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History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master

More luxurious than the Submariner, sportier than the Datejust, and simpler than the GMT-Master, the Rolex Yacht-Master is the brand’s nautical-inspired luxury sports watch. The Yacht-Master is also one of the younger Rolex watch collections having first made its debut in the 1990s. Join us as we dive into the history and evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Yellow Gold Yacht-Master 16628

While Rolex had been a longtime supporter of sailing and experimented with a Yacht-Master dial prototype in the 1960s, it was not until the 1990s that the Crown unveiled a watch officially dedicated to nautical lifestyle. The first model to kick off the YM collection was the Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Crafted almost entirely in 18k yellow gold, it was clear from the onset that Rolex was positioning the Yacht-Master as a sports watch with plenty of style and flair. In fact, at a quick glance, the Yacht-Master and the Submariner share quite a few design traits.

Yacht-Master 16628 with mother-of-pearl dial

The Yacht-Master ref. 16628 features a 40mm Oyster case topped with a bi-directional rotating timing bezel marked to 60 minutes. The Yacht-Master dial is similar to other Rolex Oyster Professional watches with the familiar Mercedes-style center hands, in addition to the mix of round, rectangular and triangular hour markers. To emphasize the opulent nature of the watch, Rolex also offered dial versions with ruby-set hour markers, sapphire-set hour markers, and black onyx-set hour markers. The Yacht-Master includes a date window at 3 o’clock along with the customary Cyclops magnification lens above it, affixed to the exterior of the sapphire crystal.

Rolex opted to fit the Yacht-Master with an Oyster bracelet and like all its automatic date/time models of the era, the watch ran on Caliber 3135. Rolex continued to produce the Yacht-Master 16628 until around 2011 and never replaced it with another full yellow gold Yacht-Master after that.

The ladies’ yellow gold Yacht-Master ref. 69628 with a 29mm case and the midsize yellow gold Yacht-Master ref. 68628 with a 35mm case joined the collection in 1994.

The Rolesium Yacht-Master 16622

In 1999, Rolex introduced a brand new version of the Yacht-Master in a metal combination the brand calls Rolesium. While Rolesor is Rolex’s term for combining gold and steel on a watch, Rolesium is the brand’s name for using platinum and steel together on a watch. The Yacht-Master was the first (and remains the only) Rolex Rolesium model.

On top of the Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 16622 ‘s 40mm steel case is a platinum bezel with high polished raised numerals on a sandblasted background. What’s more, the platinum dial also features a sandblasted finish, along with pops of red on the seconds hand and the YACHT-MASTER label.

The Oyster bracelet is fashioned from stainless steel but also combines a mix of finishes with high-polished center links flanked by brushed center links. Therefore, while the Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 16622 is monochromatic due to its use of white metals, there is plenty of textural interest thanks to the range of surface finishes.

Rolex also made the Rolesium Yacht-Master with a ladies’ 29mm size (ref. 69622 then ref. 169622 ) and a midsize 35mm size (ref. 68622 then ref. 168622).

In 2012, Rolex replaced Yacht-Master ref. 16622 with the Yacht-Master ref. 116622 , which features an upgraded clasp with the Eaasylink extension system and the blue Chromalight lume instead of the green lume.

Yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623

The Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 16623 in a two-tone colorway mixing yellow gold and stainless steel joined the lineup in 2005.

Interestingly, Rolex already made yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master models but in smaller sizes. The two-tone midsize 35mm Yacht-Master ref. 68623 and two-tone ladies’ 29mm Yacht-Master ref. 69623 were released in 1995 and later replaced by the upgraded 168623 and 169623 references, respectively, in the early 2000s.

The Yacht-Master 16623, however, was the first two-tone version in the men’s 40mm size. The 40mm stainless steel case includes an 18k yellow gold bezel, complete with raised numerals in a high polished finish. Furthermore, the two-tone Oyster bracelet of the Yacht-Master 16623 features yellow gold center links flanked by two rows of stainless steel

Rolex eventually discontinued the yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623 in 2016 to make way for another type of two-tone YM, which we will discuss shortly below.

Everose Gold Yacht-Master 116655

In 2015, Rolex released the Yacht-Master 116655, which was not only the first Yacht-Master crafted from Everose gold (Rolex’s patented rose gold alloy) but also the very first Rolex fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. The Oysterflex bracelet is Rolex’s approach to a black rubber strap, comprised of a metal titanium nickel alloy blade covered in a black elastomer coating.

Everose Gold Yacht-Master models introduced at Baselworld 2015

Additionally, the Everose gold Yacht-Master 116655 includes a black Cerachrom (Rolex’s proprietary ceramic alloy) bezel–another first for the collection. Matching the black bracelet and black bezel of the Yacht-Master ref. 116655 is the black dial, punctuated with rose gold surrounds framing the lume plots and rose gold Mercedes-style hands.

That same year, Rolex also introduced the Everose gold and black Oysterflex Yacht-Master ref. 268655 with a smaller 37mm case size. This new case size effectively replaced the previous ladies and midsize versions of the Yacht-Master as Rolex has now stopped making the 35mm and 29mm editions.

Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master 116621

As previously mentioned, Rolex discontinued the yellow gold and stainless steel Yacht-Master model. However, taking the place of that two-tone version is the new Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 116621 , which combines rose gold and steel, presented in 2016.

The 40mm stainless steel case of the Yacht-Master ref. 116621 includes a rotating bezel in 18k Everose gold. And like previous versions, the raised numerals on the bezel are high-polished, providing a contrast to the sandblasted background.

In true Rolex two-tone fashion, the Oyster bracelet of the Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 116621 includes rose gold center links in between the exterior steel links. The bracelet also comes with the practical Easylink adjustment system on the clasp.

Yacht-Master With Caliber 3235

Just this year at Baselworld 2019 , Rolex unveiled a new batch of Yacht-Master 40 references, all fitted with the new-generation Caliber 3235 automatic movement with an increased power reserve of 72 hours. There’s the Everose gold and Oysterflex Yacht-Master ref. 126655, the steel and platinum Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 126622, and the Everose gold and steel Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 126621.

With these new releases, all previous 40mm Yacht-Master ref. 1166xx references are now discontinued.

White Gold Yacht-Master 42 226659

The big news that came out of the Rolex pavilion at Baselworld 2019 was the launch of the Yacht-Master ref. 226659. With its new 42mm case size, this is the biggest Yacht-Master to date and the first to be made in white gold.

Similar to its Everose gold sibling, Rolex fitted white gold Yacht-Master 226659 with a black Cerachrom bezel, a black Oysterflex bracelet, and a black dial. Under the solid white gold caseback is also the automatic Caliber 3255 movement.

While the Rolex Yacht-Master has been around for less than three decades, it’s clear that this has been an active part of the company’s catalog. The history and evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master have paved the way for a bevy of sizes, metals, and styles to choose among current-production and pre-owned Yacht-Master models . This is the perfect watch model if you’re looking for a sporty Rolex with some serious flair.

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Rolex: The Evolution of the Yacht-Master

What makes a Rolex so unique and coveted as a brand on a global level? Apart from the class, it adds to your personality, the true worth lies in its intricacies and the making. It only releases all-new designs on a very rare basis; in fact, the last model launched before the Yacht-Master was the Rolex Daytona in 1964. The Yacht-Master debuted in 1992, therefore it took the brand 28 years to come up with a completely new model! To put things in perspective, it took them nearly 20 years to create another all-new model, the Sky-Dweller, which was unveiled in 2012.

It also produced a brand-new stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master with a cobalt blue sunray dial in 2012, and it became an immediate masterpiece. While we talk about the evolution of the Yacht-Master, we can trace its history back to 1967.

The Evolution of The Yacht Master: From 1967 to 2021

It innovated like crazy, and one might say that they drove everything they could think of at the wall and waited to see what would stick. The original Yacht-Master is noteworthy since it was the second one to be designed on a nautical motif, following the Rolex Submariner.

Rolex: The Evolution of the Yacht-Master

Rolex designed the Yacht-Master Chronograph before the SEA-DWELLER, which is ironic. I suppose they sought to cash in on the Submariner's enormous popularity as a utility timepiece.

The original Yachtmaster resembles early Rolex Daytona models, although the Daytonas were 36mm in diameter, while the Yachtmaster was 39.5mm. The Yachtmaster Chronograph was never released by the brand in the late 1960s, but it is still a fascinating piece of their design history!

Perhaps the Submariner has been Rolex's bread and butter for the past half-century. It eventually chose to resurrect their old Yacht-Master trademark, and the rest, as they say, is history. If you look closely at the current Yacht-Master, you'll notice that it's practically identical to a Submariner in every manner!

The 40mm Yacht-Master was first presented in 1992 as a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold with a white dial and the Rolex 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. The Yacht-Master had a triple-lock crown and was water-resistant to 320 feet (100 meters) (10 bars).

The first Yacht-Master was marketed as a more luxurious version of the Submariner. The Submariner was designed for use below, while the Yacht-Master was designed for use above water. If the Submariner was for the Captain/Skipper, Thurston Howell III was for the Yacht-Master (The Millionaire).

In 1994, they released the Reference 69628, a 35mm "Mid-size edition" aimed for the Asian market or for those with smaller wrist sizes. In the same year, they released Reference 69628, a women's 29MM version of the Yacht-Master.

