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Hands-On Rolex Made A Wearable Titanium Watch – How Are People Not Freaking Out?

Any other year, the titanium yacht-master 42 would steal the show for rolex. this year, the brand has so many crazy releases that the ym flies under the radar. here's why it still matters..

A year ago, the very idea of a titanium Rolex was relegated to wild dreams. A prototype had been seen on the wrist of British competitive sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, but the widely circulated online photo had gotten so old that some of us began to wonder if the watch would ever see the light of day.

The pic that launched our titanium dreams. Image by Ineos Britannia Team / C GREGORY

Now, in less than five months, we've gotten two watches from the Crown cased in RLX Titanium (a grade 5 titanium). The first was last year's 50mm Deep Sea Special , the mega dive watch that obliterated the water-resistance record. And now this week we have the Yacht-Master 42, which unlike the DSS is sized so that a normal human being could conceivably wear it. 

Here it is. The first practically sized titanium Rolex, the new Yacht-Master 42. 

It's a big deal. But when seen next to Daytonas with display casebacks, Day-Dates with emojis, a solid-gold GMT-Master II, and an entirely new line of dress watches, a titanium Yacht-Master barely moves the needle of surprise and excitement. What a wild 48 hours this has been for the House of Wilsdorf.

In some ways, it feels like the appropriate response to not be that excited. After all, at this point every other watchmaker under the sun has made a titanium watch, from affordable Citizens in multiple colors of bezels and dials to Jean-Claude Biver's $500,000 minute repeater tourbillon announced Sunday.

And yet, as soon as the new titanium Yacht-Master ref. 226627 started to be passed around the room of Hodinkee editors during this week's Watches & Wonders trade show, the general reaction was just to laugh with surprise. This 42mm watch, which looks so sturdy, feels so unbelievably light. I mean, that's titanium for you. But still. You can't quite believe this watch is real, on a number of different levels. 

For any of us who've ever tried on a steel Submariner (a.k.a. anyone with a passing interest in Rolex), it's kind of comical to find out how much your brain is preconditioned to see a 42mm steel Oyster case, round indices, and Mercedes hands and think about the luxurious heft that awaits you.

At around 100 grams, according to Rolex, the titanium Yacht-Master is so light it breaks your brain.

For a moment, let's compare the new YM to last year's titanium Pelagos from Rolex's sister brand Tudor. Rolex's choice to put the watch on a bracelet instead of a sportier Oysterflex makes the comparison obvious. I've now spent time with both pieces, and I prefer the Yacht-Master. 

The YM, like the Pelagos, is distinctly a tool watch – something that would have been hard to say about Yacht-Masters in the past. But the finishing a world apart, which is saying something for such an understated metal as titanium.

Rolex's proprietary grade 5 "RLX Titanium" (stronger than the grade 2 of the Pelagos) has the curious property of being equally able to be brushed satin or polished, which means it has the nice sharp and shiny chamfers that you'd like to see contrasted against the dark grey and relatively matte metal. That combination also works well with the more matte and textured dial – and with the contrast of the raised black numerals against a matte ceramic bezel insert, which is is the main giveaway that this is still squarely a Yacht-Master.

My main critique (which I share into the void, knowing that Rolex designers will do whatever they think best) is that I wish they'd  stuck to the no-date design of Ainsilie's prototype. In the practical application of most sailing races, there's really no use for a date. If you're blue-water sailing and circumnavigating the globe, maybe its useful, though just like dive watches the practical application gives way to the reality of technology. So why not refine the design further and leave the date off altogether? And while we're at it, a better quick-adjustment option would be great.

The price is somewhat immaterial – CHF 13,400 – since the average collector won't be able to get it at retail anytime soon. But the new Yacht-Master 42 is more than a solid release. It's a more than a titanium proof of concept. It's a wearable piece that portends at least the possibility of future experiments with this fascinating material. 

For more information visit Rolex. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Rolex Watches for 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Major releases and bold moves take the watch world by surprise.

By Zen Love

If you thought Rolex was conservative, think again. With this year’s releases, unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva , the brand resoundingly rebuffed its reserved reputation. It introduced major new products that broke with the codes we’ve come to expect from the brand — thrusting into 2023 with new materials, movements and colorways. Catch up on the most important announcements below.

