Rolex Yacht-Master References
The Rolex Yacht-Master blends luxury, sport, and nautical heritage into one of the brand’s most distinctive and versatile collections. Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master was created for sailing professionals and ocean enthusiasts, offering a refined, maritime-inspired take on Rolex’s classic sports watch design.
Unlike the more rugged dive-focused Submariner, the Yacht-Master emphasizes a balance of luxury and performance, featuring precious metal options, bidirectional timing bezels, and elegant contours designed for comfort on and off the water. With its polished numerals, sand-blasted bezels, and available Oysterflex straps, the Yacht-Master remains one of the most contemporary and stylish offerings in the Rolex lineup.
Current Production
The current Yacht-Master family includes a range of sizes, materials, and dial configurations — from the sporty Oystersteel & platinum models to luxurious Everose gold and the advanced titanium RLX edition.
Key Current Yacht-Master References:
Yacht-Master 37
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268622 — Oystersteel & platinum (Rolesium)
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268655 — Everose gold on Oysterflex
Yacht-Master 40
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126622 — Oystersteel & platinum
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126655 — Everose gold on Oysterflex
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126679SABR — Everose with rainbow sapphire bezel (luxury edition)
Yacht-Master 42
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226659 — 18k white gold on Oysterflex
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226627 — RLX titanium (lightweight professional-grade)
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226658 — New yellow gold edition
These references represent the Yacht-Master’s evolution into a modern luxury sport watch with premium materials and advanced engineering.
Discontinued
Discontinued Yacht-Master models remain highly collectible, offering unique colorways and configurations no longer produced.
Notable Discontinued References:
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16622 — First-generation steel & platinum model
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16623 — Yellow Rolesor version
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16628 — Full yellow gold 40 mm
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169622 / 168622 — Early mid-size and ladies’ Yacht-Master models
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116622 — Updated case & bracelet generation prior to 126622
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116655 — First-ever Oysterflex Yacht-Master (Everose)
These models appeal to collectors who appreciate earlier generations with classic proportions and unique dial colors like dark rhodium, blue sunburst, and platinum silver.
Rolex Yacht-Master Specifications
The Yacht-Master combines luxury craftsmanship with maritime-inspired functionality.
Materials
The Yacht-Master is known for its premium and diverse material combinations.
Material Options:
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Rolesium (Oystersteel + platinum bezel) — signature Yacht-Master material
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18k Everose gold
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18k white gold
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18k yellow gold (select models)
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RLX titanium (Yacht-Master 42)
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Cerachrom ceramic bezels on select models
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Oysterflex bracelets on gold references
These materials offer a luxurious alternative to typical steel sports watches.
Movement
Current Yacht-Master models are powered by Rolex’s latest movements:
Movements by Size
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37 mm: Caliber 2236 (Syloxi hairspring)
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40 & 42 mm: Caliber 3235
Movement Highlights:
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55–70 hour power reserve
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Chronergy escapement
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Blue Parachrom hairspring
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Paraflex shock absorbers
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COSC-certified + Rolex Superlative Chronometer
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Bidirectional self-winding
These movements provide reliability for both everyday wear and active marine environments.
Dial
Yacht-Master dials are designed for clarity, legibility, and a premium nautical aesthetic.
Dial Features:
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Platinum, rhodium, sunburst blue, black, and slate dials
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Chromalight blue-glow lume
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Large Maxi markers for enhanced readability
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Date window with Cyclops magnification
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Distinctive color accents (e.g., red seconds hand on some references)
Dial quality and finish are signature features of the Yacht-Master line.
Watch Bands
Oyster Bracelet
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Three-link construction
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Oysterlock safety clasp
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Easylink extension system
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Featured on steel & platinum references
Oysterflex Bracelet
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High-performance elastomer
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Titanium-nickel blade core inside
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Glides smoothly for comfort in warm or active environments
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Featured on gold references
Oysterflex has become one of the most popular features of modern Yacht-Masters due to its durability and comfort.
Sizes
The Yacht-Master offers one of the most diverse size ranges in the Rolex sports collection.
Available Case Sizes:
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37 mm — modern unisex size
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40 mm — classic sports size
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42 mm — bold, contemporary size
Each version offers its own wrist presence and aesthetic personality.
Water Resistance
The Yacht-Master provides:
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100 meters (330 ft) water resistance
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Twinlock screw-down crown
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Oyster case construction
While not a deep-dive watch like the Submariner, its rating is more than sufficient for sailing, boating, swimming, and everyday use.
Power Reserve
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70 hours (Cal. 3235 models)
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55 hours (Cal. 2236 models)
Designed for reliability across travel and activity.
Rolex Yacht-Master Price
Yacht-Master pricing varies by material, size, and configuration.
Retail Price (Approx.)
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37 mm: $12,000–$30,000+
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40 mm: $14,000–$40,000+
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42 mm gold or titanium: $14,000–$30,000+
Pre-Owned Prices
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Steel & platinum: $10,000–$18,000+
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Everose on Oysterflex: $20,000–$40,000+
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White gold or gem-set: $30,000–$80,000+
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Vintage Rolesor/early models: $7,000–$15,000+
Because of limited production and strong demand, modern Yacht-Masters often command premiums.
Expert Opinion
“The Rolex Yacht-Master is one of the most stylish and versatile luxury sports watches in the Rolex lineup. With its mix of premium materials, nautical history, and modern engineering, the Yacht-Master offers a refined alternative to traditional dive watches. It delivers both sophistication and performance — perfect for collectors who want sporty elegance without compromise.”
Why Choose Us
ECI Jewelers offers a curated selection of modern and vintage Yacht-Master models, including sought-after configurations such as Everose Oysterflex, Rolesium platinum bezel variants, and the cutting-edge titanium Yacht-Master 42. Each watch is thoroughly authenticated, inspected, and verified for originality and condition.
We provide expert guidance, transparent pricing, and free insured shipping — making ECI Jewelers a trusted source for premium Rolex sports watches.
Sell Your Rolex Yacht-Master
If you're looking to sell your Yacht-Master, ECI Jewelers offers competitive top-market valuations and a seamless, secure process. Whether you’re upgrading or adjusting your collection, our specialists ensure a fair, fast, and professional experience.