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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ultimate Buying Guide

First released at Baselworld 2019, the Yacht-Master 42 is the newest and largest addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master lineup. Historically, the Yacht Master collection has been the only Rolex sports model available in multiple sizes; however, until the release of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659, 40mm was the largest case size available. Despite the fact that the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 introduced a new and larger 42mm case to the collection, at the time of writing, the model is only offered in a single configuration: a 42mm white gold case fitted with a black dial, black ceramic bezel, and matching black Oysterflex bracelet.

At first glance, the Rolex Yacht Master 42 reference 226659 appears very similar to the 40mm Everose gold model that is also fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Both watches feature black dials, matte black ceramic bezels with raised polished numerals, black Oysterflex bracelets, and Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3235 movement. However, while the core design of the Yacht-Master 42 is shared with the other Oysterflex Yacht-Master watches, the larger case paired with its toned-down monochromatic color profile makes it immediately distinct, and these small changes come together to make the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 the perfect poster child for the modern Rolex brand.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

Yacht-Master 226659 Key Features:

– Reference Number: 226659

– Production Years: 2019 – Present

– Case Size: 42mm

– Materials: 18k White Gold

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds; Date Display

– Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Luminescence: Chromalight

– Bezel: Bidirectional, Black Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3235

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oysterflex Bracelet

– Clasp: Oysterlock Safety Clasp w/ Glidelock Extension System

– Approx. Price: $28,900 (Retail); $33,500 (Pre-Owned)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

The History of the Rolex Yacht Master 42

Compared to many of Rolex’s other lines of watches, the Yacht-Master is a fairly young collection, having only just joined the brand’s catalog in 1992. While Rolex originally built much of its reputation by producing tough-as-nails tool watches, the brand had already started to make its transition towards becoming an all-out luxury manufacturer by the 1980s, and the Yacht-Master was created as an unapologetically luxurious take on the brand’s classic sports watch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master largely follows the same overall design as the Submariner, but leans more towards the opulent and luxurious side of things, rather than being a purpose-built underwater timing tool. Both the Submariner and the Yacht-Master feature rotating timing bezels, but while the Submariner’s bezel rotates unidirectionally and features a luminous dot at the zero-marker, the Yacht-Master’s moves bi-directionally and omits the luminous dot in favor of an insert crafted from either solid gold, platinum, or black ceramic. Similarly, all Rolex Yacht-Master watches feature precious metals somewhere in their construction. Even the most humble models that are largely crafted from stainless steel feature solid platinum bezels, and while the bezel insert on the reference 226659 is built from black ceramic, the watch itself is crafted from solid 18k white gold.

Initially, the Rolex Yacht-Master was exclusively offered in solid yellow gold and with a 40mm case. However, over the years, the collection expanded to include other case sizes and materials including both two-tone and Rolesium (a combination of stainless steel and platinum) references. Both a 29mm Lady Yacht-Master and 35mm Midsize Yacht-Master were previously offered alongside the standard 40mm model, but these two smaller versions were ultimately discontinued in favor of the Midsize Yacht-Master 37.

With that in mind, Baselworld 2019 marked the arrival of both an all-new Yacht-Master size and a new material option for the collection. With the launch of the reference 226659, not only was the Rolex Yacht-Master now available with a 42mm case diameter for the first time in its history but it was also offered with a solid 18k white gold case – something that was previously not an option within the standard Yacht-Master collection. While the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 marked a major step forward for the collection, the new 42mm case size is exclusively available for the ref. 226659, and the watch is only available in one single configuration. Given that the Yacht-Master 42 has only been on the market for a couple of years, many collectors speculate that the solid 18k white gold ref. 226659 is just the first of many 42mm Rolex Yacht-Master watches.

Rolex Yacht Master 42 Defining Elements

For the most part, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is a larger, white gold version of the Everose Yacht-Master 40 that is also on an Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 226659 does possess a number of unique traits that make it immediately identifiable and separate it from all other Rolex watches.

