rolex yacht master 2 everose

Rolex Yacht-Master II Ultimate Buying Guide

In the exclusive world of luxury timepieces, the Rolex Yacht-Master II stands as an example of opulence and precision engineering. Since its unveiling in 2007, it has not simply followed the footsteps of its prized predecessor but has charted a new course in luxury timepieces. This masterpiece blends the functional demands of regatta timing with the uncompromising quality synonymous with the Rolex name. Its signature feature, a programmable countdown with on-the-fly synchronization, showcases Rolex’s commitment to innovation, tailored specifically for the strategic demands of yacht racing.

As we look into its history, features, and most sought-after models, this guide is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you’re looking to invest in a luxury timepiece or expand an existing collection, the Rolex Yacht-Master II represents a pinnacle of horological craftsmanship, a tangible asset that surpasses time and trends. Read on to learn all there is to know about the Rolex Yacht-Master II. <> <>

A Brief History of the Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II , introduced in 2007, marked a significant evolution in Rolex’s line of luxury watches, diverging from the brand’s typically conservative design ethos. It was a striking departure from its predecessor, the Yacht-Master, representing a bold new direction in both aesthetics and functionality.

The original models of the Yacht-Master II were the 18k yellow gold ref 116688 and the even more luxurious 18k white gold version with a platinum bezel, ref 116689. These models showcased a large, eye-catching design that was an immediate topic of debate among watch enthusiasts. While some admired its noticeable presence, others viewed it as a deviation from Rolex’s traditional design roots.

Responding to the changing economic landscape following the 2008 financial crash, Rolex expanded the Yacht-Master II collection in 2011 with the introduction of the ref. 116681, a more affordable Everose Rolesor model. This model featured a stainless steel case and outer bracelet links combined with an Everose gold winding crown, pushers, and central bracelet links. The collection further broadened its appeal in 2013 with the introduction of the all-steel version, ref. 116680, which also debuted a new caliber, the Cal. 4161, replacing the former Cal. 4160.

The only notable design update since its launch occurred in 2017, on the watch’s tenth anniversary. This update included changes to the hour markers and hands, namely the blue hour marker surrounds replaced with white gold, the 12 o’clock marker changed to an inverted triangle, and a taller marker at 6 o’clock. These changes aligned the Yacht-Master II more closely with the rest of Rolex’s Professional Collection, yet the changes were subtle enough that Rolex did not assign a new reference number.

Throughout its history, the Rolex Yacht-Master II has been distinguished by its unique regatta timer function, a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovative and functional design. This feature, along with its distinctive aesthetic, has made the Yacht-Master II a popular, though somewhat polarizing, model among collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts.

Key Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II stands out from the Rolex catalog with its massive round case and striking dial design. Here are the distinguishing features of the Rolex Yacht-Master II. <>

The Oyster Case at 44mm

The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster case measures a notable 44mm in diameter, contributing to the watch’s bold aesthetic and enhancing the dial’s legibility. This large size is practical for a sports watch, ensuring that crucial timekeeping information is always easily readable. <>

Ring Command System

One of the Yacht-Master II’s innovative features is the Ring Command System. This system integrates the bezel, crown, and internal mechanism, providing a seamless way to set and synchronize the watch’s various functions, including its unique regatta timer.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II allows the wearer to choose a countdown interval, ranging from one to ten minutes, using its programmable flyback regatta timer, displayed on the middle of the dial. Additionally, the watch can be synchronized “on the fly” with audible cues that are commonly given at the start of regatta races. <>

Cerachrom Insert Bezel (for steel, Rolesor, and yellow gold models)

For the steel, steel and Everose, and yellow gold models, the bezel features a blue Cerachrom insert, made from an exceptionally hard and virtually scratchproof ceramic. This material is impervious to UV rays and corrosion, ensuring the bezel’s color and finish remain pristine over time. <>

Platinum Bezel in sandblasted finish (for white gold model)

Meanwhile, the 18k white gold model boasts of a platinum Ring Command Bezel, with a sandblasted background and polished graduations. <>

Chromalight Display

The Chromalight display on the Yacht-Master II offers superior legibility in all lighting conditions, especially in the dark. This innovative feature ensures that the watch face is easily readable, which is vital during demanding activities like sailing. <>

Perpetual Caliber 4160 / 4161

At the core of the Yacht-Master II is the Perpetual Caliber 4160, and for later models the 4161, a self-winding mechanical movement developed entirely by Rolex. Known for its precision and reliability, these movements showcase of Rolex’s expertise in watchmaking, featuring a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory, crucial for timing in regattas.

Models from 2007 to 2013 use the Caliber 4160. In 2013, with the introduction of the stainless steel model, the Caliber 4161 was given additional refinements such as a crisper feel to the pushers and greater reliability. Both movements possess the blue Parachrom hairspring that protects the movement from shocks and offer 72 hours of power reserve.

<> Models of the Rolex Yacht-Master II

There are four models available for the Rolex Yacht-Master II, three of which remain in production as of 2024. The white gold ref. 116689 was discontinued in 2022 but remains available in the pre-owned market.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel Blue Bezel 116680

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel Blue Bezel 116680, introduced at Baselworld 2013, is a standout in the Yacht-Master II collection. This model features a large 44mm stainless steel case, showcasing Rolex’s expertise in crafting durable and stylish sports watches.

Its most striking feature is the blue Cerachrom bezel, a testament to Rolex’s innovation in materials, known for its scratch resistance and color permanence. The watch is equipped with the Rolex 4161 self-winding programmable flyback regatta timer movement, emphasizing its utility for sailing and regattas.

Its aesthetic is bold and extroverted, with a white dial, contrasting deep blue hands, and a red countdown hand, all contributing to its nautical theme. This model manages to balance Rolex’s high standards of functionality with a distinctive, eye-catching design​​. <> <>

Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel and Everose Gold 116681

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel and Everose Gold 116681, introduced in 2011, is a striking addition to the Yacht-Master II collection. It features a unique blend of robust 904L stainless steel and luxurious 18k Everose gold, embodying both resilience and elegance.

This model stands out with its vibrant blue Cerachrom bezel and a white dial – both enhanced with Everose gold elements. The watch is equipped with the advanced Rolex Cal. 4161 movement, offering specialized functionalities like a programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization, tailored for yacht racing.

The combination of two-tone metals, along with its functional complexity and sizeable 44mm case, makes the Yacht-Master II 116681 a notable and luxurious sports watch. This model has garnered attention for its blend of technical prowess and bold aesthetic appeal. <> <>

Rolex Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold 116688

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold 116688, launched in 2007, is a landmark in Rolex’s esteemed collection. As the pioneering model of the Yacht-Master II series, this timepiece redefined the luxury sports watch segment.

It boasts a substantial 44mm case crafted from luxurious yellow gold, exuding both elegance and strength. The watch is notable for its blue Cerachrom bezel, a material celebrated for its exceptional scratch resistance and enduring color.

Inside, it initially housed the Rolex 4160 movement, renowned for its precise regatta timer function, pivotal for yacht racing enthusiasts. In 2013, Rolex introduced an upgrade to the 4161 movement, further enhancing the watch’s performance.

The Yacht-Master II 116688 blends luxurious gold craftsmanship with functional, sports-oriented features, establishing it as a prized and distinct offering in Rolex’s portfolio. This model’s combination of opulence and utility captures the essence of Rolex’s innovation in luxury sports watch design. <> <>

Rolex Yacht-Master II White Gold Platinum Bezel 116689

The Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116689, introduced in 2007, is a distinctive model in Rolex’s lineup, combining 18k white gold with a platinum bezel. This watch stands out for its substantial 44mm case size, making it one of Rolex’s largest offerings.

Notably, the 116689 was part of the initial Yacht-Master II launch, which marked Rolex’s venture into more complex watch designs. This model features a regatta countdown timer, which was a significant technical achievement for Rolex.

The innovative Ring Command Bezel, directly linked to the watch’s internal movement, enables easy setting of the countdown timer. Inside, the watch initially used the Caliber 4160, which was updated to the Caliber 4161 in 2013.

The ref 116689’s unique combination of luxury materials, substantial size, and advanced functionality make it a noteworthy and potentially future classic Rolex model​​.

<> Final Thoughts

The Rolex Yacht-Master II series, with its unique blend of luxury, precision, and specialized functionality, offers a remarkable range of choices for collectors and enthusiasts. Whether it’s the bold statement of the Yellow Gold 116688, the innovative design of the Stainless Steel and Everose Gold 116681, or the understated elegance of the White Gold Platinum Bezel 116689, each model holds a special place in Rolex’s illustrious lineup. These watches are not only timekeeping instruments but also symbols of a luxurious lifestyle and a passion for the maritime world.

