Yacht-Master
Rolex's nautical-themed sport watch family, introduced in 1992. Distinguished from the Submariner by its bidirectional rotating bezel, brighter dial-bezel palettes, and predominantly precious-metal or two-tone case construction.
At a glance
- Introduction
- 1992 (Yacht-Master), 2007 (Yacht-Master II)
- Current Yacht-Master 40
- 126622 (Rolesium, calibre 3235)
- Current Yacht-Master 42
- 226627 (RLX Titanium, since 2023)
- Current Yacht-Master II
- 116680 (steel, calibre 4161)
- Water resistance
- 100 m (10 bar)
- Bezel
- bidirectional, 60-minute scale
- Exclusive material
- Rolesium (steel with platinum bezel)
- Movement frequency
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
The Yacht-Master is Rolex's nautical-themed sport watch family, introduced in 1992 as a more luxurious alternative to the Submariner. It targets buyers who want diver aesthetics without the strict tool-watch ethos — and collectors who value the precious-metal and two-tone configurations.
Distinguishing features versus Submariner
- Bidirectional rotating bezel. The Yacht-Master bezel rotates in both directions — intended for sailing regatta countdown timing. Submariner bezels rotate counter-clockwise only for safety reasons when diving.
- Brighter palette. Modern Yacht-Master bezels come in sandblasted platinum (on Rolesium and white-gold variants), 18k Everose, and ceramic in various colours.
- Case materials. Yacht-Master is offered in Rolesium (steel with platinum bezel — a Yacht-Master exclusive), two-tone, full gold, full platinum, and since 2023 titanium.
- Bracelet options. Oyster, Oysterflex (rubber over metal core, introduced 2015), and Jubilee on some Yacht-Master II references.
Sub-lines
- Yacht-Master — three-hand with date. Sizes 35 mm (discontinued), 37 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm.
- Yacht-Master II — regatta chronograph with a programmable 10-minute countdown, introduced 2007, 44 mm. A specialised tool watch with a complicated dial layout.
Current references
- Yacht-Master 40 (126622) — steel with platinum bezel (Rolesium), 40 mm, calibre 3235.
- Yacht-Master 42 (226659) — white-gold case, Oysterflex bracelet, 42 mm.
- Yacht-Master 42 (226658) yellow gold and 226627 in RLX Titanium — the latter introduced 2023, Rolex's first production reference in titanium since the Cellini Prince of the 1990s.
- Yacht-Master II (116680) — steel, 44 mm, regatta chronograph.
Market position
The Yacht-Master sits in a complicated relation to the Submariner and the Daytona. It is less hyped — secondary-market premium is smaller than on steel sports Rolex, and it trades closer to retail. It is also more configuration-driven: a Rolesium Yacht-Master 40 and a full-gold Yacht-Master 40 are very different sales propositions to very different buyers. Margin discipline matters more sharply than on the Submariner.
The Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium (2023) repositioned the line slightly toward tool-watch credibility — many collectors read it as the most important Yacht-Master introduction since the original of 1992.
At our atelier in Munich we appraise Yacht-Master references with particular attention to material and configuration: on a Rolesium 40 the condition of the platinum bezel is a decisive price marker; on an Everose 42 the patina of the rubber bracelet matters. Vintage Yacht-Masters — the original 16622 and 16623 — carry modest collector premiums compared with vintage Submariner.
Frequently asked
- Rolesium is Rolex's brand name for the Yacht-Master material pairing of steel case with platinum bezel and platinum dial. The combination is used exclusively on the Yacht-Master and is one of its key visual signatures. The sandblasted platinum bezel ages differently from a ceramic or aluminium insert — it shows fine patina marks while keeping its shape and colour.