THE COLLECTIVE

THE COLLECTIVE

European Watch Company – Est. 1993

Hero: Rolex Yacht Master 226627 Titanium 42MM

Terrific in Titanium: The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 

Published by samuel colchamiro.

View all posts by Samuel Colchamiro

Rolex doesn’t have much of a reputation for innovation. While many brands push modern designs and flashy novelties, the crown is the master of incremental changes, tweaking its designs every few years in a slow, continuous act of refinement. That said, when Rolex does do something out of the ordinary, as was the case with the new Yacht-Master 42 reference 226627 , it really makes a splash. At first glance just another run of the mill Rolex sport watch, this 42mm 2023 release added the second all- titanium model to the Rolex collection. Let’s take a closer look!

rolex-yacht-master-226627

The Rolex Yacht-Master debuted in 1992 as something of a modernized Submariner. Believed to originally have been intended as merely an update to the Submariner, it quickly became clear that the Yacht-Master deserved to be its own model with its own distinct personality. A luxurious, precious metal variant of the classic Submariner tool watch, the Yacht-Master had a unique identity and quickly became a popular staple in the collection. The updated look featured an insert that was permanently affixed to the bezel (as opposed to the floating insert found on the Submariner), the handset was wider, the dial had maxi style indexes, and of course, precious metal was standard.

Since then, the Yacht-Master collection has expanded to include a number of additional references. In 1994, Rolex added a midsize 35mm variant as well as a lady’s 29mm piece. In 2015, Rolex added an Everose gold model paired with an Oysterflex rubber strap, and in 2019, Rolex debuted the modern Yacht-Master, resized to 42mm with an Oysterflex strap. However today, we are talking about the most recent news in the Yacht-Master department, the 42mm titanium Yacht-Master that made its debut in 2023. As its first mass-market titanium watch (yes the Deepsea Challenge came first, but that was a super limited niche piece), the watch was a real surprise coming from the normally conservative brand. 

rolex yacht master black and gold

Design Details

Beyond the case and bracelet material, this Yacht-Master was designed to remind you of the precious metal Yacht-Masters that Rolex has produced the last few years. This watch features the maxi dial, rounded edges, and overall luxurious feel that the model is known for, and yet, it is a very different animal. The matte look of the brushed titanium paired with a matte black ceramic bezel, black dial, and white lume plots fuse to create a stealth presence on the wrist. The more muted tones of the bezel compared with, say, a Submariner, really set this piece apart. 

rolex-yacht-master-226627

While the aesthetics help set the stage for this watch, the feel on the wrist tells a slightly different story. Whereas a 42mm Rolex should be a substantial piece on the wrist, this titanium variant weighs a mere 100 grams – which is a blessing or a curse depending on who you ask. If you’re looking for the reassuring heft of a luxury sports watch, this may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you find a heavy watch imposing or uncomfortable, there is finally an option for you from a brand that hasn’t historically offered much in the way of lightweight pieces (sure, Rolex has the Deepsea Challenge, but few wrists are capable of wielding that thing). 

The bracelet on this watch is the classic Oyster style that we have come to know and love from Rolex, meaning that there’s nothing particularly aggressive or polarizing about the execution. If appreciate titanium, you are going to like this watch quite a bit.

rolex-yacht-master-226627

Alongside the other recent releases from Rolex (a Daytona with an exhibition caseback, puzzle and emoji dial Day-Dates, bright colored OPs, etc), a titanium model actually seems fairly subdued. Maybe this is because, as an industry, we are adjusting to a more adventurous Rolex than we were historically used to. Interesting to imagine what else might be in the pipeline…

rolex-yacht-master-226627

Join 75,000+ Other Watch Enthusiasts

Get our new arrivals first.