42mm White Gold Case

Probably the single most defining feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is its 42mm case crafted from solid 18k white gold. Not only is this unique because the ref. 226659 is the only 42mm Yacht-Master model, but it also holds the distinction of being the only one that has ever been constructed from white gold. Over the course of the Yacht-Master’s history, it has been created in full 18k yellow gold, Yellow Rolesor (stainless steel and yellow gold), Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum), full 18k Everose gold, and Everose Rolesor (stainless steel and Everose gold). Additionally, there is even a version of the 44mm Yacht-Master II regatta timer that is built from white gold with a platinum bezel, but the reference 226659 is the only iteration of the classic Yacht-Master to be offered in full 18k white gold.

Black Cerachrom Bezel

Just like the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Rolex Yacht-Master models that are also fitted with Oysterflex bracelets, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 receives a bidirectional timing bezel with an insert that is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic material. The black ceramic insert is given a matte-sandblasted texture, with raised graduations that feature a high-polish finish for improved contrast. Despite having both a different case size and being made from different materials, the matte black ceramic insert on the Yacht-Master 42 instantly unites it with the rest of the Oysterflex bracelets Yacht-Master watches in Rolex’s portfolio.

Oysterflex Bracelet

The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is quite possibly the most over-engineered rubber strap in the world – however, to call it a “rubber strap” is a bit misleading. Rolex specifically refers to it as a bracelet within its catalog because the elastomer strap features a flexible metal core for optimum durability and longevity. Additionally, the underside of the strap features a comfort pad that elevates the strap slightly off the wrist, better distributing the weight of the watch and promoting airflow and breathability.

One of the more interesting details about how Rolex has chosen to structure its catalog is that the Oysterflex bracelet (seemingly the most sporty and least formal option) is exclusively equipped to the brand’s solid gold models. Whether fitted to a Daytona, Sky-Dweller, or Yacht-Master watch, all of the Oysterflex-equipped models are crafted from solid 18k gold (either yellow, white, or Everose). At the time of writing, the Oysterflex bracelet is only found on the full 18k Everose gold Yachtmaster 40 and Yacht-Master 37 watches, along with the 18k white gold Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex Caliber 3235 Movement

Despite being 2mm larger than the current Yacht-Master 40, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is powered by the exact same Caliber 3235 movement. Designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex, the Cal. 3235 represents the brand’s latest generation of date-displaying mechanical movements and can be found in a number of other date-displaying Rolex watches, including all-time classics like the Datejust and the Submariner.

The Caliber 3235 movement is based around Rolex’s new Chronergy escapement, which features a skeletonized structure for improved efficiency. When combined with Rolex’s proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring and a redesigned gear train and mainspring barrel, the Caliber 3235 offers users an increased power reserve of 70 hours, which represents a significant step up from the 48-hour reserve offered by its predecessor. Additionally, despite its improved efficiency, the Rolex Cal. 3235 movement adheres to the same incredibly stringent ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision standards, which permit a maximum timekeeping deviation of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Price and Availability

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 has only been around for a couple of years, so it is still in production and available for purchase from retailers and boutiques. However, as anyone who is familiar with Rolex watches will tell you, finding the model you want brand-new and available for immediate sale is virtually impossible and for many highly popular references, there is no way to buy a brand-new Rolex without spending a significant amount of time on a waiting list. As a result of this lack of availability on a retail level, many buyers turn to the secondary market, where they can add a Rolex Yachtmaster 42 ref. 226659 to their collections without the wait.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master 42?

As of 2021, the retail price for a brand-new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is $28,900, which represents a $1,600 premium compared to its 40mm Everose gold counterpart. However, due to the fact that the white gold Yacht-Master 42 cannot be purchased at a retail level without being on a waiting list, pre-owned prices exceed their brand-new values and you can expect to pay a premium of several thousand dollars if you wish to skip the line and add one to your collection today.