This story covers watches that Rolex either launched or discontinued in 2023. For a full breakdown of the all the Rolex watches still in production, read our other guide , updated for 2023.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the titanium Rolex we were waiting for

The new Yacht-Master 42 is a big deal: it’s not the first serially produced Rolex watch in full titanium but it’s the first one meant for the masses — that is, that’s sized to be wearable as an everyday watch rather than affordable or necessarily easy to actually buy.

Monochromatic like a Submariner and on a full titanium bracelet, it also makes the Yacht-Master collection feel more like the true, purpose-built sport watches for which Rolex is most loved. Now that the brand has broken the seal on titanium, other favorites could be in the pipeline, too.

The Perpetual 1908 is a completely new line (replacing the Cellini)

The Cellini is dead; long live the Cellini. Seemingly in its place is a new, much simpler collection called Perpetual 1908. That’s right, an entirely new Rolex collection — and yet, it’s clearly replacing the Cellini with a very similar case and bezel.

Its dial is simple with a seconds subdial at 9 o’clock recalling some the brand’s earliest models, and its movement is completely new — and visible through a display caseback, another departure for the brand. It has an observatory or Breguet-style hour hand, a 39mm case and only comes in precious metals with a couple different dial options. This is now easily Rolex’s dressiest watch.

The Daytona got redesigned details and a new movement

The Daytona is one of the most hyped watches in the world, and it turns 60 this year. Something special to mark the occasion was expected, and that turned out to be some subtle but substantive tweaks. The new generation has a completely new movement, the first time the brand has updated the Daytona’s movement since it went in-house in 2000.

At first glance, it looks the same as the outgoing generation, but on closer inspection you’ll see some differences. The case is still 40mm but has updated details, and the dial has a “new graphic balance.” Like the new 1908 watch, the platinum version features a display caseback. And, yes, there are also new steel versions with black and white dials.

The Explorer now also comes in a 40mm version

First it was 36mm, then it was 39mm, then it was 36mm again — and now it’s 40mm. The 36mm version introduced only two years ago isn’t going away, but the new watch is simply adding more options.

Based on Rolex’s teaser video , we thought we might be getting an entirely new case design or might even come in titanium, but this really is the familiar Explorer in Oystersteel in a slightly bigger case. We’re okay with that.

The new GMT Master II introduces a completely new bezel color combo

The GMT Master II now comes with a new bezel combo of black and gray. This kind of thing might be Rolex’s big release in a typical year, but the brand has really gone all out for 2023.

The new GMT Master II references only come in two-tone (“Rolesor,” or a steel-and-gold combo) and full yellow gold. Many GMT Master II watches get nicknames based on their bicolor bezels; for this one, we humbly suggest “Dark Knight.”

The Sky-Dweller got a movement upgrade

The Sky-Dweller got some new variants and a movement upgrade with the Calibre 9002 (featuring minor updates from the 9001). That’s it; nothing major for this line, but we do like the way it looks with a green dial in Rolesor Oystersteel and white gold, as shown above.

Wild Dials on Day-Dates and Oyster Perpetuals

Rolex often includes a few exotic dials in the mix of its releases. This time the brand got a bit artistic with some of very colorful executions in the Oyster Perpetual and Day-Date families with dials executed in lacquer. The colorful circles on the dial, which Rolex calls “bubbles,” can be found on versions of the Oyster Perpetual in 31mm, 36mm and 41mm models. The Day-Date got a similar treatment but with puzzle pieces instead of bubbles and goes a step further in playfulness incorporating emojis into the date display (like hearts) and positive words (“Happy,” “Eternity,” “Gratitude,” “Peace,” “Faith,” “Love” and “Hope”) instead of the day of the week.

Cellini, Yacht-Master II and Milgauss are discontinued

Rolex giveth and Rolex taketh away. You don’t need to shed a tear for these long neglected and somewhat overshadowed collections. They’re gone for now, but that just leaves room for the possibility that they’ll return in the future with the likes of new generations. Well, that seems like a possibility for the Milgauss, anyway; the Cellini seems to have its replacement in the 1908, as mentioned above. As for the Yacht-Master II… who knows? A watch being discontinued can even lead to a boost in interest for it, after all.

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The New Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium 226627

After teasing the crowds, the coveted model finally emerges..

