The all gold Rolex Yacht-Master 16628.. It’s the one to start all Yacht-Masters and the timepiece that started my watch fever as a young man. I selected it as my goal watch because my father said that when I had a real job and proved myself as responsible, he would let me wear it and maybe even have it. Fast forward to today, I wear it as proud as I was when he first gave it to me close to 15 years ago.

This solid 18kt gold piece was released in 1992 with a production year of 1991. That makes it technically a vintage Rolex piece without screaming vintage characteristics. It has all the Submariner characteristics with the distinct Yacht-Master uni directional bezel. I still can’t believe how old it is, especially with how reliable the movement has been. Running on the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, 31 jewels, and with 50 hr power reserve, it’s been providing me with the most accurate time and hasn’t skipped a beat since owning it. At 40mm, it has a nice size yet sits so comfortably on the wrist. You wear it care free near water because it is safe up to 100m. Yes it’s 100% gold, but it surprisingly can be worn during dressy occasions and even during casual affairs with the right attire. Must be the white dial that calms all the gold down which is dressed up with black onyx hour markers to provide that subtle elegance. The lume is tritium, yet it no longer glows.

What’s not to love about the Rolex Yacht-Master 16628? This piece is simply timeless. I’ve been in love with it ever since seeing it on my dad’s wrist and it will always resemble not only my parents’ hard work, but also now my own.