Where to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master 42

Since the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is still in production, you can technically still buy it brand-new from Rolex retailers and boutiques – just as long as you are willing to wait out the cue. A similar story exists for most of the popular modern Rolex models; however, compared to the steep premiums that many of the brand’s stainless steel sports watches trade hands for on the open market (which can frequently reach values in excess of 100% above their brand-new retail prices), the comparatively reasonable premium of a few thousand dollars to skip the line for a reference 226659 Yachtmaster 42 means that buyers often opt for a pre-owned example, where availability is immediate and guaranteed.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42: A Modern Luxury Sports Watch

Rolex may have originally built much of its legendary reputation by building tough and reliable sport and tool watches, but the brand’s days as a manufacturer of utilitarian timekeeping devices have long since passed. These days, Rolex is an all-out luxury brand and it is arguably the single most famous luxury label in the entire world. The thought of a military branch supplying its troops with Rolex Submariner watches has become almost comical given that countless people all around the globe are unable to buy a Submariner, despite being more than willing to pay full retail price for one. In fact, the Rolex Submariner is so in-demand that most people are willing to pay far more than the brand-new retail price, just to skip the multi-year waiting list and add one to their collections.

Despite Rolex’s transition towards becoming a luxury manufacturer, it has never stopped producing reliable and finely crafted sports watches. However, the nature of its sports watches has certainly evolved to take on a more luxury-oriented approach, just like the brand’s positioning within the greater watch market. Rolex was producing sports watches back in the 1950s and 1960s and although its products were always considered to be premium timepieces, they were hardly regarded as luxury items, let alone status symbols.

These days, Rolex sports watches are some of the most iconic and desirable luxury timepieces in existence, and wearing one has become a universally recognized symbol of success and personal accomplishment. As a result of the implicit connotations that they carry, modern Rolex sports watches need to do more than just be tough and reliable; they also need to offer a bit of flash and match the opulent and exclusive image of Rolex itself.

The Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand. Its monochromatic color profile paired with its matte black ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet makes the watch inherently casual and sporty, and at first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a humble stainless steel model. However, at its core, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is a $30k solid gold Rolex. Wearing a Rolex watch has become a universally recognized status symbol, but Rolex is not a brand known for making over-the-top, statement pieces. The white gold Yacht-Master 42 is the perfect statement piece for those that do not want to make a statement, and that is precisely why the reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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Hands-On: Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Watch Reference 226627 In RLX Titanium

The visceral experience of wearing the Yacht-Master 42 titanium is very odd for any long-time Rolex fan. Rolex more or less helped create the 20th-century notion that you can often measure the value of a watch by feeling how solid and weighty it is. Rolex watches have never been designed for lightness, so most of them are quite hefty, and beloved for that reason. It is common for someone to admire a precious metal Rolex simply by feeling its mass in the open palm of your hand.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 was introduced in 2019 with tones very similar to this titanium model, but rather in 18k white gold and on a black Rolex Oysterflex strap. A yellow gold version was eventually added, and it seemed as though Rolex’s largest Yacht-Master was destined to be a precious-metal-only product. The 2023 226627 Yacht-Master 42 changes that paradigm by adding in a full grade 5 titanium case and matching bracelet to the product family. This is what people should consider the first “wearable” Rolex watch produced from titanium.

Even though Rolex uses the same grade 5 titanium as other brands, it focuses a lot on surface finishing and polishing for this timepiece. Rolex uses a sort of deep-grain engraving, which is somewhat different from the same effect on steel. Titanium as a color is also a bit darker than the comparatively bright 904L steel that most other (non-precious metal) Rolex sport watches are made out of. Titanium does scratch, and I asked Rolex about the service plan for the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium. To make a long story short, Rolex will offer the same “case refresh” service for its titanium watches as it does for its steel and gold watches, though in reality, Rolex will have to use some special processes to polish titanium so that it looks fresh and new again. “RLX titanium” is really just Rolex’s way of indicating that it polishes and finishes titanium metal differently from other brands (according to Rolex).

Other than being in titanium with the matching bracelet, there isn’t too much new here. The Yacht-Master 42 case is 42mm-wide and has similar proportions as other watches in the larger Oyster Perpetual watch. The case is water resistant to 100 meters, and around the dial is a uni-directional rotating bezel with a matte-black ceramic insert that matches the matte-dark-gray tone of the Yacht-Master 42 dial.