First noticed in 2021 as a prototype on the wrist of Olympic champion sailor Sir Ben Ainslie being tested in real-life conditions for which it was developed and built, the titanium Yacht-Master 42 has just been made officially part of the Rolex collection. Here’s the new and highly anticipated YM 42 reference 226627.

The new Yacht-Master is presented in a 42mm case manufactured from a proprietary titanium alloy named RLX Titanium, with polished, high-sheen and technical satin-finished surfaces. It features a signature bidirectional rotating bezel with a matte black Cerachrom insert with raised numerals and indices to allow sailors accurate timing of their manoeuvres.  

The familiar intense black dial design is about clarity, with large hour markers and hands coated in a luminous material for easy reading in low-light conditions. The new reference is powered by Rolex’s in-house calibre 3235, certified as a Superlative Chronometer. It has passed rigorous tests for precision (-2/+2 seconds a day) and reliability. The movement has a 70-hour power reserve, and the watch is water-resistant up to 100m. The new Yacht-Master 42 has an Oyster bracelet made from RLX titanium with ceramic inserts for better flexibility, with the Oysterlock safety clasp. The bracelet features the Easylink extension link to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm.  

The Rolex Yacht-Master was first introduced in 1992 and has since become one of Rolex’s most popular and iconic models. Designed for sailing enthusiasts and those who appreciate the nautical lifestyle without setting foot on board, the Yacht-Master comes in several sizes and materials, including stainless steel, gold, and platinum. The model is available in several variations, including the Yacht-Master II; the latter features a regatta timer, a countdown timer designed explicitly for yacht racing. The new Yacht-Master RLX Titanium marks a symbolic and welcomed return of Rolex to the times when sports and professional watches were made for real-life activities without the “luxury” component.

The new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium reference 226627 retails for CHF 13,400 ; for more information, contact your local retailer or visit www.rolex.com .

Technical specifications – Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Titanium

2 responses.

I have almost all the Rolex models including the earlier versions of yacht master

To me the old version is still the best as this new one looks more like submariner

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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium M226627-0001

MODEL AVAILABILITY

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict Rolex production capacity and, at times, the demand for Rolex watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Jewelers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

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Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.   The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that lightness is a quality to be taken seriously..

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Introducing The Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium: The Ultimate Sailing Watch

Rolex yacht master 42 titanium.

The 2023 Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium is the newest addition to the Yacht Master series, which has been a favorite among sailors and yacht enthusiasts since its introduction in 1992. This new Rolex model features a 42mm case crafted from Rolex’s proprietary RLX Titanium, offering both a lightweight feel and unparalleled durability. Additionally the 2023 Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium watch is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea while maintaining its stunning appearance.

In this introduction article, we will explore the features, design, and specifications of the 2023 Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium, as well as the pricing and availability.

Discover the rest of the Rolex 2023 watches released.

Key Features of the 2023 Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium

Titanium case & bracelet construction.

The Oyster case and bracelet are crafted from a RLX Titanium, ensuring exceptional corrosion resistance, lightweight feel, and a comfortable fit on the wrist. The Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium is unique because it is the first Rolex in history to have a titanium construction. Many well known brands have used this lightweight material to the past, in good success, and many felt like it was about time Rolex do the same. In our opinion, the Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium might surpass the Rolex Submariner as the most durable Rolex in the family.

Satin Finish

This watch is without a doubt a tool watch through and through. The complete satin finish of the Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium exemplifies that. The hardness of titanium plus the satin/brushed finish will ensure that this watch maintains is look for a long time to come.

Cerachrom Bezel

The black unidirectional rotatable bezel is equipped with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black ceramic, offering optimal legibility and resistance to scratches and fading. The design esthetics of this bezel are not new to Rolex but there is no need to change a good thing. This bezel is absolutely perfect for the Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium.

Calibre 3235 Movement

The 2023 Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium is powered by the cutting-edge Calibre 3235 movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve and a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Water Resistance

With a water resistance of up to 100 meters (330 feet), the Yacht Master 42 Titanium is perfect for water-based activities and sailing adventures. Although it’s not a dive watch, you’ll never have any issues wearing this watch while competing in water sports.

Oysterlock Safety Clasp

The Oyster bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, ensuring the watch remains securely on the wrist even in the most demanding conditions. This is extremely important while being located in deep water because if your watch were to fail, you would never see it again.

Chromalight Display

This watch features a Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. Have confidence knowing that either being out in the moonlight or at home in the dark, you will always be able to tell the time.