It stunned everyone when they debuted the stainless steel and platinum version at BaselWorld in 1999. Rolex refers to Rolesium as a blend of Stainless Steel and Platinum. This was the first model to reintroduce the classic Maxi Markers and fat hands. Since then, it has gradually reintroduced Maxi Markers and big hands to all sports models.

The stainless and platinum Yacht-Master dial and bezel were made of platinum, but the watch had little contrast, which presented a dilemma. It was lovely, although it appeared to be albino and lacked vibrancy. This year at BaselWorld, all of that changed when Rolex unveiled the new 40mm Reference 116622 with a striking Cobalt Blue Sunray dial. Rolex also changed the case design with this new version, giving the Yacht-Master a Super case, which means the lugs are substantially thicker.

And now, here we are the newest Yacht-Master novelty: The Oyster Perpetual. Let's deep dive into its technical prowess and features.

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master: 2021 Novelty

The iconic maritime watch, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, reflects Rolex's privileged ties to the world of sailing, which date back to the 1950s. The Yacht-Master, which debuted in 1992, was created with sailors and skippers in mind.

It encapsulates the specialties that have existed between Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s. This watch in the Professional category, beautiful and racy, brilliantly combines functionality and nautical flair and evolves with ease both at sea and on land.

A stunningly-magnificent piece

The Yacht-Master is distinguished by its bi-directional rotating 60-minute graded bezel in relief, either formed entirely of precious metal (18 karat gold or 950 platinum) or equipped with a Cerachrom disc in technical ceramic. Against a matte background, polished graduations and numbers stand out. The bezel can be conveniently handled because of its notched rim, which provides great grip.

The Yacht-Chromalight Master's display provides an excellent reading in all lighting conditions, including in the dark. The Yacht Master's Oyster casing, with a diameter of 37 mm, 40 mm, or 42 mm and assured water resistance to a depth of 100 meters, is a model of durability and dependability. The caseband is made of solid blocks of Oystersteel steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy, or 18 karat gold.

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master is covered by Superlative Chronometer certification, which was redefined in 2015. This special designation certifies that each watch that leaves Rolex's workshops has passed a set of tests by the company in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria.

The watch's self-winding mechanical movements, calibres 2236 (Yacht-Master 37) and 3235 (Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42) are used in Yacht-Master models. These trends have been multiple patent applications since they are concentrated in technology. Precision, autonomy, shock and magnetic field resistance, ease of use, and reliability are among the features that they offer. Its three-link system allows you to adjust the size and be comfortable, as this magnificent piece of beauty adds grandeur and oomph to your outfit.

Whether it’s a celebrity wearing these watches or it is a classic hand-me-down collection, the history of the Yacht-Master leaves us all mesmerized and high hopes of the models to come. It surely draws your attention, making you a loyal fan.

Despite its lack of historical significance, the Yacht-Master is the most authentic Rolex on the market. It has the Heiniger luxury that has helped the brand thrive and survive, rather than the Wilsdorf pragmatism that established the business. Whether Rolex aficionados want to acknowledge it, without the passion that lies at the heart of every Yacht-Master made, Rolex would not be the industry's monarch right now.

The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

Instagram: @rolex

In the year 1992, Swiss watchmaker Rolex would debut a new model line at the Baselworld show that was strikingly similar to the already-popular Submariner. It featured the same 40mm Oyster case with a rotating bezel, the same chronometer-certified caliber, and the same Oyster bracelet.

Seemingly the only difference between the two was the white dial of that first Yacht-Master, a style which has never been an option on a Sub, and the inferior depth rating of 100m when compared to the Sub’s 300m.

Yet, the Yacht-Master was well-received upon launch, and with the passing of time, the yachting-inspired model has evolved and pioneered its own path within Rolex’s catalog.

Read on with us as we go back to the beginning and track the catalysts that paved the way for the most recent Yacht-Master release, the Yacht-Master 42 (226659), to become one of the hottest sports timepieces of the year.

History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

We’ve broken down our overview of the Yacht-Master into the following segments:

Release Of The Yacht-Master

The Submariner/Yacht-Master Theory

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master
Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The Maxi Dial Yacht-Master

Two-Tone Rolesor Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master II

Six-Digit Yacht-Master

The Oysterflex Yacht-Master

Keep scrolling to read this guide from its beginning, or use the links above to jump down to a specific point.

Browse Bob’s Watches Rolex Catalogue

The Release Of The Yacht-Master

The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.

Rolex ref. 16628. Instagram: @m_j_watches

Previous to the Yacht-Master’s introduction, Rolex had not released a new model line in a quarter century. So, why did they go with the Yacht-Master, a design that risked being a detractor from their existing Submariner? Let’s take a look at the inspiration.

The sport of yachting is one which demands precise timing and extreme coordination of the entire crew for optimal performance, particularly in offshore competitions.

Vintage Rolex Daytona Yacht-Master Prototype

Prototype Daytona Yacht-Master ref. 6239. Image: Christies.com

Rolex believed their waterproof and chronometer-grade timepieces to be more than qualified to handle the knocks of a regatta and keep ticking accurately. The brand is also notorious for their marketing prowess, which led them to act quickly in establishing an association with the sport.

Beginning in 1958 with their first sponsorship of a race, the relationship has endured until today, when the brand sponsors over a dozen international yachting events.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that there exists a large gap between first contact in 1958 and the release of the yacht-inspired timepiece in the early ’90s. Why wasn’t the Yacht-Master released earlier on?

Well, Rolex played around with the idea of yachting chronograph early on, though it never materialized. All that’s left of these trials are an extremely limited number of Daytona ref. 6239 chronograph prototypes with a 39mm case (vs standard 36mm) and modified regatta dials.

Unfortunately, the Yacht-Master concept was scrapped and would not reappear until decades later.

When it did return, none of the previous Yacht-Master’s DNA was there. Furthermore, the 1992 Yacht-Master was bizarrely similar to the 16610 Sub of the time.

Interestingly enough, Rolex folklore tells of a time in the ’80s when the brand sought to update their Submariner . What resulted was less of an update and more of an overhaul, manifested as what we know now as the first Yacht-Master.

Apprehensive of the repercussions that making such aggressive design changes to their staple offering could bring, the brand chose instead to release the watch intended to be a new Submariner as the reborn Yacht-Master instead.

The move worked, and the new Yacht-Masters started flying off the shelves. The Yacht-Master was perceived as a more luxurious Sub, though its bidirectional bezel proved useful for on-the-fly countdowns which are critical in sailing competitions. The waterproof nature of the Oyster case further cemented the Yacht-Master as the ideal first mate.

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master

In 1994, just two years after the debut of the 16628, Rolex would introduce the same design but in smaller case sizes. These were:

Ref. 68628: Yacht-Master “Mid-Size” in 35mm
Ref. 69628: Yacht-Master Ladies’ in 29mm

This marked the first time that Rolex ever offered one of their sports models in a smaller case size; all previous instances of case size changes were increases as opposed to reductions. It has been speculated that the smaller cases were intended for the Asian market.

Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Instagram: @thewatchcentre

In the same year, Rolex also offered the same 16628 but this time with a deep blue dial. Blue dials tend to make for broadly-liked watches, and coupled with the gold case and bracelet, the new version was once again a hit.

The Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The next update to the model line would come in 1999 with yet another home-run: the Rolesium Yacht-Master. The new watch featured a stainless steel case and bracelet with a platinum dial and platinum-insert bezel. Rolesium, a term registered by Rolex back in the ’30s for a combination of steel and platinum in a watch, was finally put to use.

The new platinum Yacht-Master ref. 16622 was not only more accessible than the previous all-gold varieties, it was also more versatile. This would lead the 16622 variety to become the face of the Yacht-Master line.

In fact, many online resources erroneously label it the first Yacht-Master ever; this should offer an idea of how emblematic it is in the watch industry.

The 16622 also presented a new dial and hand style that would mark Rolex as a whole through to the modern day. The new Yacht-Master boasted what is now recognized as the “maxi dial”.

Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16628

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628 w/ maxi dial. Instagram: @kellokonttori

The maxi dial is characterized by oversized hour indices as well as larger hands at center. To the untrained eye, the difference may be difficult to spot, though experienced collectors will note the change instantly.

The maxi dial became the style of choice for all modern Rolex sports watches, though it got its start in the 1999 platinum Yacht-Master. A Submariner would first feature a maxi dial in 2003, with the release of the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner “Kermit” (16610LV).

All versions of the Yacht-Master produced after the introduction of the maxi dial would also feature the new dial design. This included the blue, gold, and white dial versions from years past.

The Two-Tone (Rolesor) Yacht-Master

Six years after the Rolesium Yacht-Master came to be, Rolex would once more put on display their mixed-metal Rolesor style in the two-tone Yacht-Master 16623.

Two-Tone Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16823

Yacht-Master ref. 16623. Instagram: @v.davidofftimepieces

The 2005 debuts possessed a 40mm steel case, a yellow gold bidirectional bezel, and a two-tone Oyster bracelet. As far as dials, many of the previous styles were also available like the black-on-white, though mother of pearl version were also introduced.

It was during Baselworld 2007 when Rolex would introduce the Yacht-Master’s younger and much larger sibling, the Yacht-Master II. Whereas the original Yacht-Master was very close functionally to the Sub, the Yacht-Master II was completely the opposite.

