Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex and water sports have a history that stretches back to the 1950s. The Yacht-Master has been sharing the stage with other popular models like the Submariner and Sea-Dweller since 1992. However, unlike its deep-diving brethren, the Yacht-Master is the premier timepiece for skippers.

Thanks to the wide range of available case sizes – from 37 to 42 mm – the Rolex Yacht-Master is perfect for both men and women. In terms of material, you can choose from various models in 18-karat gold, as well as two-tone editions that combine gold or platinum with 904L stainless steel. Rolex calls this steel alloy "Oystersteel." Other Rolex-specific terms include "Rolesor" for two-tone watches in stainless steel and gold and "Rolesium," which is exclusive to the Yacht-Master series and pairs a stainless steel case and bracelet with a bezel in 950 platinum.

In 2023, Rolex presented a Yacht-Master 42 made of titanium, making it only the second-ever titanium timepiece to be produced by the Genevan manufacturer (the first was the Deepsea Challenge released in 2022).

Unlike the Submariner and Sea-Dweller, which have unidirectional bezels, the Yacht-Master's bezel is bidirectional. Some models feature bezel inserts made of scratch-resistant ceramic. The Yacht-Master's case is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), meaning it can join you while you swim or snorkel.

The collection's top model is the yellow gold Yacht-Master II with a regatta chronograph. This countdown function is provided by the caliber 4161 and is especially practical for water sport enthusiasts, though it also has many uses in everyday life on shore.

In April 2023, the most affordable Yacht-Master was the 35-mm platinum ref. 168622, at around 8,500 USD. If you prefer a somewhat larger watch, the Rolesium ref. 126622 measures 40 mm and changes hands for roughly 16,600 USD. Prices jump to about 32,800 USD for the 40-mm Yacht-Master ref. 116655, which is made of Rolex's proprietary Everose gold. You'll also find the white gold 42-mm Yacht-Master (ref. 226659) in this price range. If you're interested in a yellow gold Yacht-Master II model measuring 44 mm, you'll need more than just a strong wrist: this model demands an investment of over 50,000 USD.

Between 2020 and the spring of 2022, almost all Yacht-Master models experienced a price increase, in some cases a sharp one. From this point on, prices stabilized, so that in spring 2023 it was possible to find a comparatively affordable entry-point into the collection.

The ref. 126655 is 40 mm in diameter and made of 18-karat Everose gold. Rolex pairs this watch with an Oysterflex bracelet. While it may seem like a strap, thanks to its outer elastomer rubber shell, you'll find a series of flexible metal inserts inside the bracelet. The watch's Everose gold bezel features a black Cerachrom ceramic insert. Plan to spend approximately 34,300 USD for a Yacht-Master 40 in mint condition. The predecessor ref. 116655 is powered by the caliber 3135 and changes hands for roughly 1,600 USD less.

Rolex offers the Yacht-Master 40 in Rolesium, a combination of stainless steel and platinum that exudes a sense of understated elegance. This timepiece has a stainless steel case and comes on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, while its bezel shines in 950 platinum. As of 2019, the Rolesium Yacht-Master gets its power from the caliber 3235. You can find this model under the reference number 126622, and can call it yours for around 16,700 USD new. It's worth noting that you can save approximately 550 USD by purchasing the previous edition instead, the ref. 116622.

Prices for the Rolex Yacht-Master 42

If you prefer the Yacht-Master with a 42-mm case, you should be on the lookout for the ref. 226659. This model debuted in 2019 and features an 18-karat white gold case and the caliber 3235. The bezel has a black Cerachrom insert with a black 60-minute scale, and the watch comes on a matching black Oysterflex bracelet. A Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 in mint condition will set you back about 34,300 USD.

At Watches and Wonders 2023, Rolex presented a new Yacht-Master 42, reference 226627. The watch is made of RLX titanium, an alloy specially selected by Rolex because it makes the new model roughly 30% lighter than other titanium timepieces.

The technical specs are on par with those of previous Yacht-Master variants. The model is powered by the in-house caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. The watch is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), which means that if your yacht capsizes, it won't ruin your Yacht-Master.

Features

The Yacht-Master's design closely resembles that of the Submariner – from the celebrated Oyster case and the three-piece link Oyster bracelet to the crown protector and the date display with a Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock. Even the hour and minute hands and indices are reminiscent of those on the Submariner.

However, if you look more closely, you'll notice subtle differences. The Yacht-Master's inscription and second hand are red, the crown guard is a bit bigger, and the case edges are rounded. The most noticeable difference is the bezel: The polished 60-minute graduations are raised, standing out against the matte background. The bezel is also bidirectional, while the bezel on the Submariner only turns on one direction.

Along with the various case size and material options, several dials are also available. The traditional black dial offers contrast to the lume-filled indices, which glow blue in the dark, while the dark blue dial underscores the watch's connection to the sea and immediately catches the eye, even at a distance. Rolex also offers dials in platinum or mother-of-pearl.

The Yacht-Master 37 is the current collection's smallest model, and its moderate case size actually makes it suitable as a unisex watch. The timepiece is powered by the caliber 2236, which boasts a 55-hour power reserve and Rolex's proprietary silicon Syloxi spring. This balance spring is anti-magnetic and offers a higher level of precision. Like every Rolex, the Yacht-Master 37 is also a Superlative Chronometer.

Rolex offers the 37-mm Yacht-Master in various metals and material combinations, including Everose gold (the brand's proprietary rose gold), Rolesor (two-tone gold and stainless steel), and Rolesium (two-tone Oystersteel and platinum). The Rolesium edition, ref. 268622, changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 13,900 USD in mint condition. The Yacht-Master Chocolate ref. 268621 is particularly popular among Rolex fans. As the name suggests, the watch features a chocolate brown dial and stainless steel and Everose gold case. This model will set you back about 18,100 USD.

Last but definitely not least is the ref. 268655. This 37-mm timepiece has a diamond-studded dial and demands an investment of around 44,000 USD.

Not only does the Yacht-Master II have the ability to stop time with its stop-function, it's also the world's first mechanical watch to feature a programmable countdown with a memory. Previously, this function was only available in quartz-powered timepieces.

Unlike most traditional races, regatta races don't begin at the starting line. Instead, the racers wait near the starting line for the start signal. The Yacht-Master II's regatta chronograph function enables racers to get over the start line as quickly as possible after the signal.

Taking all of its functions into consideration, the Yacht-Master II is one of Rolex's most complicated watches. And with a diameter of 44 mm, it's also one of Rolex's largest.

There's a wide variety of materials to choose from, including stainless steel, yellow gold, a two-tone stainless steel and Everose gold watch, and a variant in white gold and platinum. The entry-level model in terms of price is the ref. 116680 in stainless steel, which costs approximately 22,000 USD.

The two-tone stainless steel and Everose gold Regatta chronograph ref. 116681 will set you back about 28,600 USD in mint condition.

You can call the 18-karat yellow gold version your own for approximately 50,600 EUR.

Plan to spend at least 48,000 USD on the white gold and platinum ref. 116689 in mint condition.