Pricing & Availability

The retail price for the Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium is $14,050 at authorized Rolex dealers worldwide. Expected demand for this model is high so expect to be put on a Rolex waitlis t if you are purchasing this model new.

Research tips on buying Rolex and how to improve on the waitlist.

This article was written with the assistance of AI, but all of the content has been reviewed and edited by me, the author Andrew Neita.

• 2023 New Watches , Rolex , rolex yacht master

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How to Buy a Rolex

N o watch brand has shaped contemporary watchmaking and collecting culture more than Rolex . In a little over a century, those five letters have become synonymous with top-tier Swiss mechanical watchmaking the world over, transcending circles of watch-loving connoisseurs and seeping into contemporary culture at every level. A historic emphasis on quality, craftsmanship and design has made the luxury watchmaker into the world’s most popular, boasting extensive waiting lists for Rolex Submariners , Datejusts , Daytonas and all their most popular models – unless, of course, you buy your Rolex or on the secondary market. Sotheby’s however is on hand to help, with a team of global specialists handpicking a wide range of Rolex watches for sale at auction around the world, as well as through its extensive online marketplace .

So it should come as no surprise that watches from every era of Rolex’s history, from the earliest days of the 20th century through to this year’s hottest releases, are highly collectible, inspire endless scholarship and push enthusiasts to the very limits of what watch collecting can be. A little bit of history, an overview of the brand’s most important creations and a few collector tips from Sotheby’s are all it takes to confidently jump into the fray yourself.

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The History of Rolex and the Invention of Modern Swiss Watchmaking

The history of Rolex starts in 1905, when 24-year-old Hans Wilsdorf founded a watch distribution company in London. Pocket watches were still the order of the day, but Wilsdorf saw the writing on the wall and became an early advocate for and seller of wrist watches. A few years later he came up with the name “Rolex” on a morning carriage ride – as the legend goes – and soon Rolex was making some of the earliest wristwatches to be observatory-certified chronometers, among the strictest accuracy standards of the time.

Wilsdorf’s firm would go on to pioneer a number of innovations whose impact on 20th-century watchmaking cannot be overstated. In 1926, Rolex unveiled the Oyster case, with its screw-down crown and unmatched water resistance. In 1931, the Perpetual automatic winding system was introduced, alleviating the need to manually wind those watches. In 1945, the Rolex Datejust revolutionized the use of a date display in a wristwatch meant for everyday wear. And this is just the beginning.

The 1950s through the ’70s are considered by many collectors to be the original golden age of Rolex watchmaking. It was during this period that genuine icons like the Submariner (released 1953), GMT-Master (1954), Explorer (1963) and Daytona (1963) were all introduced to the market. These are now considered the bread-and-butter of Rolex collecting, no matter what era of watches you’re talking about. Quirkier models like the Rolex Milgauss (1956) and Rolex Explorer II (1971) were also released, and though it took longer for them to find their audiences, they now have die-hard fans of their own.

As watchmaking continued to improve in the 1980s and the ’90s, particularly with regards to the use of materials and computer-aided design and production, evolutions of these watches emerged. The so-called five-digit references – like the reference 16710 Rolex GMT-Master II, the reference 16610 and 14060 Rolex Submariners and reference 16520 Rolex Daytona – introduced new movements, nonradioactive luminous material for dials, sapphire crystals and more. These are, in some ways, the first truly modern Rolex watches, and over the last few years they have become every bit as collectible as their older cousins.

“The stories that these watches hold is the source of endless inspiration,” says Vincent Brasesco, VP, Director of Digital Strategy and Specialist in Sotheby’s watch department . “There was an incredible ad Rolex ran years ago, saying, ‘It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.’ That really sums it up. What other watch has been worn by astronauts, athletes, explorers and icons of the big screen alike? You and I will most likely never salvage a shipwreck, but we can own the watch that did. That’s the magic.”

The Most Iconic Rolex Models

Rolex makes some of the most iconic watches known to man, and each comes in dozens – if not hundreds – of variations. Here are just a few of the more popular models you’re likely to come across.

