when did the rolex yacht master 2 come out

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.

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”.

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.

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!"

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Hands-On The Rolex Yachtmaster II Regatta Timer, Ref. 116680

The rolex yacht-master ii: for those who consider themselves rolex enthusiasts, it's one of the most polarizing watches the crown produces. and yet there is more – much more – to this relative behemoth than meets the eye. we wanted to see what would happen if we met this technically unique, programmable flyback yacht timer chronograph on its own terms – read on to join us in our journey into one of the most idiosyncratically styled and mechanically sophisticated rolexes ever made..

I’m going to be completely honest: I was thoroughly prepared to have a negative reaction to this watch. Let’s face it; it’s a head-scratcher for the average Rolex/Submariner/GMT Master/Day-Date lover. First of all it’s pretty damned big. This is a 44 mm watch; it was born a 44 mm watch and it’ll die a 44 mm watch and that is nothing you or anybody else can do about it. You can have it in four different metals, and therefore, weights, ranging from steel (heavy) to gold/steel (heavier) to solid yellow gold (even heavier) to  platinum and white gold combined (Schwarzeneggerian). It has a Cerachrom bezel in an absolutely screaming shade of blue, and it says YACHT-MASTER in giant letters right across the bottom third or so just to remove any lingering shade of doubt in the minds of any small-craft skipper for leagues around that they are in the presence of, well, the Master of a Yacht; it is not an introverted watch by any stretch of the imagination.

On top of everything else, the Yacht-Master II has a complication that pretty much no watch guy or gal ever can remember what do with, or has a perceived need for: it is a regatta timer, which is about as niche a complication as you can imagine. If you get a bunch of watch nuts together there is an excellent chance that you can get a more lucid explanation out of somebody for the Equation of Time than you can for a regatta timer (which is saying something) and it says something about the relative obscurity of the complication in general, and the relative niche-ness of the Yacht-Master II in particular, that when we got it into the office we had five people who live and breathe watches sitting around scratching our heads because no one could quite remember how the darned thing works. You put all those things together and you should have a watch that a dyed-in-the-wool horological classicist should thoroughly disdain. Right?

Actually, wrong. But let’s back up a bit.

First of all this is technically a very interesting watch and it’s worth your attention just on the level of interesting horological problem solving alone. A regatta timer is used by the skipper of a yacht to determine when their vessel is allowed to cross the starting line. Sailboats can’t just hover at the starting line of a yacht race, so what happens is that the racing committee establishes a countdown period during which the boats have to tack back and forth at the starting line without actually crossing; if you cross early, there is a penalty and if you are too cautious and cross late you will probably cross the finish line behind the boats that made it over the start line ahead of you. The countdown can be anywhere from five to ten minutes depending on the rules and race.

The Yacht-Master II is a programmable, flyback regatta timer that allows you to select a countdown interval of anything from one to ten minutes; in addition if you have started the countdown early or late, you can synchronize your watch “on the fly” when you hear the second of the two audible signals which are usually given at the start of a race (the signal to start the countdown comes first, and is usually followed by a warning signal closer to the start). Here’s how it works.

To set the countdown timer, you turn the bezel (Rolex calls it the "Command Bezel") a quarter turn to the left. This locks the lower chrono pusher and engages the setting mechanism for the triangular red countdown hand. You then unscrew the crown to its first position, and set the countdown hand – setting is one-way only but at 10 minutes, if you continue to turn the crown, the countdown hand will fly back to 1 and you can continue until you reach the desired number of minutes. When you’re done, you screw the crown back down, and turn the bezel back to its starting position, and you’re ready to regatta.

When the first gun (or other audible signal) is heard, you start the countdown . . . and that’s it. Now a really neat trick here is that you may, for some reason, have started your countdown too early, or too late. If that’s the case, all you have to do is wait for the second gun/signal, and hit the re-set button – the seconds hand will fly back to the zero mark and begin running again immediately; and the minute countdown hand will fly back to the nearest minute and likewise start counting down again. It’s the fact that the flyback is to the nearest minute, not to zero, that allows you to re-synch your countdown with the official countdown time, that gives the Yacht-Master II much of its utility, and much of its technical interest.

