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List Of Rolex Watches Discontinued At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024 Including Every Yacht-Master II

As always, new Rolex releases bring the quiet discontinuation of Rolex watches, and Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024 is no different. Here’s a quick look at the watches Rolex discontinued from April 09, 2024.

Rolex Daytona Le Mans 126529LN

One of the most collectible and rare Rolex watches right from the moment when it was released in June 2023 , the Rolex Daytona “Le Mans” reference 126529LN was always destined to be unobtainable for the overwhelming majority of VIP customers of the brand. In a rather shocking development, Rolex drops it from its collection after less than a year, as the Rolex Daytona Le Mans was in production just from June 2023 until April 2024. Basically, it is a Daytona in 18k white gold with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a red “100” marker in honor of the centenary of Le Mans. In other words, the Rolex 126529LN was produced just for the centenary of this legendary race, and no longer. It is back in 18k yellow gold for 2024.

Rolex Datejust 36 126200 & 126233 With A Palm Dial & Fluted Dial

The Rolex Datejust 36 reference 126200 with so-called Palm dials and Fluted dials also got the axe for 2024. These laser-etched dials were beautifully made as they displayed depth and fascinating light-plays between their bright and dark surfaces. They well and truly were a tour de force of Rolex’s in-house manufacturing know-how, and are discontinued after just 3 years in production for the Rolex Datejust 36 Palm dials and Rolex Datejust 36 Fluted dials.

The Entire Rolex Yacht-Master II Collection

It is extremely rare for Rolex to drop an entire collection, and such a development is all the more surprising for a watch fitted with an expensively developed, fully bespoke movement. The Rolex Yacht-Master II is such a watch, as its Rolex 4161 caliber with its programmable countdown regatta chronograph operated through a crown, two pushers, and a Ring Command is as quirky as they could ever get not just in the world of Rolex, but in the world of luxury watchmaking in general. This is to say that we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Yacht-Master II or its 4161 caliber return at some point. The Yacht-Master II was updated a few years ago with the Rolex “Professional” style handset replacing the straight hands that debuted on the piece in 2007, but the collection was otherwise left largely untouched by Rolex, other than dropping the 18k white gold reference 116689 in 2022.

These are the most important and notable discontinuation news of Rolex watches for 2024. We will keep our eyes out for others that might have slipped through, but Rolex axing the laser-etched dials on the Datejust 36, dropping the Yacht-Master II collection in its entirety, and producing the Rolex Daytona “Le Mans” for such a brief period in the brand’s history is big news for 2024. You can learn more at the brand’s website.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Rolex Discontinues The Yacht-Master II

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INSIDE ROLEX

Discontinued Rolex Models At Watches & Wonders 2024

It finally happened! The doors have opened to the 2024 Watches & Wonders, with brands revealing their watch releases. Amidst all the newness, Rolex quietly swept its top models off the shelf, including the ‘Le Mans’ Daytona. This is BIG!

Rolex discontinuing watches every year has become a tradition that collectors and buyers eagerly await to witness. Here’s a quick look at the Rolex watches that will no longer be produced, as updated on 9th April 2024.

Discontinued Rolex Models 2024

1. rolex daytona ‘le mans’ ref. 126529ln.

Rolex rarely makes a special edition watch, so when it launched the Daytona ‘Le Mans’ in June 2023, it surprised almost everyone. The watch highlighted the 100th year of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (the famed enduring automotive race), and as destined, it became one of the most collectable and rare Rolex watches. After less than a year, Rolex dropped the stunning white gold Daytona ‘Le Mans’ Ref. 126529LN from its collection, making it the shortest production run of any Rolex..ever!

This Daytona in 18ct white gold commemorated the association with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel featuring a special ‘100’ indication in red and a movement finely tuned for the race’s full-day duration. The reverse panda dial reflected the watch’s connection to the exotic dials of the '60s. In other words, the Daytona Ref. 126529LN was produced to celebrate this legendary race, but now, as we see, it has been discontinued.

It’s just a matter of time till the prices for this special Daytona in white gold will skyrocket on the grey market.

2. Rolex Datejust 36 With A Palm Dial & Fluted Dial, Ref. 126200 & Ref. 126233

Funky and eccentric dials make frequent appearances within the Rolex collection. When you think of a little unusual Rolex dial, you think of Emoji dials, Celebration Bubbles, Palms, and so on. Sadly, the next Rolex models that got axed out in 2024 are the ones with Palm motif dials and Fluted motif dials. These two beautiful laser-etched dial types were introduced to the Datejust 36 catalogue in 2021 and loyal fans have wanted them for quite some time.

Both Ref. 126200, with a palm dial, and Ref. 126233, with a fluted dial, showcased the brand’s premium skill in crafting unconventional designs and were discontinued only after three years of production. If you have your mind set on one of these, you better snap it up before it disappears.

3. Entire Rolex Yacht-Master II Collection leaves the Catalogue

Launched in 2007, Rolex has neglected the Yacht-Master II lineup for a few years now, shifting its focus to the Yacht-Master I collection instead. A few years back, the Yacht-Master II received an upgrade, replacing the straight hands that came with the 2007 piece with the Rolex ‘Professional’ style handset.

As a matter of fact, most of us saw this coming. Even though it is extremely rare —the entire Yacht-Master II line has been dropped.

The watches came in a very large 44mm case with a functional dial layout. This nautical chronograph was developed specifically for yacht regattas and was the only chronograph with a mechanical memory. It featured a 1-10 minute countdown function that can synchronise on the fly. While the Rolex Yacht-Master II watch never became a smash hit like the other Rolex tool watches, it definitely etched its mark.

The models are available in various metals, including stainless steel, rose gold, and yellow gold. All are fitted with a stunning blue Cerachrom bezel, and a white gold model with a platinum bezel is also available. Will Rolex return with the Yacht-Master in the near future, or is the fun over?

Rolex continues to stir excitement in the horological world with its unprecedented moves. As of now, the brand has discontinued the Le Mans Daytona, the motif Datejust dials and the entire Yacht-Master II collection. However, that doesn’t guarantee that the Swiss watchmaking giant will not remove more from its catalogue.

The world of luxury watches is buzzing with speculation and anticipation about what’s in store in 2024. If Rolex discontinues any other model in 2024, we’ll keep you posted!

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Rolex Predictions 2024: Yacht-Master II Redesign or Discontinuation?

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is one of the most bewildering watches in The Crown’s catalog. From its niche functionality to its massive self-titled bezel inscription, the 44mm beast stands alone in both its mechanics and aesthetics. Its eccentricity is, at least in part, a product of its age; much like the Milgauss in 2023 , the Yacht-Master II is long overdue for an update or discontinuation. Since its 2007 release, the watch hasn’t seen any significant changes. Today I’d like to revisit the Yacht-Master II, discussing its quirks, potential for improvement, and likelihood for discontinuation.

What is the Yacht-Master II and Why Does it Exist?

Image Source: hodinkee.com

The Yacht-Master II features a “regatta chronograph” complication: a countdown timer set in one-minute increments up to ten. The timer’s intended use is to count down the minutes before the starting gun of a yacht race (also known as a regatta). However, the regatta chronograph can also count down the minutes before your next set at the gym, taking dinner out of the oven, or announcing to the room that you are, in fact, wearing a Yacht-Master II. The complication is set using a Ring Command Bezel: Rolex’s mechanically-integrated rotating bezel also seen on the Sky-Dweller . Without question, the Yacht-Master II is one of Rolex’s most complex watches, even today. Aside from its unique movement and functionality, the watch sets itself apart via its aesthetics.

