yacht master 40 diamond

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ultimate Buying Guide

In the realm of luxury timepieces, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 stands as a paragon of elegance fused with practicality. Debuted in the 1990s, this model immediately set a new benchmark in the world of high-end watches. Enclosed in a robust 40mm Oyster case, the Yacht-Master 40 is not just a watch, but a statement of sophistication and versatility. Available in an array of materials – luxurious yellow gold and Everose gold, the classic combination of steel and gold, or sleek steel and platinum. Each variant presents its own allure that caters to the diverse tastes of luxury watch aficionados.

This timepiece surpasses mere functionality. It’s a symbol of a lifestyle, appealing to those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and timeless design. Its sporty yet elegant demeanor makes it equally fitting for a regatta or a high-profile business meeting.

As we explore the rich history and the various models of the Yacht-Master 40, we invite connoisseurs and aspiring collectors alike to explore what makes this Rolex creation not just a watch, but a legacy wrapped around the wrist.

A Brief History of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 , since its inception in 1992, has charted a course marking key milestones that exemplify Rolex’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The journey began with the release of reference 16628, a model in full gold with a pristine white dial, instantly capturing the essence of luxury sports watch design.

By 1994, Rolex expanded the horizon of the Yacht-Master 40 with a new ref 16628, this time featuring a captivating blue sunray dial. This addition not only diversified the collection but also reinforced the Yacht-Master’s position as a symbol of sophistication and nautical spirit.

The end of the decade, in 1999, saw Rolex introduce the Rolesium model, an ingenious blend of steel and platinum. This model offered a fresh perspective within the luxury watch market with a new blend of materials.

The 2000s were marked by further diversification, with Rolex unveiling two-tone metal versions and introducing mother of pearl dials, adding a new layer of elegance to the collection.

In a significant leap forward, 2012 brought with it a series of enhancements: the introduction of rhodium and blue cobalt dials added depth to the Rolesium model’s monochrome style, while the upgrade to the Easylink extension system and the transition to blue Chromalight lume signaled Rolex’s focus on both aesthetics and functionality.

The year 2015 was a hallmark in the Yacht-Master’s history with the launch of the 116655 model – Rolex’s first foray into crafting a watch entirely from Everose gold and debuting the Oysterflex bracelet, setting a new standard in the luxury watch industry.

In 2016, the introduction of the steel and Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref 116621, and in 2019, the unveiling of new models equipped with the Caliber 3235 automatic movement, underscored Rolex’s unceasing pursuit of horological excellence.

Today, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 remains a key part of Rolex’s portfolio as the choice watch of individuals with a taste for luxury and passion for the open seas.

<> Most Popular Models of the Rolex Yachtmaster 40

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is available in a wide range of metal configurations. Here are the most popular references from the collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Yellow Gold Slate Dial 16623

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Yellow Gold Slate Dial 16623, introduced in 2005, represents a unique blend of Rolex’s commitment to luxury and sportiness. This model is particularly notable for its two-tone Rolesor design as it skillfully combines 904L stainless steel with 18-karat yellow gold. This combination demonstrates a more sports-oriented rendition of Rolex’s classic two-tone style, appealing to enthusiasts who favor the sport watch aesthetic in a more lifestyle-oriented context.

One of the distinct features of the 16623 model is its bidirectional rotating bezel, crafted entirely from 18-karat yellow gold. This choice sets the Yacht-Master 16623 apart from other similar models, especially considering the stainless steel crown, which differs from the usual Rolex design where the crown often mirrors the gold elements.

The dial options, including white, silver, champagne, blue, brown, and mother of pearl, provide a spectrum of styles ranging from understated elegance to more striking appearances. The slate dial, pictured here, offers a sleek look that balances the gold construction of the timepiece.

At the heart of this model is the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, celebrated for its reliability, precision, and a 48-hour power reserve. This movement is a testament to Rolex’s engineering prowess, offering longevity and consistent performance. The Yacht-Master 16623, with its blend of robust functionality and luxurious design, is a prime example of Rolex’s ability to create watches that are both visually striking and functionally sound, suitable for both nautical adventures and everyday elegance.