Okay, sure it’s technically interesting – but what about the aesthetics? All I can tell you is that, much to my very pleasant surprise, it was colossally fun to wear in every sense of the word. The fact that it is so unapologetically extroverted is actually the secret to its appeal.  The weight isn't a problem (at least, not for me, and not in steel) and I found I could wear it all day without discomfort despite the overall size – partly thanks to the downward curvature of the lugs, which ensured a comfortable fit on my 7 inch wrist.  The sharply contrasting deep blued hands, white dial, and red countdown hand – and, yes, that bright blue bezel – give the whole watch a suitably jaunty, nautical feel and make it a pleasure to look at (and at night visibility is very good; the lume on the hands and dial is almost startlingly bright).

Yes, this is an extroverted watch, but the quality of execution is very clean and very high (as is usually the case with Rolex) and it’s so much the opposite of what I’d ordinarily wear that having it on gave a feeling almost like a Walter Mitty fantasy coming to life. I felt like a guy who’s worn a blue suit and rep tie and driven a four door Merc his whole life, who somehow one day finds himself in a pair of ripped jeans and a beat up flight jacket, cruising down some winding secondary road on an old shovelhead Harley, and suddenly catches himself thinking, My god, all the wasted years. Ultimately I started to feel that objecting to the over-the-top-ness  of the Yacht-Master II was silly, even narcissistic – if you go into a Joss Whedon actioner expecting a Lars Von Trier art-house tearjerker to unspool, you probably have only yourself to blame.

It is a rationally appealing uitlitarian tool watch? I'm not the one to ask. There is no way for me to evaluate what someone who actually owns a ’36 Herreshoff classic yacht and takes it on the regatta circuit would actually think of the Yacht-Master II, or whether they would find it useful. But I can tell you that it is actually a ton of fun to wear, and a big part of the reason is the very thing many object to at first – that this is a watch that pulls no punches when it comes to being larger than life.

It has that one most essential element for something to be a successful style exercise: the courage of its convictions, and if you think of yourself resolutely as a smaller-than-forty millimeter, tasteful restraint kinda guy, get one on your wrist for a surprisingly refreshing change of pace, and you can feel larger than life too.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 as shown, $18,750, 44 mm diameter case in 904L stainless steel. Bidirectional rotatable "Command Bezel" with blue Cerachrom insert; water resistance 100 meters/10 bar.

Movement, Rolex 4161 self-winding programmable flyback regatta timer with mechanical memory and "on-the-fly" synchronization; Parachrom blue antimagnetic balance spring.  

Bracelet, Oyster, flat three piece links with Oysterlock safety clasp.

More info, of course, on Rolex.com .

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The Rolex Yachtmaster: history, models, price

Table of Contents

(NEWS) The Monaco Legend Group will auction a one-of-a-kind Rolex Yacht-Master

The rolex yacht-master dix millionieme chronometre.

The Yacht-Master auctioned on April 22 and 23 in Monaco is one of the most attractive one-of-a-kind contemporary Rolex watches and popped up in the early nineties to celebrate the ten-millionth Rolex watch equipped featuring the Chronometer Certificate.

Interestingly, it is not a Daytona, a Submariner or a Day-Date but a Rolex Yacht-Master, thus adding additional flavour to our guide as no other model could ever do. May we call it the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger ? Yes, we might, but we need to move forward and provide further details.

The Heiniger family and Rolex

The model pictured here was manufactured under the Heiniger family’s leadership at Rolex; they managed the brand since Andre Heiniger was appointed President of Rolex in 1964 through his son Patrick’s appointment in 1992.

This one-off platinum Yacht-Master is a prototype conceived to celebrate such a milestone and holds all the features found on first-class super-exclusive Rolex timepieces, and adopts baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds replacing the stock indexes plus the “DIX MILLIONIEME CHRONOMETRE” print on the dial, and the calibre 3135’s oscillating mass.