For those seeking to acquire or learn more about these exquisite timepieces, SwissWatchExpo presents an ideal destination. Their expertise and collection cater to a discerning clientele, making them a valuable resource for anyone looking to invest in a Rolex Yacht-Master II or expand their luxury watch collection.

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A Week On The Wrist The Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm With Oysterflex Bracelet

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There is big news, and there is Rolex big news, and in some ways, ne'er the twain shall meet. At Baselworld this year, Rolex debuted a first for the company: the very first, ever, Rolex delivered on a rubber strap. Now, for most companies this would have little effect on watch enthusiasts other than to evoke (very) tepid interest at best, and boredom at worst – but this is not an ordinary rubber strap, this is an official, designed-and-tested-and-thoroughly-obsessed-over-by-Rolex rubber strap. And thereby hangs a tale.

The Yachtmaster, as we have mentioned in some of our previous coverage , occupies a somewhat particular place in Rolex’s lineup of sports watches; it shares water-resistance and a turning bezel with the Submariner (the latter is water resistant to 300 m while the Yachtmaster standard model is water resistant to 100 m). It is certainly not a tool watch; the Yachtmaster is offered in either platinum and steel, or gold and steel (that’s Rolesium and Rolesor, lest we forget) and is either quietly or unequivocally luxurious depending on what size and metal you go for (Rolex makes the Yachtmaster in both 35 mm and 40 mm sizes). 

The Yachtmaster’s history goes back to the first introduction of the watch in 1992, although the name, interestingly enough, appears on the dial of a prototype Yachtmaster Chronograph from the late 1960s (a watch so legendary I am actually forced to use the word; one of three known is in the collection of Mr. John Goldberger; we covered it – and a host of other remarkable ultra-rare watches from his collection – in a very memorable episode of Talking Watches ).

The term “Yachtmaster” is also, incidentally, used for a certificate of competency in yachting which is issued by the Royal Yachting Association, although we’re unaware of any specific association between the RYA and the Yachtmaster watch.

Now, this newest version of the Yachtmaster does take a few pages from the existing Yachtmaster playbook: 100-meter water resistance, a bidirectional turning bezel, and a dial and hands that echo the Submariner. There are also a couple of features that may make vintage Sub enthusiasts wonder if Rolex mightn’t have an exceedingly subtle sense of humor; the gilt coronet and “Rolex,” and the red lettering, both features which according to HODINKEE founder Ben Clymer would have, had they appeared on a Rolex dive watch, made it instantly the single most popular watch in the modern Rolex inventory. The case is rose gold – Rolex famously makes their own, called Everose, in their own foundry, with a bit of platinum mixed in to prevent discoloration – and the bezel, rather than being some other precious metal (as is the case in the “standard” Yachtmasters) is in black Cerachrom – a very technical-looking matte black that contrasts sharply with the gold case. Somehow, between the rose gold, the Cerachrom bezel, and the new Oysterflex bracelet this manages to be the most luxurious and at the same time most technical Yachtmaster yet (leaving aside the Yachtmaster II, which we recently reviewed right here , but that is a watch that marches to the beat of a different drummer entirely).

The two different versions of the Everose Yachtmaster (40 mm and 37 mm) sport different movements; the larger uses the caliber 3135 and the smaller, the newer 2236, which sports the “Syloxi” silicon balance spring (first used by Rolex in 2014).

The Oysterflex bracelet is, in a nutshell, quite a piece of work. One of the most endearing traits of Rolex as a company is that it tends to demonstrate what we can only describe as a laudable degree of corporate obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to research and development, and it does so, often, without making any sort of fanfare about it at all. In this case we do know a little bit about the Oysterflex, however – it is basically designed to have the hypoallergenic and comfort properties of a rubber strap and the durability and shape-retention properties of a bracelet. 

At the core of the Oysterflex bracelet are metal inserts made of titanium and nickel, which are used to affix the bracelet to the clasp and watch case; over those is a sheathing of “high-performance black elastomer.” “Elastomer” is a portmanteau word, formed from “elastic” and “polymer” and is a general term for natural and synthetic rubbers. In addition to the materials complexity of the Oysterflex bracelet, it is also shaped in a rather unusual fashion – there are ridges molded into the the wristward face of the bracelet, which are intended to allow the bracelet when worn to better approximate the natural curvature of the wrist.

They might look a bit odd but in practice, the design works out quite wonderfully; this is easily the most downright comfortable and organic-feeling rubber strap I have ever worn, and like the entire watch manages to be both extremely technical in feel, and very luxurious at the same time; I doubt whether any company has ever taken so much trouble over the design of a strap (for all that Rolex prefers the term “bracelet” in describing the Oysterflex, habit dies hard and you’ll probably find yourself calling it a strap, just as we did). On the wrist, the two stabilizing ridges do exactly what they are supposed to: keep the watch from shifting, as heavier watches on rubber straps are wont to do, without requiring you to have the strap uncomfortably tight. The Everose Oysterlock clasp does a superb job mechanically and also looks fabulous into the bargain; the quality of finish on the clasp and case may not seem terribly elaborate at first, but it is as technically flawless as anything I have ever seen at any price, on any watch.

What we have here, in other words, is a very Rolex interpretation of luxury. Yes, this is a gold watch, and a gold Rolex, and wearing a gold Rolex always carries with it, shall we say, certain semiotic complexities. However there is also another side to the watch, and to the Rolex approach to luxury in general: the taking of such pains to produce technical perfection that technical perfection becomes a luxury in itself.

The Everose Rolex Yachtmaster, in Rolex Everose, with Everose Oysterclasp and Oysterflex bracelet, as shown, $22,000 in 37 mm, and $24,950 in 40 mm. For more info, check out Rolex.com.

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Rolex Yacht-Master Ultimate Buying Guide

As Rolex’s most diverse sports watch collection, the Yacht-Master is not only available in a wide assortment of case metals and sizes but it has also been paired with various bracelet styles and bezel materials. In less than three decades, the Rolex Yacht-Master collection has been home to dozens of references – some of which have been discontinued – and the nautical-inspired sports watch continues to be a mainstay of the Rolex lineup. There are two distinct models that share almost identical names: the Yacht Master and the Yacht Master II.

While the original Rolex Yacht-Master is an ultra-luxurious take on Rolex’s already popular sports watches, the Rolex Yacht-Master II was purpose-built to time out regattas in competitive sailing. Essentially, the Yacht-Master is the kind of watch you wear while lounging on a boat and a Yacht Master II is what you wear if you’re racing one. Nonetheless, both Rolex watches are incredibly popular, sought-after for their sleek designs and impeccable quality.

With that in mind, if you’re in the market for a Rolex Yacht Master, there are some important things you should know about the model (such as its history, pricing, and features) before you make a decision. Here, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about buying Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II watches to make the most informed purchase possible. Ready to get started?

Rolex Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master Key Features:

– Case Size: 29mm, 35mm, 37mm, 40mm, 42mm – Material Options:  Rolesium, Yellow Rolesor, Everose Rolesor, 18k Yellow Gold, 18k Everose Gold, 18k White Gold – Functions:  Time with running seconds, date display. – Bezel: 60-minute timing (bi-directional) – Water Resistance:  100 meteres / 330 feet. – Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet, Oysterflex bracelet

Click here to learn more about Rolesium: a special metal combination that is only featured on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Yacht-Master II Key Features:

– Case Size:  44mm – Material Options: Stainless steel, Everose Rolesor, 18k Yellow Gold, 18k White Gold – Functions:  Time with running seconds, adjustable countdown timer with mechanical memory – Bezel: Ring Command Bezel – Water Resistance:  100 meters / 330 feet. – Strap/Bracelet:  Oyster bracelet

Click here to learn how to set the adjustable countdown timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Quick Look: Rolex Yacht-Master Timeline

Even though the Yachtmaster collection is one of the newest additions to the Rolex lineup, there has been a great amount of innovation over the years. Additionally, while we didn’t see this watch come to life until the early 1990s, Rolex history shows that they had concepts and ideas of a yacht-themed watch long before it was ever brought to market. 1950’s — Rolex joins the prestigious New York Yacht Club 1966 to 1967 — Sir Francis Chichester becomes the first man to circumnavigate the globe single-handedly and he wore a Rolex Oyster watch 1992 — Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master collection 1994 —  Rolex introduces the midsize and ladies’ models 1996 — Rolex introduces the two-tone midsize and ladies’ models 1997 — Rolex releases the Rolesium version (also known as steel and platinum) 2007 — Rolex releases the Yacht-Master II, which is the world’s first watch equipped with a programmable countdown timer and a mechanical memory 2013 — Rolex updates the movement inside the Yacht-Master II collection from the Cal. 4160 to the Cal. 4161. 2019  — Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master 42 to the collection

History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

While we wouldn’t be introduced to the very first Yacht-Master until 1992, Rolex’s history with sailing actually dates back to 1958, the year the Swiss watchmaker partnered with the prestigious New York Yacht Club. By then, Rolex had already garnered a reputation for making great waterproof watches with the invention of their Rolex Oyster case back in 1926. So, the partnership was actually quite a natural next step.

Rolex solidified its relationship with the world of sailing in 1966 when Francis Chichester — one of history’s most exceptional navigators — became the first person to sail around the globe on his yacht, the Gipsy Moth IV, with a Rolex on his wrist. His voyage, which spanned from August 1966 to May 1967, took him 29,600 miles around the world. however, the most impressive part is that he only had a few tools to help him navigate his way, including nautical charts, a sextant, and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The Rolex wristwatch chronometer he used was a reliable and steady partner, helping him keep time amidst rough conditions for 226 days at sea.

Despite the brand’s massive success in creating watches that were great for sailing, Rolex continued to hold back its efforts to create a watch specifically for this category. The brand did briefly dabble with the idea in the 1960’s, releasing a prototype dial for the Cosmograph chronograph with the name “Yacht Master” on it, but the idea never took hold. Today, only two known examples of this prototype Daytona Yacht-Master are known to exist — one belonging to Eric Clapton (whose model sold for $125,100 at auction in 2003) and one owned by legendary Rolex collector John Goldberger.

In 1992, we were finally introduced to the modern Yacht Master we know and love today. Its official name, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, was the brand’s first ultra-luxury sports watch built for the open seas. To make sure that collectors understood the luxury aspect of this new watch, the very first 40mm model was forged entirely out of solid 18k yellow gold and featured a matching gold bi-directional rotating bezel (marked to 60 minutes for timing) alongside a gold Oyster bracelet. Over the next few decades, Rolex has expanded the collection using a variety of materials as well as adding new sizes to the luxury nautical watch collection.

15 years after the first release of the Yachtmaster, Rolex introduced the regatta chronograph Yacht-Master II specifically made for sportsmen to use while regatta racing. To cater specifically to these athletes, Rolex outfitted the watch with important features like a programmable countdown timer (to measure with reliability how much time until the start of the race) and both flyback and fly-forward functionality (for easy synchronization should the race committee have to restart the race sequence). Another key difference is that the Rolex Yacht-Master II is only available in one size, 44mm with an Oyster case and bracelet. However, there are a variety of alloys available.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master?

Because there is such a wide variety of sizes and materials used across the Rolex Yacht-Master collection, the prices tend to vary significantly. For example, you can pick up some of the older or smaller Rolex Yacht-Master models for around $5,000 on the second-hand market. However, newer, larger Yacht-Master models, especially those forged out of precious metals, can sell for well into five-figures.

How much is a Yacht Master II?

Due to its large size, complicated movement, and frequent use of precious metals, the Yacht-Master II is one of the higher-priced Rolex watches you can purchase. In terms of pre-owned prices, a stainless steel reference of the Yacht-Master II starts around $15,000. This may seem steep, considering that this Yacht-Master II is stainless steel and doesn’t feature any diamonds or gems. However, the complexity of the movement is what really makes this watch shine and it is the primary factor behind its high price tag. On the higher end, the yellow gold ref. 116688 costs $43,550 retail and can be bought for around $28,000 on the pre-owned market.

Buying Pre-Owned vs New Yacht-Master Watches

The key difference between buying a pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master or Yacht-Master II versus a new one is the price. For a retail Rolex model , you will surely pay a premium – especially if you choose one of the precious metal models. On the secondary market, you can get a Yacht-Master for a much lower price, and many collectors find this option a better value for their investment. However, this is still totally dependent on the specifics about the watch which you can get an idea of in the chart above. The price of a pre-owned Yacht-Master will always vary depending on factors like its alloy, the year it was produced, condition, and whether it is a luxury-oriented Yacht-Master or a sporty and purpose-built Yacht-Master II.

Often, many collectors turn to the second-hand market to purchase a Rolex Yacht-Master. Of course, the price is a big factor, but due to the durability and overall build quality, a used Rolex Yacht-Master represents a highly competitive offering. Because these watches are purpose-built to withstand weather and water, they tend to age well even if they have been heavily worn, loved, and used. Another reason that collectors turn to the second-hand market is to get their hands on early models. Since the Yacht-Master has only been around for about 30 years, it is still quite easy to track down some of the early references. This is a great opportunity for collectors who not only love the Yacht-Master as a watch but who also want to make a smart investment for their collection that has great potential to increase in value.

Rolex Yacht-Master References

While the Yacht-Master is one of the newest Rolex models, only first introduced in 1992, the watch has been given a wide variety of upgrades in sizing, alloys, and bezels over the years. Here, this comprehensive list outlines all of the standard-production Yacht-Master references since its initial introduction. This list is also incredibly important as a reference if you are purchasing a Rolex Yacht-Master on the secondary market, as it will serve as a great quick reference for what models have been produced over the years.

Yacht-Master

226659 = 42mm, solid 18k white gold with Cerachrom bezel 16622 = 40mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 16628 = 40mm; solid 18k yellow gold 166233 = 40mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 116622 = 40mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 116621 : 40mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) 116655 = 40mm; solid 18k Everose gold with Cerachrom bezel 268621 = 37mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) 268655 : 37mm; solid 18k Everose gold with Cerachrom bezel 268622 : 37mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 68623 = 35mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 68628 = 35mm; solid 18k yellow gold 168622 = 35mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 168623 = 35mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 168628 = 35mm; solid 18k yellow gold 169623 = 29mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 169628 = 29mm; solid 18k yellow gold 169622 = 29mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 69628 = 29mm; solid 18k yellow gold 69623 = 29mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold)

Yacht-Master II

116680 = 44mm; stainless steel with Cerachrom bezel 116689 = 44mm; solid 18k white gold with platinum bezel 116688 = 44mm; solid 18k yellow gold with Cerachrom bezel 116681 = 44mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) with Cerachrom bezel

Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Yacht-Master Features & Options

Since the first all-gold Yacht-Master was released in 1992, Rolex has expanded the line with a variety of aesthetic details and mechanical upgrades. Here, we’ll explore the different options available on both the retail and secondary market for the Rolex Yacht-Master collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master materials

Today, Rolex no longer makes yellow gold versions of their standard Yacht-Master model, replacing it with Everose (their proprietary rose gold alloy) and 18k white gold. However, the 42mm version is the only white gold version (which was only just introduced at Baselworld 2019) is the only white gold model, as well as the only 42mm model in the collection. – Yellow Gold (discontinued) – Yellow Rolesor two-tone  (discontinued) – Everose Gold – Everose Rolesor two-tone – White Gold – Rolesium (Oystersteel and platinum)

Rolex Yacht-Master sizes

Rolex has produced this luxury sports watch in a few different sizes to ensure that everyone has a Yacht-Master that fits their wrist perfectly. However, the smaller sized Yacht-Master models, known as the Lady Yacht-Master watches, have been discontinued in favor of the newer 37mm models. Today, women are reaching for more unisex sizes and designs, which could be what lead to the decision by Rolex. But that doesn’t mean women collectors are strapped for choice — as the current retail models are incredibly luxe and sophisticated for enthusiasts of both sexes. Furthermore, the secondary market is a great place to still get your hands on the smaller sized Midsize and Lady Yacht-Master models, and going pre-owned also opens up the doors to now-discontinued models like the solid yellow gold Yacht-Master watches. – 29mm (discontinued) – 35mm (discontinued) – 37mm – 40mm – 42mm

Rolex Yacht-Master bezel

With the Rolex Yacht-Master, the materials and aesthetics of the bezel depend on the material used for the case. With the Yacht-Master, there are bezels that consist of solid 950 platinum or 18k gold with raised, polished numerals. There are also bezels that are matte black Cerachrom ceramic with raised numerals, which are typically only fitted to the various solid 18k gold Yacht Master references. One of the less common and more flashy Yacht-Master bezels is nicknamed the “gummy bear” and it features rainbow-colored sapphires set around the bezel.