Image Source: petitegeneve.com

There are no two ways around it – the Yacht-Master II is huge. At 44mm across, 14mm thick, and 50mm from lug tip to lug tip, this is the largest Rolex watch outside of the Deepsea collection. Within those dimensions, the Yacht-Master II exhibits a quirky layout like none other. The regatta chronograph’s readout is entirely redundant: numbers 1-10 are included on both the dial and bezel, taking up much of the watch’s visual real estate. Taking up even more of this real estate is the bezel’s large “YACHT-MASTER II” text: something I’m confident Rolex would never put on a watch today. With the exception of the platinum-bezeled white gold configuration (worn by Aaron B. of Bachelor Nation fame) , the Yacht-Master II is equipped with a bright blue ceramic bezel insert: a color that plays nicely with red accents atop a bright white dial.

How Can Rolex Improve The Yacht-Master II?

Image Source: md-watches.com

The Yacht-Master II was released during an interesting time in horology. The late 2000s and early 2010s mark the era of the oversized watch thanks to brands like Panerai and Hublot. The Yacht-Master II is certainly emblematic of this time. It’s safe to say that, in the eyes of modern consumers (beyond just enthusiasts, in my opinion), the Yacht-Master II could most easily be improved by a size reduction. The watch’s current caliber 4161 is no larger in diameter than its base caliber 4130 (the outgoing Daytona movement): just 30mm. In other words, the Yacht-Master II’s large size is not a result of its complex mechanics, it’s a design choice. If we see an updated Yacht-Master II, I’m confident that we’ll see it in a smaller case (even if just slightly), with a movement based on the new caliber 4131.

Another potential improvement for the Yacht-Master II would be an Oysterflex bracelet. Given the Oysterflex’s popularity and adoption in similar product lines (Yacht-Master, Sky-Dweller) , I suspect that Rolex would implement it in a potential future Yacht-Master II.

Will Rolex Discontinue Or Update The Yacht-Master II?

In last year’s round of predictions, I wrote “As far as the Yacht-Master II goes, discontinuation feels just as likely as an update” . The year before that, Everest predicted that the Yacht-Master II would be discontinued. I highlight past years not to double down or solidify any one position; nobody knows what Rolex will or won’t do and I’ll be the first to admit that. I highlight these past predictions to show that, for years now, the longevity of the Yacht-Master II line has been in question. While the watch holds plenty of potential for a redesign (I mean, just imagine a 40-42mm Yacht-Master II on Oysterflex), it could very well be discontinued like last year’s Milgauss. As with all “predictions”, only time will tell what Rolex actually chooses to do.

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Rolex Revamp 2024: Here’s What’s Discontinued

Do you happen to have a Rolex Yacht Master II or Datejust with Palm Motif on your hands? Chances are, if you want to capitalize on them, it might be a good time to sell, since Rolex has just announced it’s discontinuing these models

The most anticipated event on every watch enthusiast’s calendar – Watches and Wonders – brought with it, along with a plethora of new launches from both legacy and indie watchmakers (which you can read all about in our detailed report) , a sweeping discontinuation of certain timepieces. Rolex is one maison that, in line with the time-honored tradition, once again announced the models it will no longer manufacture.

Here’s an overview of all the discontinued Rolex models:

Discontinued Rolex Yacht-Master II Collection

Rolex Shakes Up Collection: Here Are All The Models Discontinued In 2024

In 1992, Rolex released the Yacht-Master, a watch that seemed to piggyback on the success of its first nautical-inspired timepiece, the Submariner. This new model boasted several changes, including a larger size of 39.5mm and an etched bezel insert permanently affixed to the bezel. The hands and markers were also increased in size, while the edges were smoothed and rounded for sturdiness and durability - qualities synonymous with all Rolex watches. The triple-lock crown ensured water resistance up to 330 feet. In 1994, two new editions were introduced – a mid-sized 35mm reference for the Asian market and a 29mm version for women. Five years later, Rolex elevated the Yacht-Master's design by introducing a stainless steel and platinum version at the Basel Fair.

Discontinued Rolex Datejust 36 with Palm Motif and Fluted Dials

The Rolex Palm Motif and Fluted Datejust collections, beloved by watch enthusiasts for their intricate laser-etched dials, have been discontinued. Some speculate that this decision may indicate a waning interest in such ornate timepieces, while others argue it is simply the end of an era for these iconic Rolex models. The former models were dubbed "The Jungle Datejust" for their metallic palm motifs in varying shades of green, creating an asymmetrical and captivating design. The variations of such designs were, of course, nearly endless – the Fluted and Palm dials came also in gold and silver colors with the latter also presented in stunning midnight blue. But with their discontinuation, we bid farewell to this defining era in Rolex's history and only hope for it to somehow resume in new and unexpected ways.

Discontinued Rolex Daytona Le Mans

When the highly-anticipated Rolex Daytona Le Mans was finally revealed in 2023, it was a momentous occasion. Not only was it a rare special edition from the Swiss powerhouse, but it also commemorated the brand's partnership with the legendary endurance race. However, just months after its release, Rolex decided to discontinue the white gold version. Perhaps it was because the watch was created to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Le Mans, which had now passed in 2024. But this unexpected move has left collectors scrambling for the coveted timepiece, and prices on the gray market are sure to skyrocket. To add even more intrigue, Rolex has announced a new yellow-gold version in its place.

Discontinued Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea

Many of us have caught the yellow gold Deepsea at Watches & Wonders 2024 , which signaled a significant change within their renowned Sea-Dweller collection. The highly-desirable Deepsea will now stand on its own as a distinguished collection, with all previous models bearing the "SEA-DWELLER" name being discontinued. Although the reference number for the stainless steel Deepsea ref. 136660 remains unchanged, all dials released after 2024 will only feature the bold "DEEPSEA" inscription, including the classic black dial and the striking James Cameron blue-to-black gradient. A defining move for Rolex's future in watchmaking.

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A NEW DECADE FOR ROLEX WATCHES: THE DISCONTINUED AND THE NEWCOMERS

How the year 2020 turned out to be one heck of a year for everybody remains amazing. In a lot of ways, we all felt the effects of the dramatic turns and challenges of that year. Interestingly, the global pandemic seems to be one surefire catalyst for change especially for the Rolex brand. It was a new decade for Rolex watches.

For Rolex, this new decade for Rolex watches witnessed both the discontinued watches and the newcomers. The brand introduced completely modern watch designs. The kind we never anticipated from them.

Even though these times were clearly unusual times, Rolex discontinued pieces were not entirely unusual. Rolex has discontinued timepieces nearly every year. The brand sometimes does this boldly and to the huge displeasure of watch lovers. While in other situations, specific models just subtly leave the scene. For these ones, we often don’t even realize they are gone.

A New Decade For Rolex Watches: The Discontinued

Over time, this strategy helped the brand greatly for over a century. Presently, even as they do not bother about our needs, they are still slightly predictable. Actually, that is if you take the time to pay the slightest attention and how much experience you have.

