Rolex Yacht-Master
About Rolex Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master is one of the Rolex models designed and inspired by ocean life. The Yacht-Master was designed for yacht sailing and yacht club luxury. On the contrary, previous models, such as the Submariner and Sea-Dweller, whose focus was aimed at being underwater.
This luxury yet sport-oriented watch was designed especially for those who enjoy lounging on a yacht and spending time sailing. Nonetheless, it is also waterproof to withstand harsh conditions the skipper might find in the ocean.
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a relatively young model released in 1992. The history behind this watch can be traced several years back. Rolex made a partnership with the New York Yacht Club in 1958. Since then, the company has been working on models inspired by sailing and luxurious sea activities.
A few years later, a navigator named Francis Chichester became the first person to sail around the world in a yacht. The trip took him 226 days and started in August 1966. During the trip, Francis had a Rolex Oyster Perpetual to help him navigate the oceans. Surprisingly, the watch withstood the harsh weather to perfection, which boosted the development of a yachting watch.
Although Rolex had already created a prototype version of the Yacht-Master by then, it wasn't until 1992 that the official version was released to the public. This original model was made in 18K yellow gold and had a 40 mm Oyster case.
Even though the Rolex Yacht-Master is a relatively young model, the company has released several versions over the years. Moreover, these versions vary widely and come in different materials and case sizes. Furthermore, Rolex released versions with more undersized cases in 1995. These versions featured 29 and 35 mm cases aimed at women and men with thin wrists.
Afterward, Rolex released a version made of Rolesium in 1999. This alloy was born after combining 950 Platinum with 904L stainless steel, and it is exclusive to the Rolex Yacht-Master.
Rolex Yacht-Master Models
Rolex had created several versions of the Yacht-Master since its original release. Some of the most iconic references include:
Ref. 16628
This was the first Rolex Yacht-Master version. It was designed with a 40 mm Oyster 18K yellow gold case and a white dial. It had a bidirectional rotatable bezel made of gold, marked with 60 minutes. Furthermore, the bracelet was also made of gold. This reference was powered by a caliber 3135 movement. This version was released in 1992.
Ref. 68628 and Ref. 69628
These two versions are similar to the original model. However, they are powered by a caliber 2135. Although they are also made of 18k yellow gold, the case size was reduced. Ref. 68628 features a 35 mm case, while Ref. 69628 was designed for women with a 29 mm case. These two versions were released in 1995. Furthermore, a yellow Rolesor version (yellow gold and stainless steel) was released in 1996 for both versions.
Ref. 16622
This was the first Yacht-Master made of Rolesium that was released. This is a metal made by combining platinum and stainless steel. It was designed with a 40 mm case, and both, the Oyster bracelet and case, were made of the same material. This version was released in 1999.
Ref. 226659 (Yacht-Master 42)
The Yacht-Master Ref. 226659 is a luxury and top-edge version of the watch. It was designed with a bigger 42mm 18k white gold case and a black Cerachrom bezel. It also features a black Oysterflex bracelet. Furthermore, it is powered by a caliber 3235. This version possesses the biggest case in the collection and is the only one made of white gold. This version was released in 2014.
The series of Yacht-Master is highly extensive since there are many variations. Here's a list of each reference:
- Ref. 16622: 40mm, Rolesium
- Ref. 16628: 40mm, 18k yellow gold
- Ref. 68623: 35mm, Yellow Rolesor
- Ref. 68628: 35mm, 18k yellow gold
- Ref. 69628: 29mm, 18k yellow gold
- Ref. 69623: 29mm, Yellow Rolesor
- Ref. 166233: 40mm, Yellow Rolesor
- Ref. 116622: 40mm, Rolesium
- Ref. 116621: 40mm, Everose Rolesor
- Ref. 116655: 40mm, 18k Everose gold, Cerachrom bezel
- Ref. 168622: 35mm, Rolesium
- Ref. 168623: 35mm, Yellow Rolesor
- Ref. 168628: 35mm, 18k yellow gold
- Ref. 169622: 29mm, Rolesium
- Ref. 169623: 29mm, Yellow Rolesor
- Ref. 169628: 29mm, 18k yellow gold
- Ref. 226659: 42mm, 18k white gold, Cerachrom bezel
- Ref. 268621: 37mm, Everose Rolesor
- Ref. 268655: 37mm, solid 18k Everose gold, Cerachrom bezel
- Ref. 268622: 37mm, Rolesium
Rolex Yacht-Master Features
Due to the many differences between each model, the Rolex Yacht-Master has many distinct features.
Materials
Versions of the Yacht-Master had been designed with almost every material traditionally used by Rolex, such as:
- Yellow Gold
- Everose Gold
- White Gold
- Rolesium (Platinum and Steel)
- Yellow Rolesor (Yellow gold and Steel)
- Everose Rolesor (Everose Gold and steel)
The yellow gold and yellow Rolesor versions are discontinued.
Case Size and Bracelets
As sailing and yacht life are enjoyed by both men and women, Rolex has offered the collection in different case sizes. These sizes include:
- 29 mm
- 35 mm
- 37 mm
- 40 mm
- 42 mm
The Rolex Yacht-Master is only offered with either an Oyster or Oysterflex Bracelet. This Oysterflex bracelet is made of rubber but reinforced on the inside with a flexible metal.
Bezel
Currently, some of the popular bezels options available for the Yacht-Master include:
- 18K gold or 950 platinum, both alternatives with raised numerals
- Black Cerachrom with raised numerals
- Gummy Bear: Special bezel with rainbow-colored Sapphires
As with any other Rolex watch, the bezel type and colors depend on the color and material of the case.
Dial
The Yacht-Master features a traditional dial covered by a sapphire crystal. It possesses a date window at 3 o'clock with magnification. Furthermore, the colors available range between black, blue, white, chocolate, sandblasted platinum, and even a diamond-paved version.
Celebrities Wearing The Rolex Yacht-Master
Yacht life is always associated with luxury. Therefore many celebrities that enjoy spending time on their vessels have added the Rolex Yacht-Master to their collection, such as:
- Mark Wahlberg
- Drake
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Connor McGregor
- David Beckham
- Manny Pacquiao
- Ed Sheeran
- Bruce Willis
Buy A Rolex Yacht-Master
If you're looking to purchase a Rolex Yacht-Master, please don't hesitate to give us a call at (213) 302-4400, so that we may further assist you in your watch purchase. WatchGuys has years of experience and can help you through the buying experience.
For customers looking to sell a Rolex Yacht-Master look no further, WatchGuys is the most trusted place to sell a Rolex for best price. Give us a call today at (213) 302-4400 to speak to a Rolex buying expert or click here to fill out our sell Rolex form.