Rolex Yacht-Master dial

The dial of the Yacht-Master is quite archetypal of other Rolex sports watches. To ensure the watch is easily readable, the dial layout of the Yacht-Master features Mercedes-style hands, lume-filled hour markers, and a date window over at 3 o’clock. The dial itself is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that has a Cyclops magnification lens for easier reading of the date. When it comes to the dial color of the Yacht-Master, there are several colors and materials that have been used over the years, like the beautiful blue dial on the ref. 116622 or the luxe sandblasted platinum dial that can be found on the now-discontinued version of this reference.

Rolex Yacht-Master bracelet

The Rolex Yacht-Master only ever features either an Oyster bracelet or an Oysterflex bracelet. The iconic, three-link bracelet Oyster bracelet is a Rolex staple, and it is featured across nearly the brand’s entire collection — from the Datejust to the Daytona to the Yacht-Master. In 2015, Rolex also introduced the now-famous Oysterflex bracelet on the then-new Everose gold Yacht-Master. This rubber bracelet is far more impressive than it appears at first glance. The rubber strap is actually reinforced by an internal flexible metal blade, making it incredibly durable and sporty, while still having this elevated aesthetic that matches the overall luxury feeling of this timepiece.

Rolex Yacht-Master movement

Depending on the size of the Yacht-Master watch, it will have a different movement to fit the case. Additionally, in 2019, Rolex updated the 40 version of the watch to feature the new-generation Cal. 3235 movement. Below are the sizes Rolex has used in its various Yacht-Master watches over the years.

– 29mm : Caliber 2135; Caliber 2235 – 35mm : Caliber 2135; Caliber 2235 – 37mm : Caliber 2236 – 40mm : Caliber 3135; Caliber 3235 – 42mm : Caliber 3235

Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Yacht-Master II Features & Options

Below, we’ll outline the different options available on both the retail and pre-owned market for the Rolex Yacht-Master II collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master II materials

In keeping with the inherently luxurious feel of the Yacht-Master line, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is outfitted in some of the world’s finest alloys. Many collectors love this watch for its combination of precious metals and durable stainless steel — what Rolex calls Rolesor. On the Yacht-Master II, there is the Everose Rolesor which is beloved for the warm pink hue of its 18k Everose gold components. Another great combination is the white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II; however, this is obviously a much more opulent choice at represents the top-of-the-line offering in the Yacht-Master II lineup. Of course, there is also a stainless steel option with a blue ceramic bezel for those who just want sheer practicality and durability. Unlike the standard Yacht-Master, you can get this larger, more complicated timepiece outfitted in solid yellow 18k gold if you really want to go all out. – Yellow Gold – Everose Rolesor two-tone – White Gold and platinum – Oystersteel

Rolex Yacht-Master II sizes

There are a lot of features that separate the Rolex Yacht-Master II from the standard Yacht-Master, and the 44mm size is immediately one of the most noticeable. While the Yacht-Master II case is just 2mm larger than the largest Yacht-Master, this extra-large sizing helps this watch house a more complicated dial and movement.

– 44mm

Rolex Yacht-Master II bezel

Another one of the big differentiators with the Yacht-Master II is that large, beautiful bezel. The bidirectional rotatable ‘Ring Command bezel’ on the Yacht-Master II is specifically designed to help the wearer time out a regatta. Unlike most bezels that operate independently from the internal movement, the ‘Ring Command’ bezel on the Yacht-Master II actually works with the watch’s state-of-the-art movement. Rotating the bezel unlocks access to the programmable countdown timer, enabling quick and easy setting for use during competitions. While the design is incredibly complex, the aesthetics are beautifully simple.

When it comes to the look of the bezel itself, the Yacht-Master II does differ from the standard Yacht-Master. While a two-texture timing bezel defines the original model, the real star of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is that bright, beautiful blue Cerachrom bezel. This blue ceramic bezel is featured on the stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master II watches; however, the white gold models receive their bezels in sandblasted platinum.

Rolex Yacht-Master II dial

The Rolex Yacht-Master II dial layout is stunning, sophisticated, and totally different than any of the other Rolex dials due to its niche complication. On the dial, you will find a variety of features including the countdown display (which can be programmed anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes) that you can read via the red arrow-tipped hand. You will also notice the central flyback/fly-forward chronograph hand, the center hour and minute hands, and the running seconds sub-dial.

The dial of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is also outfitted with 12 lume-filled hour makers for added readability. Today, the most modern references are outfitted with Rolex’s Chromalight display, which is a luminescent material that emits a blue long-lasting glow.

You will also notice a big difference between the dial of the new generation of Yacht-Master II watches and the first generation, which featured baton-style hands that pointed to square hour markers. It was only in 2017 that Rolex decided to marry the style of the Yacht-Master II with the brand’s famous Mercedes-style hands. Rolex also updated the hour markers to feature a triangular hour marker at 12 and a rectangular hour marker at 6, rather than just square-shaped markers all the way around.

Rolex Yacht-Master II bracelet

Unlike the Yacht-Master which has two bracelets, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is only available with an Oyster bracelet. The sporty, durable 3-piece link bracelet is a staple for the brand’s sports watches, which makes it a perfect choice for this professional regatta watch. Rolex has also outfitted this Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock folding clasp, built specifically to prevent the wearer from losing the watch due to accidental opening. This is a great feature for this model, which is purpose-built to be used during tough racing conditions.

Rolex Yacht-Master II movement

It’s clear that the Rolex Yacht-Master II is an incredible looking timepiece. But, the most impressive part of this watch is by far its movement. When the watch was first released, the Yacht-Master II was outfitted with the brand’s Caliber 4160, with Caliber 4161 making its debut a few years later in 2013.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II features one of the brand’s most complicated in-house movements to date — the self-winding mechanical chronograph, caliber 4160/4161. This movement boasts high-tech features like a countdown timer with both flyback and fly-forward functionality and a mechanical memory with on-the-fly chronograph synchronization, making it incredibly sophisticated. Additionally, the bezel (aka the Ring Command Bezel) is actually connected to the mechanism itself, allowing the wearer to adjust and set the countdown feature quickly and easily on the go. Rolex says it took its engineers some 35,000 hours of development to create this mechanism — and we think it was well worth it. – Ref. 116689 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116688 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116681 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116680 : Caliber 4161

Celebrities Who Wear the Rolex Yacht-Master

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that one of Rolex’s most bold and luxurious watches is popular among the world’s most famous celebrities. One of the most well-known A-listers to sport the Yacht-Master is Mark Wahlberg, who is already a really big Rolex fan. We’ve seen him out and about in a solid 18k yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master II, which totally pops against that blue ceramic bezel. Mark has no trouble making a statement with his watches, and that’s clear with this stunning timepiece.

Tennis champion Roger Federer also famously sports the top-of-the-line 18k white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II, while comedian and host Ellen DeGeneres is often spotted wearing her the 18k Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 with a black Cerachrom bezel and a black Oysterflex bracelet. Other celebrities that have been seen wearing the Yacht-Master include the following list of names, although there are many other stars who proudly have a Rolex Yacht-Master in their collections. – Russell Crowe – Lydia Ko – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – Mark Wahlberg – Bruce Willis – Connor McGregor – Emeril Lagasse – David Beckham – Guy Fieri – Steven Gerrard – A$AP Rocky – Billy Joe Saunders – Flo Rida – Drake – Manny Pacquiao – Ellen DeGeneres – Ed Sheeran

How to Style The Rolex Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master was an instant classic when it was introduced by Rolex, which means that it is incredibly easy to work it into your wardrobe. What we love so much about this watch collection — whether we’re talking about the Yacht-Master or the Yacht-Master II — is that it has this incredible balance of luxury and sports-oriented performance. Being able to dress this watch both up and down is what makes the Rolex Yacht-Master so much fun to wear. Here are just three classic ways you can wear this watch.

Yacht-Master with Bracelets

Ladies love this watch for its luxe finishing and superior durability. What woman doesn’t want a watch they can wear to drinks, diving, or lounging in the cabana? Because of that, we love pairing a beautiful two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master with bangles and bracelets that match the gold components on the watch. For example, we love the pairing of the 29mm Lady Yacht Master ref. 169623 with a gold Cartier love bracelet bangle and a linked chain. If you’re feeling really bold, you might as well go all out and pair your gold bracelets with a solid, 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master. Fair warning: you’re going to not be able to stop staring at your wrist. Chances are, no one else will be able to either.