At least, there are three Rolex timepieces that became or will become discontinued versions in 2021. This is first an “insider” perception. Then it combines with recalling tiny details on the Rolex website. This details might be:

The timepiece which images the brand choose as featured images
The timepieces they show often on Instagram

These are not all. There are other clever tiny details. All these serve as pointers from which you can be sure what the brand is up to. For now, check out these three discontinued timepieces.

The Departure Of Leather Strap Options

Presently, you can no longer find alligator or leather strap options on any of these Rolex watches.

The Sky-Dweller
The Day-Dates
The DateJust

In clear fact, there are no leather strap options at all for any Rolex timepiece except from the Rolex Cellini.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm In Steel

Rolex enthusiasts had the hunch that the Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm in Oyster Steel will become a discontinued piece in 2021. At that point, it felt random. Yet, it still made a lot of sense when you consider it very closely.

To begin with, in 2019, the Yacht-Master in Steel got itself a new movement, the caliber 3235. Yet, surprisingly this isn’t even spoken of at the 2019 Baselworld fair. Plus, there was very limited press attention, promotion or acknowledgement of that addition. Enough to say that the timepiece would be a discontinued piece. Now, the new decade of Rolex watches just affirmed that suspicion.

More so, the price tag of $12,000 is just unusual. For instance, try comparing the ref. 116610LN Submariner Date and the ref. 126622 Yacht-Master 40. You will discover several resemblances. The only difference is in the price which comes in at about $3,000-$4,000 more than the Submariner date.

This will leave buyers wondering what earns the Yacht-Master a higher cost that much than the Submariner. Well, the Yacht-Master might offer some platinum which provides it that status of luxury. And, it is in some ways narrowly more of a dress watch than the Submariner. Regardless, what makes it worth that additional $3,000-$4,000 is very debatable.

We believe that with this new decade for Rolex watches, the brand has a plan for this timepiece. For us, that plan might be to boost the Yacht-Master again to its initial status of luxury. That way, the emphasis will be on making the most of extra precious metals. The brand will also wish to continue with the larger, yacht-sized case measurements. Certainly, that will be worth a higher price.

The Candy-Colored Oyster Perpetual Line

Before we proceed, take a moment to consider this. Is there any justification for Rolex to discontinue something that is brand-new? Why would the brand discontinue a greatly flourishing timepiece?

Well, these reasons only point to the fact that Rolex doesn’t care about these sorts of considerations.

For the Oyster Perpetual candy-colored collection as a discontinued timepiece, we saw certain signals. First off, the brilliant colors are truly lovely. Yet, they are not just on brand with Rolex. Well, these timepieces scream “limited edition” all through.

And for Rolex, this is something the brand loves to do without ever dubbing it outright as a “limited edition.” The Rolex brand prefers having their timepieces in high demand with extensive wait lists. That is one way to keep the passion and desire thriving. Truly, imagine this case where everyone could get one of these timepieces. Then, nobody would still want one.

Furthermore, there is another pointer to this discontinued timepiece. That is their advertising. As soon as the Oyster Perpetual line got released, Rolex barely advertised these bright colors. The brand did not even recognize their presence.

Rolex had an intense emphasis on the Champagne, Silver dials as well as the black dials. However, they virtually never exhibited the colorful dials even with its vast popularity.

Again, we understand that Rolex doesn’t bother about the popularity of any timepiece at all. The brand retains the focus on quality watches to make watch lovers tell the time grandly.

A New Decade For Rolex Watches: The Newcomers

The biggest of these newcomers is the strong and efficient new Oyster Perpetual collection.

The colorful candy colors nearly seem unlike the trend you expect from Rolex. We can draw an analogy with when the queen of England dons a neon yellow outfit. Then, she stands against the background of the historically rooted and very grand and neutral painted Royal Palace.

Then, the question came to the queen as to why she always rocks these bright colors. In her defence, she stated that she wishes and needs to be recognized by the general public. Whenever she finds herself in that sea of thousands of spectators, she wants everyone there to say, “I saw the Queen!”

Maybe Rolex has this same feeling. For them, they know it is a sea of several incredible timepieces. And in that sea of watches, they wish to stand out and be a distinguished brand. And similar to what the Queen has, Rolex will enjoy that privilege. After all, Rolex is also a royalty in the world of wristwatches.

Their royalty is no doubt. Remember that this watchmaking brand carries the tag of “The Crown.” The Rolex brand really makes that audacious move with their recent OP collection.

Consider this well-known quote from the Queen. She says, “I have to be seen to be believed.” Compare this with the new OP collection. There is no difference at all.

Moreover, these new Rolex watches are tougher to get compared to the Submariners. As expected, the waitlists are even longer than the rest. Presently, this is the most distinguished and highly sought-after Rolex collection available out there. For watch lovers that do have these timepieces, they explain that you have to see these watches to believe the real color of their dials.

The Rolex Newcomers: The Oyster Perpetual Collection Varieties

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection now comes in a vast assortment of 9 varied dial colorations. In addition, it varies in sizes. There is a delicate 28mm and more others up to a huge 41mm size.

However, there is the fact that the ever-famous 39mm size is no longer a part of the collection. As a result, Rolex timepieces in that size are much more costly when you want to get them on the second-hand market.

Dial Colors

The dial color options presented by this stainless steel watch include:

Yellow which is more mustard-like
A kelly green
Bright navy blue
Turquoise blue
A double shade of pink which includes a regular pink and candy pink.

For more conservative watch lovers, a classic silver or champagne, and black will be perfect. When you rock this timepiece at night, it lights up the whole place. This is thanks to Rolex’s brilliant blue Chromalight lume. This lume comes together with the hands and hour markers on the dial.

Moreover, we recently discovered a fun fact that the stainless steel bracelet on the latest Oyster Perpetual 41. The timepiece appears to have the exact bracelet connection the Datejust 41 features. In a way, this is a cool discovery. It probably suggests that the bracelets are switchable. Simply ensure you make use of the right tool kit.

When you check on Instagram, you will see a few persons sporting this timepiece on a jubilee bracelet. With the jubilee bracelet, the watch seems even more fierce and flamboyant.

The double-indices featured on varieties of this timepiece appear at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers. These indices are essential aspects of this structure as well. It is interesting to note that there is only one size made without a double indice. This size is the 34mm size featured in the Ref 124200.

This variation is available in just 4 colors. They are:

Dark blue.

Furthermore, this iteration again features sneaky tiny roman figures where the other iterations have none. Why did Rolex make the dial on this size a tad different than the rest? We cannot say at this point. Yet, it is a noticeable difference.

Conclusively, it is crucial to point out that you cannot get all the colors in every size. You can only get all the 9 colors with the 31mm size.

Alongside this new introduction, Rolex again launched a new in-house movement. This is the Calibre 3230 which comes in the 36 and 41mm varieties of this timepiece. This movement is the same ever-remarkable movement that is present in the recent 41mm Submariner time-only wristwatch.

The timepiece features a patented chronergy escapement. This is an automatic and self-winding movement as well. In addition, it comes suited with a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. This movement is better absorbent to shock. This is thanks to its built in Paraflex shock absorbers. More so, the timepiece parades a wonderful 70 hour power reserve.

