Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

Elegant and distinguished, the Rolex Yacht-Master embodies the rich heritage and privileged ties between Rolex and the yachting world. The history between Rolex and sailing dates back to 1958 when Rolex partnered with the New York Yacht Club. In reality, however, since Rolex created the first waterproof watch in 1926 with the Rolex Oyster case, Rolex already had a reputation amongst sailors and adventurers alike.

This was exemplified in 1966 when Francis Chichester became the first person to sail single-handed around the world – using only a few tools, including his Rolex Oyster Perpetual, to do so.

Despite its long-standing association with pioneering nautical adventure, it wasn't until 1992 did Rolex release the Yacht-Master, the first luxury Rolex built for the open seas, and 15-years later the Yacht-Master II for dedicated regatta competitors.

Find out more about this model in our Rolex GMT Guide.

Features of the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

Despite only being released in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master is one of the most diverse watches considering size, material and strap type. However, some unmistakable features remain in perpetuity…

Yacht-Master

For the avoidance of any doubt that the Yacht-Master is a luxury watch, the first reference was formed of 18k solid gold. Matched with a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel for reading time intervals or calculating reference points. Of course, legibility is of paramount importance, with the Yacht-Master featuring Chromalight hour markers and hands with a luminescent coating for emitting a long-lasting blue radiance. With its Oyster Case and Triplock winding crown, the watch is guaranteed waterproof to 100m along and along with virtually scratchproof and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, is a paragon of robustness.

Yacht-Master II

Whilst the Yacht-Master is available in a variety of case sizes from 29mm to 42mm, the Yacht-Master II is exclusively available in an imposing 44mm case. However, the most noticeable difference is the addition of a unique programmable countdown (measuring time to race start) with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization (should there be a restart to a regatta race sequence). Known as the Regatta Chronograph for that exact reason, the Yacht-Master II features highly sophisticated functions for a sporty aesthetic suitable for everyday wear.

Ideal For Both Men and Women

Whilst the Yacht-Master II is exclusively available as a 44mm case, the Yacht-Master was produced in a variety of cases to suit a variety of wrist sizes. Whilst in production, the smaller sized Lady Yacht-Master models (29mm and 35mm) have been discontinued, they are still available in secondary markets. Given recent trends towards unisex sizing and design, today Yacht-Masters are available between 37-42mm.

Buying a Pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master

Given exceptionally long waiting lists for new Rolexes, buying used Rolexes offers the chance to immediately own a Rolex, whilst also offering access to vintage and discontinued models known for their rarity.

Our experts review and analyse all Rolex Yacht-Masters in our inventory to guarantee their authenticity and condition. When you purchase a watch from us, it comes with a one-year warranty and complimentary standard shipping within the UK.

For more, view our full collection of pre-owned Rolex watches.