Blancpain, which actually issued the first dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms, one year ahead of Rolex, changed up its design according to the trends of the 1970s—a move that eventually shrunk Blancpain’s stature in the dive watch market to the point where the model was dropped from the catalog. In 2007, Blancpain revived the Fifty Fathoms in its original form, and these retro-styled models have now become a catalog staple. Audemars Piguet issued the Royal Oak in the 1970s , setting off a trend for luxurious steel sports watches that saw traditionalists like IWC and Patek Philippe chasing down this emerging market, with the Ingenieur and the Nautilus, respectively. Rolex responded by upping production of the Submariner, GMT Master and Daytona, but adhered to only making incremental mechanical improvements and modest tweaks to the original designs. Trends in dress watches began shifting rapidly in the 1990s, and Rolex did nearly nothing to respond, keeping most models as recognizable as ever.

Selective Scarcity

Perhaps the scarcity of classic Rolex steel professional models on the vintage market has inspired Rolex’s current practice of shorting demand for the modern versions. Or perhaps Rolex, like most luxury brands, is using scarcity to build an aura of exclusivity around their brand. Whatever the thinking, Rolex boutiques are bereft of specific steel versions of their professional models, namely the GMT Master, Submariner, Deep Sea, Explorer II, Sky-Dweller, the Yacht-Master I & II and especially the Daytona—but you’ll have an equally difficult time getting just about any watch from a Rolex dealer without joining a waiting list . The Explorer I and Air-King—often called entry-level Rolexes— are comparatively easy to get, and yet still difficult to find.

In short, Rolex now privileges their most loyal customers (read: those who spend the most), while a newcomer will most likely never get the call. It’s a psychology trick straight out of the Ferrari playbook, and it has only made Rolex that much more desirable among people of all kinds around the world.

It is ironic that Rolex has managed to create the air of exclusivity and luxury around watches that originally had the air of utility; these were tool watches that no well-dressed person in the 1950s and ’60s would wear outside of the job scenario for which these watches were created. It would have been solid-gold Day-Dates and Datejusts that went with a suit or evening gown. The irony mushrooms, as many watch aficionados express boredom with expensive gold Rolexes while heralding anyone who can obtain, say, a recent GMT Master in steel.

Clearly shorting this market has been working for Rolex, who could certainly bump up production of these models and sell them like hotcakes. But anyone who has walked into an authorized Rolex dealer and asked if they could get a steel Sky-Dweller or GMT Master will experience the ineffable aura of exclusivity that this practice wraps around the retail experience. Further, Rolex fans commiserating about the “unobtainium” watches generates a street-level buzz that most brands only dream of.

It’s hard to imagine that Rolex could get away with not meeting market demand if they were solely beholden to quarterly profits. Wilsdorf’s visionary long-game lives on in this practice, which seems to perfectly embody his innovative methods of generating buzz at any cost. Simultaneously, Rolex’s commitment to its original designs seems to have assured that Rolex watches will never go out of style, even as new materials and technologies slowly make their way into new models. Being eternally in vogue, more than anything, has assured that Rolex will remain king for the foreseeable future.

Allen is Robb Report's digital watch editor. His writing and photography have appeared in Fortune, Hodinkee, WatchTime, International Watch and many others. When he's not obsessing over vintage…

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Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

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Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall