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

  • 268622 — Oystersteel & platinum (Rolesium)

  • 268655 — Everose gold on Oysterflex

Yacht-Master 40

  • 126622 — Oystersteel & platinum

  • 126655 — Everose gold on Oysterflex

  • 126679SABR — Everose with rainbow sapphire bezel (luxury edition)

Yacht-Master 42

  • 226659 — 18k white gold on Oysterflex

  • 226627 — RLX titanium (lightweight professional-grade)

  • 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:

  • 16622 — First-generation steel & platinum model

  • 16623 — Yellow Rolesor version

  • 16628 — Full yellow gold 40 mm

  • 169622 / 168622 — Early mid-size and ladies’ Yacht-Master models

  • 116622 — Updated case & bracelet generation prior to 126622

  • 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:

  • Rolesium (Oystersteel + platinum bezel) — signature Yacht-Master material

  • 18k Everose gold

  • 18k white gold

  • 18k yellow gold (select models)

  • RLX titanium (Yacht-Master 42)

  • Cerachrom ceramic bezels on select models

  • 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

  • 37 mm: Caliber 2236 (Syloxi hairspring)

  • 40 & 42 mm: Caliber 3235

Movement Highlights:

  • 55–70 hour power reserve

  • Chronergy escapement

  • Blue Parachrom hairspring

  • Paraflex shock absorbers

  • COSC-certified + Rolex Superlative Chronometer

  • 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:

  • Platinum, rhodium, sunburst blue, black, and slate dials

  • Chromalight blue-glow lume

  • Large Maxi markers for enhanced readability

  • Date window with Cyclops magnification

  • 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

  • Three-link construction

  • Oysterlock safety clasp

  • Easylink extension system

  • Featured on steel & platinum references

Oysterflex Bracelet

  • High-performance elastomer

  • Titanium-nickel blade core inside

  • Glides smoothly for comfort in warm or active environments

  • 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:

  • 37 mm — modern unisex size

  • 40 mm — classic sports size

  • 42 mm — bold, contemporary size

Each version offers its own wrist presence and aesthetic personality.


Water Resistance

The Yacht-Master provides:

  • 100 meters (330 ft) water resistance

  • Twinlock screw-down crown

  • 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

  • 70 hours (Cal. 3235 models)

  • 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.)

  • 37 mm: $12,000–$30,000+

  • 40 mm: $14,000–$40,000+

  • 42 mm gold or titanium: $14,000–$30,000+

Pre-Owned Prices

  • Steel & platinum: $10,000–$18,000+

  • Everose on Oysterflex: $20,000–$40,000+

  • White gold or gem-set: $30,000–$80,000+

  • 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.