<> <>

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial 116622

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial, Reference 116622, introduced in 2016, is the embodiment of Rolex’s pursuit of excellence in luxury watchmaking. This model is notable for its unique combination of materials and design elements, making it a standout in the Yacht-Master series.

The watch’s 40mm Oyster case and sporty Oyster bracelet are constructed using stainless steel, while its bezel is crafted from 950 platinum. This blend of rugged stainless steel and ultra-precious platinum, known as Rolesium, gives the watch a distinctive monochromatic look but with contrasting textures. The high-polished raised numerals on the bezel set against a sandblasted background, combined with polished center links on the bracelet flanked by brushed-finish outer links, create a visually appealing effect.

The dial of the watch is available in dark rhodium, accented with a turquoise seconds hand and matching YACHT-MASTER text. The dial ensures excellent legibility in low light conditions, thanks to ample lume, and features the signature date window at 3 o’clock, complete with a Cyclops magnification lens on the sapphire crystal.

At the core of this model is the Caliber 3135 movement, a mainstay of Rolex since 1988, known for its reliability and precision. The movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and is backed by the Superlative Chronometer standard. The movement also includes a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Everose Gold Chocolate Dial 116621

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Everose Gold Chocolate Dial 116621, unveiled in 2016, represents an elegant fusion of luxury and maritime spirit. This model is part of Rolex’s ongoing evolution of the Yacht-Master series, which has consistently introduced new materials and color schemes to diversify its appeal.

The 116621 stands out with its unique ‘Rolesor’ combination, melding stainless steel with Rolex’s exclusive Everose Gold, a proprietary rose gold alloy. This blend lends the watch a distinctive, sophisticated look, further enhanced by its dark brown ‘chocolate’ dial. The use of rose gold and brown is a common theme for Rolex, offering warmth and luxury appeal to the timepiece.

This model maintains the classic Yacht-Master design, including a 40mm case with elegantly rounded lugs and a large, easy-to-read dial. The bezel is crafted from a solid block of Everose gold, featuring large, raised numerals set against a sand-blasted background, which provides a striking contrast and adds to the watch’s elegance.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 is powered by the Calibre 3135 movement, known for its precision and durability. This automatic movement ensures reliable timekeeping and includes the blue Parachrom hairspring for better resistance to magnetic fields and impacts. The watch also benefits from Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold Oysterflex Strap 116655

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 116655, introduced in 2015, marked a significant evolution in Rolex’s Yacht-Master series. This model is particularly notable for being the first Yacht-Master model in solid Everose gold, and the first in the Yacht-Master range to feature the innovative Oysterflex bracelet, Rolex’s unique take on the rubber strap, a departure from their traditional metal bracelets.

The 116655 is also well known for replacing the precious metal bezel with Cerachrom, Rolex’s term for ceramic, used here in matte black to complement the sleek Oysterflex strap. This design choice added a new aesthetic dimension to the Yacht-Master line, offering a sportier and more contemporary look.

The case of the Yacht-Master 116655 is crafted from 18k Everose gold, Rolex’s own blend of gold and copper with a hint of platinum, adding durability and color longevity to the gold’s hue. This combination of Everose gold with the matte black elements of the dial and bezel creates a striking contrast, enhancing the watch’s luxurious yet sporty appeal.

At its core, the watch houses the Caliber 3135 movement, a mainstay of Rolex’s engineering excellence. Known for its reliability and precision, the Caliber 3135 offers a 48-hour power reserve and features a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, enhancing the watch’s resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold Pave Diamond Dial 116655

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold with Pave Diamond Dial, model 116655, introduced in 2018, stands as a luxurious and distinctive addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master collection.

Just like the previous edition, the Everose gold is used in the Oyster case, which measures 40 mm in diameter and is paired with a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with a matte black Cerachrom insert.

The defining feature of this model is its diamond-paved dial, radiating luxury and exclusivity. The dial, complemented by the Chromalight display, enhances readability and adds to the watch’s allure. The Oysterflex bracelet, a fusion of flexible metal blades overmolded with high-performance elastomer, offers comfort, durability, and an elegant look.

