Is the Rolex Yacht-Master a dive watch?

No. Despite its nautical design and rotatable bezel, the Yacht-Master is rated to 100 meters (330 feet): adequate for swimming and water sports but not professional diving. The Submariner (300m) and Sea-Dweller (1,220m+) are Rolex's true dive watches. The Yacht-Master is a luxury sailing/nautical sport watch.

Rolesium is Rolex's proprietary material combination exclusive to the Yacht-Master: an Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) case and bracelet paired with a 950 platinum bezel and dial. Introduced in 1997 with the Ref. 16622, it gives the YM its signature matte grey bezel with raised polished numerals, a look no other Rolex model offers.

Why was the Yacht-Master II discontinued?

Rolex discontinued the entire Yacht-Master II line at Watches and Wonders 2024. While Rolex never publicly states reasons, the YM II was a polarizing model, its 44mm case was large for modern tastes, the regatta countdown was niche, and secondary-market demand was lukewarm compared to other professional Rolex models. Whether Rolex will introduce a successor remains unknown.

What is the Oysterflex bracelet?

Introduced in 2015 on the Yacht-Master, the Oysterflex is Rolex's patented rubber bracelet. It consists of flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blades overmolded with high-performance black elastomer. The interior features a patented longitudinal cushion system for comfort. It combines the robustness of a metal bracelet with the flexibility of rubber. Available on Everose gold, white gold, and yellow gold YM models.

How much does a Rolex Yacht-Master cost?

In 2025, retail prices range from $13,200 (Rolesium 40mm, Ref. 126622) to $35,000 (white gold 42mm, Ref. 226659). The titanium 42mm (Ref. 226627) retails for $14,800, and the Everose 40mm (Ref. 126655) for $29,800. Secondary-market prices vary: the Rolesium trades at 14-36% above retail, the titanium at 49-89% above, while the white gold standard dial trades 15-25% below retail.

What is the Falcon's Eye dial?

Introduced in 2024 for the Yacht-Master 42 white gold (Ref. 226659), the Falcon's Eye dial uses a natural iridescent green stone that shifts color depending on the angle and light. Each dial is unique due to the natural variation in the stone. It quickly became a collector favorite, trading at approximately $49,000 on the secondary market: well above the $35,000 retail price.

Is the Rolex Yacht-Master a good investment?

The Yacht-Master collection has appreciated 212% from 2010 to 2025. It's less liquid than the Submariner or Daytona on the resale market, but precious-metal content (platinum bezels, gold cases) provides a material-value floor. The Oysterflex models and RLX titanium 226627 are gaining momentum. Discontinued YM II models are a contrarian bet at below-retail prices. For most buyers, the Rolesium 126622 offers the best entry point with consistent above-retail performance.

Where can I buy a Rolex Yacht-Master in NYC?

Ultimate Diamond on 47th Street in Manhattan's Diamond District has been a trusted family-owned watch dealer since 1959. With over 13,000 watches in inventory, including extensive Rolex stock across current and discontinued references, their specialists can help you find the exact Yacht-Master model, dial, and bracelet configuration you're looking for: whether new, pre-owned, or vintage.

Yacht-Master / Yacht-Master II

Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master, launched in 1992 as the first entirely new Rolex model in 28 years, adapted the Submariner's foundational architecture for the nautical leisure market. Distinguished by its bidirectional rotating bezel (versus the Submariner's unidirectional safety bezel), 100-meter water resistance, and availability in sizes from 29mm to 42mm, the Yacht-Master was designed for the sailing lifestyle rather than professional diving. The Rolesium combination of Oystersteel case with 950 platinum bezel became its signature configuration. In 2015, the introduction of the Oysterflex rubber bracelet on Everose gold models marked a material innovation for Rolex. The 2023 Ref. 226627 in RLX titanium represented the first use of this alloy in a standard Rolex production model. Prices range from $13,200 (Rolesium) to over $30,000 (precious metal on Oysterflex), positioning the Yacht-Master between the Submariner and the Day-Date in Rolex's hierarchy.

Last updated: 2025-04-01

Available at Ultimate Diamond

3 pieces in our collection right now.

Yacht-Master · $17,400 Yacht-Master · Source It Yacht-Master · Source It

Specifications

Reference126622

NicknameRolesium / Steel-Platinum YM

Diameter40mm

Thickness11.5mm

Lug-to-Lug48mm

Lug Width20mm

Case MaterialOystersteel (904L) with 950 platinum bezel

MovementCalibre 3235 (self-winding, in-house)

Frequency28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power ReserveApproximately 70 hours

Water Resistance100 meters / 330 feet

BezelBidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel in 950 platinum, raised polished numerals on matte sand-blasted background

CrystalSapphire with Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock (2.5× magnification)

BraceletOyster, three-piece solid links in Oystersteel with Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension

LumeChromalight (long-lasting blue glow)

DateYes, with Cyclops magnifier

CertificationSuperlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex after-casing, ±2 sec/day)

Year Introduced2019

MSRP$13,200 USD (2025)

History

The Rolex Yacht-Master story begins not in 1992, but in the 1960s, when Rolex reportedly prototyped a watch with the 'Yacht-Master' name, a concept that stayed in the vault for nearly three decades. When it finally debuted in 1992 as Reference 16628, it was a revelation: the first entirely new Rolex professional model in 28 years (since the Daytona in 1964). The original was a 40mm watch in full 18k yellow gold, powered by the proven Calibre 3135. Rolex's intent was clear, this was not another tool watch, but a luxury sport watch for the yachting set, people who needed to time a race leg, not survive a decompression stop. The bidirectional bezel (vs. The Sub's unidirectional safety bezel) and 100m water resistance (vs. 300m) told you everything about where this watch belonged: on deck, not below it.

Iconic References

Buying Guide

Pricing & Market Data

Best Value Pick

Ref. 16622 (Original Rolesium, 1999-2012), the reference that defined the Yacht-Master's identity with its Oystersteel case and 950 platinum bezel, Cal. 3135, trading at $10,000-$15,000. Discontinued, appreciating steadily, and the cheapest way to own a Rolex with platinum components.

Comparisons

Cultural Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Direct Comparison

Rolex Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is the most recognized dive watch ever produced and the template against which every luxury sport w...

Read guide →

Direct Comparison

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

The Royal Oak Offshore Diver is the tool-watch corner of Audemars Piguet's most aggressive family, a 42mm steel dive wat...

Read guide →

Direct Comparison

Tudor Tudor Black Bay 58 Guide: 79030N Specs, MT5402, Prices | Ultimate Watch

The Tudor Black Bay 58 is the watch that fixed the one complaint people had about the original Black Bay: size. When Tud...

Read guide →

Same Brand

Rolex Perpetual 1908

The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is the first proper dress watch Rolex has built in a long time, and the first thing collectors ...

Read guide →

Same Brand

Rolex Rolex Air-King

The Rolex Air-King traces its lineage to 1945, when Hans Wilsdorf created a series of watches honoring Royal Air Force p...

Read guide →

Same Brand

Rolex Rolex Bubbleback Guide: References, Specs, Value | Ultimate Watch

The Rolex Bubbleback is the watch that made the modern automatic wristwatch a commercial reality. Rolex patented its Per...

Read guide →

Own a Rolex?

We buy Rolex watches at competitive prices. Fast payment, no obligation quote.

Get a quote →Browse Rolex inventory →