Dressing Up With The Matte Black ref. 268655

We love this unisex 37mm timepiece because it works equally well on both men and women’s wrists. What makes this watch so special is the rubber Oysterflex strap watch that allows it to be sporty and durable. Matching that bracelet with the matte black bezel and dial really elevates the entire watch, which looks handsome and luxurious with the warm 18k Everose gold case. So when evening comes, head to the bar for sundowners wearing this ref. 268655. Of course, it will look good with a dark jacket. But, this watch will really pop if you pair it with a warm-colored shirt that accentuates the natural Everose hue. Finish the outfit off with dark wash jeans and you’ve mastered the elegant-meets-accessible look that defines this modern luxury watch.

Casual Elegance with the Yacht Master II

The two-tone Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master II is the ultimate luxury sports watch. You have luxury elements like the ceramic Cerachrom blue bezel and 18k Everose gold alongside durable Oystersteel and one of Rolex’s most complicated mechanisms to date. Because of this watch’s exclusivity, durability, water resistance, and functionality, there really isn’t a better choice for spending time on the high seas. And while this watch was built to time out a regatta, it is going to look just as good on your wrist while you lounge, swim, and play. We suggest pairing your Two-Tone Everose Rolesor’s blue bezel with a matching blue suit. Alternatively, you can pair it with a white and blue pinstripe shirt, rolling up the sleeves and unbuttoning the top few buttons to make your look feel more casual.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rolex Yacht-Master

What is the difference between the yacht master and the yacht master ii.

The standard Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury-oriented sport watch that displays the time and date. The Yacht-Master II joined the Rolex lineup in 2007 and offers never before seen functionality thanks to its regatta timer. Powered by the Calibre 4161 — one of the most complicated Rolex movements ever made (second only to the annual calendar found in the Sky-Dweller — the Yacht-Master II has a patented mechanical memory and on-the-fly-synchronization used for the regatta timer. Additionally, the bezel is different on the Yacht-Master II because it controls part of the movement inside the case rather than just working as an external mechanism to help track elapsed time. The Rolex Yacht-Master II also has an entirely different aesthetic and features a larger 44m case with chronograph pushers on either side of the winding crown.

Is a Rolex Yacht Master a good investment?

Yes. The Rolex Yacht-Master is a good investment for collectors for two main reasons. For one, these watches have historically held great value because of their uniqueness and sportiness; however, at the present time, they remain somewhat undervalued compared to their siblings in the Rolex catalog. Consequently, they offer significant potential for appreciation in the future. Secondly, the Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury watch and is often outfitted in precious metals. These precious metals inherently allow it to hold great value as the years go on, and its premium construction guarantees that it will always be worth something.

What was the Rolex Yacht-Master built to do?

The Rolex Yacht-Master was first created as a luxury sports watch, whereas the Yacht-Master II was built as a professional regatta timer with a luxury flare. Comparatively, the Yacht-Master can time events up to 60 minutes with its rotating bezel and the Yacht-Master II is outfitted with a countdown timer with flyback or fly-forward functionality to use when timing out a regatta race.

How do you use the Yachtmaster II?

While the Yacht-Master II looks quite complicated, Rolex has made sure that using it is actually quite intuitive. After setting the adjustable countdown timer to your desired setting, you start the time. Press the top button to start the countdown timer, then pressing the top button a second time will stop the timer. However, by pressing the bottom button while the chronograph is running, that will adjust the timer forwards or backward to the nearest minute — allowing it to be perfectly synchronized to the official race clock.

How can I spot a fake Rolex Yacht Master?

As with any Rolex watch, the clues are in the details. When it comes to the Yacht-Master, you’re going to want to look at details like the adjustable countdown timer, which is incredibly complicated, making it almost impossible for fake counterfeit watches to replicate. Additionally, Yacht-Master models are luxury sports watches crafted from the world’s best materials and to the highest possible standards. If you notice any defects like dial printing or finishing looks less than perfect, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a fake Rolex Yacht-Master.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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• Rolex watches
• The Yacht-Master collection

Rolex Yacht-Master

Marine character.

Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. This Professional-category watch provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master embodies the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s. Specially designed to meet the needs of sailors, it is a technical, elegant and sporty watch that is above all a useful and reliable nautical instrument.

An immediately recognizable bezel

The Yacht-Master is easily recognizable for its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal (Everose gold or platinum) or fitted with a black Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic. The raised polished graduations and numerals stand out clearly against a matt background. This characteristic and functional bezel – which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – plays a full part in creating the unique visual identity of the watch.

Exclusive materials

Robust, accurate and perfectly waterproof, the Yacht-Master is one of the only Rolex Professional watches offered in several diameters (37, 40 and 42 mm).

The Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 are available in a Rolesium version (combining Oystersteel and platinum, exclusive to the Yacht-Master range) and in an Everose Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and Everose gold) with a bezel in precious metal and fitted with an Oyster bracelet. Both models are also offered in 18 ct Everose gold featuring a Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic and an Oysterflex bracelet.

The Yacht-Master 42 is available in 18 ct yellow or white gold with an Oysterflex bracelet and in RLX titanium – a particularly lightweight alloy with excellent corrosion-resistance properties and high mechanical strength – with an Oyster bracelet. This version, unveiled in 2023, stands out for its technical satin finish, a finish with a visible grain.

Perpetual calibres 2236 and 3235

Yacht-Master models are equipped with calibre 2236 (Yacht-Master 37) or calibre 3235 (Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. Both movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Superlative Chronometer certification

Like all Rolex timepieces, the Yacht-Master is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by a green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Rolex Yacht-Master A selection of models

Yacht-Master 40

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold

Yacht-Master 37

Oyster, 37 mm, Everose gold

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Yacht-Master 42

Oyster, 42 mm, white gold

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

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Yacht-Master

THE WATCH OF THE OPEN SEAS

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, the emblematic nautical watch, embodies the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s.

Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. Embodying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s, this Professional-category watch provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.

ROTATABLE BEZEL WITH RAISED GRADUATIONS

The Yacht-Master is easily recognized by its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal – Everose gold or platinum – or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic. The raised, polished graduations and numerals stand out clearly against a matt background. This characteristic and functional bezel – which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – plays a full part in creating the visual identity of the watch. The bezel can be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.

CHROMALIGHT DISPLAY

The Yacht-Master offers great legibility in all circumstances, even in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display: the large hour markers and broad hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow – for up to two times longer than traditional phosphorescent materials .

THE YACHT-MASTER, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive protocol that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing during development and production, in order to ensure the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to strong magnetic fields and to shocks.

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

The Yacht-Master’s Oyster case, 37 mm, 40 mm, or 42 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, RLX titanium or 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only certified Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case. It is protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.

CALIBRES 2236 AND 3235

Yacht-Master models are equipped with calibre 2236 (Yacht-Master 37) or calibre 3235 (Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Consummate demonstrations of technology, these movements carry a number of patents. They offer outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 2236 is fitted with the patented Syloxi hairspring in silicon, manufactured by the brand. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. Its geometry, which is also patented, ensures the movement’s regularity in any position. Calibre 2236 includes a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel.

Calibre 3235 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is also resistant to strong magnetic fields. This movement is fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

The oscillator of these two calibres has a balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is also mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, further enhancing the movements’ shock resistance.

Calibre 2236 and calibre 3235 are equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. Calibre 2236 offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, while the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency; moreover, since 2023, its oscillating weight has been fitted with an optimized ball bearing.

The Yacht-Master’s movements will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet they are beautifully finished and decorated. Since 2023, calibre 3235 has also been marked with the words ‘Chronometer Perpetual’ and ‘Superlative Adjusted’ engraved respectively on the oscillating weight and on the bridges.

BRACELET AND CLASP: SECURE AND COMFORTABLE

The Rolesium versions (combining Oystersteel and platinum) and the Everose Rolesor versions (combining Oystersteel and Everose gold) of the Yacht-Master 37 and the Yacht-Master 40, as well as the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium, are fitted on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link. This system, developed by Rolex, allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance. On the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium, the bracelet includes ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex and patented – inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

The Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 in 18 ct Everose gold, as well as the Yacht-Master 42 in 18 ct yellow or white gold, are fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet, composed of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each bracelet section – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. This Rolex-designed, patented bracelet is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, also developed by the brand and patented. On the Oysterflex bracelet, this inventive toothed mechanism has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the bracelet length to be effortlessly adjusted up to some 15 mm.

The Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets on the Yacht Master models are equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed by Rolex and patented, which prevents accidental opening.

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.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} GMT-Master II .css-1g7r01k{font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.9375rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-1g7r01k span{display:block;} Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold Reference 126715CHNR

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In connection with the world

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18 ct Everose gold with a black dial and an Oyster bracelet.

24-hour rotatable bezel, innovative high-technology.