Inside the watch is the Rolex in-house-made caliber 3235 automatic movement that operates at 4Hz with about 70 hours of power reserve. The movement offers the time with date and on the sapphire crystal is a Rolex “cyclops” magnifier lens. Titanium is considered by many engineers to be the perfect material for wristwatch cases. While I don’t think it is possible to ever determine “bests” in regard to an emotional product, it is true that you can easily enjoy the Yacht-Master 42 in titanium from purely a tool watch perspective. The lighter weight and large size give this 42mm-wide Rolex an interesting and desirable personality. It also makes us wonder whether or not there will be more titanium Rolex watches in the future. Possibly some, but I don’t think that Rolex, primarily a maker of conspicuous jewelry-style watches, will heavily focus on a material that will not hold a high polish as nicely as steel, gold, or platinum watches.

For watch lovers and Rolex collectors, there really is a lot of novelty to wearing a Rolex watch in titanium simply because most people haven’t ever done so before. The sister brand Tudor has had the Pelagos, which, for a while, was really the more sober equivalent of this Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226627. It is also much less expensive, but it doesn’t have the iconic Oyster Perpetual case shape and the famous Submariner-style dial that this Yacht-Master does.

While the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium raises a lot of interesting philosophical questions about what Rolex should and shouldn’t be doing, the product will be a commercial success given the current latent demand for high-end titanium sport watches and anything even remotely interesting from Rolex. Rolex has made it clear that production of the titanium Yacht-Master 42 is going to be limited in scope, in large part because there are so many pieces of titanium in the case, and especially the bracelet, that all need to bear precisely matching polishes and finishes. I don’t imagine that this watch is easy for Rolex to make, but we do know that Rolex could increase production of titanium watches if it ever wanted to. Price for the very interesting and comfortable reference 226627 Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is $14,050 USD . Learn more at the Rolex watches website here .

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Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master I – Maritime & sporty

Hoist the sails, don the Rolex Yacht-Master I, and let the regatta begin. This elegant watch attracts both men and women with style and the timeless design. It is the prized companion for both days on deck and nights on the harbour. At CHRONEXT, you can buy a wide range of Yacht-Master I models – for great prices and available for immediate delivery!

A sophisticated timepiece

The legendary Rolex Yacht-Master further strengthens the bond between the Swiss manufacturer and the world of sailing - a connection that has been going strong for decades.

Not only does Rolex sponsor numerous international regattas, the company has its own competition: the prestigious Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Resisting wind and weather, the Yacht-Master I offers waterproofness up to 100 metres, ensuring that it is the perfect companion for yacht cruises.

But the predecessor of the larger Yacht-Master II is not only ideal for stormy weather - the watch also exudes a sense of elegance, delegating it as the perfect accessory for a relaxed evening at the yacht club. The Yacht-Master models that include a blue watch face bring forth the essence of the sea and sailing. The model is also available with a platinum dial, reflecting the elegance that characterizes the collection for both men and women alike.

The luxurious world of the Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) was presented in 1992 as a member of the Oyster Perpetual family. Its similarities to the classic Submariner are abundant, but the resemblance between the two models end when it comes to the price: initially, the Yacht-Master was exclusively produced with a gold case, which accounts for the higher costs.

Contrary to the Submariner’s adaption to adventures under the sea, the Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 116622), with its bright blue dial or mother-of-pearl watch face, is made for life on the water as well as on land. Its bi-directional rotatable bezel allows for exact timekeeping on the high seas. Only high-quality materials are used in the production of this elegant watch: 18 carat yellow gold or 950 platinum. Excellent quality is characteristic of the Yacht-Master: A scratch-proof sapphire crystal, a Cyclops lens, the uniquely innovative Oyster case, and the unrivalled Parachrom hairspring are just some of the outstanding features that make this Rolex watch a true masterpiece.