Rolex Submariner

Most instantly recognizable is the Rolex Submariner , or Sub. In many ways, this watch has served as the archetype for the entire category of dive watches, past and present. A tool watch designed for underwater use by military and recreational divers, the Submariner features highly legible hands and lume plots, accompanied by a rotating timing bezel. Black remains the most popular Submariner color, but a number of colored dials and bezels have emerged over the years, including green (Kermit, Starbucks, Hulk) and blue (Bluesy, Smurf). This distinction also points to another important tradition for any Rolex buyer to be aware of – namely the use of nicknames to identify their favorite models .

Less than a decade after the model was introduced, Sean Connery’s personal Rolex Submariner appeared on the wrist of James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No , cementing its place in the pantheon of popular culture. Early examples, such as the reference 6538 sported by 007 (nicknamed the Big Crown by aficionados), are highly collectible and can fetch huge prices on the market. But part of the Submariner’s enduring appeal is that every version, from these “holy grail” pieces through the currently available reference 124060 , carries the same spirit. There’s truly a Submariner for every collection.

Holy Grails: Early Submariners, such as references 6538 and 6200 , feature larger winding crowns and slightly bolder designs, hence their Big Crown and King Sub nicknames, respectively.

Modern Classics: For those looking for a perfect middle ground between a vintage and modern Sub, a neovintage piece like the reference 16610 offers old-school design with contemporary materials and build quality.

Next Generation: The current no-date Submariner, reference 124060 , has new case dimensions, a cutting-edge movement and a miles-long waitlist at retailers, making it instantly collectible and highly desirable at auction.

Shop Rolex Submariners

Rolex GMT-Master

Descending a bit deeper into the collecting rabbit hole, one finds the GMT-Master , with its colorful 24-hour bezel for tracking another time zone. (The blue and red bezel earned the original its nickname , Pepsi, but you’ll also find the Coke, Sprite, Root Beer and some non-soda-themed options, like the Batman and Batgirl.) As you move across the sky, you simply twist the bezel to line up the correct hour with the 24-hour hand, and you’ll be ready before wheels-down. This GMT (or Greenwich Mean Time) complication is a Rolex invention created for Pan American World Airways, whose pilots needed a time-keeping tool for long-haul flights. These watches were present on some of the earliest transcontinental Pan Am flights, including the historic first flight from New York to Moscow in 1968, and are every bit as emblematic of the jet age as New York City’s TWA Terminal and the Concorde itself.

Holy Grails: The first Rolex GMT was the reference 6542 , which featured a blue and red Bakelite bezel insert for the 24-hour scale. Because these are slightly radioactive, they were swapped for aluminum bezel inserts during service, making originals extremely rare.

Modern Classics: The reference 16760 introduced the GMT-Master II, which added a jumping hour hand that lets the wearer more easily track a third timezone (one via the main hour hand, one via the adjustable 24-hour hand and one via the bezel).

Next Generation: The Batman (reference 116710BLNR) is one of the most desirable modern GMT-Master II models, with its black and blue bezel, and either Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

Shop Rolex GMT-Masters

Rolex Day-Date

The Day-Date is a different sort of Rolex watch, a bit more dressed-up and buttoned-down, but no less sturdily crafted. It’s hard to believe that when it was introduced in 1956 this was the very first watch to show the date along with a fully spelled out day of the week, but it’s yet another world first Rolex can add to its very long list.

There are countless Day-Date variations available, in all manner of steel, gold and platinum combinations, with myriad dial options. Any Day-Date (or Day Date, as you’ll find it commonly spelled) within a collection is therefore immensely expressive and personal. And the number of world leaders, movie stars and athletes who have sported them over the years is too high to imagine. There’s a reason its nickname is the President – a yellow-gold Day-Date has famously graced the wrists of presidents from Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, along with those of countless other global political leaders.

Holy Grails: Because there are so many variants of the Day-Date, the most collectible pieces are those with provenance, whether that’s in the form of a special-order dial (like those with the Khanjar on them) or a famous original owner . Quality and uniqueness are king.

Modern Classics: From the 1970s through the mid-90s, Rolex produced small batches of Day-Dates with brightly colored enamel dials. These Stella Dial watches are a collecting niche all their own.

Next Generation: While traditionally a 36mm-diameter watch, the Day-Date is now available in a larger 40mm size, and Rolex has been creating lots of interesting dial variants at this scale that will surely become collector favorites as they age.

