Its Not What You Think - A Watch Review

OK then, the Relax Yuck-Master by Atelier Perpetuel, not to be confused with the Rolex Yacht-Master, or II for that matter. Like they say, its not what you think.

 "Parady watches", rather than homage or counterfeit watches, are somewhat new to the scene and are “the alter ego of luxury”, to borrow a phrase. Similar to the others, they are accurate takes on famous watches (Rolex), but are not meant to either pay tribute to the original, as is the case with homage watches, or intended to fool others into believing you are wearing an expensive watch. Imagine the reaction of someone who thought you were wearing a real Rolex when you point out Relax and a broken crown on the dial! Hopefully they would have the same reaction I had upon learning about the brand, laughter. This also ensued while ordering, opening the box upon arrival and examining the contents. Amusement all the way around!

So what do you get for your $289 US? Well, you get an automatic watch that is a Subparpetual Chronometer, Garage Assembled and somewhat looks like a Rolex Yacht-Master. Check, make that that "closely resembles".

It comes nicely packaged and protected for shipment. A polishing cloth, a sticker, a thank you note, a screw driver and a spring bar tool were included. The watch itself came inside a protective pouch and in addition to typical plastic wrap around the bracelet and had a clear flexible bezel protector. Nice. They do want you to receive your watch in good order.

My expectation was that a less than precise movement would be encased and the details would be lacking but such is not the case as this watch exceeded those expectations. Relax uses an automatic movement that has been regulated and runs some +5/-5 seconds over 24 hours which is a good rate result, especially for a sub $500 watch. For a watch that costs 2.34% of the original, not bad. Score 1 for Relax!

Of course the fit and finish do not hold a candle to a real Rolex, but that isn’t the point. Making fun of Rolex and those who take Rolex too seriously is. For a watch of this price category, the f&f is acceptable and many would find to be good. The oyster case and bracelet are there, albeit the middle link not polished, and everybody’s favorite cyclops eye resides over the date. The bezel has raised numbers against a satin background, just like a Rolex, and the dial shimmers nicely. I have noticed that the raised numbers on the bezel do tend to interfere with keeping the bezel background clean but this probably afflicts the Rolex bezel also. The crown lacks a crown, as does the clasp which is the same as a Submariner with the same type of bracelet extension system. Is that clasp appropriate for a Yacht Master? Who cares!

Can I recommend this watch? I have to answer a qualified yes. If you get parody, by all means order one. Several models are available. If you don't appreciate this form of comedy, or will worry about having a less than shiny bezel, save your $289 and buy something else.

On closing let me say that the Yuck Master will suffice until I own a yacht, which is probably never. (lol)