It can be said that the only overlap between the YM and the YMII is be the name, as the second iteration looks like a whole new watch. This time, though, it’s clear that the watch has been designed with the needs of yachting professionals in mind.

The first Yacht-Master II were marked by a 44mm Oyster case, an Oyster bracelet, a white dial, and a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) Ring Command bezel. The first two references, 116688 and 116689, were made of yellow gold and white gold, respectively.

Powering the YMII was another innovation – Rolex’s in-house calibre 4161. It features the COSC-chronometer certification and 72-hour power reserve that are today’s standard, though they were industry-leading at the time. Most notable, though, was the 4161 movement’s functions.

The new caliber boasted a “ programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. ” Naturally, the programming of the movement required the use of the Ring Command bezel, a feature which had also never been encountered on a Rolex watch before.

In later years, Rolex would go on to release Rolesor and full-steel versions of the Yacht-Master II, both of which have been relatively successful. The Yacht-Master II has certainly earned a spot in the brand’s catalog, and is sure to stick around for next couple of decades.

The Six-Digit Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master 116622

Twenty years after it debuted as the 16628, the Yacht-Master would see in 2012 the modernization that had been sweeping Rolex’s other model families.

Aside from receiving a new six-digit reference number (116622), subtle aesthetic changes were also present, as was an outstanding new dial option – the Cobalt Blue dial.

The case was now a “super case”, which retained the 40mm diameter but was styled differently. The bezel was now completely platinum, where previous versions were made of steel with a platinum insert. The Oyster bracelet had likewise been upgraded.

A platinum bezel / platinum dial option was still part of the collection and therefore received the same upgrades. Unfortunately, this iconic “albino” look would be completely discontinued in 2017.

The subsequent and most recent significant change to the Yacht-Master family took place in 2015, when Rolex first introduced the Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655.

Rolex Everose Yacht-Master on Oysterflex bracelet

The newest iteration of the YM possessed some new features. The case was made of Everose, and the bezel now boasted a black Cerachrom insert. Securing the watch to the wrist was another Rolex first – the Oysterflex rubber ‘bracelet’.

Before the 116655, no Rolex watch had ever sported a rubber band. The brand still refers to it as a bracelet given the metal elements within the band, but these are not obvious even with the watch in the hand.

This same style of Yacht-Master would receive the next update in 2019, when Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in white gold.

What’s Next?

With the recent changes that the Yacht-Master line has had, it is clear that Rolex intends to keep this model family alive and well for years to come. Consumers are likewise responding to each new release, offering plenty of feedback with their pocketbooks.

If you’d like to read up on any of Rolex’s other model families, make sure to check out some of our extensive watch guides below:

History Of The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Overview Of The Most Luxurious Pilot’s Watch: The GMT-Master
How Did The Day-Date Become The President’s Watch?
Review Of Rolex’s Longest Running Watch Model
Rolex Watches That Could Become The Investment Of A Lifetime

"I have always been a fan of the Yacht-Master, but I had no idea that it didn't exist until the 1990s. Thanks for the information, and thanks for keeping it entertaining. Well done!"

Watch Content

The History and Development of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Published on Tuesday 22nd of February 2022 Rolex Watch History

In the mid-1980s, Rolex were having great success with their line of sports watches that had remained unchanged for many years. However rumour has it that at some point Rolex were looking at redesigning the iconic Submariner . Thankfully Rolex eventually came to their senses and left the design of the Submariner alone. However, the work that had gone into the redesigned watch was rather good and it seemed a shame to leave it on the design room floor. Therefore, in the years that followed, Rolex used the new design intended for the Submariner to make a brand new line of maritime watches for the luxury market, and so the Rolex Yacht-Master was born.

The Rolex Yacht-Master made its debut in 1992, and was the first new design in 25 years (since the Sea-Dweller in 1967). Although it obviously shares its DNA with the rugged steel tool watch that is the Submariner, the Yacht-Master is designed to be a more luxurious offering, appealing to those who spend their spare time relaxing on superyachts above the water, as opposed to working under it. Originally only available in solid 18kt yellow gold, the Yacht-Master was, and still is, the only Rolex watch available in three sizes, with a 29mm - ref 69628, a 35mm - ref 68628, and the most popular being the 40mm variant ref 16628. Its wealthy target market was also well catered for in dial options, with options including various colours of mother of pearl, as well as a deep sunburst blue, with the option of hour markers in ruby-red, sapphire, and black onyx-set. The most popular dial combination being a striking white dial and contrasting black hour markers.

The Rolex Yacht-Master was exclusively available in 18kt yellow gold until 1995, when Rolex introduced a new Yacht-Master in steel and yellow gold. A few years later they added a steel and platinum model, all with the unique sandblasted finish bezel and highly polished raised numerals. An oyster bracelet and polished centre links made them stand out as the dressy luxury option in the Rolex professional line-up. All three metal variations of Rolex Yacht-Master were available in three sizes and various dial options. It wasn't until 2015 that the Rolex Yacht-Master range saw a change in design.

By the mid-2010s, Rolex had stopped making the solid 18kt yellow gold Yacht-Master, with only the steel/platinum, and steel/yellow gold versions being available until 2015. Rolex also stopped making the steel and yellow gold Yacht-Master in order to make way for a new generation of Rolex Yacht-Master. Rolex are normally trend setters in the world of watches, with many fashion brands trying to replicate the aesthetics of the Rolex range, but with the use of rose gold in fashion getting more and more popular, the Rolex Yacht-Master would be the latest in the range to adopt the ‘Everose’ material (Rolex’s own rendition of rose gold).

As well as the introduction of rose gold, the new generation of Yacht-Master ref 116655 included a first for Rolex, the option of a rubber strap. The soft black rubber of the new ‘Oysterflex’ bracelet has a flexible titanium-nickel alloy core to ensure its strength and flexibility. As well as the introduction of the Oysterflex bracelet, the new Rolex Yacht-Master also had a new bezel, keeping its sand blasted finish with raised numbers, but now made of a black scratch resistant ceramic, giving the bezel a matt black finish to contrast to the highly polished rose gold case.

A year after the introduction of the rose gold on black rubber Rolex Yacht-Master 116655, Rolex replaced the steel and yellow gold line of Yacht-Masters, with a steel and rose gold range of watches. This colour scheme, like the rose gold on rubber bracelet, is available in two sizes, a full sized 40mm watch ref 116621 (replaced with the ref 126621 in 2019), and a reduced size of 37mm ref 268621. This addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master Range means that the collection has three different variations, with two size options for each. The new steel and rose gold model, the rose gold on rubber bracelet model and the steel and platinum Yacht-Master, which is available in a 40mm (ref 126622), and in 37mm (ref 268622) size. This has two distinct dial options, a deep blue dial with a line of red text and matching seconds hand, and a dark slate dial with a turquoise blue line of text and matching seconds hand.

Amongst the new releases at the Baselworld watch fair in 2019, there was a new Yacht-Master to join the line-up. With a new case size of 42mm, the new ref 226659 is the biggest Yacht-Master yet. It has the same black Oysterflex rubber bracelet and black ceramic sandblast finish bezel like the rose gold Yacht-Masters in the range, but this new model is exclusively available in 18kt white gold and gloss black dial, giving the latest Rolex Yacht-Master a contrasting monochrome look.

Today the Rolex Yacht-Master sits in the Rolex Professional Watches range, alongside its bigger brother the Yacht-Master II, being a modern sports watch. The Yacht-Master is generating far more interest in comparison to the supply that Rolex are giving to authorised dealers, and thus the price of the Rolex Yacht-Master on the used watch market is steadily increasing.

Author: Watches by Timepiece

Looking for a pre-owned Rolex Yacht Master?

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The History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht Master

The History and Evolution of…

Rolex is a brand that’s known for its direct link to exploration and adventure. Some of its most notable watches and timepieces are intrinsically linked with specific activities and sports, from the Submariner that was built for divers, to the Daytona that tracks the average speed for a race car driver.

However, one thing that Rolex does not do lightly is release entirely new models. Prior to the rollout of the Yacht Master in 1992, the last brand new watch that Rolex had manufactured and released was the Daytona in 1964. So, while innovation is very much at the heart of Rolex’s collection and the design of each and every timepiece, the brand does not take new models on without extensive consideration.

But we have to be honest… the Yacht Master watch was worth the wait.

Despite being the second Rolex watch to have a somewhat nautical theme, following the Submariner, which arrived on the market decades before, the Yacht Master boasts a selection of features that define it as a more modern, more versatile accessory for watch lovers and sailors alike.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Rolex Yacht Master came to be and how the design has evolved.

The Inspiration Behind the Rolex Yacht Master

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Rolex Yacht Master, certainly with regard to its history and the inspiration behind its design , is that Rolex didn’t necessarily set out to create a new watch.

What’s more, the idea for the Yacht Master dates back as far as 1967, with the original Yacht Master Chronograph never released to market, despite being designed and produced by Rolex.

The modern Yacht Master, as released in 1992, brought the trademark name and vision back to life – though the new version could just as easily be defined as an extension of the Submariner. The story goes that Rolex designers wanted to modernise the Submariner, but were then too scared to change the much-loved and highly sought-after Submariner design too radically.

