The Rolex Yacht-Master is the sailing watch in the Rolex catalogue: a close relative of the Submariner, with a more polished, precious-metal character. This guide explains the Yacht-Master 40, 42 and 37, the regatta-timing Yacht-Master II, what each metal and bracelet changes, indicative prices, and what to check before you buy a Rolex Yacht-Master pre-owned.
What the Yacht-Master is, in one paragraph
Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992, launching it in yellow gold. It shares the Oyster case and rotating 60-minute bezel of the Submariner, but the bezel has raised, polished numerals and the watch is rated to 100 metres rather than 300. That makes it less of a tool diver and more of a sports watch to wear on a boat and off it. The family has since grown into three sizes and a separate chronograph, the Yacht-Master II.
Yacht-Master 40: the core of the range
The 40mm Yacht-Master is the one most buyers start with, and it comes in three versions.
126622: Rolesium
Rolesium is Rolex's combination of Oystersteel with platinum. On the 126622 the bezel is solid platinum with a sand-blasted background and polished raised numerals, on a steel case and Oyster bracelet. It is usually seen with the grey rhodium dial or a blue dial. It is the most understated Yacht-Master. Current examples include a 2023 126622 and a 2025 126622, unworn.
126621: Everose Rolesor
The 126621 combines steel with 18ct Everose gold: an Everose bezel, crown and centre bracelet links. It is warmer and dressier than the Rolesium watch, and is often paired with a chocolate or slate dial. See the 126621 in our collection.
126655: Everose gold on Oysterflex
The 126655 is solid Everose gold with a matt black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, on Rolex's Oysterflex strap. Oysterflex has metal blades inside a rubber outer layer, so it holds its shape like a bracelet but feels like a strap. The Yacht-Master was the first Rolex to use Oysterflex, and it remains the model most associated with it. Our 126655 sourcing listing covers examples from 2021 onwards.
Yacht-Master 42: gold and titanium
The 42mm case arrived in 2019 and is the more contemporary Yacht-Master. Two versions matter most on the pre-owned market.
- 226627 in RLX titanium: satin-finished titanium case and bracelet with a black Cerachrom bezel. It is noticeably lighter than the gold and Rolesor Yacht-Masters and has a technical, matt look. See the 226627 in our collection.
- 226658 in yellow gold: a solid-gold case on Oysterflex with a black ceramic bezel. Our 226658 sourcing listing covers examples from 2022 onwards.
There is also a white gold 226659 on Oysterflex. If that is the one you want, our watch sourcing team can find it.
Yacht-Master 37
The 37mm Yacht-Master is the same design in a mid size, and it suits smaller wrists or anyone who wants the watch to sit under a cuff. It comes in the same metal combinations as the 40, including the 268621 in Everose Rolesor, a 2021 example with box and papers.
Yacht-Master II: the regatta chronograph
The Yacht-Master II is a different watch that shares the name. Introduced in 2007, it is a 44mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown of up to 10 minutes, built to time the start of a sailing race. The countdown is set using the Ring Command bezel, which mechanically links the bezel to the movement. It is large, complex and unmistakable on the wrist.
- 116680 in steel, with a white dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. See the 116680 in our collection.
- 116681 in Everose Rolesor, combining steel with 18ct Everose gold. See the 2023 116681.
- 116688 in yellow gold. See the 2023 116688.
Buy a Yacht-Master II if you want the most mechanically involved sports Rolex, or if you sail. If you simply want a Yacht-Master, the 40 is the better everyday watch.
How to use the Yacht-Master bezel
On the Yacht-Master 40, 42 and 37 the bezel turns in both directions, unlike a Submariner's, which only turns anticlockwise. To time something, line up the zero marker with the minute hand and read elapsed time off the bezel. Because it moves both ways, you can also set it as a countdown. The crown screws down; unscrew it to set the time and date, and screw it back down fully before the watch goes near water.
Bracelet or Oysterflex?
The steel and Rolesor models come on the Oyster bracelet; the solid-gold models come on Oysterflex. Oysterflex is comfortable in heat and water, and its clasp has a built-in extension system for fine adjustment, so you can change the length without tools. The Oyster bracelet is adjusted by removing links, so check that all removed links are supplied with a pre-owned watch.
How much is a Rolex Yacht-Master?
As an indicative guide from our own listings in September 2026:
- Yacht-Master 40 126622 (Rolesium): broadly £11,000 to £12,500.
- Yacht-Master 40 126621 (Everose Rolesor): broadly £12,000 to £15,000.
- Yacht-Master 42 226627 (titanium): around £20,000 to £21,000.
- Solid-gold Yacht-Masters on Oysterflex: from around £23,000.
- Yacht-Master II: from around £15,500 in steel to £35,000 in yellow gold.
These are ranges, not quotes. Each listing in the Rolex collection carries its exact price, and that is the figure to rely on. As with any Rolex, steady demand for the Yacht-Master is a market observation, not a reason to buy one.
What to check before you buy a Rolex Yacht-Master
- Bezel. On Rolesium and Rolesor models, check the raised numerals for flattening from polishing. On ceramic bezels, check for chips.
- Bezel action. It should turn smoothly in both directions with even clicks.
- Oysterflex condition. Look for cuts or cracks in the rubber, especially near the lugs.
- Yacht-Master II countdown. Set, start and reset the countdown several times. It should synchronise cleanly with every press.
- Papers and set. The warranty card should match the case serial, with box and all links included.
Every watch we sell is authenticated and inspected before it is listed. The Oakbury Assurance explains what that covers.
Yacht-Master or Submariner?
They share a case shape, so this is the comparison most buyers make. The Submariner is the dive tool: 300 metres, unidirectional bezel, most versions in plain steel. The Yacht-Master is the dressier sports watch: 100 metres, bidirectional bezel, always with a precious metal somewhere. Our Rolex Submariner buying guide covers the other side of the decision.
Which Yacht-Master should you buy?
A simple way to decide:
- You want one watch for every day: the Yacht-Master 40 126622 in Rolesium.
- You want warmth and a touch of gold: the 126621 in Everose Rolesor.
- You want Rolex on rubber: the 126655, or the 226658 if you prefer yellow gold and a larger case.
- You want the lightest, most modern-feeling Yacht-Master: the 226627 in titanium.
- You have a smaller wrist: the Yacht-Master 37.
- You want a complication and a talking point: the Yacht-Master II.
Where to buy a Rolex Yacht-Master in the UK
Metal colour and bracelet feel are hard to judge from photographs, so it is worth seeing a Yacht-Master in person. Oakbury's showrooms in Lichfield, London, Brighton and Liverpool are by appointment, and we can show you a Rolesium and an Everose Yacht-Master side by side.
Browse the current Rolex Yacht-Master stock in our collection. If the reference you want is not listed, our watch sourcing service will find it, and if you have a watch to trade towards it, see sell or part-exchange.