The Rolex Yacht-Master offers a versatile range of sizes and materials, designed to meet the needs of both luxury watch collectors and those with an active lifestyle. Available in 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm sizes, the Yacht-Master fits various wrist preferences. This collection features a mix of premium materials, including Oystersteel, platinum (Rolesium), Everose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. Each model comes equipped with either the robust Oyster bracelet or the comfortable and sporty Oysterflex bracelet, combining flexibility with the durability of metal. The Yacht-Master’s signature bidirectional rotatable bezel enhances its practical functionality, making it a perfect companion for sailing adventures, while maintaining an unmistakable luxury appeal.
At Tiger River Watches, we offer a wide variety of Yacht-Master models, ready for you to purchase with no wait times. Whether you seek the timeless elegance of a platinum bezel or the bold style of Everose gold, you’ll find the perfect Rolex Yacht-Master here.
Introduced in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master was created as a high-end sports watch that pays homage to Rolex’s rich maritime heritage. While often compared to the Submariner, the Yacht-Master stands out with its polished design and a more luxurious approach. Over the years, the collection has expanded to include models like the Yacht-Master II, which features a regatta chronograph and caters to competitive sailing. The Yacht-Master’s evolution has maintained its reputation as a premium timepiece, combining the spirit of sailing with Rolex’s iconic craftsmanship.
The Rolex Yacht-Master has earned a few popular nicknames among watch enthusiasts. One of the most notable is the “Rolesium,” referring to the combination of Oystersteel and platinum, a material exclusive to the Yacht-Master line. Another popular nickname is the “Yacht-Master Chocolate,” for models that feature a rich brown dial paired with Everose gold. These affectionate nicknames reflect the uniqueness and versatility of the collection.
Several Yacht-Master references stand out in Rolex’s lineup. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622, with its slate dial and a combination of Oystersteel and platinum, is a fan favorite. The Yacht-Master 37 268622 offers a smaller option while maintaining the same premium design. The Yacht-Master 42 226659 in Everose gold is also a sought-after model for those seeking a larger, more statement-making timepiece. Finally, the Yacht-Master II 116680, with its blue bezel and innovative regatta chronograph, remains a go-to for sailing professionals.
The most recently released Yacht-Master, the ref. 226659 – released in 2019, is priced at $28,900 retail. The rest of the Yacht-Master models available on the Rolex website are retailed between $11,250 for the ref. 268622 and the $48,150 for the ref. 116689. If you’re looking to buy a Rolex Yacht-Master, you’ll find better prices in the pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master market. Available models of the Rolex Yacht-Master for sale in the secondary market are generally below their retail prices. For example, the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126621 costs between $14,500 – $16,000 brand new, and $13,500 pre-owned. Similarly, the ref. 126655 is priced around $28,500 brand new in mint condition, while the same model of a used Rolex Yacht-Master resells for roughly $26,000. These price comparisons show that the Yacht-Master collection generally hold their value very well.
Setting the time on a Yacht-Master II is similar to setting time on other Rolex watches, despite its advanced timer functionality. To adjust the time, you first need to unscrew the crown from the case. Then pull out the winding crown and rotate it to move the hands forwards or backwards to set the time accordingly, all while the Ring Command Bezel is in its natural position.
As with other Rolex models, the Yacht-Master watch has the word “R O L E X” engraved on both sides of the rehaut, the inside rim of the bezel. Each letter should align perfectly with an hour marker. If the letters are even slightly off in placement, that is usually an indication of it not being a real Rolex watch. You can also check for the watch’s serial number, which should be engraved at the 6 o’clock position on the outside of the case (where the bracelet/band meets the watch case), to make sure it matches correctly. Counterfeiters often don’t bother changing the numbers, and instead just print the same digits on multiple replicas – meaning if it doesn’t match the correct serial number of that watch, it is most likely a fake. Aside from making sure it’s the correct serial number, make sure that it is in fact engraved into the case and not simply etched, as many counterfeit Rolexes have these details etched and not engraved. Another tell-tale sign of counterfeit watches is in the size and style of a watch’s hands. For example, the Yacht-Master has a much thicker minute hand than most other models like the Daytona, and Day-Date. If the hands on a watch in question seem slightly different when comparing to a genuine Rolex watch of the same model, it is likely a replica – as counterfeiters often use whatever parts are available in order to save money with the hope that most buyers will overlook these small but significant discrepancies.