By releasing the new design as a brand-new model, resurrecting their original vision for a Yacht Master timepiece, Rolex could continue to bridge its respect for the past with innovation and a look to the future. It became known across the luxury timepiece market that the new Yacht Master model was a luxury Submariner-style piece, for the Yacht-owning millionaire. It has all the functional attributes but with a cleaner, more controlled aesthetic , as favoured by style-conscious buyers.

As time went on, the Yacht Master grew in popularity, with a wider selection of sizes and different finishes available. A women’s version was released, with Rolex continuing to explore matching, complementing, and juxtaposing materials and colour schemes across the collection.

Evolution of the Yacht Master II

The original Yacht Master was followed in 2007 by the release of a second Yacht Master – termed the Yacht Master II.

This watch took on a very different core function in that, rather than serving the millionaire yacht owner, this piece was for the individual sailing the yacht. Tapping into the professional Rolex market, the Yacht Master II was a regatta piece that had a programmable countdown function, enabling a countdown of anywhere from one to ten minutes – according to the needs of the user. This additional mechanical function opened up the Yacht Master to a whole new market of wearers – with the standard size being a 44mm case, an oyster bracelet, and a screw-down, Triplock crown, with a sapphire crystal case designed to be scratch-resistant.

Standout Features of the Rolex Yacht Master

So, now that we know about the design and release of the Yacht Master and its subsequent regatta model, what features elevate the Rolex Yacht Master to its status as one of the most popular Rolex collections from the past couple of decades?

The main feature is the watch face, which combines classic hour markers with a date dial in the 3 o’clock position underneath a Cyclops lens, which facilitates quick and easy reading.

Around the outside of the watch face, the dial is made up of 10-minute markers with an arrow at the top to indicate the top of the watch and highlight the 12 o’clock position. The hands of the watch are reflective for easy reading in the dark, with the ‘Yacht Master’ watch name positioned just above the 6 o’clock marker.

In comparison to the classic Yacht Master , the Yacht Master II boasts an added countdown timer with mechanical function and the numbers 0 to 10 around the outside of the dial. ‘Yacht Master II’ appears on the dial rather than the watch face, with the colour tones of the Yacht Master II often bolder. The aim of this release and the creation of this model was to give racing sailors a tool that could be used during racing – mimicking the start claxon with the countdown on their watch.

Is the Rolex Yacht Master a Good Investment?

If nothing else, this blog should clearly have communicated the role that the Rolex Yacht Master plays in the brand’s history and rollout of new models.

Despite Rolex very rarely releasing new pieces, the Yacht Master collection is compiled of two different models – and a history that dates back over two decades, before the release of the first official Yacht Master watch.

As such, this is an iconic watch that investment buyers and watch enthusiasts alike value and covet. When a Yacht Master becomes available on the market, the demand is high – offset by the limited supply of each individual model, which pushes the value of each and every Rolex sky high.

If buying a Rolex is something that you’re keen to explore, finding a reputable reseller will give you access to market insight and to an ever-changing rotation of stock – based on what they buy and sell themselves at any given time.

The Rolex Yachtmaster: history, models, price

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 9

Table of Contents

(NEWS) The Monaco Legend Group will auction a one-of-a-kind Rolex Yacht-Master

The rolex yacht-master dix millionieme chronometre.

The Yacht-Master auctioned on April 22 and 23 in Monaco is one of the most attractive one-of-a-kind contemporary Rolex watches and popped up in the early nineties to celebrate the ten-millionth Rolex watch equipped featuring the Chronometer Certificate.

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 3

Interestingly, it is not a Daytona, a Submariner or a Day-Date but a Rolex Yacht-Master, thus adding additional flavour to our guide as no other model could ever do. May we call it the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger ? Yes, we might, but we need to move forward and provide further details.

The Heiniger family and Rolex

The model pictured here was manufactured under the Heiniger family’s leadership at Rolex; they managed the brand since Andre Heiniger was appointed President of Rolex in 1964 through his son Patrick’s appointment in 1992.

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 1

This one-off platinum Yacht-Master is a prototype conceived to celebrate such a milestone and holds all the features found on first-class super-exclusive Rolex timepieces, and adopts baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds replacing the stock indexes plus the “DIX MILLIONIEME CHRONOMETRE” print on the dial, and the calibre 3135’s oscillating mass.

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 7

The Heiniger family had, no doubt, a soft spot for platinum watches ; three unique platinum Daytona also appeared under their management and, according to industry’s rumours, the Daytona 116598 SACO, better known as the Leopard, was among their projects inspired, it seems, by Nina Stevens, Patrick Heiniger’s girlfriend back then.

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 8

However, the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger is not a unicorn adorning a watch museum ; it will soon go under the hammer thanks to the Monaco Legends Group, the auction house co-managed by vintage watchmaking guru Davide Parmegiani, the 22 and 23 April.

Rolex Yacht-Master Dix Millionieme Chronometre 5

Given the relevance of the timepiece and its exclusivity, we expect fierce competition among collectors to make this piece theirs. What is the auction’s base price? The current estimation is between one and two million euros , quite a hefty price gap but something hard to predict for any watch expert.

The origins of the Rolex Yachtmaster

When did the Rolex Yachtmaster first appear? It’s hard to define. The name “Yacht Master” was filed for patent by Rolex in 1950 and, according to rumours and several non-confirmed historical sources, marked the brand’s willingness to introduce a new collection atop the top-selling and sporty Submariner; yet, it’s hard to describe the time lapse between patent and the first official commercial release. When we look at the current collection, we can also find inspiration in the most challenging endeavours across the oceans, up to professional yacht racing.

For instance, the former includes the expeditions set out by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston . He completed the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the globe, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race of 1969, but we can’t forget what Sir Francis Chichester achieved, too; he circumnavigated the world from West to East in nine months and one day between 1966 and 1977 aboard the never-forgotten Gipsy Moth IV.

During his expedition, Chichester wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, laying the foundations for what a Rolex watch represents when tested under extreme weather conditions on land, sea and air.

The first Yachtmaster

The first Rolex Yachtmaster dates back to 1992 ; it was marketed as reference 16628 and is the second most recent new Rolex watch after the more contemporary Rolex Sky-Dweller.

The collection’s timeline has undergone a bizarre evolution compared to similar Rolex watch collections.

Showcasing an 18-carat yellow gold case and bracelet paired with an unusual white dial , it housed the movement 3135 and is undeniably an evolution of the design codes seen on a Submariner, despite the journey to the first edition being unexpected and with plenty of testing prototypes.

Was the Yachtmaster pictured above the first attempt ever? It was from a commercial standpoint, not from a product perspective instead. The Yachtmaster moniker first surfaced between 1967 and 1969 when Rolex released a couple of prototypes based on the Daytona , whose case diameter had grown to 39.5 mm. The timepieces mentioned above belong to Italian collector John Goldberger and artist Eric Clapton.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 and 37 mm

Here is the Yacht Master’s “bread and butter”, undergoing several evolutions to end up with the model pictured here, as an example, in its gold and steel livery. With Jean-Frèdèric Dufour appointed CEO, Rolex has revisited the entire offering, which includes 40 and 37-mm large models, but has never hit the spot as the most wanted Professional Rolex among enthusiasts. The Daytona , Submariner, or GMT Master 2 are far more sought-after than any Yachtmaster, although the appreciation has steadily grown year after year .

Instead, the Yachtmaster’s technical development began with the 2007 Rolex Yacht-Master 2 116680 , whose sailing-professionals-oriented complication proves, alongside a Rolex Sky-Dweller, how much Rolex technicians are up to the task when asked to design a mechanically complicated watch.

Rolesor and Rolesium.

The current Yachtmaster collection with bracelets includes a completely revised range, comprising seven models : four 40 mm and three 37 mm models. They are available exclusively in steel and gold or platinum; some come in Rolesium (steel and platinum), others in Rolesor (steel and gold) such as, for instance, the Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm model in steel and Everose gold pictured here, also available with a black dial and as a 37mm size.

Let’s look closer at the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in Steel and Everose Gold : it combines 904L steel and Everose pink gold, the Rolex-patented pink gold alloy adopting a specific silver and copper percentage to create an alloy capable of offering above-the-average shine, and wear resistance over time.

The Yachtmaster’s bezel

What makes the Yacht-Master unique is the bezel’s design in finish and functionality; it houses mirror-polished raised indexes and numerals on a sandblasted base and comes as a one-piece of gold or platinum. The polished to brushed finish appears on the Oyster bracelet and case sides, lugs included.

The Yachtmaster is widely considered a more luxurious take on the Submariner and a transition model between a sporty and classic Rolex watch with a gold case, as proved by the slightly curved lugs and the case side, making the Yachtmaster closer to four and five-digit Submariners as less professional than other timepieces belonging to the same product category, as exemplified by the specs sheet. The bezel is graduated but is bidirectional and water-resistant up to 100 metres .

Comparing current and first-ever Yachtmaster like the Rolex 69623 or 169622, for instance, lies in the options available: you’ll find the blue dial exclusively available on Rolesium models, while the Rolesor offers a chocolate brown or black dial , lovingly contrasting the case and bracelet’s tones, in our opinion.

The calibre 3235

Since 2019, the Rolex Yachtmaster has housed the latest-gen Rolex calibre 3235. Therefore, all models can run for at least 70 hours when fully wound.

The watch is certified as a Superlative Chronometer according to Rolex standards.

The calibre 2236

Instead, the 37 mm model adopts the smaller movement 2236, whose technical specifications differ slightly .

