NEWSubmariner proportions with a bidirectional polished bezel and dressier finishing. Rolesium — platinum bezel on steel — gave it the identity it had been missing.
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Available Watches
NEW
History of the Yacht-Master
1992
Gold only
The Yacht-Master launches exclusively in yellow gold as reference 16628, positioning it as a luxury sport watch rather than a diving instrument.
1999
Rolesium
Reference 16622 pairs a platinum bezel with a steel case — a combination unique to this model, and the one that finally gave it an identity.
2007
Mid and lady sizes mature
The 35 mm and 29 mm variants broaden the line considerably, well before Rolex's other sport models offered real size choice.
2015
Everose and Oysterflex
The 116655 arrives in Everose gold on a rubber-over-metal Oysterflex bracelet with a matte ceramic bezel — a genuine departure for Rolex.
2019
The 42
Reference 226659 brings a 42 mm white gold case on Oysterflex, the largest and most overtly sporting Yacht-Master yet.
2023
Titanium
The RLX titanium 226627 makes the line lighter and more technical, signalling that the Yacht-Master is no longer only about precious metal.
Yacht-Master References
The references we see most often, and what separates them. Highlighted rows are references we currently have in the case.
| Reference | Produced | Case | Bezel | Caliber | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126622In stock | 2019–present | 40 mm | Rolesium | 3235 | Current steel with platinum bezel. Rhodium or blue dial; seventy-hour reserve. |
| 116622 | 2012–2019 | 40 mm | Rolesium | 3135 | The previous Rolesium generation. Blue dial is the one most people picture. |
| 116621 | 2011–2019 | 40 mm | Rolesor | 3135 | Steel and Everose gold with a chocolate or black dial. Warmer and often better value than Rolesium. |
| 126655 | 2015–present | 40 mm | Everose | 3235 | Everose with matte black ceramic bezel on Oysterflex. The most modern-looking of the family. |
| 226659 | 2019–present | 42 mm | White gold | 3235 | The largest reference, white gold on Oysterflex. Substantial on the wrist. |
| 16622In stock | 1999–2012 | 40 mm | Rolesium | 3135 | The original Rolesium. Aluminium-free platinum bezel and a growing vintage following. |
Sub-models
Before You Buy a Yacht-Master
Rolesium is not two-tone
The platinum bezel is solid platinum, not plating, and it greys differently from steel as it ages. A bezel that looks mismatched is usually correct — that contrast is the point.
Everose does not pink out
Rolex's rose alloy includes platinum specifically to prevent the colour fading that afflicts ordinary rose gold. On a 116621, uneven colour is a warning sign, not normal wear.
Oysterflex hides its cost
The rubber-over-titanium bracelet is comfortable and durable, but replacement is expensive and it does perish eventually. Check the flex points near the lugs.
Bidirectional bezel, different feel
Unlike a Submariner the bezel turns both ways, and on modern references it should move with smooth resistance rather than clicks. Looseness means service.
Size varies more than elsewhere
This line runs 29, 35, 37, 40 and 42 mm across its history. Confirm the actual case size of the specific reference rather than assuming forty.
Every watch we sell is inspected in-house in Las Vegas before it is listed. If you want a second opinion on a piece you are considering elsewhere, call us — we will tell you straight.
Specifications
Case diameter40 mm (42 mm and smaller sizes by reference)
Case materialOystersteel, Rolesium, Everose gold, white gold, RLX titanium
MovementCaliber 3235 (current), 3135 (earlier)
Power reserveApproximately 70 hours (3235)
Water resistance100 m
BezelBidirectional rotatable, 60-minute graduated, raised polished numerals
BraceletOyster or Oysterflex
FunctionsTime, date
Figures describe the current production reference unless stated otherwise. Specifications vary by reference and year — see the reference table above. Source: rolex.com. Watch Bros Co. is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with Rolex SA.
Yacht-Master Questions
How is a Yacht-Master different from a Submariner?+
Same broad proportions, different intent. The Yacht-Master's bezel is bidirectional and polished rather than a dive timer, the finishing is dressier, and the line leans toward precious metals.
Is the platinum bezel actually platinum?+
Yes — solid platinum on Rolesium references, not a coating. It develops a distinct grey tone alongside the steel case that plating cannot reproduce.
Which reference is the best value?+
Historically the Rolesor references in steel and Everose, like the 116621, trade below Rolesium despite containing gold. If you like the warmer look, that is where the value sits.
What should I budget?+
It ranges widely by metal and size. Tell us the reference and dial you want and we will quote current pricing.
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