Sports and luxury - united in the Rolex Yacht-Master I

There is only one Oyster Professional watch that can be purchased in two sizes: the Rolex Yacht-Master. The 40mm model is equipped with the self-winding Rolex calibre 3135 while the smaller 35mm model offers the mechanical Rolex calibre 2235. The production and manufacturing of both calibres are conducted entirely by Rolex and the movements are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Another technological feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master I is the blue Parachrom hairspring. Following years of research, Rolex introduced the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is finer than a human hair. Manufactured from a highly stable paramagnetic alloy, the Parachrom hairspring resists magnetic fields and is ten times less sensitive to shocks as compared to conventional oscillator hairsprings. All these innovative features are protected by a waterproof Oyster case whose name stems from the mollusc that can clamp its shell shut, unlike any other living creature. The Oyster case is screwed shut and can thus offer different degrees of water-resistance. The Oyster bracelet is an exceptionally robust innovation that combines elegance and function with a sensationally comfortable fit. Beginning its success story in the late 1930s, the flat metal bracelet with its three-piece links has become one of the most popular Rolex bracelets, thanks to a comfortable fit and unsurpassed durability.

Only the best materials for the Rolex Yacht-Master

After the development of the Rolex Yacht-Master prototype in the 1960s, the world eagerly awaited an additional 30 years for the introduction of the first Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) in 1992. While the first model, manufactured from 18 carat gold with a white dial, measured 40 millimetres in diameter, the smaller Yacht-Master that launched in 1994 was available with a case diameter of 35 millimetres (68628), as well as a case measuring 29 millimetres (16622).

In the year 1999, Rolex amazed with a new, modern twist on the Yacht-Master by producing the watch in an extravagant mix of stainless steel and platinum. Since then, Rolex has coined the well-known term “Rolesium”, which stands for the combination of platinum and 904L steel. Six years following the presentation in 1999, another model of the Yacht-Master (Ref. 16623) hit the market: the new Rolex watch surprised with a Rolesor-case, famous for its combination of gold and stainless steel. Thus, the Yacht-Master collection of both used and new wristwatches offers an incredible choice of case sizes, materials, and dial colours, making the Yacht-Master a noteworthy and exceptional Rolex watch. Yacht-Masters are produced for both men and women as they brighten every wrist and exude elegant sophistication.

Luxurious and Exhilarating

The Rolex-Yacht master is a watch made for adventurers of the seven seas. Captivating knowledgeable explorers, experienced sailors, and festive yacht owners, the Rolex Yacht-Master collection offers wristwatches for every occasion and impresses with various different and outstanding watches for both men and women.

While men tend to favour bigger Yacht-Master models with a 40-millimeter case, women may prefer the model that measures a slightly smaller 35 millimeters. These models include the white dial Yacht-Master manufactured from stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 168622), and the gold watch dial fashioned from stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 168623)

The men’s watches from the Rolex Yacht-Master collection are equipped with a blue or white dial and their materials range from a combination of stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 116622) to a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 16623). The use of high-quality materials such as gold and platinum explain the higher prices for a Rolex Yacht-Master and allow for a sensible financial investment. For those looking for more reasonably priced watches, the purchase of a Yacht-Master on the second-hand market might be an appealing alternative.

An additional bonus is the fact that vintage watches, whose timelessness is undeniable, tend to reveal exciting stories about their past.

Your model selection at CHRONEXT

• Rolex Yacht-Master 37
• Rolex Yacht-Master 40
• Rolex Yacht-Master 42
• Rolex Yacht-Master in platinum

Sell Rolex Yacht-Master I watches at CHRONEXT

Perhaps, rather than looking to buy, you have a Rolex Yacht-Master I for sale – CHRONEXT is the place for you! Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive service based on years of experience in the watch sector. To obtain offers, simply fill out our online form or contact our experts by phone or email or via live chat. We would be happy to advise you and help you find the best possible deal.

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Is the Yacht-Master the Ultimate Modern Rolex?