The main difference is that the Siloxy hairspring with a flat terminal curve , introduced by Rolex in 2014, replaced the Parachrom Blue one.

The Rolex Yachtmaster Oysterflex

At Baselworld 2015, Rolex released the first Yachtmaster with an Oysterflex bracelet , the brand’s patented rubber strap equipped with an inner nickel and titanium alloy, exclusively offered with a 40mm or 37mm gold case. Looking back at the first-ever YM, the Yachtmaster Oysterflex is perhaps the perfect successor to the 1992 Yacht Master.

rolex yacht master 40 oysterflex ref 126655

The first release appeared in Everose rose gold. Such a new generation best embodies the collection’s spirit ; it belongs to the Professional line of watches but is more luxurious, and gold highlights the Yacht Master’s “carrure”.

The new Yachtmaster Oysterflex also introduced the first-ever matte ceramic bezel ; it mimics a Rolesor or Rolesium’s, but the inlay is a single piece of matt black ceramic.

As with the two-tone models, the 40 and 37-mm case options adopt the 3235 and 2236 , respectively. The new model had a stunning success, and Rolex soon expanded the product range by offering a more generous 42 mm case size (however, the 40 mm model is unparalleled, in our opinion).

The 42mm collection is available in yellow or white gold , while the 40mm and 37mm models only come with an Everose rose gold case. We think Rolex will soon extend the Oysterflex collection by adopting new case materials.

rolex yacht master 42 titanio ben ainslie

In 2020, Ineos Britannia’s skipper Ben Ainslie was spotted wearing a titanium Yachtmaster 42 during a training session. After the Rolex Deepsea Challenge Titanium RLX ‘s unveil, this proto will likely make it to reality anytime soon.

rolex yacht master 42 ref 226659 occhio di falco

Before moving to the next chapter, remember that we discovered an odd model while surfing the Rolex official website: Rolex Yachtmaster 42 Hawkeye or Yachtmaster Falcon’s Eye , pictured above.

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2

Rolex is a manufacturer whose capabilities include rather mechanically-complicated watches ; it is something most people are unaware of. In the same price range as a Daytona, for example, you can opt for at least two complicated models: one is the regatta-ready Yachtmaster 2.

If an ordinary Yachtmaster is not as “professional” as its siblings, the Yachtmaster 2 is a full-fledged tool watch for professional skippers.

The complicated Rolex: from the Sky-Dweller to the Yacht-Master 2

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 is bold and hefty; it’s a regatta timer and something you will, on paper, disregard when compared to a Rolex Sky-Dweller. The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 was conceived to provide professional skippers with a wrist instrument capable of accurately measuring the countdown to start a regatta.

The link between Rolex and yachting is long-established: the brand has associated its image with several sailing competitions like the Farr 40 or the Sidney–Hobart ever since. Pictured below is a map of the current partnerships.

The 5 to 10 minutes preceding the start of a regatta are paramount to any skipper and their crew; last-minute performance before the start is triggered can separate victory from defeat.

Most Regatta watches do not offer a dedicated function but make the most of ordinary chronograph functions. In contrast, the Rolex Yachtmaster II has a dedicated counter on the dial, coaxial to the bezel, equipped with a graduated scale from 0 to 10 minutes and an easy-to-read arrow hand.

The Countdown function: how to activate it.

The timer setting is straightforward and achieved by combining the bezel, crown and button at 4 o’clock in this sequence. The first operation is to rotate the bezel counter-clockwise to activate the small countdown counter adjustment system.

The bezel will automatically lock after a 90° rotation or when the “Yacht-Master II” writing appears on the right-hand side of the watch (the rotation axis of the crown ideally cuts the wording in two halves). Subsequently, please push the button located at 4 o’clock. Unscrew the crown until it locks in position 1 ; from that moment on, you can control the adjustment of the (jumping) 10-minute scale in one-minute intervals by rotating the crown clockwise.

After stopping the minute counter on the desired value, you need to rotate the bezel clockwise until it clicks into the position where the “Yacht-Master II” writing is again aligned at the bottom (-90 °, back to the original place).

At the end of this rotation, the two-minute scales, located on the bezel and the dial, respectively, will be fully aligned. By screwing back in the winding crown, you can restart the countdown (using the button at 2 o’clock); the red hand in the middle will start running, and the minutes’ countdown will begin .

During the countdown, you can stop the hand can by using the button at 2 o’clock or re-set the complete countdown with the button at 4 o’clock (Flyback). The countdown will start from the original position in the second case scenario. When the countdown has finished, the minute’s hand will also stop, while the second’s hand will continue to run indefinitely. The Rolex Yachtmaster II is a chronograph with a Flyback function .

The 2017 Rolex Yachtmaster II 116680 reference has replaced the previous reference by introducing a series of updates ; the new version is now equipped with Mercedes-styled hands, thus aligning itself with the family feeling of the other Oyster Perpetual divers, like the Submariner. Moreover, new applied indices located at 12 and 6′ clock have been launched (arrow-shaped and rectangular-shaped, respectively).

Ring Command and calibre 4161

The Ring Command bezel is integrated with the calibre and is an active part of the user experience. The level of complication and perfection this mechanism requires (firm clicks and no play) is more challenging than any other Rolex timepiece, making this watch extremely attractive.

At the same time, as per the usual Rolex tradition, the complication is concealed through a simplified aesthetic , although the dial is still more complex and crowded than those standards that Rolex has made us accustomed to, and this is one of the reasons why a Rolex Yachtmaster II is rarely a first choice when it comes to selecting a timepiece.

Rolex Yachtmaster Prices

The price list starts with the Yacht-Master 37 mm at 14,450 Euros and grows to the 43,800 Euros needed for a Yacht-Master 2 model in yellow gold . For instance, a more exclusive price list is requested, as with the reference 126655. The listed price range here is updated to February 2023; if you’re looking for a more comprehensive overview, please head to our dedicated article; there, you’ll find a price list and evolution since 2021 regarding the most coveted professional Rolex watches.

(Photo credit: Horbiter®)

Editorial team @Horbiter®

Giovanni Di Biase

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A brief history of the Rolex Yacht-Master

How this 1990s watchmaking debut became a classic on and off the regatta course….

Words: Zoe Dickens

It’s fair to say that introducing a new timepiece isn’t exactly something Rolex does on the regular. When the Yacht-Master made its debut in 1992 it had been an astonishing 25 years since the watchmaker had offered a new design (1967’s Sea-Dweller). It would take another 20 years before the next in line, the Sky-Dweller, made its way to market. So, while some houses seem to offer a new range every time Baselworld rolls around, Rolex does not take such matters lightly.

It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that the 1990s was a time of big change for Rolex. Patrick Heiniger had just succeeded his father as the head of the brand and embarked on a plan to radically change the company’s structure, creating new facilities that would ensure Rolex’s position as a leader in the field for decades to come. The Yacht-Master, which cherry-picked the best of the Daytonas and Submariners that came before it, is a fitting embodiment of this vision.

The Yacht-Master solidified Rolex’s yachting connections dating back to the 1950s

Introduced as part of the Oyster Perpetual range, the first reference boasted a Daytona-influenced aesthetic – 18k gold case, no numerals, large indices – powered by the same 3135 movement as the Submariner. It also offered equally sporty functions including a triple-bolt crown and 100 metre water-resistance. A slightly larger, more luxurious version of the nautical watches Rolex had offered to date, this was the timepiece superyacht owners had been waiting for. It was an instant hit. In fact, its popularity was such that Rolex took the unprecedented decision to offer 29mm and 35mm sizes, as well as the original 40mm, and to this day it remains the only Oyster Professional available in three sizes (37mm, 40mm and 42mm).

In the years since, the Rolex Yacht-Master has sailed along nicely, picking up admirers and collectors on the way. In 1999 the Platinum Yacht Master replaced the gold case with a new platinum and steel mix which went on to become Rolex’s signature Rolesium. Somewhat controversially, a variety of new dials were added, with a 2012 cobalt sunray dial gaining criticism from purists for its ‘abuse’ of the Yacht-Master’s otherwise minimalist colour palette. Today, however, the Yacht-Master is available in a huge number of variations. Rubber straps, rose gold cases, ceramic bezels, diamond embellishments and dials in deep black, bronze and slate grey can all be yours.

The Yacht-Master’s movement has, of course, been upgraded numerous times, most recently to in-house 2236 and 3235 self-winding calibres. One thing, however, has remained constant – in the 27 years that the Yacht-Master has been in production its design has barely been tweaked. The wide hands, oversized indices, date window and bold bezel of the original are all still in evidence. Clean, simple and elegant, the Yacht-Master leaves cluttering chronograph subdials, power indicators and other such complications to its younger sibling: the Yacht-Master II.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II was introduced in 2007

Accordingly the watch has built up an army of loyal fans – many of whom received their first Yacht-Master from their father, uncle or an (extremely) generous boss. Celebrity fans are said to include Brad Pitt (platinum and steel), Sylvester Stallone (rose gold and rubber) and Bruce Willis (yellow gold). And if you do happen to have a Nineties original hanging around in your hand-me-down collection? Auction estimates are around £10,000 for a basic model and the only way is up for this highly covetable watchmaking classic.