Inside, the watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 3135 movement by Rolex, known for its precision and reliability. The movement boasts features like a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring which offers greater resistance to shocks and temperature changes.

<> Final Thoughts

Each model of Yacht-Master 40 , from the earliest introductions to the latest innovations, showcases Rolex’s dedication to precision, elegance, and durability. These timepieces are not just mere accessories; they are statements of style and sophistication, reflecting the spirit of nautical adventure melded with luxurious living.

For enthusiasts and collectors looking to dive deeper into the world of Rolex Yacht-Master 40, SwissWatchExpo offers a diverse range of these models. Whether it’s the allure of the diamond-paved dials, the robustness of the Oyster case, or the precision of Rolex’s in-house movements, the Yacht-Master 40 series promises to elevate both your maritime adventures and everyday elegance with unmatched grace and performance.

Explore our selection of Rolex Yacht-Master 40 models, along with thousands of watches from the world’s best brands, at SwissWatchExpo.com .

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Introducing The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 With Multi-Color Gem-Set Bezel

We have seen several iterations of this sporty watch in various sizes, such as 40mm, 37mm, and 35mm, along with the yacht-master ii, but this is the first time we have seen the yacht-master 40 set with rolex’s famous gemstones..

The Yacht-Master has been a consistent part of the Oyster Perpetual collection since its debut in 1992 . We have seen several iterations of this sporty watch in various sizes, such as 40mm, 37mm, and 35mm, along with the Yacht-Master II, but this is the first time we have seen the Yacht-Master 40 set with Rolex’s famous gemstones. And boy is this one set with gemstones. 

The new Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with gem-set bezel.

The latest Yacht-Master 40 is pretty much the same watch we know from 2015 , with the addition of a bright gem-set bezel. The watch still features a 40mm 18k Everose gold case (in case you forgot, Everose is Rolex’s special rose gold alloy) and has the rich glossy black dial with oversized white lume plots (Chromalight to be exact) and Everose surrounds. The movement is still the same trusty automatic caliber 3135 movement and the watch can still boast 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance. 

The new thing about this watch is the rainbow-colored rotating bezel. I have talked about Rolex’s impeccable gem-setting technique before, and while it is clearly not for everyone, it deserves your respect. Here the bezel is set with 32 sapphires, eight tsavorites, and one diamond, fitted perfectly together, creating a vibrant look on an otherwise sporty timepiece. 

The new Rolex Yacht-Master has the Oysterflex strap featured on the previous iteration.

Finally, this watch is finished with a black Oysterflex rubber strap (which was developed and patented by Rolex) and 18k Everose Oysterlock clasp. There's no news yet on pricing for this watch, but we will update this story as soon as it becomes available. Be sure to check back soon for live photographs too. 

You can read more about the new Yacht-master 40 on the Rolex website . 

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Model #: 126655 Pave Diamond Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Mens Watch

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Rolex is a registered trademark of Rolex USA. Prestige Time LLC is not an authorized dealer for Rolex and is in NO WAY affiliated with Rolex SA or Rolex USA. All Rolex watches sold by Prestige Time LLC are in UNWORN condition.

• Polished 18kt Everose gold case.
• Polished 18kt Everose gold Triplock screw-down crown.
• Polished 18kt Everose gold bi-directional rotating bezel with a ribbed edge for a sure grip.
• Matt black Cerachrom bezel insert with polished finished raised Arabic Numerals & graduating indexes.
• Pave diamond set dial.
• Applied polished Everose gold rimmed hour markers with luminescent fill.
• Polished 18kt Everose gold hands with luminescent fill.
• Date window displayed at the 3 o'clock position with a Cyclops magnifier.
• Rolex in-house Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing) caliber 3235, with Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring & high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. The movement beats at 28,800 vph, contains 31 jewels & has an approximate power reserve of 70 hours.

Alternate model # m126655-0005

Mens rolex 126655 pave diamond yacht-master 40mm watch.

