Rolex Yacht-Master Watches17 Models

The Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) was presented in 1992 as a member of the Oyster Perpetual family. Its similarities to the classic Submariner are abundant, but the resemblance between the two models end when it comes to the price: initially, the Yacht-Master was exclusively produced with a gold case, which accounts for the higher costs.

Contrary to the Submariner’s adaption to adventures under the sea, the Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 116622), with its bright blue dial or mother-of-pearl watch face, is made for life on the water as well as on land. Its bi-directional rotatable bezel allows for exact timekeeping on the high seas. Only high-quality materials are used in the production of this elegant watch: 18 carat yellow gold or 950 platinum. Excellent quality is characteristic of the Yacht-Master: A scratch-proof sapphire crystal, a Cyclops lens, the uniquely innovative Oyster case, and the unrivalled Parachrom hairspring are just some of the outstanding features that make this Rolex watch a true masterpiece.

There is only one Oyster Professional watch that can be purchased in two sizes: the Rolex Yacht-Master. The 40mm model is equipped with the self-winding Rolex calibre 3135 while the smaller 35mm model offers the mechanical Rolex calibre 2235. The production and manufacturing of both calibres are conducted entirely by Rolex and the movements are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Another technological feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master I is the blue Parachrom hairspring. Following years of research, Rolex introduced the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is finer than a human hair. Manufactured from a highly stable paramagnetic alloy, the Parachrom hairspring resists magnetic fields and is ten times less sensitive to shocks as compared to conventional oscillator hairsprings. All these innovative features are protected by a waterproof Oyster case whose name stems from the mollusc that can clamp its shell shut, unlike any other living creature. The Oyster case is screwed shut and can thus offer different degrees of water-resistance. The Oyster bracelet is an exceptionally robust innovation that combines elegance and function with a sensationally comfortable fit. Beginning its success story in the late 1930s, the flat metal bracelet with its three-piece links has become one of the most popular Rolex bracelets, thanks to a comfortable fit and unsurpassed durability.

After the development of the Rolex Yacht-Master prototype in the 1960s, the world eagerly awaited an additional 30 years for the introduction of the first Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) in 1992. While the first model, manufactured from 18 carat gold with a white dial, measured 40 millimetres in diameter, the smaller Yacht-Master that launched in 1994 was available with a case diameter of 35 millimetres (68628), as well as a case measuring 29 millimetres (16622).

In the year 1999, Rolex amazed with a new, modern twist on the Yacht-Master by producing the watch in an extravagant mix of stainless steel and platinum. Since then, Rolex has coined the well-known term “Rolesium”, which stands for the combination of platinum and 904L steel. Six years following the presentation in 1999, another model of the Yacht-Master (Ref. 16623) hit the market: the new Rolex watch surprised with a Rolesor-case, famous for its combination of gold and stainless steel. Thus, the Yacht-Master collection of both used and new wristwatches offers an incredible choice of case sizes, materials, and dial colours, making the Yacht-Master a noteworthy and exceptional Rolex watch. Yacht-Masters are produced for both men and women as they brighten every wrist and exude elegant sophistication.

The Rolex-Yacht master is a watch made for adventurers of the seven seas. Captivating knowledgeable explorers, experienced sailors, and festive yacht owners, the Rolex Yacht-Master collection offers wristwatches for every occasion and impresses with various different and outstanding watches for both men and women.

While men tend to favour bigger Yacht-Master models with a 40-millimeter case, women may prefer the model that measures a slightly smaller 35 millimeters. These models include the white dial Yacht-Master manufactured from stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 168622), and the gold watch dial fashioned from stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 168623)

The men’s watches from the Rolex Yacht-Master collection are equipped with a blue or white dial and their materials range from a combination of stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 116622) to a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 16623). The use of high-quality materials such as gold and platinum explain the higher prices for a Rolex Yacht-Master and allow for a sensible financial investment. For those looking for more reasonably priced watches, the purchase of a Yacht-Master on the second-hand market might be an appealing alternative.

An additional bonus is the fact that vintage watches, whose timelessness is undeniable, tend to reveal exciting stories about their past.