Alt-Image: Rolex discontinued and newcomers

Likewise, the smaller versions of the timepiece comprise an outstanding movement in the Caliber 2232. Hence, the biggest distinction is a Syloxi hairspring rather than a Parachrom. All the Oyster Perpetual timepieces are water resistant to as far as 330 feet.

Considering the price point it comes in, it is between $5,100 to $5,900. We can say then that the timepieces are entry level pricing for Rolex. Hence, they are more affordable compared to some of the other timepieces in the line.

For Rolex as a watchmaker, it is beyond producing timepieces for sale. This is one message the brand continues to express with their products. Year after year, the brand keeps introducing fresh timepieces and takes out the ones deemed to be irrelevant.

It is a new decade for Rolex watches. And with a new decade for Rolex watches comes a number of discontinued timepieces. A new decade for Rolex watches likewise brings along with it newcomers.

We introduced a major one amongst the newcomers. In addition, we provided details on the discontinued timepieces and features.

All of these details get you furnished with enough knowledge of the Rolex watchmaking brand. Why did Rolex create a new Oyster Perpetual line? Why did the brand get rid of most of its leather strap options? Why is the Yachtmaster 41 model discontinued? All of these follow a new decade for Rolex watches.

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New Rolex Watches for 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Major releases and bold moves take the watch world by surprise.

By Zen Love

If you thought Rolex was conservative, think again. With this year’s releases, unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva , the brand resoundingly rebuffed its reserved reputation. It introduced major new products that broke with the codes we’ve come to expect from the brand — thrusting into 2023 with new materials, movements and colorways. Catch up on the most important announcements below.

This story covers watches that Rolex either launched or discontinued in 2023. For a full breakdown of the all the Rolex watches still in production, read our other guide , updated for 2023.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the titanium Rolex we were waiting for

The new Yacht-Master 42 is a big deal: it’s not the first serially produced Rolex watch in full titanium but it’s the first one meant for the masses — that is, that’s sized to be wearable as an everyday watch rather than affordable or necessarily easy to actually buy.

Monochromatic like a Submariner and on a full titanium bracelet, it also makes the Yacht-Master collection feel more like the true, purpose-built sport watches for which Rolex is most loved. Now that the brand has broken the seal on titanium, other favorites could be in the pipeline, too.

The Perpetual 1908 is a completely new line (replacing the Cellini)

The Cellini is dead; long live the Cellini. Seemingly in its place is a new, much simpler collection called Perpetual 1908. That’s right, an entirely new Rolex collection — and yet, it’s clearly replacing the Cellini with a very similar case and bezel.

Its dial is simple with a seconds subdial at 9 o’clock recalling some the brand’s earliest models, and its movement is completely new — and visible through a display caseback, another departure for the brand. It has an observatory or Breguet-style hour hand, a 39mm case and only comes in precious metals with a couple different dial options. This is now easily Rolex’s dressiest watch.

The Daytona got redesigned details and a new movement

The Daytona is one of the most hyped watches in the world, and it turns 60 this year. Something special to mark the occasion was expected, and that turned out to be some subtle but substantive tweaks. The new generation has a completely new movement, the first time the brand has updated the Daytona’s movement since it went in-house in 2000.

At first glance, it looks the same as the outgoing generation, but on closer inspection you’ll see some differences. The case is still 40mm but has updated details, and the dial has a “new graphic balance.” Like the new 1908 watch, the platinum version features a display caseback. And, yes, there are also new steel versions with black and white dials.

The Explorer now also comes in a 40mm version

First it was 36mm, then it was 39mm, then it was 36mm again — and now it’s 40mm. The 36mm version introduced only two years ago isn’t going away, but the new watch is simply adding more options.

Based on Rolex’s teaser video , we thought we might be getting an entirely new case design or might even come in titanium, but this really is the familiar Explorer in Oystersteel in a slightly bigger case. We’re okay with that.

The new GMT Master II introduces a completely new bezel color combo

The GMT Master II now comes with a new bezel combo of black and gray. This kind of thing might be Rolex’s big release in a typical year, but the brand has really gone all out for 2023.

The new GMT Master II references only come in two-tone (“Rolesor,” or a steel-and-gold combo) and full yellow gold. Many GMT Master II watches get nicknames based on their bicolor bezels; for this one, we humbly suggest “Dark Knight.”

The Sky-Dweller got a movement upgrade

The Sky-Dweller got some new variants and a movement upgrade with the Calibre 9002 (featuring minor updates from the 9001). That’s it; nothing major for this line, but we do like the way it looks with a green dial in Rolesor Oystersteel and white gold, as shown above.

Wild Dials on Day-Dates and Oyster Perpetuals

Rolex often includes a few exotic dials in the mix of its releases. This time the brand got a bit artistic with some of very colorful executions in the Oyster Perpetual and Day-Date families with dials executed in lacquer. The colorful circles on the dial, which Rolex calls “bubbles,” can be found on versions of the Oyster Perpetual in 31mm, 36mm and 41mm models. The Day-Date got a similar treatment but with puzzle pieces instead of bubbles and goes a step further in playfulness incorporating emojis into the date display (like hearts) and positive words (“Happy,” “Eternity,” “Gratitude,” “Peace,” “Faith,” “Love” and “Hope”) instead of the day of the week.

Cellini, Yacht-Master II and Milgauss are discontinued

Rolex giveth and Rolex taketh away. You don’t need to shed a tear for these long neglected and somewhat overshadowed collections. They’re gone for now, but that just leaves room for the possibility that they’ll return in the future with the likes of new generations. Well, that seems like a possibility for the Milgauss, anyway; the Cellini seems to have its replacement in the 1908, as mentioned above. As for the Yacht-Master II… who knows? A watch being discontinued can even lead to a boost in interest for it, after all.

multiple rolex watches on blurred green background

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

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 White Gold Oysterflex Bracelet 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.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Oysterflex White Gold 226659

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 226659 White Gold 42mm Oysterflex

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.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Oysterflex 42mm White Gold 226659

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 Oysterflex Bracelet White Gold Reference 226659

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 18k White Gold Oysterflex 226659

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.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 42mm 226659 Oysterflex White Gold

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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The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

Instagram: @rolex

In the year 1992, Swiss watchmaker Rolex would debut a new model line at the Baselworld show that was strikingly similar to the already-popular Submariner. It featured the same 40mm Oyster case with a rotating bezel, the same chronometer-certified caliber, and the same Oyster bracelet.

Seemingly the only difference between the two was the white dial of that first Yacht-Master, a style which has never been an option on a Sub, and the inferior depth rating of 100m when compared to the Sub’s 300m.

Yet, the Yacht-Master was well-received upon launch, and with the passing of time, the yachting-inspired model has evolved and pioneered its own path within Rolex’s catalog.

Read on with us as we go back to the beginning and track the catalysts that paved the way for the most recent Yacht-Master release, the Yacht-Master 42 (226659), to become one of the hottest sports timepieces of the year.

History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

We’ve broken down our overview of the Yacht-Master into the following segments:

Release Of The Yacht-Master

The Submariner/Yacht-Master Theory

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master
Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The Maxi Dial Yacht-Master

Two-Tone Rolesor Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master II

Six-Digit Yacht-Master

The Oysterflex Yacht-Master

Keep scrolling to read this guide from its beginning, or use the links above to jump down to a specific point.

Browse Bob’s Watches Rolex Catalogue

The Release Of The Yacht-Master

The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.

