Latest purchase...

Just prior to clearing out my "watch war chest", I ordered one last watch. This is from a brand that I have been interested in some time -- Bill Yao's MKII ("Mark Two") Watch Company

Bill Yao is a young watchmaker living outside of Philadelphia. His company, MKII is named to honor the military tradition of making incremental improvements to time-honored designs. The company is known for its outstanding customer service, excellent components and excellent quality control.

The model that I chose is the "MKII LRRP Capstone model.
The LRRP gets its name from "Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol" and is pronounced "lurp" and the Capstone model is a homage (yes, I bought a homage) to the Rolex Explorer 1655.

Although it is a homage of the 1655, the LRRP Capstone makes the following improvements (IMO) to the original Rolex design:

• Larger diameter and longer than the Rolex 1655
• Capstone bezel has "teeth"
• Bezel turns (friction bezel)
• 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 markers on the bezel are not inverted
• Bezel font is different, as is the size of the numerals
• No Cyclops
• Sapphire crystal
• Solid end link with a rather unique non-Rolex design
• Solid bracelet with locking clasp and diver extension
• Hands are thicker


Technical Specifications:

• Movement: ETA 2893-2 (Elabore grade/Rhodium plated), highly decorated (rotor features Cotes de Genève, decorated bridges), Incabloc shock protection, hack setting, automatic with manual winding capability, independently adjustable GMT hand.
• Timed in 6 positions for optimal time keeping performance. (Swiss Made: 3 positions)
• Case Width: 41.75 mm
• Case Thickness: 13.50 mm
• Case length: 49.50 mm end to end
• Lug width: 22.00 mm
• Capstone GMT bezel: Bi-directional friction bezel
• Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal with AR coating standard (inside surface only)
• Luminous: SuperLumiNova rated to glow on a full charge for a minimum of 7 hours
• Water resistance: 30 ATMs (300 meters)
• Case Finish: Brush finished 316L stainless steel
• Solid-end-link bracelet
• Double gasket screw-down crown.

The watch came in a nice hard plastic, water proof 3 watch travel case with two extra sets of springbars as well as a strap changing tool.

Onto the pictures…

Explorer Bezel and GMT!

COOL!

Boy oh boy this is nice Mark ! REALLY NICE ! Looks like you made the right
decision going for this recent purchase here. On the one hand it looks very similar to
that classic Rolex you are mentioning, but then on the other hand it looks even more
updated, as well as just plain AWESOME all by itself. Have heard of, as well as seen
MKII watches before, but never really saw someone have them in person like this,
so thanks for all of the great information about them. Really appreciate it ! ..It
looks like an EXCELLENT watch !!! ..Have to say that it genuinely looks like MKII
makes a tremendous watch. You can tell from your detailed pictures that this watch
is all about detail, and quality. From the bracelet, and case, to the unforgettable
bezel, and dial. It's hard to imagine a company doing a better job at honoring such
an iconic watch. Not only does it seem like you get an almost invincible bracelet
with the watch, but the case is spot on as well. The shape of it, along with once
again the attention to detail looks second to none. Especially liking how the steel
is brushed on the sides of the case, and how that reflects the brushing on the
bezel. That bezel is simply THE best by the way Mark ! The whole look,
and way the numbers are done is phenomenal as you mentioned. It's different
from the Rolex just as you said, but still gives you that authentic feel, and respect.
Honestly could stare at the bezel for many many hours with this watch it is SO
nice. Even the delicate way in which the teeth are done is spectacular, as is
the inner part of the bezel near the dial which makes the dial seem extra deep.
It's just GREAT ! Actually this MKII has so many great things about it when you
really stop, and look at it. It's like MKII studied all of what made the Rolex 1655
awesome, and tried to match, and update the design. Think it is pretty obvious
that they succeeded on all levels. Even the dial goes above, and beyond what
might be expected, and draws you in with it's mesmerizing marker pattern, along
with hands. First, just going back to the markers, that back, and fourth of the
outer, as well as inner markers is out of this world imho. What's neat about it
is that it reminds you of the original Rolex, but still does it's own thing. Especially,
with the bigger hands as you pointed out which are pretty TERIFIC in every
way. You get a classic look, with a slightly updated style that does the original
justice, and still gives you an excellent new MKII with ALL of the bells, and
whistles. From the amazing bezel, and case, to the epic dial, and great movement.
This MKII is EXCELLENT, and one to enjoy !!! Congratulations once again to you !

Excellent watch, excellent PICS !

Nice looking watch, congrats Mark. Somewhat like a model that Steinhart makes as well. I don't care if the Rolex fanbois have any heartburn over it, nobody at Rolex is missing any meals.

good looking watch! Like the dial and hands they used.

That is one fine hunk of metal, Mark!

The only thing I don't like is how bland the GMT hand is...it blends into the dial so you can barely read it.