Shop Rolex Day-Dates

Rolex Daytona

But the king of Rolex collecting is undoubtedly the Cosmograph Daytona , first introduced in 1963 and now known as just the Daytona. A chronograph with three subdials and a tachymeter on the bezel, the Daytona was designed for race car drivers (it’s named after the 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida) and today represents the pinnacle of Rolex sport watches. Today the Daytona is perhaps the most sought-after luxury sports watch globally. This is particularly true for the white-dialed Rolex Daytona Panda , easily one of the most recognizable watches in the world.

Collectors enjoy obsessing over the tiniest details, with a subtle change in a dial font or a hallmark on the case back sometimes being the difference between a relatively common watch and a once-in-a-lifetime find.

For many collectors, the pinnacle of the model is the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, defined by its exotic dial with small squares on the sub-dials and so-named because of the configuration famously worn by the actor and philanthropist himself. It is the perfect coming together of watch collecting and popular culture.

Holy Grails: An immensely desirable yellow-gold, Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special” ( reference 6241 ) holds the special distinction of being the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold at auction by Sotheby’s.

Modern Classics: In 1988, Rolex introduced the references 16520 , 16523 and 16528 Daytonas, all of which utilized modified Zenith El Primero chronograph movements (a first for Rolex). These movements would remain in use until circa 2000 and the watches can be spotted by their five-digit reference numbers beginning with 165XX.

Next Generation: The reference 126529LN Le Mans Daytona was created to celebrate the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. It is white gold, the dial pays homage to the Paul Newman dials of old and it was produced for just one year, from 2023-24. This all combines to make it the most collectible modern Daytona.

Shop Rolex Daytonas

And this all barely scratches the surface of what Rolex offers contemporary collectors from its nearly 120-year history. See, for example, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual , which despite its classic styling is perhaps Rolex’s most playful line – it features cheerful colors (such as the yellow dial, no longer in production) and whimsical dials. From the also-iconic Datejust to lesser-known models like the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Rolex Sky-Dweller , there is always something more to explore.

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Yacht-Master

Yacht-master 42.

Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

Yacht-Master 37

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Unyielding performance

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

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Yacht-Master 40

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

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Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

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Aug 11, 2024 | 1:38 PM MST

via Reuters

Patrick Mahomes attend the Time Magazine 100 gala celebrating their list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, in New York City, New York, U.S., April 25, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Patrick Mahomes who signed a 10-year contract deal in July 2020, that was valued at $477 million, with an additional $26 million in bonus potential, possesses a mesmerizing collection of expensive watches. Luxury Swiss watch brands, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and heritage, make up the majority of Patrick Mahomes’ collection. Among his favorite brands, Rolex, Omega, and Cartier are the three remarkable ones. These renowned watchmakers are now known for their inventiveness, accuracy, and classic style.

Mahomes’ collection boasts an incredible range of models that perfectly capture the unique characteristics of each brand. The renowned skeletonized version of one of Cartier’s, the sought-after Omega Seamaster, and the iconic Rolex Daytona are among the most recognizable pieces in his collection. Let’s take a deeper look at his collection of watches.

Significant watches in Patrick Mahomes’ collection

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The winner of Super Bowl LVIII owns a collection of numerous Rolex watches, including two $520K Daytonas and Yacht Masters. Mahomes also has numerous other items, including a $36,000 solid gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch. His entire watch collection is valued at about $852,000, which is a paltry amount considering his annual pay of $45 million.

1. Patrick Mahomes NFL Draft watch

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired Mahomes from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the tenth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Before the draft (and even before they signed their first contract), other NFL players would wear timepieces that cost tens of thousands of dollars, but Mahomes opted for something more affordable. It looks to be a rather basic fashion chronograph.

2. Rolex Yacht-Master II

Patrick Mahomes’ impressive collection of timepieces has been enhanced with the addition of the Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm. This watch captures the essence of maritime exploration with its robust and athletic design. With its robust stainless steel construction and regatta chronograph feature, the Yacht-Master II enables sailors to accurately time important race starts. The watch’s overall look is enlivened by the eye-catching blue ceramic bezel featuring engraved numerals. Reflecting Mahomes’ active personality both on and off the field, the Yacht-Master II’s bigger 44mm case size makes a bold statement on his wrist.