Inner Workings

The ref. 226627 Yacht-Master is powered by Rolex’s automatic-winding caliber 3235 movement. The 3235 was introduced in 2015 as Rolex’s updated automatic winding movement with a date and came with an elongated 70-hour power reserve alongside other improvements including a longer mainspring and thinner barrel walls. The movement is accurate within +/- 2 seconds per day and is generally regarded as one of the most robust and easiest to service in the industry. The movement is much higher tech than previous calibers from Rolex and came as a welcome upgrade that brought Rolex watches in line with the standard longer power reserve that is now the norm in the industry. 

rolex-yacht-master-226627

Versus the Competition 

There are a number of alternatives to the Titanium Yacht-Master that you should consider if you’re in the market. While the Yacht-Master was originally intended to be a more luxurious model from Rolex, in titanium, it has a much sportier presence. Those seeking the more luxurious feel would likely gravitate towards one of the precious metal variants, like any of the the yellow, rose, or white gold 42mm Yacht-Master’s Rolex offers. Additionally, the brand has a number of special exotic dial variants, including a tiger’s eye Yacht Master that is worth a look. 

rolex yacht master black and gold

If you are searching for a more affordable titanium diver, the Tudor Pelagos 39 is quite difficult to beat. For a fraction of the price, you gain access to the lightweight tool watch club. The Pelagos is one of Tudor’s most popular watches today and brings all the capabilities of a hardcore diver without breaking the bank. 

rolex yacht master black and gold

Finally, I’d recommend the hardest core diver that Rolex has produced in a long time, the Deepsea Challenge . Also fashioned from titanium, this monstrous piece supplies a depth rating of not one meter less than 11,000. There’s something reassuring about knowing that you will die long before your watch will. The Deepsea Challenge was Rolex’s first series-produced titanium watch and, coupled with its impressive specs, it makes for a really unique piece that pays tribute to the brand’s origins as a maker of bulletproof tool watches.

rolex yacht master black and gold

Personality

I picture the Ref. 226627 as a weekend warrior. Titanium is a relatively soft material, but the natural oxidation of the surface over time makes small scratches essentially disappear. This unique quality offers a degree of comfort that you don’t necessarily have with other, “shinier” Rolex models. Additionally, this piece has a casual, non-ostentatious appearance to it. The bezel is matte finished rather than high gloss ceramic; the titanium has a robust, utilitarian gray hue to it that stainless steel lacks; the maxi markers look stronger and less delicate. These aesthetic choices add up to a look and feel that is reassuring on the wrist. There’s little concern for how the piece will hold up and it’s clearly a watch that you can put on and forget about. 

rolex-yacht-master-226627

Final Thoughts

The ref. 226627 Rolex Yacht-Master is many things. On the one hand, it’s part of the brand’s luxurious diver model family. On the other hand, it’s a titanium diver that packs a 100 meter water resistance and a James Bond, Jason Bourne-esque persona. Rolex as a brand is truly the master of logical paradoxes (luxury tool watches anyone?). A purpose built tool that is constructed with refinement and luxury as core priorities shouldn’t work. And yet, as Rolex has shown time and time again, it does, and effortlessly so. The Rolex Yacht-Master in titanium is just the latest in the brand’s longstanding tradition for crafting luxurious tool watches that deserve a place in your watch roll. 

See more of the Rolex Yacht Master 226627

Visit Europeanwatch.com

rolex-yacht-master-226627

rolex yacht master black and gold

The fastest and most secure way to protect the watches and jewelry you love.

We've minimized the paperwork and maximized protection, so you can stop worrying about your watches and jewelry and focus on enjoying them.

In most cases, you'll get a personalized quote in seconds and your policy kicks in immediately.

Wherever you are on planet Earth, your watches and jewelry are protected. Rest easy and travel safely.

If you suffer a covered loss, there's no deductible and no gimmicks. Ever.

Each of your watches and jewelry is covered up to 150% of the insured value (up to the total value of the policy).

