The Yacht-Master is Rolex's luxury sport watch for life on the water rather than under it. It shares the Submariner's general shape but is more refined: a bezel with raised, polished numerals, softer case lines, and precious metal on every version. We have 106 Yacht-Masters in stock, from $7,040.
By the numbers: Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult estimate Rolex's 2023 sales at CHF 10.1 billion, a retail market share of just over 30% and more than the next five luxury watch brands combined. Rolex does not publish its own figures, so these are analysts' estimates (swissinfo.ch, 14 March 2024).
Sizes
- Yacht-Master 37: 37 mm, for smaller wrists.
- Yacht-Master 40: 40 mm, the core model.
- Yacht-Master 42: 42 mm, made in white gold, yellow gold and RLX titanium, on the Oysterflex strap or (in titanium) an Oyster bracelet.
All are water resistant to 100 m and have a bezel that turns in both directions, for timing rather than diving.
Materials
| Version | What it is |
|---|---|
| Rolesium | Steel case and bracelet with a platinum bezel. The classic Yacht-Master look, usually with a slate or blue dial. |
| Everose Rolesor | Steel and Everose (rose) gold, often with a chocolate dial. |
| Everose gold on Oysterflex | Full rose gold with a black ceramic bezel and Rolex's rubber-coated strap. The Yacht-Master was the first Rolex to wear the Oysterflex, in 2015. |
| White or yellow gold 42 | Full gold with a black ceramic bezel on Oysterflex. |
| RLX titanium 42 | The lightest Yacht-Master, fully brushed, introduced in 2023. |
Yacht-Master or Submariner?
The Submariner is a dive watch: 300 m, one-way bezel, steel as standard. The Yacht-Master is lighter in spirit: 100 m, two-way bezel, always with platinum or gold. On the wrist the Yacht-Master is a little slimmer and catches more light. If you never dive and want something less common than a Submariner, it is the natural alternative. See our Submariner buying guide to compare.
What it costs
In our stock the Yacht-Master starts at $7,040 and typically costs $17,595. Rolesium versions are the entry point; full gold on Oysterflex sits at the top.
What to check when buying
- The bezel: the raised numerals on platinum and gold bezels show knocks more readily than ceramic. Look closely at the photos or ask us for live ones.
- The Oysterflex strap: it is sized by changing strap sections, so ask which size is fitted.
- Reference: six-digit references starting 126 (40 mm) and 268 (37 mm) are the current generation.
Shop the Rolex Yacht-Master.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II?
The Yacht-Master is a three-hand watch with a date. The Yacht-Master II was a 44 mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown; Rolex discontinued it in 2024.
Can you dive with a Yacht-Master?
It is water resistant to 100 m and fine for swimming and sailing, but it is not built as a dive watch: the bezel turns both ways.
What is Rolesium?
Rolex's name for the combination of steel and platinum. On the Yacht-Master the bezel is platinum and the case and bracelet are steel.
Is the Yacht-Master a good investment?
It holds value well, but no watch's future price is guaranteed. Read is a Rolex a good investment? for what actually drives resale.