Hungry for more watchmaking history? Check out the story of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas …

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Expanding knowledge

The Explorer II

Rolex presented the Explorer II, dedicated to polar explorers, speleologists, and all those pushing the boundaries of exploration. The watch featured a distinctive 24-hour hand, an invaluable aid around the poles and beneath ground when you can't tell night from day.

A preferential relationship was established between Rolex and the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises (Comex), whose divers wore Rolex Sea-Dweller watches while working at great depths. The company, headed by Henri-Germain Delauze, played a pioneering role in deep-sea diving and remains a world-renowned specialist in hyperbaric engineering and underwater work.

The relationship between Rolex and Comex is as strong as ever today, as demonstrated by the hyperbaric tank developed specially by the Marseille company to test the Rolex deep-sea divers’ watches.

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Oyster, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise were launched to honour extraordinary individuals who possess the courage and conviction to take on major challenges.

Each Rolex Award for Enterprise is given for a new ongoing project anywhere in the world – one that deserves support for its capacity to improve lives, protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage. These projects have touched all aspects of humanity by expanding knowledge or improving life on the planet.

Sea-Dweller 4000

Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller 4000, waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet).

Specially developed for the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in advanced-technology fields such as the aerospace and chemical industries. Oystersteel is particularly corrosion-resistant, offers an exceptional sheen and maintains its lustre even in the harshest environments. In 1985, Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to use this steel from the 904L family for its cases.

Rolex & yachting

Rolex is the proud sponsor of some of the world’s most renowned offshore races.

The Yacht-Master

The year 1992 heralded the arrival of the Yacht-Master. This new model reinforced the ties between Rolex and the sailing world.

A brief history of the Rolex Yacht-Master

How this 1990s watchmaking debut became a classic on and off the regatta course….

Words: Zoe Dickens

The Yacht-Master solidified Rolex’s yachting connections dating back to the 1950s

The Rolex Yacht-Master II was introduced in 2007

Hungry for more watchmaking history? Check out the story of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas …

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For its latest move, Tissot brings together the worlds of watchmaking and manga

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Top 14 Facts About Rolex Yacht-Master – Interesting Things to Know

The Rolex Yacht-Master is a model that has long been overshadowed by other models such as the Daytona and the Submariner . It is also one of Rolex’s youngest models with the shortest history. Still, the Yacht-Master fills a hole in Rolex’s lineup of watches as the most dressy and elegant professional sports watch that Rolex offers.

The Yacht-Master is a sports watch, but it is designed to be more elegant and less tool-inspired than, for example, the Submariner or the Sea-Dweller. This makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy Rolex’s professional models but also want something a bit more elegant and versatile that can work on many different occasions.

Due to the relatively young age of the Yacht-Master range, this model is sometimes forgotten and doesn’t get the same recognition as the other models in Rolex’s collection. But in this article, we are highlighting the Yacht-Master and taking a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about the Yacht-Master.

Top most interesting facts about the Yacht-Master

1. the yacht-master was introduced in 1992, making it one of the youngest rolex models.

Rolex is not a brand that frequently releases new models. They release new watches frequently, but they’re usually often just iterations and updates to existing models. A new bracelet, a new dial, a refined case, and so on. And so when Rolex releases a completely new model, it’s quite a big deal. Since Rolex doesn’t often release new models, the Yacht-Master, despite being introduced in 1992, is one of Rolex’s youngest Rolex models.

Only two models have since been released – the Yacht-master II and the Sky-Dweller. In other words, every time Rolex releases a brand-new model, it’s quite a big deal.

2. The Yacht-Master focuses more on luxury and elegance than the other professional models

As its name suggests, this watch is developed for Yachters. And this is naturally much less demanding than diving in demanding waters with a Submariner, for example.

Whilst the Yacht-Master is in many ways based on the Submariner, its design has been tweaked, refined, and changed to better suit a different target audience – jet-setting yachters. Therefore, the design was tweaked to get a more elegant and luxurious feel.

3. The first Yacht-Master was made in full yellow gold

As discussed, the Yacht-Master targeted a different clientele and a different purpose than what the rest of the professional watches did. It represented a much more elegant and stylish alternative. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the first Yacht-Master was made in full 18ct gold. Today, the model line has been expanded to include all kinds of different materials, from steel to solid gold as its popularity grew. Plus, today, most people who wear a Yacht-Master are not yachters.

Rolex made the first Yacht-Master in yellow gold to prove a point, or more correctly to highlight the type of watch it was intended to be. It wasn’t intended as a tool watch made for the most extreme environments like all of its other steel professional watches. It was a watch made for the open seas and an ultra-luxury sports watch.

4. The first Yacht-Master was the reference 16628

The first Yacht-Master reference launched in 1992 was the 16628. As discussed earlier, it was made in full 18ct gold with a solid yellow gold oyster bracelet and a 40mm case. One of the biggest differences from the Submariner is that the bezel is bidirectional and not unidirectional.

5. The Yacht-Master range was expanded with new sizes

Originally, the Yacht-Master was only released in one size, 40mm, but in the coming years, Rolex expanded the collection with more sizes and new iterations. Today, the Yacht-Master is available in three sizes, 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm. But back in the day, Rolex also made Yacht-Masters in 29m and 35mm which have since been discontinued.

The 29mm and 35mm sizes were discontinued in 2019 and replaced by the Yacht-Master 37.

6. The bezel of the Yacht-Master is bi-directional

We touched on this earlier but it’s easy to believe that a 60-minute bezel is unidirectional as most people associate them with dive watches but this is not the case for the yacht-Master. The bezel on the Yacht-Master is bi-directional, meaning that it can rotate in both directions. The fact that a bezel on a dive watch only rotates one direction is crucial for a dive watch when diving, but the Yacht-Master isn’t a dive watch. Instead, the purpose of the bezel is, in Rolex’s own words:

“This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.”

7. The Yacht-Master has a water resistance of 100m – and always has

The water resistance of the Yacht-Master is and has always been 100m/330 feet. Whilst is capable of increasing the water resistance, the depth rating is more so a way to position its models differently. 100m is well enough to go swimming and even diving (except for deep diving), but it’s a way to highlight the fact that this model isn’t a professional diver’s watch. It’s more so a watch that you are meant to wear on the yacht with a drink in your hand, not on top of the wetsuit 100 meters below the surface.

8. The Yacht-Master was the first watch to have an Oysterflex bracelet

Today, the Oysterflex bracelet can be seen on several different watches, including the Sky-Dweller, Daytona, and of course Yacht-Master.

But did you know that the Yacht-Master is the first model to debut this bracelet?

The first Rolex watch to feature the Oysterflex bracelet was the Yacht-Master 40 reference 116655 in rose gold. Whilst you may say that this is not a big deal, Rolex very rarely releases new bracelet designs and mostly relies on its classics, predominantly the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. With the launch of the 116655, Rolex was testing the waters with a new rubber strap and it’s safe to say that it was a huge success, seeing that it has since been introduced to several additional models.

Important to point out is that the Oysterflex is not just your average rubber strap. Unsurprisingly, Rolex went above and beyond in developing a new rubber strap. In fact, Rolex calls it a bracelet because it has metal blades inside the rubber for better shape retention. Moreover, the Oysterflex has “cushions” on the inside to allow the wrist to create and sit more comfortably on the wrist.

9. Rolex created Rolesium specifically for the Yacht-Master

Rolesium is a new combination of metals that Rolex developed specifically for the Yacht-Master. Most people are familiar with the term “Rolesor” which refers to a two-tone watch made with yellow gold and stainless steel.

But Rolesium is actually a combination of stainless steel and platinum components.

Specifically, the bezel on the Yacht-Master in stainless steel is made in platinum and therefore gets a special bright and luminous look. Rolex says this about the Rolesium on the Yacht-Master:

“Rolesium is a creation specific to the Yacht-Master. While the case and bracelet are in rugged Oystersteel , the bezel of the Rolesium versions is made of platinum, imparting a silvery whiteness and vibrant luminosity for an unmistakable sense of luxury.”

10. Rolex introduced a ceramic bezel for the Yacht-Master for the first time in 2015

2015 saw the launch of the Yacht-Master 116655 and its 37mm counterpart. They are made in 18ct Everose gold and fitted with black ceramic bezels.

But unlike the rest of Rolex’s ceramic bezels, the bezel on the Yacht-Master has raised numerals instead of recessed. Moreover, the bezel is not polished except for the raised minute markings.

11. The launch of the Yacht-Master was the first new model Rolex released in 25 years

As discussed, Rolex doesn’t introduce new models frequently so when it does happen, it’s quite a big deal. When the Yacht-Master was launched in 1992, Rolex hadn’t released a new model in 25 years. The last model Rolex released was the Sea-Dweller, released in 1967. After the Yacht-Master, it took another 20 years for a new model to be released, the Sky-Dweller.

12. Rolex has a close relation with yachting

Rolex has a strong relationship with the yachting sport and had so even before the launch of the Yacht-Master. The creation of the Yacht-Master was a way for Rolex to strengthen its presence within this particular sport but also likely something that the yachting community requested from Rolex during various events.

Whilst it took until 1992 for Rolex to create a yachting-dedicated timepiece, Rolex’s history with Yachting goes back to 1958. That year, Rolex partnered with the New York Yacht Club. At the time, it was Rolex’s reputation for making reliable and durable waterproof timepieces that made them particularly appreciated in the yachting world.