Chopard Knows How To Make Something Beautiful From Gold – The Proof Is In The Alpine Eagle

Our quotes are based on historical sales and real-time market data allowing us to give fair prices without all the hassle.

rolex yacht master black and gold

Popular Searches

rolex yacht master black and gold

Happenings The Horological Society Of New York To Hold Classes In Denver And Orange County

rolex yacht master black and gold

From The Magazine Finding My Grandfather And Myself In His Watches

rolex yacht master black and gold

Rewind Finding My Father In His Watch

rolex yacht master black and gold

Editors’ Picks

rolex yacht master black and gold

How To Wear It The Cartier Tank Cintrée

rolex yacht master black and gold

In-Depth Examining Value And Price Over Time With The ‘No Date’ Rolex Submariner

rolex yacht master black and gold

Watches In The Wild The Road Through America, Episode 1: A Model Of Mass Production

Pre-Owned Picks A Yacht-Ready Rolex, A Ceramic Black Bay, And An Uncommon Take On A White Dial Royal Oak

Plus a classic dress watch from patek and a gorgeous time-only option from grand seiko..

rolex yacht master black and gold

Each week, we present a selection of our favorite watches from the pre-owned side of our collection. We photograph each one so that you get a closer look at what makes these watches so special. This week, we have a creamy steel design from Grand Seiko's Elegance collection, a brightly blue Yacht-Master, an extra-black Black Bay, a classic Patek Calatrava, and a yellow gold Royal Oak the likes of which we don't often see. 

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40, model 126622, is an embodiment of luxury and Submariner-derived functionality in one package. This reference features a 40mm case crafted from Oystersteel, a corrosion-resistant alloy, paired with an elegant 950 platinum bidirectional rotatable bezel. The watch's refined aesthetic is complemented by a shining blue dial with large, highly legible Chromalight hour markers and hands that glow blue in low light, ensuring readability in all conditions.

rolex yacht master

Equipped with the calibre 3235, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the Yacht-Master 40 offers an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This movement features a Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, ensuring precision and robustness even in the most challenging environments. Offering water resistance of up to 100 meters, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 seamlessly merges the brand's commitment to superior craftsmanship with a sophisticated design tailored for both sailing enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs.

black bay ceramic

The Tudor Black Bay Ceramic 79210 features a 41mm case crafted from matte black ceramic, giving it a sleek, modern look while offering exceptional scratch resistance. The watch's unidirectional rotating bezel, also in matte black ceramic, is adorned with a 60-minute graduated scale, making it a practical tool for divers – or when you just want to time a pizza in the oven. The dial, with its black-on-black aesthetic, includes large, luminescent hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions. The watch's overall monochromatic design and ceramic construction offer a unique format within the Black Bay range.

tudor black bay ceramic

Powered by the Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5602, the Black Bay Ceramic boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This COSC-certified movement features a silicon balance spring, providing enhanced accuracy and resistance to magnetic fields. The watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it suitable for a variety of aquatic adventures. With its blend of advanced technology, dive-ready performance, and distinctive design, the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic 79210 stands out as a remarkable watch for both diving enthusiasts and Tudor collectors.

ap royal oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15127BA is a distinguished member of the iconic Royal Oak collection, renowned for its unique design and exceptional craftsmanship. This model features a 36mm case crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, exuding a sense of timeless elegance and luxury. The signature octagonal bezel, secured with eight hexagonal screws, frames a rare expression of an Arabic dial but in white rather than the black that is common to the "military dial" Royal Oaks. The watch also features a date window at 3 o'clock that integrates into the hour markings of the outer dial element. 

AP royal Oak

At the heart of the Royal Oak 15127BA lies the self-winding 2225 caliber, a robust movement by Audemars Piguet that is based on the JLC 889. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, and the transparent case back reveals the beautifully decorated movement. The watch is paired with its integrated 18-carat yellow gold bracelet, featuring the AP folding clasp for a secure and comfortable fit. Combining sophisticated aesthetics with mechanical excellence, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15127BA is a rare and exciting spin on the watch that made Audemars Piguet world famous.

SBGW231

The Grand Seiko SBGW231 is a distinguished timepiece that epitomizes the brand's commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and timeless design. This model features a 37.3mm stainless steel case with a polished finish that highlights Grand Seiko's renowned polishing techniques, offering a mirror-like, distortion-free reflection. The watch's refined elegance is further accentuated by its clean cream-colored dial, adorned with razor-sharp, hand-applied hour markers and hands that ensure exceptional readability.

grand seiko sbgw

At the heart of the SBGW231 lies the manual-winding Caliber 9S64, a mechanical movement that offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The exhibition case back allows a view of the beautifully finished movement, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Grand Seiko timepiece. The watch is paired with a high-quality crocodile leather strap, complete with a stainless steel buckle. Combining traditional watchmaking techniques with classic watch design elements, the Grand Seiko SBGW231 is a subtle and beautiful way to make Japanese craftsmanship part of your day-to-day life.