Rolex ref. 16628. Instagram: @m_j_watches

Previous to the Yacht-Master’s introduction, Rolex had not released a new model line in a quarter century. So, why did they go with the Yacht-Master, a design that risked being a detractor from their existing Submariner? Let’s take a look at the inspiration.

The sport of yachting is one which demands precise timing and extreme coordination of the entire crew for optimal performance, particularly in offshore competitions.

Vintage Rolex Daytona Yacht-Master Prototype

Prototype Daytona Yacht-Master ref. 6239. Image: Christies.com

Rolex believed their waterproof and chronometer-grade timepieces to be more than qualified to handle the knocks of a regatta and keep ticking accurately. The brand is also notorious for their marketing prowess, which led them to act quickly in establishing an association with the sport.

Beginning in 1958 with their first sponsorship of a race, the relationship has endured until today, when the brand sponsors over a dozen international yachting events.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that there exists a large gap between first contact in 1958 and the release of the yacht-inspired timepiece in the early ’90s. Why wasn’t the Yacht-Master released earlier on?

Well, Rolex played around with the idea of yachting chronograph early on, though it never materialized. All that’s left of these trials are an extremely limited number of Daytona ref. 6239 chronograph prototypes with a 39mm case (vs standard 36mm) and modified regatta dials.

Unfortunately, the Yacht-Master concept was scrapped and would not reappear until decades later.

When it did return, none of the previous Yacht-Master’s DNA was there. Furthermore, the 1992 Yacht-Master was bizarrely similar to the 16610 Sub of the time.

Interestingly enough, Rolex folklore tells of a time in the ’80s when the brand sought to update their Submariner . What resulted was less of an update and more of an overhaul, manifested as what we know now as the first Yacht-Master.

Apprehensive of the repercussions that making such aggressive design changes to their staple offering could bring, the brand chose instead to release the watch intended to be a new Submariner as the reborn Yacht-Master instead.

The move worked, and the new Yacht-Masters started flying off the shelves. The Yacht-Master was perceived as a more luxurious Sub, though its bidirectional bezel proved useful for on-the-fly countdowns which are critical in sailing competitions. The waterproof nature of the Oyster case further cemented the Yacht-Master as the ideal first mate.

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master

In 1994, just two years after the debut of the 16628, Rolex would introduce the same design but in smaller case sizes. These were:

Ref. 68628: Yacht-Master “Mid-Size” in 35mm
Ref. 69628: Yacht-Master Ladies’ in 29mm

This marked the first time that Rolex ever offered one of their sports models in a smaller case size; all previous instances of case size changes were increases as opposed to reductions. It has been speculated that the smaller cases were intended for the Asian market.

Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Instagram: @thewatchcentre

In the same year, Rolex also offered the same 16628 but this time with a deep blue dial. Blue dials tend to make for broadly-liked watches, and coupled with the gold case and bracelet, the new version was once again a hit.

The Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The next update to the model line would come in 1999 with yet another home-run: the Rolesium Yacht-Master. The new watch featured a stainless steel case and bracelet with a platinum dial and platinum-insert bezel. Rolesium, a term registered by Rolex back in the ’30s for a combination of steel and platinum in a watch, was finally put to use.

The new platinum Yacht-Master ref. 16622 was not only more accessible than the previous all-gold varieties, it was also more versatile. This would lead the 16622 variety to become the face of the Yacht-Master line.

In fact, many online resources erroneously label it the first Yacht-Master ever; this should offer an idea of how emblematic it is in the watch industry.

The 16622 also presented a new dial and hand style that would mark Rolex as a whole through to the modern day. The new Yacht-Master boasted what is now recognized as the “maxi dial”.

Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16628

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628 w/ maxi dial. Instagram: @kellokonttori

The maxi dial is characterized by oversized hour indices as well as larger hands at center. To the untrained eye, the difference may be difficult to spot, though experienced collectors will note the change instantly.

The maxi dial became the style of choice for all modern Rolex sports watches, though it got its start in the 1999 platinum Yacht-Master. A Submariner would first feature a maxi dial in 2003, with the release of the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner “Kermit” (16610LV).

All versions of the Yacht-Master produced after the introduction of the maxi dial would also feature the new dial design. This included the blue, gold, and white dial versions from years past.

The Two-Tone (Rolesor) Yacht-Master

Six years after the Rolesium Yacht-Master came to be, Rolex would once more put on display their mixed-metal Rolesor style in the two-tone Yacht-Master 16623.

Two-Tone Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16823

Yacht-Master ref. 16623. Instagram: @v.davidofftimepieces

The 2005 debuts possessed a 40mm steel case, a yellow gold bidirectional bezel, and a two-tone Oyster bracelet. As far as dials, many of the previous styles were also available like the black-on-white, though mother of pearl version were also introduced.

It was during Baselworld 2007 when Rolex would introduce the Yacht-Master’s younger and much larger sibling, the Yacht-Master II. Whereas the original Yacht-Master was very close functionally to the Sub, the Yacht-Master II was completely the opposite.

It can be said that the only overlap between the YM and the YMII is be the name, as the second iteration looks like a whole new watch. This time, though, it’s clear that the watch has been designed with the needs of yachting professionals in mind.

The first Yacht-Master II were marked by a 44mm Oyster case, an Oyster bracelet, a white dial, and a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) Ring Command bezel. The first two references, 116688 and 116689, were made of yellow gold and white gold, respectively.

Powering the YMII was another innovation – Rolex’s in-house calibre 4161. It features the COSC-chronometer certification and 72-hour power reserve that are today’s standard, though they were industry-leading at the time. Most notable, though, was the 4161 movement’s functions.

The new caliber boasted a “ programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. ” Naturally, the programming of the movement required the use of the Ring Command bezel, a feature which had also never been encountered on a Rolex watch before.

In later years, Rolex would go on to release Rolesor and full-steel versions of the Yacht-Master II, both of which have been relatively successful. The Yacht-Master II has certainly earned a spot in the brand’s catalog, and is sure to stick around for next couple of decades.

The Six-Digit Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master 116622

Twenty years after it debuted as the 16628, the Yacht-Master would see in 2012 the modernization that had been sweeping Rolex’s other model families.

Aside from receiving a new six-digit reference number (116622), subtle aesthetic changes were also present, as was an outstanding new dial option – the Cobalt Blue dial.

The case was now a “super case”, which retained the 40mm diameter but was styled differently. The bezel was now completely platinum, where previous versions were made of steel with a platinum insert. The Oyster bracelet had likewise been upgraded.

A platinum bezel / platinum dial option was still part of the collection and therefore received the same upgrades. Unfortunately, this iconic “albino” look would be completely discontinued in 2017.

The subsequent and most recent significant change to the Yacht-Master family took place in 2015, when Rolex first introduced the Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655.

Rolex Everose Yacht-Master on Oysterflex bracelet

The newest iteration of the YM possessed some new features. The case was made of Everose, and the bezel now boasted a black Cerachrom insert. Securing the watch to the wrist was another Rolex first – the Oysterflex rubber ‘bracelet’.

Before the 116655, no Rolex watch had ever sported a rubber band. The brand still refers to it as a bracelet given the metal elements within the band, but these are not obvious even with the watch in the hand.

This same style of Yacht-Master would receive the next update in 2019, when Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in white gold.