3. Rolex GMT-Master Batman 12670BLNR

The unique black and blue bezel of this venerable timepiece, which is evocative of the superhero’s color scheme, earned it the title of “Batman.” The robust Oystersteel construction of the GMT-Master Batman blends excellent functionality with a stylish design. Because of its dual-time zone capability, which enables Mahomes to simultaneously watch two different time zones, it is a helpful addition to his nomadic lifestyle.

USA Today via Reuters

May 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II looks on during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. Rolex Yach-Master 40 – 1266655

With a sleek black dial with contrasting white hour markers and hands, the Rolex Yacht-Master 4o is an elegant example of how sportiness and beauty can coexist

This gorgeous watch is the perfect example of how sportiness and beauty can coexist. The Yacht-Master 40 exudes luxury and is fashioned in stunning Everose gold. For optimal legibility, it has a sleek black dial with contrasting white hour markers and hands. This clock’s robust Oyster housing and Triplock crown ensure that it will withstand the rigors of the open sea. When Mahomes is not on the field, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – 126655 elevates his wrist and perfectly captures his taste in high-end timepieces.

5. Rolex Daytona Rainbow

Still, the crown jewel—a watch that exudes comedy and elegance—is without a doubt the most recent addition to Mahomes’ already exceptional collection. The Rolex Rainbow Daytona is about to arrive. The striking and expertly fitted rainbow-colored bezel of this amazing clock beautifully contrasts with the black lacquer display. For watch collectors, its exceptional design and limited availability make it an extremely sought-after item. With the Rainbow Daytona, Mahomes has really upped his watch line and captured the spirit of exclusivity and elegance.

6. Two-tone Rolex Daytona

Since becoming the starting quarterback for the Chiefs and collecting awards as an exceptional player, Mahomes has been spotted sporting stunning timepieces, many of which are from the renowned Rolex brand. 16523, the two-tone Rolex Daytona, was a noteworthy early sighting. This model is distinguished from previous versions, including the two-tone Daytona Ref. 116503, by its solid gold subdial rings as opposed to their line-style counterparts. It is believed to be the Zenith Daytona. Even though the black dial, two-tone Rolex Daytona Ref. 16523 has been discontinued, it can still get up to $21,000 on the secondary market due to its strong demand.

7. Rolex Day-Date Platinum 228396

In addition to his amazing watch, Mahomes looked stunning in a baby blue suit when he arrived at State Farm Stadium in Arizona ahead of the big game. He was wearing the legendary Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228396TBR-0030, a platinum masterpiece featuring a stunning baby blue dial and a diamond-set bezel. It is called a “price on request” piece since Rolex does not formally disclose the selling price of this model. At present, it is being sold for approximately $150,000 on the secondary market. Mahomes’ enormous $503 million contract is a clear indication of the luxury he has earned.

Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II cheers during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

8. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Patrick Mahomes possesses an exceptional assortment of Rolex watches in addition to a stunning Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial Chronometer GMT 43mm. This exceptional watch strikes the perfect mix of sportiness and refinement. The Aqua Terra is a well-constructed timepiece featuring a sleek blue dial reminiscent of the ocean’s depths and a stainless steel housing.

The GMT feature makes it simple for Mahomes to keep track of various time zones, which makes it a perfect partner for his nomadic existence. The accuracy and dependability of the Co-Axial Chronometer movement are guaranteed. With its flexible design and superb performance, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial Chronometer GMT 43mm is a tribute to Mahomes’ remarkable taste and appreciation for horological knowledge.

9. Cartier Santos

At the Met Gala, Patrick Mahomes, who is well-known for his passion for Rolex watches, stunned onlookers by donning a skeletonized replica of Cartier’s fabled Santos watch. One of Cartier’s most well-known designs, the Santos, skillfully blends sophistication and modernity. Its exposed movement and odd square form provide for a captivating visual experience. Accompanied by his spouse Brittany Matthews, Mahomes showcased his impeccable taste by choosing this unique and striking rendition of the Santos. This audacious choice demonstrates his resolve to adopt novel styles and push the boundaries of fashion—even when it comes to high-end watches.

Patrick Mahomes’ impressive watch collection not only reflects his discerning taste but also embodies the artistry and precision of luxury Swiss craftsmanship. With iconic pieces from Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, each watch tells a story of innovation and timeless style. Mahomes’ collection is a testament to his appreciation for excellence in horology.

EssentiallySports is a digital-first sports media house that surfaces the best stories on America's favorite sports celebrities with a fan's perspective to 30+ M average monthly readers.

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