Rolex continued to strengthen its relationship with the yachting community in many ways over the coming years and decades. In 1966, for example, Rolex was a part of the historical event when Francis Chichester became the first person to sail around the world on his yacht. On his wrist throughout the voyage was of course a Rolex. The journey started in August 1966 and finished in May 1976.

13. Rolex created a Yacht-Master prototype based on the Daytona in the 1960s

As discussed, it took a long time for Rolex to finally create a model dedicated to yachting. However, already in the 1960s, it seems that Rolex was playing with the idea of a watch made for yachting. This didn’t come in the form of a new model but rather a prototype version of the Cosmograph Daytona (with the only difference being the dial). These prototypes had the Yacht-Master name on the dial so it is very interesting to see that Rolex, some 30 years later came back and used its prototype name for the official model.

It’s unknown how many Cosmograph Yacht-Master prototypes Rolex made, but today, only 2 are known, with one of them belonging to Eric Clapton and sold at auction in 2003 for $125,100.

14. The Yacht-Master is one of Rolex’s most diverse model

Whilst most of Rolex’s models are usually only made in a few select iterations, the Yacht-Master is available in a wide selection of materials, dials, and sizes.

The Yacht-Master is available in virtually all materials that Rolex makes, except for solid platinum.

The Yacht-Master is available in rose gold, Steel & Rose gold, Steel and platinum, and white gold. The collection was been furthered widened when Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II, an upgraded version of the Yacht-Master with more functional features and a much more complicated movement, giving the wearer truly useful functions during a yacht

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Founded in 1999, Bob's Watches is the leading online marketplace for buying, selling and trading pre-owned timepieces from renowned brands like Rolex, OMEGA, Tudor, Oris, Cartier, Panerai, Longines, Tissot, Breitling, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Grand Seiko. With over 20 years of experience, and thousands of satisfied customers, we carry the world's largest selection of Rolex watches for sale as well as other top brands.

Our pre-owned luxury watch exchange is known for providing excellent customer service and offering the best prices through our low-price guarantee. All watches listed on our site are in stock and immediately available for free overnight shipping. Our selection is meticulously inspected and authenticated by third-party experts, ensuring every luxury watch listed on our store is 100% certified authentic.

Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and expanding across the nation, we are esteemed members of organizations such as the BBB, IWJG, Jewelers Board of Trade, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Along with a wide selection of new and used models for purchase, Bob’s Watches is the most trusted destination to sell vintage and contemporary watches at full market value. Our Rolex serial numbers chart look-up tool, as well as our Omega watches serial number chart, helps owners learn when a specific piece was manufactured, and by filling out and submitting the form on our Sell Rolex page, viewers can get exact estimations on models in question. In addition, our YouTube video helps visitors learn " How to spot a fake Rolex ."

Trust, honesty, and transparent pricing. Bob's Watches offers the largest and finest selection of used, pre-owned, and vintage luxury watches. It has become the ultimate destination for consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade certified pre-owned timepieces. Our collection includes popular pieced like the OMEGA Speedmaster, Rolex Datejust , Rolex GMT-Master II , Patek Philippe Nautilus, Rolex Submariner , Oris Diver Sixty Five, Rolex Daytona , OMEGA Seamaster , and other iconic luxury watches. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our BBB A+ standing and our mentions in top global news outlets.

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Trust, honesty, and transparent pricing. The Company offers the largest and finest selection of used, pre-owned, and vintage luxury watches from brands including Rolex, Omega watches , Tudor watches , Oris , Cartier watches , Panerai , Longines , Tissot , Breitling , Audemars Piguet , Patek Philippe , and more. It has become the ultimate destination for consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade certified pre-owned timepieces, attaining a BBB A+ rating, 5/5 stars in Ekomi, and has been quoted and featured in many of the world's leading news publications.

Unlike competitors, all watches are in stock ready for immediate overnight shipping. Visit our resources page to learn more about the Company and its rich history. All watches are restored using established authorized repair shops using genuine parts.

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Our online collection of pre-owned timepieces offer a wide selection for those with a broad range of budgets and lifestyles. Our catalog is vast but singular in quality and affordability.

Bob's strenuous process ensures the highest quality of used luxury watches. By focusing on luxury and integrity, our in-house experts can help pinpoint our customers' exact specifications of our customers and guide them towards a piece that perfectly balances style, sophistication, and timeliness. The rest is up to the onlookers. The Company consistently ranks as the "best place to buy a Rolex watch".

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To best accommodate our clients we go to great lengths to ensure we curate a selection that falls within their budget, while still focusing on pieces that can truly enhance a lifestyle. We strive to help each client find what they are looking for. From models like the stainless steel Speedmaster Moonwatch, two-tone Datejust, vintage Rolex , Tudor Black Bay, and gold Date Date timepieces, we keep a large inventory on hand to ensure the best possible selection.

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As the most trusted name in luxury watches, with the largest inventory on-hand and ready for immediate sale, Bob's Watches is the foremost destination to find the best in authentic, pre-owned luxury accessories. So whether on the hunt for a new pre-owned Ceramic No Date Submariner, a vintage Omega , a Rolex 16610 , a vintage Paul Newman Daytona, a vintage Omega Speedmaster, or any other vintage luxury watch brand, Bob's is your primary source to find the best-of-the-best in pre-owned luxury goods at unbeatable prices. We offer the full line of luxury watch models in stainless, solid gold, and two tone. The esteemed Rolex 116500 still sees considerable demand today from enthusiast and non-enthusiasts alike due to its powerful design and identifying features of its 3-register chronograph dial.

We have an ever-evolving selection of men and women's models, with some representing modern timepiece aesthetics, and others bearing more spirited vintage design ethos - a category that has increased quite significantly in terms of value and popularity over the last several years.

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In the past 12 years, we have purchased more used, pre-owned and vintage watches than anyone in the industry. And we understand that selling your timepiece can be a daunting experience so to that end we offer same-day immediate payment by check or wire, and your watch is insured from the second it leaves your possession.

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A Closer Look at the Rolex GMT Root Beer

T he Rolex GMT Root Beer is a distinctive design within Rolex's iconic GMT Master series. More broadly it reflects the longstanding use of nicknames by Rolex fans to identify their favourite model. It's defined by its unique two-tone bezel which blends rich brown and gold hues hence the root beer moniker. The Rolex GMT Root Beer combines functionality with a differentiated design, ensuring a dedicated fan base for Rolex owners wanting something a little different.

History and Legacy of the Rolex GMT Master

The Rolex GMT made its debut in 1955, originally designed for pilots and frequent travelers who required the ability to track multiple time zones. In typical Rolex fashion, the watch offered an elegant solution to a practical need.

The GMT-Master’s subtle stroke of genius was the addition of a fourth 24-hour hand, in addition to the standard hour, minute and second hands, to indicate the hour for a second time zone. This is bolstered by the GMT-Master’s distinctive two-tone rotating bezel with 24-hour numerals — pilots could set the fourth hand to Greenwich Mean Time (the standard which all time zones are measured against) and rotate the bezel accordingly. More than a mere design flourish, the bezel’s two colors correspond to daytime or nighttime hours; this simple addition made even easier work of quickly determining the time in a foreign locale.

The Rolex GMT Master II followed in 1982, building on the now popular GMT model with a larger case and technical improvements.

The Evolution of the Rolex GMT Root Beer

The Rolex GMT Root Beer variant was first seen in 1970, with the introduction of the Rolex GMT 1675/3 reference. This was followed nearly 20 years later by the Rolex GMT Master II in root beer colouring, with the 16713 reference, produced in both stainless steel and yellow gold. This was in production until 2006 when it was discontinued.

However Rolex fans and followers were pleased to see the Rolex GMT Root Beer re-introduced in 2018 in the form of the black and brown Cerachrom variant (126711CHNR). This remains a popular modern GMT model for those looking to differentiate from the Rolex GMT Batman and Pepsi watches.

In 2018, Rolex updated the GMT Root Beer with the reference 126711CHNR. This new model retained the iconic brown and gold bezel but incorporated Rolex’s latest technological advancements, including a redesigned case and the Caliber 3285 movement for enhanced performance.

The profile of the Rolex GMT Root Beer has also been enhanced through its popularity among celebrities. Famous wearers include actors Clint Eastwood, Dwayne Johnson and Sylvester Stallone, as well as sporting stars including golfing legends Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

Key Features of the Rolex GMT Root Beer

Distinctive Bezel: The Rolex GMT Root Beer is renowned for its unique two tone bezel, featuring a combination of brown and gold that sets it apart from other GMT Master models. This color scheme gives the watch its characteristic Root Beer appearance.
Case and Bracelet: The watch is typically crafted from a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold, offering a luxurious yet sporty look. The case features a robust design with a screw-down crown and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Movement: The modern Rolex GMT Root Beer is equipped with the in-house Caliber 3285, an advanced automatic movement that provides precise timekeeping and a 70 hour power reserve. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back in the latest models.
Dual Time Zone Functionality: As part of the Rolex GMT Master series, the Rolex Root GMT Beer allows the wearer to track two different time zones simultaneously. This is achieved through an additional GMT hand and a 24 hour graduated bezel.
Retro Design: The Rolex GMT Root Beer watch’s brown and gold color scheme gives it a vintage feel. Its contemporary edge is maintained through modern updates in recent models, such as the reference 126711CHNR.