What’s Next?

With the recent changes that the Yacht-Master line has had, it is clear that Rolex intends to keep this model family alive and well for years to come. Consumers are likewise responding to each new release, offering plenty of feedback with their pocketbooks.

If you’d like to read up on any of Rolex’s other model families, make sure to check out some of our extensive watch guides below:

History Of The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Overview Of The Most Luxurious Pilot’s Watch: The GMT-Master
How Did The Day-Date Become The President’s Watch?
Review Of Rolex’s Longest Running Watch Model
Rolex Watches That Could Become The Investment Of A Lifetime

"I have always been a fan of the Yacht-Master, but I had no idea that it didn't exist until the 1990s. Thanks for the information, and thanks for keeping it entertaining. Well done!"

Watch Content

History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master

More luxurious than the Submariner, sportier than the Datejust, and simpler than the GMT-Master, the Rolex Yacht-Master is the brand’s nautical-inspired luxury sports watch. The Yacht-Master is also one of the younger Rolex watch collections having first made its debut in the 1990s. Join us as we dive into the history and evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Yellow Gold Yacht-Master 16628

While Rolex had been a longtime supporter of sailing and experimented with a Yacht-Master dial prototype in the 1960s, it was not until the 1990s that the Crown unveiled a watch officially dedicated to nautical lifestyle. The first model to kick off the YM collection was the Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Crafted almost entirely in 18k yellow gold, it was clear from the onset that Rolex was positioning the Yacht-Master as a sports watch with plenty of style and flair. In fact, at a quick glance, the Yacht-Master and the Submariner share quite a few design traits.

Yacht-Master 16628 with mother-of-pearl dial

The Yacht-Master ref. 16628 features a 40mm Oyster case topped with a bi-directional rotating timing bezel marked to 60 minutes. The Yacht-Master dial is similar to other Rolex Oyster Professional watches with the familiar Mercedes-style center hands, in addition to the mix of round, rectangular and triangular hour markers. To emphasize the opulent nature of the watch, Rolex also offered dial versions with ruby-set hour markers, sapphire-set hour markers, and black onyx-set hour markers. The Yacht-Master includes a date window at 3 o’clock along with the customary Cyclops magnification lens above it, affixed to the exterior of the sapphire crystal.

Rolex opted to fit the Yacht-Master with an Oyster bracelet and like all its automatic date/time models of the era, the watch ran on Caliber 3135. Rolex continued to produce the Yacht-Master 16628 until around 2011 and never replaced it with another full yellow gold Yacht-Master after that.

The ladies’ yellow gold Yacht-Master ref. 69628 with a 29mm case and the midsize yellow gold Yacht-Master ref. 68628 with a 35mm case joined the collection in 1994.

The Rolesium Yacht-Master 16622

In 1999, Rolex introduced a brand new version of the Yacht-Master in a metal combination the brand calls Rolesium. While Rolesor is Rolex’s term for combining gold and steel on a watch, Rolesium is the brand’s name for using platinum and steel together on a watch. The Yacht-Master was the first (and remains the only) Rolex Rolesium model.

On top of the Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 16622 ‘s 40mm steel case is a platinum bezel with high polished raised numerals on a sandblasted background. What’s more, the platinum dial also features a sandblasted finish, along with pops of red on the seconds hand and the YACHT-MASTER label.

The Oyster bracelet is fashioned from stainless steel but also combines a mix of finishes with high-polished center links flanked by brushed center links. Therefore, while the Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 16622 is monochromatic due to its use of white metals, there is plenty of textural interest thanks to the range of surface finishes.

Rolex also made the Rolesium Yacht-Master with a ladies’ 29mm size (ref. 69622 then ref. 169622 ) and a midsize 35mm size (ref. 68622 then ref. 168622).

In 2012, Rolex replaced Yacht-Master ref. 16622 with the Yacht-Master ref. 116622 , which features an upgraded clasp with the Eaasylink extension system and the blue Chromalight lume instead of the green lume.

Yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623

The Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 16623 in a two-tone colorway mixing yellow gold and stainless steel joined the lineup in 2005.

Interestingly, Rolex already made yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master models but in smaller sizes. The two-tone midsize 35mm Yacht-Master ref. 68623 and two-tone ladies’ 29mm Yacht-Master ref. 69623 were released in 1995 and later replaced by the upgraded 168623 and 169623 references, respectively, in the early 2000s.

The Yacht-Master 16623, however, was the first two-tone version in the men’s 40mm size. The 40mm stainless steel case includes an 18k yellow gold bezel, complete with raised numerals in a high polished finish. Furthermore, the two-tone Oyster bracelet of the Yacht-Master 16623 features yellow gold center links flanked by two rows of stainless steel

Rolex eventually discontinued the yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623 in 2016 to make way for another type of two-tone YM, which we will discuss shortly below.

Everose Gold Yacht-Master 116655

In 2015, Rolex released the Yacht-Master 116655, which was not only the first Yacht-Master crafted from Everose gold (Rolex’s patented rose gold alloy) but also the very first Rolex fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. The Oysterflex bracelet is Rolex’s approach to a black rubber strap, comprised of a metal titanium nickel alloy blade covered in a black elastomer coating.

Everose Gold Yacht-Master models introduced at Baselworld 2015

Additionally, the Everose gold Yacht-Master 116655 includes a black Cerachrom (Rolex’s proprietary ceramic alloy) bezel–another first for the collection. Matching the black bracelet and black bezel of the Yacht-Master ref. 116655 is the black dial, punctuated with rose gold surrounds framing the lume plots and rose gold Mercedes-style hands.

That same year, Rolex also introduced the Everose gold and black Oysterflex Yacht-Master ref. 268655 with a smaller 37mm case size. This new case size effectively replaced the previous ladies and midsize versions of the Yacht-Master as Rolex has now stopped making the 35mm and 29mm editions.

Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master 116621

As previously mentioned, Rolex discontinued the yellow gold and stainless steel Yacht-Master model. However, taking the place of that two-tone version is the new Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 116621 , which combines rose gold and steel, presented in 2016.

The 40mm stainless steel case of the Yacht-Master ref. 116621 includes a rotating bezel in 18k Everose gold. And like previous versions, the raised numerals on the bezel are high-polished, providing a contrast to the sandblasted background.

In true Rolex two-tone fashion, the Oyster bracelet of the Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 116621 includes rose gold center links in between the exterior steel links. The bracelet also comes with the practical Easylink adjustment system on the clasp.

Yacht-Master With Caliber 3235

Just this year at Baselworld 2019 , Rolex unveiled a new batch of Yacht-Master 40 references, all fitted with the new-generation Caliber 3235 automatic movement with an increased power reserve of 72 hours. There’s the Everose gold and Oysterflex Yacht-Master ref. 126655, the steel and platinum Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 126622, and the Everose gold and steel Rolesor Yacht-Master ref. 126621.

With these new releases, all previous 40mm Yacht-Master ref. 1166xx references are now discontinued.

White Gold Yacht-Master 42 226659

The big news that came out of the Rolex pavilion at Baselworld 2019 was the launch of the Yacht-Master ref. 226659. With its new 42mm case size, this is the biggest Yacht-Master to date and the first to be made in white gold.