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Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold m126655-0002

The Yacht-Master’s new Oysterflex bracelet, developed and patented by Rolex, offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets. The bracelet attaches to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade. The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is particularly resistant to environmental effects, very durable and perfectly inert for the wearer of the watch. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and fitted with an 18 ct Everose gold Oysterlock safety clasp. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed and patented by the brand. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm, without the use of tools.

To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold. Introduced in 2005, 18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex Oyster models in pink gold.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background. This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict Rolex production capacity and, at times, the demand for Rolex watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Jewelers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

R.F. Moeller Jeweler is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers and can provide information on the availability of Rolex watches.

Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that lightness is a quality to be taken seriously.

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• 126679SABR-0001 : Yacht-Master 40 White Gold - Diamond / Sapphire

Rolex - 126679SABR-0001 Yacht-Master 40 White Gold - Diamond / Sapphire

Rolex 126679SABR-0001 description

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126679SABR-0001 was introduced in 2022. This watch has a white gold case crowned by a rotating bezel set with diamonds and sapphires in tones of blue, silver and pink.

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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ultimate Buying Guide

First released at Baselworld 2019, the Yacht-Master 42 is the newest and largest addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master lineup. Historically, the Yacht Master collection has been the only Rolex sports model available in multiple sizes; however, until the release of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659, 40mm was the largest case size available. Despite the fact that the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 introduced a new and larger 42mm case to the collection, at the time of writing, the model is only offered in a single configuration: a 42mm white gold case fitted with a black dial, black ceramic bezel, and matching black Oysterflex bracelet.

At first glance, the Rolex Yacht Master 42 reference 226659 appears very similar to the 40mm Everose gold model that is also fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Both watches feature black dials, matte black ceramic bezels with raised polished numerals, black Oysterflex bracelets, and Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3235 movement. However, while the core design of the Yacht-Master 42 is shared with the other Oysterflex Yacht-Master watches, the larger case paired with its toned-down monochromatic color profile makes it immediately distinct, and these small changes come together to make the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 the perfect poster child for the modern Rolex brand.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

Yacht-Master 226659 Key Features:

– Reference Number: 226659

– Production Years: 2019 – Present

– Case Size: 42mm

– Materials: 18k White Gold

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds; Date Display

– Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Luminescence: Chromalight

– Bezel: Bidirectional, Black Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3235

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oysterflex Bracelet

– Clasp: Oysterlock Safety Clasp w/ Glidelock Extension System

– Approx. Price: $28,900 (Retail); $33,500 (Pre-Owned)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

The History of the Rolex Yacht Master 42

Compared to many of Rolex’s other lines of watches, the Yacht-Master is a fairly young collection, having only just joined the brand’s catalog in 1992. While Rolex originally built much of its reputation by producing tough-as-nails tool watches, the brand had already started to make its transition towards becoming an all-out luxury manufacturer by the 1980s, and the Yacht-Master was created as an unapologetically luxurious take on the brand’s classic sports watch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master largely follows the same overall design as the Submariner, but leans more towards the opulent and luxurious side of things, rather than being a purpose-built underwater timing tool. Both the Submariner and the Yacht-Master feature rotating timing bezels, but while the Submariner’s bezel rotates unidirectionally and features a luminous dot at the zero-marker, the Yacht-Master’s moves bi-directionally and omits the luminous dot in favor of an insert crafted from either solid gold, platinum, or black ceramic. Similarly, all Rolex Yacht-Master watches feature precious metals somewhere in their construction. Even the most humble models that are largely crafted from stainless steel feature solid platinum bezels, and while the bezel insert on the reference 226659 is built from black ceramic, the watch itself is crafted from solid 18k white gold.

Initially, the Rolex Yacht-Master was exclusively offered in solid yellow gold and with a 40mm case. However, over the years, the collection expanded to include other case sizes and materials including both two-tone and Rolesium (a combination of stainless steel and platinum) references. Both a 29mm Lady Yacht-Master and 35mm Midsize Yacht-Master were previously offered alongside the standard 40mm model, but these two smaller versions were ultimately discontinued in favor of the Midsize Yacht-Master 37.