The Rolex GMT Root Beer remains a unique and coveted watch in the prestigious Rolex GMT Master collection. Its distinctive brown and gold bezel, combined with Rolex’s renowned precision and craftsmanship, makes it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts.

Source Your Next Rolex GMT Root Beer

The Rolex GMT Root Beer, whether in vintage form or more recent Professional editions, remains highly sought after globally. Sotheby's is on hand to support as a trusted partner, whether providing valuations for your Rolex GMT Root Beer or guiding on an example featured in one of our upcoming sales.

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IMAGES

Welcome to RolexMagazine.com...Home of Jake's Rolex World Magazine..Optimized for iPad and
Rolex Yacht-Master
History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Rolex History of Firsts
A brief history of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Rolex Yacht Master Guide Ultimate Buying Guide

COMMENTS

The Complete History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master
Rolex originally introduced the 40mm Yacht-Master in 1992 it was a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold, with a white dial and 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. The Yacht-Master had a triple-lock crown, and it was water resistant to 100 meters (10 bars) which is 320 Feet. Essentially, the first Yacht-Master was ...
Rolex Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury sports watch manufactured by Rolex and first introduced in 1992 as Reference 16628 in 18-karat yellow gold. In 1994, Rolex released a lady's model (69628) and a mid-size model (68628) at 35mm, marking the first time in Rolex history that a professional series watch was available in smaller than the standard ...
Rolex Yachtmaster History
When the Yacht-Master was first introduced in 1992, it seemed to capitalize on the success of Rolex's first nautical inspired watch, the Submariner. The original Yacht-Master may have been a redesign of the Submariner, though it looks like early Rolex Daytona models. There were many changes, including the size, which was slightly bigger than ...
History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master 116621. As previously mentioned, Rolex discontinued the yellow gold and stainless steel Yacht-Master model. However, taking the place of that two-tone version is the new Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 116621, which combines rose gold and steel, presented in 2016.. The 40mm stainless steel case of the Yacht-Master ref. 116621 includes a rotating bezel in 18k Everose gold.
Rolex: The Evolution of the Yacht-Master
The 40mm Yacht-Master was first presented in 1992 as a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold with a white dial and the Rolex 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. The Yacht-Master had a triple-lock crown and was water-resistant to 320 feet (100 meters) (10 bars). The First Yacht-Master 1992.
Rolex Yacht-Master Overview & History: The Captain's Watch
The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.
Rolex Yacht-Master Ultimate Buying Guide
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master. While we wouldn't be introduced to the very first Yacht-Master until 1992, Rolex's history with sailing actually dates back to 1958, the year the Swiss watchmaker partnered with the prestigious New York Yacht Club. By then, Rolex had already garnered a reputation for making great waterproof watches with ...
Rolex Yacht-Master
The History and Development of the Rolex Yacht-Master. In the mid-1980s, Rolex were having great success with their line of sports watches that had remained unchanged for many years. However rumour has it that at some point Rolex were looking at redesigning the iconic Submariner. Thankfully Rolex eventually came to their senses and left the ...
Rolex Yacht-Master
Designed for navigators. Sailing occupies a special place in the world of Rolex. In 1958, the brand partnered the New York Yacht Club, creator of the legendary America's Cup. Rolex then formed partnerships with several prestigious yacht clubs around the world and became associated with major nautical events - offshore races and coastal ...
The History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht Master
The modern Yacht Master, as released in 1992, brought the trademark name and vision back to life - though the new version could just as easily be defined as an extension of the Submariner. The story goes that Rolex designers wanted to modernise the Submariner, but were then too scared to change the much-loved and highly sought-after ...
The Rolex Yachtmaster: history, models, price
Rolex Yachtmaster Prices. The price list starts with the Yacht-Master 37 mm at 14,450 Euros and grows to the 43,800 Euros needed for a Yacht-Master 2 model in yellow gold. For instance, a more exclusive price list is requested, as with the reference 126655.
A brief history of the Rolex Yacht-Master
The Yacht-Master solidified Rolex's yachting connections dating back to the 1950s. Introduced as part of the Oyster Perpetual range, the first reference boasted a Daytona-influenced aesthetic - 18k gold case, no numerals, large indices - powered by the same 3135 movement as the Submariner. It also offered equally sporty functions ...
Rolex History
From the creation of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise to the launch of the Yacht-Master, discover the history of Rolex from 1971 to 1992 on rolex.com. ... The year 1992 heralded the arrival of the Yacht-Master. This new model reinforced the ties between Rolex and the sailing world. Discover the Yacht-Master.
The History of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Hey Everyone and welcome back to the Bob's Watches video series. Now, we know it's a pretty rare occurrence for Rolex to issue a new model, so when the Yacht...
Rolex Yacht-Master Overview & Features| Watch Chest
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a standout model for the Swiss watch company, having first been introduced in 1992 with the launch of the 18k yellow gold 16628. The sporty and solid gold design proved to be an instant hit, leading Rolex to develop additional options including two-tone, stainless steel, and mid-size models.
A brief history of the Rolex Yacht-Master
In 1999 the Platinum Yacht Master replaced the gold case with a new platinum and steel mix which went on to become Rolex's signature Rolesium. Somewhat controversially, a variety of new dials were added, with a 2012 cobalt sunray dial gaining criticism from purists for its 'abuse' of the Yacht-Master's otherwise minimalist colour palette.
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master II
The Rolex Yacht-Master history begins in 1992, where the first Yach-Master was introduced in solid 18k yellow gold - model number 16628. Designed for the nautical sportsman, the Yacht-Master reflected the Rolex Submariner but was truly a different breed. The line was such an huge success that Rolex eventually released the model in 18k yellow ...
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a relatively young model and many believe the Yacht-Master began in 1992 with the introduction of the first 16628. Yacht-Master However, yachting is one of the sports which Rolex has supported through sponsorship for decades (since 1958), and first debuted a "sailor's watch" in 1965 when a small number of 6239 ...
Top 14 Facts About Rolex Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a model that has long been overshadowed by other models such as the Daytona and the Submariner. It is also one of Rolex's youngest models with the shortest history. Still, the Yacht-Master fills a hole in Rolex's lineup of watches as the most dressy and elegant professional sports watch that Rolex offers.
Rolex Yacht-Master II
Rolex Yacht-Master II. 2016 MINT Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 Steel Everose Gold Blue hands 44mm Watch Box. $ 18,992. + $129 for shipping. US. Promoted. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Stainless Steel Rose Gold 44mm White Dial Ceramic 116681. Price on request.
Rolex
Rolex watch in original packaging. Rolex SA (/ ˈ r oʊ l ɛ k s /) is a Swiss watch brand and manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. [3] Founded in 1905 as Wilsdorf and Davis by German businessman Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London, the company registered Rolex as the brand name of its watches in 1908 and became Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915.
My Rolex Story...Jake Ehrlich Editor and Publisher of Jake's Rolex World
Patrick Heiniger did an amazing job of consolidating Rolex resources, and converting Rolex into a completely vertical operation during his tenure, but during that same timeframe, Rolex only introduced one all-new model, which was the Yacht-Master. Rolex came out with more new Rolex models in the last ten years of Hans Wildforf's life than Andre ...
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Bob's Watches offers the largest and finest selection of used, pre-owned, and vintage luxury watches. It has become the ultimate destination for consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade certified pre-owned timepieces. Our collection includes popular pieced like the OMEGA Speedmaster, Rolex Datejust, Rolex GMT-Master II, Patek Philippe Nautilus ...
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The Rolex GMT Master II Batgirl (Reference 126710BLNR) is defined by its Jubilee bracelet, in contrast to the Oyster bracelet of the Rolex Batman. ... Trust our worldwide network of leading Rolex specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history. Shop Rolex GMT-Masters Type: retail. Rolex. Rolex Root Beer GMT Master II ...
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The Rolex GMT Root Beer variant was first seen in 1970, with the introduction of the Rolex GMT 1675/3 reference. This was followed nearly 20 years later by the Rolex GMT Master II in root beer colouring, with the 16713 reference, produced in both stainless steel and yellow gold. This was in production until 2006 when it was discontinued.
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master - edit (1) Silicon Valley Diamond & Jewelry Buyers is dedicated to treating every client with the honesty and respect they deserve in a discreet and supportive manner. We pride ourselves on our history, high level of customer service and impeccable reputation. ... OUR HISTORY; CONTACT; BLOG; Sand Hill ...

History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Yellow Gold Yacht-Master 16628

The Rolesium Yacht-Master 16622

Yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623

Everose Gold Yacht-Master 116655

Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master 116621

Yacht-Master With Caliber 3235

White Gold Yacht-Master 42 226659

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Rolex: The Evolution of the Yacht-Master

The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

The Submariner/Yacht-Master Theory

The Maxi Dial Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master II

The Oysterflex Yacht-Master

The Release Of The Yacht-Master

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master

The Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The Two-Tone (Rolesor) Yacht-Master

The Six-Digit Yacht-Master

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The History and Development of the Rolex Yacht-Master

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Top 14 Facts About Rolex Yacht-Master – Interesting Things to Know

Top most interesting facts about the Yacht-Master

2. The Yacht-Master focuses more on luxury and elegance than the other professional models

3. The first Yacht-Master was made in full yellow gold

4. The first Yacht-Master was the reference 16628

5. The Yacht-Master range was expanded with new sizes