Patek 3919R

The Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R features a 33mm case crafted from 18-carat rose gold, exuding a warm, sophisticated appeal. One of its most distinctive design elements is the hobnail-patterned bezel, which adds a touch of texture and visual interest to the watch's otherwise sleek and minimal design. The pristine white enamel dial is adorned with slender black Roman numeral hour markers and the iconic Patek Philippe signature.

patek calatrava

Powered by the manual-winding Caliber 215 PS, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement offers a power reserve of approximately 44 hours and features exceptional finishing that is characteristic of Patek Philippe's meticulous standards. With its blend of classical aesthetics and technical excellence, the Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R remains a cherished timepiece for collectors who appreciate the elegance and subtly of a beautifully made watch.

rolex yacht master black and gold

This Week In The Shop The Future Heirlooms Edition

By Erin wilborn

rolex yacht master black and gold

Business News Rolex Seeks To Expand Production With A New Factory In Bulle, Switzerland

By Malaika crawford

rolex yacht master black and gold

Auctions Sylvester Stallone's Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Leads New York Auction Week

By Anthony traina

rolex yacht master black and gold

Introducing The Audemars Piguet Mini Royal Oak

Top Discussions

Pre-Owned Picks A Pro-Spec Rolex Diver, A Tudor Black Bay 54, And A White Gold Lange 1

Introducing Longines Expands Its Conquest Collection With New Sizes And Summer-Ready Colors

HODINKEE Radio In Conversation With Watchmaker Dr. Rebecca Struthers And Anordain Founder Lewis Heath

Last Week’s Top Stories

rolex yacht master black and gold

Introducing Three New Watches With The MoonSwatch 'Mission On Earth'

By Mark kauzlarich

rolex yacht master black and gold

Hands-On The Timex x The James Brand GMT

rolex yacht master black and gold

Gift Guide Our Top Picks For The Dad With A Taste For Adventure

.css-120orm1{font-weight:700;font-size:clamp(1.875rem, 1.25rem + 1.5625vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:1.1;} Sea-Dweller .css-18uwo57{font-size:clamp(1.125rem, 1.0625rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.6;font-weight:300;line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-18uwo57 span{display:block;} Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold Reference 126603

View in night mode

Discover in 360°

Citizen of the deep

The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller in Oystersteel and yellow gold with a Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic and an Oyster bracelet.

Ceramic bezel and luminescent display, legendary divers’ watch.

The 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel of the Sea-Dweller enables divers to precisely and safely monitor their dive and decompression times.

It is equipped with a patented black Cerachrom bezel insert manufactured by Rolex in a virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. The graduation is coated via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) with a thin layer of gold. The sleek black dial features large Chromalight hour markers and hands, filled with luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow for excellent legibility in dark conditions.

Intense black dial

Inspired by the original.

The black dial of the Sea-Dweller has the large hands and indices reserved for Rolex professional models. The dial bears the name Sea-Dweller inscribed in a yellow hue, echoing the colour of the yellow gold.

When the Sea-Dweller was updated in 2017, this lettering was in red, in reference to the original model. The innovative Chromalight display on the dial pushes back the boundaries of visibility in dark environments. Its distinctive blue glow lasts up to eight hours with a uniform luminosity, practically twice as long as that of standard luminescent materials.

Yellow Rolesor

A meeting of two metals.

Gold is coveted for its lustre and nobility. Steel reinforces strength and reliability. Together, they harmoniously combine the best of their properties.

A true Rolex signature, Rolesor has featured on Rolex models since the early 1930s, and was trademarked as a name in 1933. It is one of the prominent pillars of the Oyster collection.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable.