When most people think of Rolex, the Submariner is usually the first model that comes to mind. It’s an icon, after all —perhaps  the  icon. But there’s another Rolex sports watch that, while overlooked by some, offers a combination of features that could arguably make it the ultimate modern Rolex: the Yacht-Master.

Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master is one of the younger collections in the Rolex lineup. This gives it a unique position in the catalog—one that isn’t bound by the same historical constraints as the brand's mid-century icons. As a result, the Yacht-Master collection is diverse, with a range of sizes, materials, and configurations that set it apart from the rest of Rolex’s professional lineup.

A Broad Range of Sizes

Image Source: Swiss Watch Expo

One of the most compelling aspects of the Yacht-Master collection is the variety of sizes it offers. In the current lineup, you can choose between 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm cases. This is particularly noteworthy because no other Rolex professional watch comes close to offering this kind of range. The Submariner, for example, is only available in 41mm, and the Daytona is limited to 40mm. We now have some optionality in the Explorer lineup , but aside from the OP, that's about it.

Regardless of the size you choose, the Yacht-Master has curved lugs designed to comfortably hug your wrist: one of its major differences from the Submariner. This isn't just a small tweak —it completely shifts the wearing experience of the watch.

For those who prefer something even smaller, there are discontinued Yacht-Master models in 35mm and 29mm sizes. This level of size variety is something you’d typically find in Rolex’s dressier models like the Datejust, making the Yacht-Master an outlier in the professional category.

A Diverse Palette of Materials

When it comes to materials, the Yacht-Master collection is just as diverse. Current models are available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, two-tone (Everose gold), titanium , and a combination of steel and Everose gold (known as Everose Rolesor). This wide array of options opens up the Yacht-Master collection to a broad spectrum of buyers, suiting a variety of tastes.

A standout material combination that has become synonymous with the Yacht-Master is Rolesium, which pairs a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel. This combination is exclusive to the Yacht-Master and makes it recognizable from across the room. Additionally, the collection includes gem-set versions , where precious stones are set into the bezel and/or dial, adding an extra layer of bling.

Innovative Bracelet and Strap Options

Historically, the Yacht-Master was paired with Rolex’s classic three-link Oyster bracelet. However, in 2015, Rolex introduced the Oysterflex bracelet on the Yacht-Master—a hybrid rubber strap with a metal blade inside, giving it the rigidity of a bracelet with the comfort of a strap. The introduction of the Oysterflex was a significant move for Rolex, showcasing their willingness to innovate within the Yacht-Master collection.

Today, gold Yacht-Master models (whether yellow, white, or Everose) come fitted with the Oysterflex bracelet, while Rolesium, Everose Rolesor, and titanium models are equipped with the traditional Oyster bracelet. This range of bracelet options further adds to the Yacht-Master’s versatility, catering to different preferences and use cases. 

If you like the feel of a rubber strap but don't have an Oysterflex Yacht-Master, check out our selection of straps for various Yacht-Master references ( 16622, 16623, 16628, 116621, 116622, 126621, 126622).

A Configuration for Every Taste

Beyond size and material, the Yacht-Master also offers a variety of dial and bezel options. Most current models feature black dials, but there are also choices like blue, slate, and even diamond-paved dials, depending on the specific reference. The bezels, which are bidirectional and feature a 60-minute scale, come in platinum, Everose gold, or black ceramic. This range of options allows for a high degree of customization: not a common thing in Rolex's catalog.

Why the Yacht-Master Stands Out

The Yacht-Master’s relative youth compared to other Rolex models allows it to be a platform for innovation, akin to (but not quite on the level of) what we see from Tudor . Rolex has used the Yacht-Master to debut features like the Oysterflex bracelet, matte black ceramic bezel inserts, and RLX titanium cases. This willingness to experiment has made the Yacht-Master a dynamic part of the Rolex lineup.

Whether you prefer the luxurious look and feel of Everose gold, the light weight of titanium, or the versatility of a smaller case size, the Yacht-Master has something to offer.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Modern Rolex?

