Is the Yachtmaster 18k 16628 full gold? (Center and end links solid?)

[Moue666]

Interested in a 16628 yachtmaster in YG. I know many of the older full PM models had hallow links either on the end or center. Would like to know if there are model years where they switched to full gold links?

Basically I want the heft of a ceramic sub on a discount. Just wanted to know if anyone in the community knows if it's full solid gold. Your help is appreciated, couldn't find this info anywhere THANKS

[faimag]

It is my impression all 16628 from 1992 onwards had solid center links.

[SN13]

Well all I can do is give you the facts.




Weight is in Grains.

Approx 15.4 grains = 1 gram
Approx 437.5 grains = 1 ounce.

That is a pair of 1992 16628 YM links vs SS links. Links are identical exterior dimensions.

The center links are not "hollow" like on 2 tones. But they seem too light to be one solid chunk of metal without some voids.

[Onikage]

Just buy one. Voids schmoids. They're sexy.

[SN13]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Just buy one. Voids schmoids. They're sexy.

I agree.

[Moue666]

Just wondering if the watch feels lighter than a current gen gold sub?

[Jetski]

It feels a bit lighter than a new gold sub if i remember correctly.(been a few years) Has anyone tried it on recently?

Originally Posted by Moue666

Just wondering if the watch feels lighter than a current gen gold sub?

[EdgeMonster]

Ha! Ha! Ha! Yeah. There’s voids. Between the outer and inner links. ��

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by EdgeMonster

Ha! Ha! Ha! Yeah. There’s voids. Between the outer and inner links. ��

Old thread bump..


However..

Imagine an empty box, instead of cardboard, it's made of gold; an empty gold box. That's like the centre links (and outer links) of a 16628 Yacht Master/16618 Submariner.

Next, imagine a solid gold block, that's the centre link of modern ceramic Rolex watches whether they are steel or gold. The outer links however, are still empty I think.

Lastly, the centre links on the older 5 digit TT models 16613/16613/DJ's with oyster bracelets were hollow gold hoops (not empty boxes), now on the ceramic models they are solid gold blocks.

Hope that clears it up.

[Hardtimes]

I am pretty sure solid end links and hallow centers.

[worldfamoussam]

This issue never seems to be properly settled. Maybe someone should saw the bracelet open and find out.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Old thread bump..


However..

Imagine an empty box, instead of cardboard, it's made of gold; an empty gold box. That's like the centre links (and outer links) of a 16628 Yacht Master/16618 Submariner.

Next, imagine a solid gold block, that's the centre link of modern ceramic Rolex watches whether they are steel or gold. The outer links however, are still empty I think.

Lastly, the centre links on the older 5 digit TT models 16613/16613/DJ's with oyster bracelets were hollow gold hoops (not empty boxes), now on the ceramic models they are solid gold blocks.

Hope that clears it up.

The PM outer links are solid, just as the SS always have been (irrespective of folded or solid centre links) otherwise the friction pins that hold the link together would have nothing to locate into

[EdgeMonster]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Old thread bump..


However..

Imagine an empty box, instead of cardboard, it's made of gold; an empty gold box. That's like the centre links (and outer links) of a 16628 Yacht Master/16618 Submariner.

Next, imagine a solid gold block, that's the centre link of modern ceramic Rolex watches whether they are steel or gold. The outer links however, are still empty I think.

Lastly, the centre links on the older 5 digit TT models 16613/16613/DJ's with oyster bracelets were hollow gold hoops (not empty boxes), now on the ceramic models they are solid gold blocks.

Hope that clears it up.

It didn't. Sorry but...hate to break it to you: The center links of a ref. 16628 are solid. Not hollow. Never were. Just verified it at Intl. Jewelers Exchange in downtown San Diego last Monday morning. Two-tone bracelets have always had hollow center links in gold but that makes sense. In 1991-92, the YM was the first new sports watch line Rolex had introduced in several decades. Of course it was going to have solid links (talking about the center pieces, not the outer edge pieces that have minuscule gaps inside from how they are produced) considering the Sea Dweller bracelet already had solid steel center links from it's 1989 debut.