The Heiniger family had, no doubt, a soft spot for platinum watches ; three unique platinum Daytona also appeared under their management and, according to industry’s rumours, the Daytona 116598 SACO, better known as the Leopard, was among their projects inspired, it seems, by Nina Stevens, Patrick Heiniger’s girlfriend back then.

However, the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger is not a unicorn adorning a watch museum ; it will soon go under the hammer thanks to the Monaco Legends Group, the auction house co-managed by vintage watchmaking guru Davide Parmegiani, the 22 and 23 April.

Given the relevance of the timepiece and its exclusivity, we expect fierce competition among collectors to make this piece theirs. What is the auction’s base price? The current estimation is between one and two million euros , quite a hefty price gap but something hard to predict for any watch expert.

The origins of the Rolex Yachtmaster

When did the Rolex Yachtmaster first appear? It’s hard to define. The name “Yacht Master” was filed for patent by Rolex in 1950 and, according to rumours and several non-confirmed historical sources, marked the brand’s willingness to introduce a new collection atop the top-selling and sporty Submariner; yet, it’s hard to describe the time lapse between patent and the first official commercial release. When we look at the current collection, we can also find inspiration in the most challenging endeavours across the oceans, up to professional yacht racing.

For instance, the former includes the expeditions set out by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston . He completed the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the globe, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race of 1969, but we can’t forget what Sir Francis Chichester achieved, too; he circumnavigated the world from West to East in nine months and one day between 1966 and 1977 aboard the never-forgotten Gipsy Moth IV.

During his expedition, Chichester wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, laying the foundations for what a Rolex watch represents when tested under extreme weather conditions on land, sea and air.

The first Yachtmaster

The first Rolex Yachtmaster dates back to 1992 ; it was marketed as reference 16628 and is the second most recent new Rolex watch after the more contemporary Rolex Sky-Dweller.

The collection’s timeline has undergone a bizarre evolution compared to similar Rolex watch collections.

Showcasing an 18-carat yellow gold case and bracelet paired with an unusual white dial , it housed the movement 3135 and is undeniably an evolution of the design codes seen on a Submariner, despite the journey to the first edition being unexpected and with plenty of testing prototypes.

Was the Yachtmaster pictured above the first attempt ever? It was from a commercial standpoint, not from a product perspective instead. The Yachtmaster moniker first surfaced between 1967 and 1969 when Rolex released a couple of prototypes based on the Daytona , whose case diameter had grown to 39.5 mm. The timepieces mentioned above belong to Italian collector John Goldberger and artist Eric Clapton.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 and 37 mm

Here is the Yacht Master’s “bread and butter”, undergoing several evolutions to end up with the model pictured here, as an example, in its gold and steel livery. With Jean-Frèdèric Dufour appointed CEO, Rolex has revisited the entire offering, which includes 40 and 37-mm large models, but has never hit the spot as the most wanted Professional Rolex among enthusiasts. The Daytona , Submariner, or GMT Master 2 are far more sought-after than any Yachtmaster, although the appreciation has steadily grown year after year .

Instead, the Yachtmaster’s technical development began with the 2007 Rolex Yacht-Master 2 116680 , whose sailing-professionals-oriented complication proves, alongside a Rolex Sky-Dweller, how much Rolex technicians are up to the task when asked to design a mechanically complicated watch.

Rolesor and Rolesium.

The current Yachtmaster collection with bracelets includes a completely revised range, comprising seven models : four 40 mm and three 37 mm models. They are available exclusively in steel and gold or platinum; some come in Rolesium (steel and platinum), others in Rolesor (steel and gold) such as, for instance, the Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm model in steel and Everose gold pictured here, also available with a black dial and as a 37mm size.

Let’s look closer at the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in Steel and Everose Gold : it combines 904L steel and Everose pink gold, the Rolex-patented pink gold alloy adopting a specific silver and copper percentage to create an alloy capable of offering above-the-average shine, and wear resistance over time.