This model features a black dial and a two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in brown and black ceramic. In addition to conventional hour, minute and seconds hands, the GMT-Master II features an arrow-tipped hand, which circles the dial once every 24 hours, as well as a bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel.

The distinctively coloured 24-hour hand displays the “home” reference time in a first time zone which can be read on the graduations on the bezel. The traveller’s local time is easily set by “jumping” from hour to hour, thanks to an ingenious mechanism operated via the winding crown: the hour hand can be adjusted forwards or backwards independently of the minute and seconds hands. This allows travellers to adapt to their new time zone without affecting the precision of their timekeeping.

High legibility in all circumstances

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the GMT-Master II offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

18 ct Everose gold

An exclusive patent

To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold.

Introduced in 2005, 18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex Oyster models in pink gold.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening and the Easylink comfort extension link, also exclusive to Rolex.

This ingenious system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

More GMT-Master II technical details

Reference   126715CHNR

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Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. Two-colour brown and black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, moulded numerals and graduations

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, GMT function

3285, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display. Second time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

GMT-Master II

Contact an Official Rolex Retailer

Only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch. With the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment, they guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of your Rolex and help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

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Yacht-Master

THE WATCH OF THE OPEN SEAS

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, the emblematic nautical watch, embodies the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s.

Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. Embodying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s, this Professional-category watch provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.

ROTATABLE BEZEL WITH RAISED GRADUATIONS

The Yacht-Master is easily recognized by its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal – Everose gold or platinum – or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic. The raised, polished graduations and numerals stand out clearly against a matt background. This characteristic and functional bezel – which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – plays a full part in creating the visual identity of the watch. The bezel can be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.

CHROMALIGHT DISPLAY

The Yacht-Master offers great legibility in all circumstances, even in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display: the large hour markers and broad hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow – for up to two times longer than traditional phosphorescent materials .

THE YACHT-MASTER, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive protocol that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing during development and production, in order to ensure the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to strong magnetic fields and to shocks.

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

The Yacht-Master’s Oyster case, 37 mm, 40 mm, or 42 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, RLX titanium or 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only certified Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case. It is protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.

CALIBRES 2236 AND 3235

Yacht-Master models are equipped with calibre 2236 (Yacht-Master 37) or calibre 3235 (Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Consummate demonstrations of technology, these movements carry a number of patents. They offer outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 2236 is fitted with the patented Syloxi hairspring in silicon, manufactured by the brand. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. Its geometry, which is also patented, ensures the movement’s regularity in any position. Calibre 2236 includes a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel.

Calibre 3235 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is also resistant to strong magnetic fields. This movement is fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

The oscillator of these two calibres has a balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is also mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, further enhancing the movements’ shock resistance.

Calibre 2236 and calibre 3235 are equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. Calibre 2236 offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, while the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency; moreover, since 2023, its oscillating weight has been fitted with an optimized ball bearing.

The Yacht-Master’s movements will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet they are beautifully finished and decorated. Since 2023, calibre 3235 has also been marked with the words ‘Chronometer Perpetual’ and ‘Superlative Adjusted’ engraved respectively on the oscillating weight and on the bridges.

BRACELET AND CLASP: SECURE AND COMFORTABLE

The Rolesium versions (combining Oystersteel and platinum) and the Everose Rolesor versions (combining Oystersteel and Everose gold) of the Yacht-Master 37 and the Yacht-Master 40, as well as the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium, are fitted on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link. This system, developed by Rolex, allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance. On the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium, the bracelet includes ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex and patented – inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

The Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 in 18 ct Everose gold, as well as the Yacht-Master 42 in 18 ct yellow or white gold, are fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet, composed of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each bracelet section – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. This Rolex-designed, patented bracelet is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, also developed by the brand and patented. On the Oysterflex bracelet, this inventive toothed mechanism has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the bracelet length to be effortlessly adjusted up to some 15 mm.

The Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets on the Yacht Master models are equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed by Rolex and patented, which prevents accidental opening.

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Rolex Yacht-Master II Ultimate Buying Guide

There are some Rolex watches that are more or less universally loved, with a simple and versatile aesthetic that leaves little room for any sort of animosity. However, there are others within the portfolio that almost seem to have been created specifically to invite controversy, taking the brand away from its traditional design base and into more contentious territories. The Rolex Yacht-Master II collection is one of those watches.

When it arrived in the mid-2000s, the Yachtmaster II was so far removed from anything Rolex had created before that nobody seemed to know quite what to make of it. The watch was a big, bold and extremely expensive addition to the catalog, and while it was obviously slotted into the brand’s Professional Collection, it stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb. However, that was back then. Looking at the brand’s catalog today, it seems that Rolex was simply ahead of the game.

The Yacht Master II’s once challenging looks have matured, and although it is still most definitely a visually striking watch, it is no longer considered completely over the top. Mechanically, it is also incredibly impressive. On its debut, it instantly became Rolex’s most complicated watch, with a one-of-a-kind functionality aimed at about as niche a group as you could imagine. Below we have laid out a complete guide to the Rolex Yacht-Master II with everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Yacht-Master II Key Features:

– Year Introduced: 2007

– Case Size: 44mm

– Materials: Oystersteel; Everose Rolesor; 18k Yellow Gold; 18k White Gold & Platinum

– Functions: Time w/Running Seconds, Programmable Regatta Timer w/ Mechanical Memory

– Dial: White w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Bezel: Ring Command, Blue Ceramic or Platinum Insert w/ 10-Minute Countdown Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 4161

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet

– Retail Price: $18,750 – $48,150 USD (Approx.)

For more info, visit our guide on how to use the regatta timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Rolex Yacht-Master II History

Launched in 2007, the Rolex Yacht Master II debuted some 15-years after its original Yachtmaster namesake. However, the similarities between this watch and the model that first carried the Yacht-Master name are pretty much zero.

Where the earlier model is essentially a more luxurious take on the Rolex Submariner, the Yacht-Master II is a fully-fledged item of luxury professional sailing equipment, designed from the outset to assist skippers keep track of time during the complicated starting sequence of a regatta. That technically leaves the Yacht-Master II in the tool watch category, but this is a long way from the likes of the more utilitarian Explorer II and evidence of that can be found in its release schedule.

The first versions of the Rolex Yacht Master II to be unveiled were the 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 and the even more opulent 18k white gold version fitted with a platinum bezel, the ref. 116689. Quite a bit removed from the brand’s usually conservative styling, this large, gleaming, in-your-face effort that shouted its own name across its bezel, was an immediate opinion splitter. Traditionalists were horrified, lamenting Rolex’s continued straying from its roots, while others who enjoy having their watches noticed, embraced it wholeheartedly.

The financial crash that followed in 2008 altered the landscape for watchmakers (along with everyone else) and called for more affordable pieces to come forward. The Yachtmaster II collection expanded in 2011 with the unveiling of the ref. 116681, an Everose Rolesor model with a stainless steel case and outer bracelet links paired with a winding crown, pushers, and central links in Everose gold. That was followed by the version everyone was clamoring for in 2013 – the ref. 116680 in full stainless steel, which also introduced a new caliber, the Cal. 4161, replacing the former Cal. 4160.

The only other change the watch has undergone since then occurred on its 10th anniversary in 2017, when it was given a facelift so slight that Rolex didn’t even feel it warranted a new reference number. The square hour markers at the six and 12 o’clock were changed to a rectangle and inverted triangle respectively, and the simple stick handset was swapped for the Mercedes type to bring them in-line with much of the rest of the brand’s Professional Collection.

How Much Is A Rolex Yacht-Master II?

When the Rolex Yacht-Master II first arrived, the combination of its exclusively precious metal construction and the extraordinary engineering going on inside its movement meant that it was among the most expensive offerings in Rolex’s catalog . This left many admirers priced out of the picture, but the introduction of stainless steel and two-tone references would soon open the Yacht-Master II up to a much wider range of buyers.

The Rolesor model from 2011 sacrificed some of that wall-to-wall gold for 904L stainless steel and more or less cut the asking price in half, while the full steel version dropped the retail price even further. Today, brand-new examples vary from $18,750 for the full stainless steel model up to $48,150 for the white gold and platinum version. But what about pre-owned prices?

The rather love-it-or-hate-it visuals of the Rolex Yacht Master II means that it doesn’t attract quite the same level of universal frenzy as the Daytona or Submariner. It is not completely out of the question for an authorized retailer to even have a model or two in stock, which isn’t something that can be said about the vast majority of the brand’s other sports watches. For that reason, pre-owned models do command a bit of a premium, but nowhere near as much as some of the other models in the brand’s catalog.