With that in mind, Baselworld 2019 marked the arrival of both an all-new Yacht-Master size and a new material option for the collection. With the launch of the reference 226659, not only was the Rolex Yacht-Master now available with a 42mm case diameter for the first time in its history but it was also offered with a solid 18k white gold case – something that was previously not an option within the standard Yacht-Master collection. While the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 marked a major step forward for the collection, the new 42mm case size is exclusively available for the ref. 226659, and the watch is only available in one single configuration. Given that the Yacht-Master 42 has only been on the market for a couple of years, many collectors speculate that the solid 18k white gold ref. 226659 is just the first of many 42mm Rolex Yacht-Master watches.

Rolex Yacht Master 42 Defining Elements

For the most part, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is a larger, white gold version of the Everose Yacht-Master 40 that is also on an Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 226659 does possess a number of unique traits that make it immediately identifiable and separate it from all other Rolex watches.

42mm White Gold Case

Probably the single most defining feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is its 42mm case crafted from solid 18k white gold. Not only is this unique because the ref. 226659 is the only 42mm Yacht-Master model, but it also holds the distinction of being the only one that has ever been constructed from white gold. Over the course of the Yacht-Master’s history, it has been created in full 18k yellow gold, Yellow Rolesor (stainless steel and yellow gold), Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum), full 18k Everose gold, and Everose Rolesor (stainless steel and Everose gold). Additionally, there is even a version of the 44mm Yacht-Master II regatta timer that is built from white gold with a platinum bezel, but the reference 226659 is the only iteration of the classic Yacht-Master to be offered in full 18k white gold.

Black Cerachrom Bezel

Just like the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Rolex Yacht-Master models that are also fitted with Oysterflex bracelets, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 receives a bidirectional timing bezel with an insert that is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic material. The black ceramic insert is given a matte-sandblasted texture, with raised graduations that feature a high-polish finish for improved contrast. Despite having both a different case size and being made from different materials, the matte black ceramic insert on the Yacht-Master 42 instantly unites it with the rest of the Oysterflex bracelets Yacht-Master watches in Rolex’s portfolio.

Oysterflex Bracelet

The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is quite possibly the most over-engineered rubber strap in the world – however, to call it a “rubber strap” is a bit misleading. Rolex specifically refers to it as a bracelet within its catalog because the elastomer strap features a flexible metal core for optimum durability and longevity. Additionally, the underside of the strap features a comfort pad that elevates the strap slightly off the wrist, better distributing the weight of the watch and promoting airflow and breathability.

One of the more interesting details about how Rolex has chosen to structure its catalog is that the Oysterflex bracelet (seemingly the most sporty and least formal option) is exclusively equipped to the brand’s solid gold models. Whether fitted to a Daytona, Sky-Dweller, or Yacht-Master watch, all of the Oysterflex-equipped models are crafted from solid 18k gold (either yellow, white, or Everose). At the time of writing, the Oysterflex bracelet is only found on the full 18k Everose gold Yachtmaster 40 and Yacht-Master 37 watches, along with the 18k white gold Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex Caliber 3235 Movement

Despite being 2mm larger than the current Yacht-Master 40, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is powered by the exact same Caliber 3235 movement. Designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex, the Cal. 3235 represents the brand’s latest generation of date-displaying mechanical movements and can be found in a number of other date-displaying Rolex watches, including all-time classics like the Datejust and the Submariner.

The Caliber 3235 movement is based around Rolex’s new Chronergy escapement, which features a skeletonized structure for improved efficiency. When combined with Rolex’s proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring and a redesigned gear train and mainspring barrel, the Caliber 3235 offers users an increased power reserve of 70 hours, which represents a significant step up from the 48-hour reserve offered by its predecessor. Additionally, despite its improved efficiency, the Rolex Cal. 3235 movement adheres to the same incredibly stringent ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision standards, which permit a maximum timekeeping deviation of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Price and Availability

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 has only been around for a couple of years, so it is still in production and available for purchase from retailers and boutiques. However, as anyone who is familiar with Rolex watches will tell you, finding the model you want brand-new and available for immediate sale is virtually impossible and for many highly popular references, there is no way to buy a brand-new Rolex without spending a significant amount of time on a waiting list. As a result of this lack of availability on a retail level, many buyers turn to the secondary market, where they can add a Rolex Yachtmaster 42 ref. 226659 to their collections without the wait.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master 42?