The Yachtmaster’s bezel

What makes the Yacht-Master unique is the bezel’s design in finish and functionality; it houses mirror-polished raised indexes and numerals on a sandblasted base and comes as a one-piece of gold or platinum. The polished to brushed finish appears on the Oyster bracelet and case sides, lugs included.

The Yachtmaster is widely considered a more luxurious take on the Submariner and a transition model between a sporty and classic Rolex watch with a gold case, as proved by the slightly curved lugs and the case side, making the Yachtmaster closer to four and five-digit Submariners as less professional than other timepieces belonging to the same product category, as exemplified by the specs sheet. The bezel is graduated but is bidirectional and water-resistant up to 100 metres .

Comparing current and first-ever Yachtmaster like the Rolex 69623 or 169622, for instance, lies in the options available: you’ll find the blue dial exclusively available on Rolesium models, while the Rolesor offers a chocolate brown or black dial , lovingly contrasting the case and bracelet’s tones, in our opinion.

The calibre 3235

Since 2019, the Rolex Yachtmaster has housed the latest-gen Rolex calibre 3235. Therefore, all models can run for at least 70 hours when fully wound.

The watch is certified as a Superlative Chronometer according to Rolex standards.

The calibre 2236

Instead, the 37 mm model adopts the smaller movement 2236, whose technical specifications differ slightly .

The main difference is that the Siloxy hairspring with a flat terminal curve , introduced by Rolex in 2014, replaced the Parachrom Blue one.

The Rolex Yachtmaster Oysterflex

At Baselworld 2015, Rolex released the first Yachtmaster with an Oysterflex bracelet , the brand’s patented rubber strap equipped with an inner nickel and titanium alloy, exclusively offered with a 40mm or 37mm gold case. Looking back at the first-ever YM, the Yachtmaster Oysterflex is perhaps the perfect successor to the 1992 Yacht Master.

The first release appeared in Everose rose gold. Such a new generation best embodies the collection’s spirit ; it belongs to the Professional line of watches but is more luxurious, and gold highlights the Yacht Master’s “carrure”.

The new Yachtmaster Oysterflex also introduced the first-ever matte ceramic bezel ; it mimics a Rolesor or Rolesium’s, but the inlay is a single piece of matt black ceramic.

As with the two-tone models, the 40 and 37-mm case options adopt the 3235 and 2236 , respectively. The new model had a stunning success, and Rolex soon expanded the product range by offering a more generous 42 mm case size (however, the 40 mm model is unparalleled, in our opinion).

The 42mm collection is available in yellow or white gold , while the 40mm and 37mm models only come with an Everose rose gold case. We think Rolex will soon extend the Oysterflex collection by adopting new case materials.

In 2020, Ineos Britannia’s skipper Ben Ainslie was spotted wearing a titanium Yachtmaster 42 during a training session. After the Rolex Deepsea Challenge Titanium RLX ‘s unveil, this proto will likely make it to reality anytime soon.

Before moving to the next chapter, remember that we discovered an odd model while surfing the Rolex official website: Rolex Yachtmaster 42 Hawkeye or Yachtmaster Falcon’s Eye , pictured above.

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2

Rolex is a manufacturer whose capabilities include rather mechanically-complicated watches ; it is something most people are unaware of. In the same price range as a Daytona, for example, you can opt for at least two complicated models: one is the regatta-ready Yachtmaster 2.

If an ordinary Yachtmaster is not as “professional” as its siblings, the Yachtmaster 2 is a full-fledged tool watch for professional skippers.

The complicated Rolex: from the Sky-Dweller to the Yacht-Master 2

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 is bold and hefty; it’s a regatta timer and something you will, on paper, disregard when compared to a Rolex Sky-Dweller. The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 was conceived to provide professional skippers with a wrist instrument capable of accurately measuring the countdown to start a regatta.