So, is the Yacht-Master the ultimate modern Rolex? In many ways, it is. It combines the brand’s iconic dive watch design with modern innovations, offering unparalleled versatility in terms of size, material, and configuration. While it may not have the storied histories of other (perhaps similar-looking) Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master more than makes up for it with its forward-thinking approach and wide-reaching appeal. 

Unless otherwise stated, images courtesy of Rolex

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Yacht-Master

A valuable tool watch

A technical and elegant watch, the Yacht-Master is a reliable nautical instrument on the wrist.

Its graduated bidirectional bezel allows for precise measurement and reading of time intervals when navigating. This tool watch benefits from innovations that improve its legibility and wearers’ comfort in all circumstances.

Graduated bidirectional bezel Precision and legibility on the wrist

The bidirectional bezel with raised 60-minute graduations is a key feature of the Yacht-Master. Entirely crafted in precious metal – 18 kt Everose gold or 950 platinum – or fitted with a black Cerachrom bezel insert in high-technology ceramic, it is an essential part of the watch’s identity.

With its polished markers and numerals, which stand out clearly from the matt surface, the bezel guarantees optimal reading of time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys. Furthermore, the detailed graduation of the first 15 minutes offers extra precision when reading navigational time.

The bidirectional rotating mechanism relies on a ring bearing 120 notches for precise and fluid adjustment to the nearest half-minute. Lastly, the bezel has a knurled edge, making it easy to manipulate in all conditions.

Gold, Rolesor and Rolesium Precious alloys and exclusive combinations

Rolex gold is an intrinsic part of the Yacht-Master’s identity: 18 kt yellow, white or Everose gold are comprised of 750‰ pure gold and blends of silver, copper and palladium. They are all entirely created and cast in our own foundry.

The Yacht-Master in 18 kt Everose gold is available in two diameters: 37 mm and 40 mm. Each of these versions is also available with a diamond-paved dial. The 18 kt yellow gold and 18 kt white gold versions are reserved for the Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex gold is also combined with Oystersteel – a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy – for the Everose Rolesor versions of the Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40. They combine a bezel and centre links in Everose gold with a middle case, winding crown, case back and outer links in Oystersteel.

The Yacht-Master 37 and the Yacht-Master 40 are also available in Rolesium versions, an alliance of platinum and steel. They combine a platinum bezel with a middle case, winding crown, case back and bracelet in Oystersteel.

RLX titanium Robustness and lightness

RLX titanium made its first appearance in the Yacht-Master range in 2023. The grade 5 titanium alloy selected by Rolex is a particularly lightweight metal and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Its use for the Yacht-Master 42’s case and bracelet has reduced the weight of the watch by around a third compared to a similar watch in steel. RLX titanium is complex to work with and has required the introduction of special production processes.

The combination of polished, high-sheen and technical satin finishes illustrates our excellence in machining and finishing techniques. Together, they produce a subtle blend of textures and light, setting off the gleaming polished surface of the crown guard and the lustrous high-sheen on the top edges of the lugs against the matt of the technical satin finishing – with its pronounced grain – visible on the rest of the case and bracelet.

Bracelets, clasps and extension systems Comfort and security on the wrist

Chromalight display and cyclops lens for optimal legibility.

Equipped with the Chromalight display and the Cyclops lens, the Yacht-Master combines two exclusive Rolex features that improve legibility.

The Chromalight display provides optimum legibility, whatever the light conditions. The luminescent material is applied by experts to the hands and the large hour markers which have simple shapes (triangle, circle and rectangle) that are characteristic of Rolex professional watches. Brilliant white in daylight, this material emits an intense blue glow in the dark.

Introduced in 2008, the Chromalight display was optimized in 2021 to maintain the intensity of the blue glow for longer. The performance of this luminescent substance clearly exceeds the standards required by watchmaking norms.

Designed to improve the readability of the date thanks to its magnifying effect, the Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and technical signature of the brand. This Rolex invention was patented in the early 1950s. Like the crystal of the watch, it is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from a double anti-reflective coating.

Calibres 3235 and 2236 Superlative performance