Similar to its Everose gold sibling, Rolex fitted white gold Yacht-Master 226659 with a black Cerachrom bezel, a black Oysterflex bracelet, and a black dial. Under the solid white gold caseback is also the automatic Caliber 3255 movement.

While the Rolex Yacht-Master has been around for less than three decades, it’s clear that this has been an active part of the company’s catalog. The history and evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master have paved the way for a bevy of sizes, metals, and styles to choose among current-production and pre-owned Yacht-Master models . This is the perfect watch model if you’re looking for a sporty Rolex with some serious flair.

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The Rolex watches that will be discontinued in 2024

Yes, you've read it correctly. this is a confirmed list of watches set to be discontinued from the rolex watch catalogue in april 2024. how do we know this well-kept secret we've been in touch with various authorised dealers from different brands and have collated consistent information across all of them. with a 99% degree of certainty, we can say that the following watches will be discontinued at the upcoming watches and wonders event., yacht-master ii.

All watches from the Yacht Master II collection will be discontinued, encompassing all variations in steel, Rolesor, and full gold pieces. While this news may not surprise many Rolex collectors, it deals a significant blow to the Yacht Master line, which first debuted in 2007 . The decision to discontinue stems from the Yacht Master II’s sales performance falling short of its smaller siblings, the Yacht Master and GMT Master. While we might see some fluctuations in its price, its lack of popularity suggests limited potential for a resurgence.

Datejust Motif Dials:

Another notable discontinuation is the Rolex Datejust Motif dials, known for their rarity and difficulty to acquire. As of April 2024, all variations of the motif dials found on steel and Rolesor models in 36mm and 41mm sizes will cease production. Among the most sought-after were the green palm 36mm Datejust and the green & blue motif Datejust 41. Expect these watches to appreciate in value, potentially by around 10% over current secondary prices.

Oyster Perpetuals – Coloured Dials

A significant blow to new and upcoming Rolex collectors is the discontinuation of the Oyster Perpetual coloured dials introduced in 2020 . When these dials debuted, they enjoyed immense popularity, with most fetching a substantial premium, especially in the larger case sizes. With news of their discontinuation, these relatively affordable pieces are poised to skyrocket in value, with an estimated 30% increase over current premiums.

So what is coming up next from Rolex?

Given the prominence of these discontinued models, one can reasonably expect Rolex to introduce replacement models. Stay tuned for our next article – The New Rolex Model for 2024 – Name Revealed! for further insights.

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.css-1obzumv{font-weight:700;font-size:clamp(1.875rem, 1.25rem + 1.5625vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:1.1;}.css-1obzumv:lang(th){line-height:1.5;} Yacht-Master 42 .css-18uwo57{font-size:clamp(1.125rem, 1.0625rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.6;font-weight:300;line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-18uwo57 span{display:block;} Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium Reference 226627

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium with an intense black dial and an Oyster bracelet.

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.

Intense black dial

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.

RLX titanium

Ultralight resistance

RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy specially selected by Rolex. Like all titanium alloys, it is especially lightweight and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

Another characteristic of RLX titanium is the possibility of working it to give a polished or satin finish according to the brand’s specifications. Its high mechanical strength makes it complex to work with, and the decision to use it has required the introduction of special production processes.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Yacht-Master 42, made from RLX titanium, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The Oyster bracelet in RLX titanium also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference 226627

Model case .css-1tg8aam{--iconSize:12px;--iconStrokeWidth:2px;height:var(--iconSize);position:relative;width:var(--iconSize);}.css-1tg8aam::before,.css-1tg8aam::after{background:currentColor;content:"";display:block;height:var(--iconStrokeWidth);left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:50%;-webkit-transition:-webkit-transform 0.6s;transition:transform 0.6s;will-change:transform;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion){.css-1tg8aam::before,.css-1tg8aam::after{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-160voq8 .css-1tg8aam::after{-webkit-transform:rotate(90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(90deg);transform:rotate(90deg);}.no-js .css-1tg8aam{display:none;}

Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

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

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

Intense black

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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News, Trends and Analysis of The UK Watch Industry

eBay rounds-up discontinued Rolex and Patek Philippe watches into a curated page

Manufacturers at this year’s Watches and Wonders were taking a high-low business approach designed to maintain profits by narrowing the range of watches they produce (increasing efficiency); creating very expensive off-catalogue or limited edition showstoppers, often dripping in gems (to increase the value of sales to the super-wealthy); and discontinuing references that create capacity for something that delivers better returns.

There is also the act of discontinuing watches at the peak of their desirability, as we saw with Patek Philippe’s 5711 and some of the Rolex’s Daytona 116500 LN and a number of Oyster Perpetuals in the hottest colours and sizes a few years’ ago.

There is an emerging school of forecasting that tries to predict which watches will be discontinued, particularly by brands with the longest waiting lists like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille, because no more manufacturing of a certain model immediately caps the number in the wild.

Basic economics dictates that, if there are more customers for any particular piece than were ever made, prices will rise as long as that demand is maintained or grows.

This is what always drove the vintage watch market, but is increasingly affecting grey and pre-owned secondary market prices as well.

This year’s Watches & Wonders saw Rolex discontinue a range of well-loved models: the white gold Daytona Le Mans , two Datejust 36 models and the Yacht-Master II Collection.

Patek Philippe also said goodbye to the Nautilus 5980 earlier this year, despite it being a favourite amongst collectors.

eBay, which physically inspects and issues an authenticity guarantee for any watch sold for more than £2,000, has curated discontinued watches into one place in its online marketplace, with around 40 pieces currently advertised.

This bespoke selection of discontinued pieces includes the likes of the Rolex Datejust 36 Steel & Gold Champagne Palm Motif Dial , the Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel & Rose Gold , the Patek Philippe Nautilus Black Dial and many more.

“Watches and Wonders welcomes in brand new models, but we also see brands discontinue pieces to make way for these. With certain models now only available on the secondary market, our latest eBay edit allows collectors to find and own a piece of timepiece history, with the added benefit of being backed by our Authenticity Guarantee at no extra cost,” says Keith Metcalfe, European Director of Luxury at eBay.

The number of watches in the discontinued list is constantly growing, and eBay is in a position to go back through history and add flag every discontinued reference in its database.

Watchfinder has been doing this for some time, and has a deep list of models that are no longer manufactured running to over 4,700 pieces.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such option offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!” wrote (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as this offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This website (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other website sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center: Hotel Ukraine and Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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IMAGES

Rolex Yacht-Master (Discontinued) 16622, Luxury, Watches on Carousell
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold Discontinued 116655
Discover the Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116681
Rolex Yacht-Master II White Gold 44mm 116689
Pre-Owned Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch
Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

VIDEO

Rolex Yacht Master #rolex #yachtmaster
2023 Rolex Release: Yacht-Master 42 Titanium
Rolex Yacht Master Ref. 16622
Rolex Yacht Master Ref. 116622
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Oystersteel & Everose Gold Watch, A Month On The Wrist!
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659-0002

