Rolex Yacht-Master

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

Thanks to a wide range of available case sizes – from 37 to 42 mm – the Rolex Yacht-Master is a perfect fit for most wrists. In terms of materials, you can choose from various models in 18-karat gold, as well as two-tone versions 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 pairs a stainless steel case and bracelet with a bezel in 950 platinum.

In contrast to 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 for a 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.

One of the distinct advantages of the Yacht-Master collection is that Rolex offers the watch in various sizes, whereas related models like the Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, and Sea-Dweller are all one-diameter timepieces. As a result, the Yacht-Master, which speaks the same design language as the other models, has become a popular alternative for people who like the look of a Rolex tool watch but want a different size.

Design Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master

The design of the Yacht-Master is very similar to that of the Rolex Submariner – from the celebrated Oyster case and three-piece link Oyster bracelet to the crown protector and 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.

Aside from the various case size and material options, there are also several dials available. Traditional black dials create a contrast against the lighter index markers, which glow blue in the dark. Dark blue dials emphasize the watch's relationship to water and catch the eye immediately, jumping into view from far away. Rolex also offers diamond-studded pavé dials and sunburst dials made of mother-of-pearl.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40

Reference 126655 measures 40 mm in diameter and is made of 18-karat Everose gold. Rolex fits the watch with the brand's Oysterflex bracelet, an elastomer plastic bracelet that consists on the inside of movable metal springs. The bezel is also made of Everose gold and features a black Cerachrom ceramic insert.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is also available in the brand's own Rolesium material combination. The mix of stainless steel and platinum is exclusive to the Yacht-Master and gives the watch a particularly elegant yet understated look. Rolesium models feature a stainless steel case, three-link stainless steel Oyster bracelet, and a bezel made of 950 platinum. Since 2019, the Rolesium version of the Yacht-Master has been powered by the caliber 3235. You can find this model under reference number 126622.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42

If you'd prefer a 42-mm Yacht-Master, you should be on the lookout for 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.

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.

Technically, the watch remains the same, tried and true, and powered by the in-house caliber 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve. The timepiece is also water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) – sufficient for swimming and snorkeling.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 37 for Women

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

Rolex offers the 37-mm model in various materials, from Everose gold to Rolesor and Rolesium. The latter bears the reference number 268622. The stainless steel and Everose gold Yacht-Master Chocolate ref. 268621 features a chocolate brown dial and is very popular among Rolex fans.

The highlight among the 37-mm versions is ref. 268655, which has a pavé dial set with diamonds.

Yacht-Master II: The Regatta Chronometer for Professionals

Not only does the Yacht-Master II have the ability to stop time with its counter, it is also the world's first mechanical watch to feature a programmable countdown with a memory function. Previously, this complication was only available in quartz-powered electronic timepieces. The countdown function is operated using Rolex's proprietary Ring Command bezel, which is mechanically linked to the movement.

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.

Considering all its functions, the Yacht-Master II is one of Rolex's most complicated timepieces, 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 versions, as well as a variant in white gold and platinum. The entry-level ref. 116680 is made of stainless steel, while the ref. 116681 is a two-tone model in stainless steel and Everose gold. If you'd prefer a watch in white gold and platinum, the ref. 116689 could well be the watch for you.

In April 2023, the most affordable Yacht-Master was the 35-mm platinum ref. 168622, at around 8,000 USD. If you prefer a somewhat larger watch, the Rolesium ref. 126622 measures 40 mm and changes hands for roughly 16,000 USD. Prices jump to approximately 29,000 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 40-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 nearly 50,000 USD.

Prices for Used Rolex Yacht-Masters

The price of a pre-owned Yacht-Master depends heavily on the particular model and its condition. Well-maintained watches are on average between 3% and 13% less expensive than unworn or new watches.

Rolex Yacht-Master: Price Performance

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 as of spring 2023 it was possible to find a comparatively affordable entry-point into the collection.

Who wears a Rolex Yacht-Master?

The Rolex Yacht-Master is particularly popular with athletes and Hollywood stars, including Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Justine Henin, Conor McGregor, LeBron James, Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg, and Gordon Ramsay.

How popular is the Rolex Yacht-Master?

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master is in great demand, although the watch is considered more of an insider tip than icons like the Submariner, Daytona, or Day-Date.