You can expect to pay a minimum of around $18,000 for an unworn steel piece on the secondary market, while the Everose Rolesor edition comes in closer to about $25,000. The 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 also holds pretty steady, with most examples falling somewhere in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, depending on age and overall condition. Finally, the ref. 116689 – the top-of-the-line model in white gold and platinum, is where the biggest discounts can be found. A brand-new example costs $48,150 at an authorized dealer, but an older example on the pre-owned market can often be found for just under $30,000.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Design

The Yacht-Master II is arguably the least “Rolex-looking” Rolex watch ever made, which is the core reason behind why it ruffled so many feathers among purist collectors upon its release. It’s arrival took the brand down previously unexplored experimental paths, a very far cry from the sort of discreetly restrained icons present throughout the rest of its portfolio.

The Yacht-Master II is a hard-working watch with a lot of information to present and as a result, it has what initially looks like somewhat of a cluttered dial. However, a lot of that is down to a trick of the eye concerning the bezel’s 1-10 numerals being mirrored exactly around the horseshoe-shaped track on the face. This is obviously the regatta countdown scale, designed to help yacht skippers synchronize their boats’ movements with the race’s starting gun (we’ll get onto this more a little later).

What it means for the overall styling is a lot of numbers on the watch that you will not be using for the vast majority of the time you are wearing it. But while it may come across as a little jam-packed – particularly when you add in the chronograph hand, arrowhead countdown pointer, and a small running seconds sub-dial at the bottom – once you get used to it, you can’t help but be impressed with how much Rolex’s technicians have achieved with so little. No, it isn’t exactly the Explorer’s 3/6/9 arrangement, but it is perfectly readable with a little familiarity and conveys the information it provides in a clean and legible manner.

Despite only containing four models (all of which have white dials), the series actually covers a good range of tastes. The ref. 116688 could be in the running for most showy standard-production Rolex currently available, its all-yellow gold case somehow making the bright blue bezel pop even more. At the other end, the white gold and platinum ref. 116689 is as low-key and reserved as a 44mm wide, 14mm thick, highly-complicated, solid-gold sports watch can be. The virtual monochrome is lifted only by the red chrono hand and arrowed pointer.

In-between, the stainless steel and Everose Rolesor models do the job of appealing to more middle-of-the-road palates. Their color combinations, along with the mix of brushed and polished elements on the watch itself, keep it all on the right side of overdone, and the two-tone model’s bezel numerals also being filled in Everose gold is a nice touch. Unlikely to ever be described as subtle, any version of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is guaranteed to receive some attention.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Functions

Looks aside, the big talking point around the Rolex Yacht Master II lies in what it can do. There is a strong argument against calling the watch a genuine chronograph as it doesn’t so much keep track of elapsed time in the traditional sense, as it does count backwards from a specific starting point, up to a maximum of 10-minutes.

How is that useful? It is all down to how a professional regatta gets underway. Due to the nature of wind and water, it simply isn’t possible to get a bunch of yachts all lined up at a particular spot in the ocean and have them set off at the same time. Instead, the start of a race goes in stages, with each one marked by a gunshot or other audible signal. The first is usually sounded 10-minutes before the start (although it can also be seven or even five), and the skippers must maneuver their boats back and forth in front of the line without crossing it, jockeying with the other competitors for prime position.

There follows two further preparatory signals at precise intervals, and crews must coordinate their approach so they are as close to the start point as possible at the exact moment the race officially begins. It is that pair of additional signals that call into action one of the party tricks of the Yacht-Master II’s unique complication. Should the watch fall out of sync with the regatta reference clock for any reason, a press of the lower pusher activates the flyback (or fly-forward) function, snapping the chronograph hand to the nearest minute to allow the two timers to match up again. Even more notably, it is the only mechanical watch in the world with a programmable memory, meaning the wearer can reset back to the specified original countdown point at any time.

Giving access to all this engineering virtuosity is what Rolex has dubbed its Ring Command Bezel. This was the first appearance of the concept, with the second generation taking control of the Sky-Dweller’s myriad of functions a few years later. On both models, the bezel is directly linked to the internal movement, and on the Yacht-Master II, it acts as an analogue on/off switch. Rotating it 90° unlocks the functionality and allows for the countdown timer to be set with the crown. Turning it back again locks everything in place, and engages the memory. The watch is then operated as a standard chronograph, with the top pusher activating the starts and stops, and the bottom taking charge of the reset or flyback/fly-forward functions.

For a manufacturer not renowned for the complexity of its watches (quite the opposite, in fact) Rolex’s regatta timer is a seriously impressive performer. It may have been created for an especially select group, but it is truly surprising how useful it can be to count down accurately from 10-minutes, even for those of us who may not own a yacht – particularly if you like your pasta al dente.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Movement

The first run of the Rolex Yacht-Master II was powered by the in-house Caliber 4160. At the time, it was the most component-heavy movement the brand had ever created, but it was essentially a heavily reworked version of the Cal. 4130 from the Daytona. The column wheel, vertical clutch and ball-bearing rotor were all carried over from the brand’s legendary racing chronograph.

Obviously there is nothing wrong with that, and the Rolex Daytona’s movement remains one of the most reliable and accurate mass-produced chronograph calibers of the modern era. However, with the arrival of the long-awaited stainless steel Yacht-Master II in 2013, Rolex also unveiled a new mechanism, the Caliber 4161, the product of additional refinements and some 35,000 hours of development.

Made up of over 360 components, including those produced via a highly specialized fabrication process called UV-LiGA which uses ultraviolet light to build microstructures, this dedicated movement provided a crisper feel to the pushers and greater reliability. With that in mind, both the Cal. 4160 and the Cal. 4161 benefitted from Rolex advances such as the blue Parachrom hairspring, as well as providing users with a highly-respectable 72-hour power reserve and a 28,800vph balance frequency.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Bracelet

At the present time, all of the various Rolex Yacht-Master II models are fitted with the three-link Oyster bracelet, as befits a true sports watch. On each version, the inner links have been given a high polish to match the gleaming case, while the outer links receive a satin finish to provide a contrast against the lugs.

As for material, the bracelet is crafted from the same metal as the watch head: stainless steel, yellow gold or white gold. With the Rolesor example, the innermost links are forged from Everose gold, leaving the outer side links in 904L stainless Oystersteel. Tying it all together is the Oysterlock folding clasp, equipped with the brand’s Easylink extension system that allows for approximately 5mm of tool-free bracelet adjustment, completely on the fly and without the use of any tools.

The Yacht-Master II was something of a retaliation from Rolex against decades-worth of naysayers criticizing the brand for the lack of complicated watches in its lineup. Rolex’s rebuttal, while not the most all-encompassing in terms of looks or utility, still stands as a hugely significant piece of technical dexterity. Rolex has always produced tool watches, but as the company continues to make the transition towards being a true luxury manufacturer, the tool watches it produces also take on a more luxurious nature and the Yacht-Master II perfectly embodies this. Large and uncompromising, it is perhaps the most eccentric model Rolex has to offer – and it is always happy to take center stage.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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How many Rolex Dealers are there in Russia? [List of Rolex Dealers Russia]

How many Rolex Dealers are there in Russia? Complete Guide

Rolex has official retailers all over the world. From some of the smallest nations to the largest. In some countries, Rolex only has one official retailer and in others, they have tens of them.

So how many authorized Rolex dealers are there in Russia? There are 19 authorized Rolex dealers in Russia. The majority of them are located in west Russia with 12 of them being located in the capital Moscow and 3 in St. Petersburg.

In countries with multiple Rolex stores, it’s common for a company to own several Rolex retail stores. But in Russia, it is different because all of the 19 Rolex retail stores are owned by one company, Mercury.

Mercury has an exclusive contract with Rolex in Russia and therefore has a monopoly on the sale of new Rolex watches in the country. Mercury, known as Mercury retail group is one of the largest retailers in Russia and describes itself as “the leader in the ultra-convenience segment, with ~13,500 stores focused on everyday shopping.” With a total of around 13,500 stores around Russia, the Rolex retail part only makes up a tiny fraction of this company’s stores.

Mercury Rolex Russia

In 2020, the Mercury retail group had total revenue of 577 billion rubel, approximately 9 billion USD. It employed about 125,000 people. But as mentioned, the 19 Rolex retail stores only make up a small portion of this.

Rolex Halts exports to Russia

In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February, Rolex decided to halt all exports to Russia. Rolex wasn’t alone in doing this. Many other Swiss watch brands including Swatch Group , LVMH , and Richemont also decided to halt their exports to Russia. Rolex awaited and looked at what other industry competitors would do and then took a decision to stop its exports. On the 28th of February, Breitling also announced that they stopped deliveries of watches to Russia and closed three boutiques.