COMMENTS

So Long: The Rolex Watches Discontinued in 2024
Discontinued Rolex Watches 2024 The Rolex Yacht-Master II. This is one of those rare occasions when the pre-W&W rumor mill actually got something spot on. It is certainly unusual for Rolex to bin an entire collection of watches, particularly one with such unique engineering which must have cost a fortune to develop.
List Of Rolex Watches Discontinued At Watches & Wonders ...
Here's a quick look at the watches Rolex discontinued from April 09, 2024. Rolex Daytona Le Mans 126529LN. ... The Rolex Yacht-Master II is such a watch, as its Rolex 4161 caliber with its programmable countdown regatta chronograph operated through a crown, two pushers, and a Ring Command is as quirky as they could ever get not just in the ...
Rolex Discontinues The Yacht-Master II
Rolex FINALLY did it!!! They got rid of the Yacht-Master II—at Watches and Wonders 2024—which historically was my least favorite modern Rolex. Although there were some cool characteristics, like being the only other Rolex Chronograph beside the Daytona, I could just never get into the Yacht-Master II.
Discontinued Rolex Models At Watches & Wonders 2024
Discontinued Rolex Models 2024 1. Rolex Daytona 'Le Mans' Ref. 126529LN. ... Entire Rolex Yacht-Master II Collection leaves the Catalogue. Launched in 2007, Rolex has neglected the Yacht-Master II lineup for a few years now, shifting its focus to the Yacht-Master I collection instead. A few years back, the Yacht-Master II received an ...
Rolex Predictions 2024: Yacht-Master II Redesign or Discontinuation
The Rolex Yacht-Master II is one of the most bewildering watches in The Crown's catalog. From its niche functionality to its massive self-titled bezel inscription, the 44mm beast stands alone in both its mechanics and aesthetics. Its eccentricity is, at least in part, a product of its age; much like the Milgauss in 2023, the Yacht-Master II is long overdue for an update or discontinuation.
Rolex Revamp 2024: Here's What's Discontinued
Discontinued Rolex Yacht-Master II Collection. Rolex Yacht Master II. Rolex Yacht Master II. In 1992, Rolex released the Yacht-Master, a watch that seemed to piggyback on the success of its first nautical-inspired timepiece, the Submariner. This new model boasted several changes, including a larger size of 39.5mm and an etched bezel insert ...
Rolex Yacht-Master Ultimate Buying Guide
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a two-part collection of luxury-oriented sports watches. Here is everything that you need to know before you make your purchase. ... Yacht-Master models, and going pre-owned also opens up the doors to now-discontinued models like the solid yellow gold Yacht-Master watches. - 29mm (discontinued) - 35mm (discontinued ...
A New Decade for Rolex Watches: the Discontinued and The Newcomers
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm In Steel Rolex enthusiasts had the hunch that the Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm in Oyster Steel will become a discontinued piece in 2021. At that point, it felt random. Yet, it still made a lot of sense when you consider it very closely. To begin with, in 2019, the Yacht-Master in Steel got itself a new movement, the ...
New Rolex Watches for 2023: Everything You Need to Know
All-new, all-titanium — the 2023 Yacht-Master 42 follows in the footsteps of last year's Deepsea diver, albeit in a more wearable package. Zen Love. Monochromatic like a Submariner and on a full titanium bracelet, it also makes the Yacht-Master collection feel more like the true, purpose-built sport watches for which Rolex is most loved.
Rolex Yacht-Master
Hannah Mills wears a Rolesium version of the Yacht-Master 37. Rolex Testimonee since 2023. Tom Slingsby A cross class master. Tom Slingsby is arguably Australia's most successful and sought-after sailor. An Olympic Games gold medallist in 2012, he is a three-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year and three-time winner of SailGP as chief ...
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ultimate Buying Guide
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. ... Yacht-Master were previously offered alongside the standard 40mm model, but these two smaller versions were ultimately discontinued in ...
The Rolex Yacht-Master II: How does it work, and why is it so
In 2010, Rolex released one of the most controversial models in the brand's recent history: the Yacht-Master II.The original Yacht-Master from the 1990s is effectively a more luxurious version of the popular Submariner with a slightly toned-down tool watch feel. The Yacht-Master II, however, strikes an entirely different chord.
Rolex Yacht-Master
In 1958, the brand partnered the New York Yacht Club, creator of the legendary America's Cup. Rolex then formed partnerships with several prestigious yacht clubs around the world and became associated with major nautical events - offshore races and coastal regattas. These strong ties culminated in 1992 with the launch of the Yacht-Master.
The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master
The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.
Rolex Yacht-Master
However, by 1999 Rolex had discontinued their two-tone stainless steel and 18K gold reference 68623 and replaced it in 2000 with a new two-tone model: Reference 168623. ... In 2007, the brand released the Rolex Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph watch, the world's first watch equipped with a programmable countdown from 1 to 10 minutes using a ...
History and Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master
Rolex eventually discontinued the yellow Rolesor Yacht-Master 16623 in 2016 to make way for another type of two-tone YM, which we will discuss shortly below. Everose Gold Yacht-Master 116655 In 2015, Rolex released the Yacht-Master 116655, which was not only the first Yacht-Master crafted from Everose gold (Rolex's patented rose gold alloy ...
Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116680 (DISCONTINUED)
Rolex stainless steel Yacht-Master II, automatic, size 44mm. Rolex reference 116680 Yachtmaster II with a stainless steel case and Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link. Bidirectional rotating bezel with blue Ceramic insert, white dial with blue luminescence and Mercedes hands.
The Rolex watches that will be discontinued in 2024
All watches from the Yacht Master II collection will be discontinued, encompassing all variations in steel, Rolesor, and full gold pieces. While this news may not surprise many Rolex collectors, it deals a significant blow to the Yacht Master line, which first debuted in 2007.The decision to discontinue stems from the Yacht Master II's sales performance falling short of its smaller siblings ...
Rolex Yacht-Master
The Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42 are equipped with calibre 3235. Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, this self-winding mechanical movement is particularly precise and reliable. Carrying a number of patents, our calibre 3235 is fitted with the Parachrom hairspring and the Chronergy escapement, both of which are resistant to ...
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 watch: RLX titanium
The Oyster bracelet Alchemy of form and function. The Yacht-Master 42, made from RLX titanium, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.
eBay rounds-up discontinued Rolex and Patek Philippe watches into a
This bespoke selection of discontinued pieces includes the likes of the Rolex Datejust 36 Steel & Gold Champagne Palm Motif Dial, the Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel & Rose Gold, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Black Dial and many more. "Watches and Wonders welcomes in brand new models, but we also see brands discontinue pieces to make way for these.
JS Jewelers
js__jewelers on April 15, 2024: "The newly discontinued Rolex Yacht Master II in 18KT yellow gold is the perfect watch to wear on a yacht. Available today at JS ...
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The exhibition of French prominent architect Le Corbusier, held in The Pushkin Museum, brings together the different facets of his talent. Source: ITAR-TASS / Stanislav Krasilnikov. The largest Le ...
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1: Off-kilter genius at Delicatessen: Brain pâté with kefir butter and young radishes served mezze-style, and the caviar and tartare pizza. Head for Food City. You might think that calling Food City (Фуд Сити), an agriculture depot on the outskirts of Moscow, a "city" would be some kind of hyperbole. It is not.
yacht vintage 1
Specialized yacht brokers, dealers, and brokerages on YachtWorld have a diverse selection of Vintage models for sale, with listings spanning from 1925 year models to 2022.... An assortment of vintage model yachts is available at 1stDibs. ... rolex yacht master 42 rubber band; oyster yacht 745 for sale; bavaria 55 yacht for sale; mark pescott ...
Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia's
Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.