As of 2021, the retail price for a brand-new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is $28,900, which represents a $1,600 premium compared to its 40mm Everose gold counterpart. However, due to the fact that the white gold Yacht-Master 42 cannot be purchased at a retail level without being on a waiting list, pre-owned prices exceed their brand-new values and you can expect to pay a premium of several thousand dollars if you wish to skip the line and add one to your collection today.

Where to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master 42

Since the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is still in production, you can technically still buy it brand-new from Rolex retailers and boutiques – just as long as you are willing to wait out the cue. A similar story exists for most of the popular modern Rolex models; however, compared to the steep premiums that many of the brand’s stainless steel sports watches trade hands for on the open market (which can frequently reach values in excess of 100% above their brand-new retail prices), the comparatively reasonable premium of a few thousand dollars to skip the line for a reference 226659 Yachtmaster 42 means that buyers often opt for a pre-owned example, where availability is immediate and guaranteed.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42: A Modern Luxury Sports Watch

Rolex may have originally built much of its legendary reputation by building tough and reliable sport and tool watches, but the brand’s days as a manufacturer of utilitarian timekeeping devices have long since passed. These days, Rolex is an all-out luxury brand and it is arguably the single most famous luxury label in the entire world. The thought of a military branch supplying its troops with Rolex Submariner watches has become almost comical given that countless people all around the globe are unable to buy a Submariner, despite being more than willing to pay full retail price for one. In fact, the Rolex Submariner is so in-demand that most people are willing to pay far more than the brand-new retail price, just to skip the multi-year waiting list and add one to their collections.

Despite Rolex’s transition towards becoming a luxury manufacturer, it has never stopped producing reliable and finely crafted sports watches. However, the nature of its sports watches has certainly evolved to take on a more luxury-oriented approach, just like the brand’s positioning within the greater watch market. Rolex was producing sports watches back in the 1950s and 1960s and although its products were always considered to be premium timepieces, they were hardly regarded as luxury items, let alone status symbols.

These days, Rolex sports watches are some of the most iconic and desirable luxury timepieces in existence, and wearing one has become a universally recognized symbol of success and personal accomplishment. As a result of the implicit connotations that they carry, modern Rolex sports watches need to do more than just be tough and reliable; they also need to offer a bit of flash and match the opulent and exclusive image of Rolex itself.

The Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand. Its monochromatic color profile paired with its matte black ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet makes the watch inherently casual and sporty, and at first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a humble stainless steel model. However, at its core, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is a $30k solid gold Rolex. Wearing a Rolex watch has become a universally recognized status symbol, but Rolex is not a brand known for making over-the-top, statement pieces. The white gold Yacht-Master 42 is the perfect statement piece for those that do not want to make a statement, and that is precisely why the reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in 18 ct white gold with a black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet.

The oysterflex bracelet, highly resistant and durable.

The Yacht-Master’s new Oysterflex bracelet, developed by Rolex and patented, offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets. The bracelet attaches to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade.

The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is particularly resistant to environmental effects, very durable and perfectly inert for the wearer of the watch. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and fitted with an 18 ct white gold Oysterlock safety clasp. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm, without the use of tools.

18 ct white gold

Commitment to excellence

By operating its own exclusive foundry, Rolex has the unrivalled ability to cast the highest quality 18 ct gold alloys. According to the proportion of silver, copper, platinum or palladium added, different types of 18 ct gold are obtained: yellow, pink or white.

They are made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, before the gold is formed and shaped with the same painstaking attention to quality. Rolex's commitment to excellence begins at the source.

Bidirectional Rotatable Bezel

Timing the distance.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.

This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Exceptional legibility

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   226659

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Oyster, 42 mm, white gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master 42

Contact an Official Rolex Retailer

Only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch. With the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment, they guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of your Rolex and help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

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