As such, the only Rolex watches that are being sold following the invasion are watches that are still unsold and delivered prior to the war as well as by independent watch dealers. Unlike in some other countries, Rolex does not own any companies or properties in Russia. With Russia being the 17th-biggest export market for Swiss watches, the halted export to Russia is not a huge blow for Rolex. Moreover, because of the great demand and scarcity of Rolex watches, the company can easily reallocate its watches to other countries and still have no issues in getting them sold.

In announcing the halted export of watches to Russia, Rolex made no statement about whether or when Rolex would return to the Russian market.

Some of the Rolex retailers in Russia also sell other brands that Rolex, but some are exclusively Rolex boutiques. But since most Swiss watch brands have halted their exports, the stores will likely have to close until the export bans from Swiss watch brands are lifted as they will eventually have no goods to sell.

Rolex authorized dealers in Russia list

‭rolex boutique «vremena goda»‬.

Vremena Goda, 48 Kutuzovsky Prospekt 121108 Moscow Russia

+7 495 933 73 66

MERCURY BOUTIQUE RODINA GRAND HOTEL & SPA

Rodina Grand Hotel & Spa, Vinogradnaya ul., 33 354008 Sochi Russia +7 862 253 07 07

‭ROLEX BOUTIQUE TSUM‬

Tsum, 2 Petrovka Street 125009 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 00 50

MERCURY BOUTIQUE

7 Tretyakovsky Proezd 109012 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 33 93

ROLEX BOUTIQUE METROPOL HOTEL‬

Metropol Hotel, 2 Teatralniy Proezd 109012 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 33 70

MERCURY BOUTIQUE HYATT REGENCY EKATERINBURG HOTEL‬

Hyatt Regency Ekaterinburg Hotel, 8 ul. Borisa Yeltsina 620014 Ekaterinburg Russia +7 343 359 49 90

MERCURY BOUTIQUE CROCUS CITY MALL‬

Crocus City Mall, MKAD et Volokolamskoe Shosse 143400 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 59 39

‭MERCURY BOUTIQUE BARVIKHA LUXURY VILLAGE‬

Barvikha Luxury Village, Rublyevo-Uspenskoe Shosse 143082 Moscow Russia +7 495 225 88 70

MERCURY BOUTIQUE GRAND HOTEL EUROPE

Grand Hotel Europa, 1/7 Mikhailovskaya Street 191011 Saint Petersburg Russia +7 812 329 65 77

‭MERCURY BOUTIQUE‬

31 Kutuzovsky Prospekt 121165 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 30 31

ROLEX BOUTIQUE GUM‬

Red Square 3 109012 Moscow Russia +7 495 937 53 73

ROLEX BOUTIQUE DLT‬

DLT Mall, 21-23 Konushniya Street 191186 Saint Petersburg Russia +7 812 648 08 50

MERCURY BOUTIQUE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MOSCOW

Four Seasons Moscow Hotel, 2 Okhotniy Ryad Street 2 109012 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 30 41

Petrovka 15, Bld 1 107031 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 31 24

‭MERCURY HYATT REGENCY SOCHI HOTEL‬

Ordzhonikidze 17 354000 Sochi Russia

‭ROLEX BOUTIQUE RADISSON SLAVYANSKAYA HOTEL‬

Radisson-Slavyanskaya Hot., Europe Square 2 121059 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 35 21

‭MERCURY BOUTIQUE RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL MOSCOW‬

Radisson Royal Moscow, 2/1 Bld. 1, Kutuzovskiy Prospekt 121248 Moscow Russia +7 495 933 34 14

ROLEX BOUTIQUE «GRAND MARINA»‬

Nserbskaya 1a 354009 Sochi Russia +7 862 240 80 80

ROLEX BOUTIQUE‬

Nevsky Avenue 150 191024 Saint Petersburg Russia +7 812 648 08 60

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Bracelets, clasps and extension systemsComfort and security on the wrist. 01. Oysterflex bracelet: flexible and innovative. The Oysterflex bracelet was first introduced in 2015 on the Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 in 18 kt Everose gold. Its innovative design meets the specific requirements of sports watches.

Precious on land and at sea. Available in three diameters - 37, 40 and 42 mm - and in various precious versions - 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold - as well as in Everose Rolesor and Rolesium versions, the Yacht-Master is unique in the world of Rolex professional watches.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II features one of the brand's most complicated in-house movements to date — the self-winding mechanical chronograph, caliber 4160/4161. This movement boasts high-tech features like a countdown timer with both flyback and fly-forward functionality and a mechanical memory with on-the-fly chronograph synchronization ...

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display. ... The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with ...

Yacht-Master 226659 Key Features: - Reference Number: 226659 - Production Years: 2019 - Present - Case Size: 42mm ... The Rolex Yacht-Master largely follows the same overall design as the Submariner, but leans more towards the opulent and luxurious side of things, rather than being a purpose-built underwater timing tool. ...

The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40: An Ultra-Modern Design. A line up of the Oyster Perpetual family, Rolex Yacht master 40 collection is a series of watches with a unique design built to withstand the elements. It was originally designed for diving enthusiasts but is refined enough to fit the daily wearer. The Yacht-Master 40 was first introduced in the 90s.

In fact, my Omega Planet Ocean is only 42mm x 15.7mm, and feels much bulkier and heavier than the Yacht-Master II. The case is alternating with polished and satin-finished and features a nautical blue ceramic bezel. The pushers are, as is Rolex's MO, a perfect length. Even though I'm left handed, and therefore wear my watch on my right ...

The Oysterflex bracelet on this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 is equipped with the Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct yellow gold, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, which was designed by the brand and patented.

Yacht-Master 37. Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold. Yacht-Master 40. Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold. Reset

Welcome to another installment of Bob's Watches Tutorials, where we will teach you how to set the Rolex Yacht-Master. Shop the Yacht-Master: https://www.bob...

The Yacht-Master 42, made from RLX titanium, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness. The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp ...

Facts About the Rolex Yacht-Master II. Before we dive into the depths of this model, let's take a quick look at the dial layout and how it works. In contrast to a conventional chronograph, the Rolex Yacht-Master II features an arc with the numerals 10 to 0 running clockwise. This is joined by a short hand with a triangular tip.

The Yacht-Master II was designed specifically with the professional sailor in mind. To provide synchronization at the starting sequence of a yacht race, this new model is a regatta chronograph and features the first ever programmable countdown with a mechanical memory. Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 in Steel with a White Dial.

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, the emblematic nautical watch, embodies the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s. Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. Embodying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s ...

Yacht-Master II Key Features: - Year Introduced: 2007 - Case Size: 44mm ... The first versions of the Rolex Yacht Master II to be unveiled were the 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 and the even more opulent 18k white gold version fitted with a platinum bezel, the ref. 116689. Quite a bit removed from the brand's usually conservative styling ...

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 40 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display. The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes - triangles, circles, rectangles - are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

Discover the Yacht-Master 42 watch in 18 ct white gold on the Official Rolex Website. Model:m226659-0002. ... It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of ...

There are 19 authorized Rolex dealers in Russia. The majority of them are located in west Russia with 12 of them being located in the capital Moscow and 3 in St. Petersburg. In countries with multiple Rolex stores, it's common for a company to own several Rolex retail stores. But in Russia, it is different because all of the 19 Rolex retail ...

Discover the Yacht-Master 40 watch in 18 kt Everose gold on the Official Rolex Website Model: m126655-0005. ... It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of ...

During the 51-week journey, they captured every moment on film. Their footage gives a unique glimpse of life around the globe in the late 1950s, showing the fashions, cultures, architectures and landscapes of the time. From 1959 to 1968, NASA and the US Air Force developed the X-15 hypersonic flight research programme.

‭ROLEX BOUTIQUE TSUM‬‬ - Official Rolex Retailer. Discover the experience of buying a Rolex at our store in Petrovka ul. 2 125009 Moscow Russia. ... GMT-Master II; Oyster Perpetual; Sea-Dweller; Deepsea; Sky-Dweller; Submariner; Yacht-Master; 1908; Watchmaking. At the core of excellence; Behind the seal; Rolex anatomy; Rolex and sports ...

Moscow11:05 pm. Currently closed. Our store in Moscow, Russiais recognized as an Official Rolex Retailer, as we only sell genuine Rolex timepieces. Official Rolex Retailer. ‭ROLEX BOUTIQUEGUM‬. Red Square 3109012 MoscowRussia. +7 495 937 53 73. Get directions. Visit website.