The Yacht-Master arrived in 1992 as Rolex’s nautical sports watch: a close cousin of the Submariner in shape, but with a raised, bidirectional bezel in precious metal and water resistance of 100 meters rather than 300. It has always sat slightly apart from the other sports models, which is part of its appeal. It is sportier than a Datejust, more luxurious than a Submariner, and much less common on the street than either.
It also comes in more metal combinations than most people realize, which makes choosing one a little more involved.
What makes the Yacht-Master different?
The key feature is the bezel. On a Submariner it is unidirectional with a ceramic insert, designed for timing a dive safely. On the Yacht-Master it turns in both directions and, on most models, is solid platinum or gold with raised, polished numerals, or matte black Cerachrom on the Oysterflex and 42 mm models. The dial is often slate grey, blue or black, with a red or colored seconds hand on some references.
Which Yacht-Master models should you know?
| Model | Key references | Case | Bezel | Bracelet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yacht-Master 40, Rolesium | 116622, 126622 | Steel, 40 mm | Platinum | Oyster |
| Yacht-Master 40, Everose | 116655, 126655 | Everose gold, 40 mm | Black Cerachrom | Oysterflex |
| Yacht-Master 40, two-tone | 126621 | Everose Rolesor | Everose | Oyster |
| Yacht-Master 37 | 268621, 268622, 268655 | 37 mm | Everose, platinum or ceramic | Oyster or Oysterflex |
| Yacht-Master 42 | 226659, 226627 | White gold or titanium | Ceramic | Oysterflex or Oyster |
| Yacht-Master II | 116680, 116681, 116688 | 44 mm | Ring Command | Oyster |
Which Yacht-Master is the best value?
The 116622 and 126622 in Rolesium, Rolex’s name for a steel case with a platinum bezel, are the classic modern Yacht-Masters and usually the most accessible. The newer 126622 uses the calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve, while the 116622 uses the calibre 3135. The platinum bezel has a satin finish with polished numerals that looks like steel but feels special up close.
The 116655 and 126655 in Everose gold on an Oysterflex strap are the lighter, more casual luxury option. Pre-owned prices on gold Yacht-Masters are often well below list price, which makes them interesting value if you like rose gold. See every 126655 in stock.
The 37 mm models suit smaller wrists and are popular as unisex watches.
What is the Yacht-Master II?
The Yacht-Master II is a different watch entirely: a 44 mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown timer of up to ten minutes, controlled through the Ring Command bezel. It was introduced in 2007 and discontinued in 2023. It is big, technical and far less common than the Yacht-Master; collectors who love it really love it. The steel and platinum-bezel 116680 is the most common version.
What is an Oysterflex strap?
The Oysterflex, introduced on the Yacht-Master in 2015, is an elastomer-covered metal blade, not a simple rubber strap. It has longitudinal cushions inside for comfort and a gold Oysterlock clasp. It is lighter and cooler on the wrist than a bracelet and suits warm-weather wear. Our Rolex bracelets guide explains how it compares with Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.
What should you check on a pre-owned Yacht-Master?
- Bezel condition. Precious-metal bezels show dents and scratches on the raised numerals. Ceramic bezels resist scratches but can chip.
- Oysterflex wear. The elastomer can show surface marks and, over time, wear at the clasp end. Check the strap’s condition and whether a replacement is included.
- Bracelet stretch on Oyster bracelet models.
- Case polishing, particularly the polished case sides on gold models.
- Service history, and on the Yacht-Master II, a full test of the countdown function.
How does a Yacht-Master wear?
The 40 mm Yacht-Master wears much like a Submariner of the same era: roughly 12 mm thick, with a raised bezel that gives it slightly more height at the edges. The Rolesium models on an Oyster bracelet feel solid and balanced. The Everose models on Oysterflex are lighter than you might expect for solid gold, because the strap is far lighter than a gold bracelet.
The 37 mm Yacht-Master is a genuinely unisex size; it looks right on slimmer wrists and is often chosen as a first Rolex sports watch by women. The 42 mm white gold and titanium models are substantial, although the titanium 226627 is remarkably light for its size. The Yacht-Master II at 44 mm is one of the largest Rolex watches made, and it is best on wrists above about 7 inches.
Which dial colors are available?
Current Rolesium Yacht-Masters are most often seen with slate grey or bright blue dials; earlier platinum-dial versions of the 116622 have a subtle grey-silver sunray that changes color in the light. The Everose models usually carry black or chocolate dials with pink gold hands. A red-tipped seconds hand appears on several references. Less common dial and bezel combinations, especially in the 37 mm models, can command premiums, so compare like with like when you look at prices.
Who should choose a Yacht-Master?
It suits buyers who want a sports watch but find the Submariner too familiar, people who sail or spend summers near water, and anyone who likes the idea of precious metal on a sports watch without going full gold. It is less suited to those who want the strongest resale market, which remains the Submariner and GMT-Master II.
How does it compare with a Submariner?
The Submariner is the more versatile tool watch: 300-meter water resistance, a unidirectional dive bezel, the Glidelock clasp and stronger demand. The Yacht-Master is more refined and less common, with its precious-metal bezel and softer dial colors. If you want a dive watch, buy the Submariner; our Submariner buying guide covers it. If you want a sports watch that feels a little more special and is seen less often, the Yacht-Master is worth a serious look.
How much does a pre-owned Yacht-Master cost?
Rolesium steel models are the most accessible; the two-tone and Everose models are higher; the 42 mm white gold and titanium models sit at the top. Many precious-metal Yacht-Masters trade below their original retail price pre-owned. Our live table below shows current asking prices, and every example we have is on the pre-owned Yacht-Master page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yacht-Master a dive watch?
Not strictly. It is water resistant to 100 meters, which is ideal for swimming and sailing, but its bezel turns in both directions and it lacks the 300-meter rating of the Submariner. For serious diving, choose a Submariner or Sea-Dweller.
What is Rolesium?
Rolesium is Rolex’s name for a combination of Oystersteel and platinum, used on the Yacht-Master with a steel case and a platinum bezel and dial on some references.
Is the Everose Yacht-Master on Oysterflex a good value?
Often, yes. Pre-owned prices for gold Yacht-Masters on Oysterflex frequently sit below list price, so you get a solid gold Rolex sports watch for considerably less than new.
What is the difference between the 116622 and 126622?
The 126622 uses the newer calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve, while the 116622 uses the calibre 3135 with about 48 hours. They look very similar from the front.