It is equipped with an Oysterlock clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and an ingenious Glidelock, allowing fine adjustments of the bracelet without using any tools — and allowing it to be worn comfortably over a diving suit.

More Sea-Dweller technical details

Reference   126603

Model case .css-plfq1t{--iconSize:12px;--iconStrokeWidth:2px;height:var(--iconSize);position:relative;width:var(--iconSize);}.css-plfq1t::before,.css-plfq1t::after{background:currentColor;content:"";display:block;height:var(--iconStrokeWidth);left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:50%;-webkit-transition:-webkit-transform 0.6s;transition:transform 0.6s;will-change:transform;}html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::before,html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}.css-160voq8 .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transform:rotate(90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(90deg);transform:rotate(90deg);}.no-js .css-plfq1t{display:none;}

Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold

Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in black ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in gold

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 1,220 metres / 4,000 feet, helium escape valve

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

Intense black

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Sea-Dweller

Contact an Official Rolex Retailer

Only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch. With the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment, they guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of your Rolex and help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

Watches you may like

These watches have been selected for you. Add them with the heart icon to your favorites.

IMAGES

  1. Rolex Yacht-Master 40MM Automatic Everose Gold OysterFlex -116655 'B&P

    rolex yacht master black and gold

  2. Rolex Yacht-master 226659 Cadran Homme Noir Matériau du boîtier Or

    rolex yacht master black and gold

  3. rolex Yacht-Master II Oyster 44 mm oro giallo 116688

    rolex yacht master black and gold

  4. Rolex Yacht-Master White Gold

    rolex yacht master black and gold

  5. Future Classics: The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655

    rolex yacht master black and gold

  6. Rolex Clone Store

    rolex yacht master black and gold

VIDEO

  1. Rolex Yacht-Master

  2. Rolex yacht-master Maintaining vlog #watch-refurbished

  3. Rolex Yacht Master II

  4. ROLEX YACHT-MASTER 40 GOLD

  5. Watch Upgrade: Datejust 36 to Yacht-Master 40

  6. Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel & Gold 44mm Ref# 116681 Preowned 2018

COMMENTS

  1. Terrific in Titanium: The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627

    The ref. 226627 Yacht-Master is powered by Rolex’s automatic-winding caliber 3235 movement. The 3235 was introduced in 2015 as Rolex’s updated automatic winding movement with a date and came with an elongated 70-hour power reserve alongside other improvements including a longer mainspring and thinner barrel walls.

  2. Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Stainless Steel Rose Gold Black Dial ...

    Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Stainless Steel Rose Gold Black Dial 126621 Product Description Product Code: 561.39625.142 Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master 40 Reference Number: 126621 Case: Stainless steel/rose gold Bracelet: Oyster stainless steel/rose gold bracelet Dial: Black dial Bezel: Rose gold bezel Movement: 3235 Year: 10/2019 Box and papers About

  3. Pre-Owned Picks: A Yacht-Ready Rolex, A Ceramic Black Bay ...

    The Rolex Yacht-Master 40, model 126622, is an embodiment of luxury and Submariner-derived functionality in one package. This reference features a 40mm case crafted from Oystersteel, a corrosion-resistant alloy, paired with an elegant 950 platinum bidirectional rotatable bezel.

  4. Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Yacht-Master 37 | Mappin and Webb

    Rolex Certified Pre-Owned YACHT-MASTER 37 37 mm, 18ct Everose Gold Reference: In Stock Price £24,650.00 Incl VAT Add to Shopping Bag

  5. 2020 Rolex Yacht-Master 42 for sale by auction in London ...

    Introduced in 2019, this is the biggest and most visually impressive version of the Rolex Yacht-Master at 42mm across. Sized for contemporary tastes, the polished white gold case has a substantial wrist presence and adds 2mm in diameter to previous iterations of Rolex's luxury sports watch. A matte black Cerachrom insert on the bi-directional ...

  6. Rolex Sea-Dweller watch: Oystersteel and yellow gold ...

    Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold. Oyster architecture. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown. Diameter. 43 mm. Material. Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold. Bezel. Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in black ceramic, numerals and graduations ...