The link between Rolex and yachting is long-established: the brand has associated its image with several sailing competitions like the Farr 40 or the Sidney–Hobart ever since. Pictured below is a map of the current partnerships.

The 5 to 10 minutes preceding the start of a regatta are paramount to any skipper and their crew; last-minute performance before the start is triggered can separate victory from defeat.

Most Regatta watches do not offer a dedicated function but make the most of ordinary chronograph functions. In contrast, the Rolex Yachtmaster II has a dedicated counter on the dial, coaxial to the bezel, equipped with a graduated scale from 0 to 10 minutes and an easy-to-read arrow hand.

The Countdown function: how to activate it.

The timer setting is straightforward and achieved by combining the bezel, crown and button at 4 o’clock in this sequence. The first operation is to rotate the bezel counter-clockwise to activate the small countdown counter adjustment system.

The bezel will automatically lock after a 90° rotation or when the “Yacht-Master II” writing appears on the right-hand side of the watch (the rotation axis of the crown ideally cuts the wording in two halves). Subsequently, please push the button located at 4 o’clock. Unscrew the crown until it locks in position 1 ; from that moment on, you can control the adjustment of the (jumping) 10-minute scale in one-minute intervals by rotating the crown clockwise.

After stopping the minute counter on the desired value, you need to rotate the bezel clockwise until it clicks into the position where the “Yacht-Master II” writing is again aligned at the bottom (-90 °, back to the original place).

At the end of this rotation, the two-minute scales, located on the bezel and the dial, respectively, will be fully aligned. By screwing back in the winding crown, you can restart the countdown (using the button at 2 o’clock); the red hand in the middle will start running, and the minutes’ countdown will begin .

During the countdown, you can stop the hand can by using the button at 2 o’clock or re-set the complete countdown with the button at 4 o’clock (Flyback). The countdown will start from the original position in the second case scenario. When the countdown has finished, the minute’s hand will also stop, while the second’s hand will continue to run indefinitely. The Rolex Yachtmaster II is a chronograph with a Flyback function .

The 2017 Rolex Yachtmaster II 116680 reference has replaced the previous reference by introducing a series of updates ; the new version is now equipped with Mercedes-styled hands, thus aligning itself with the family feeling of the other Oyster Perpetual divers, like the Submariner. Moreover, new applied indices located at 12 and 6′ clock have been launched (arrow-shaped and rectangular-shaped, respectively).

Ring Command and calibre 4161

The Ring Command bezel is integrated with the calibre and is an active part of the user experience. The level of complication and perfection this mechanism requires (firm clicks and no play) is more challenging than any other Rolex timepiece, making this watch extremely attractive.

At the same time, as per the usual Rolex tradition, the complication is concealed through a simplified aesthetic , although the dial is still more complex and crowded than those standards that Rolex has made us accustomed to, and this is one of the reasons why a Rolex Yachtmaster II is rarely a first choice when it comes to selecting a timepiece.

Rolex Yachtmaster Prices

The price list starts with the Yacht-Master 37 mm at 14,450 Euros and grows to the 43,800 Euros needed for a Yacht-Master 2 model in yellow gold . For instance, a more exclusive price list is requested, as with the reference 126655. The listed price range here is updated to February 2023; if you’re looking for a more comprehensive overview, please head to our dedicated article; there, you’ll find a price list and evolution since 2021 regarding the most coveted professional Rolex watches.

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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.

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.

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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Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 Review & Complete Guide

Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 Review & Complete Guide

Before we dig into this article, do note that this is not the reference 116622 but rather the reference 126622. But if you are interested in the 116622, this article will be helpful still.

The Rolex Yacht-Master reference was released a Baselworld 2016. The Yacht-Master model has always established itself as a luxury sports watch in Rolex’s range, which is a bit more elegant than a Submariner, but a little more sporty than a Datejust.

It is a great combination of elegance and sportiness – a combination which a lot of people really enjoy.

The two-sided personality Yacht-Master 116622 is meant for yacht-owners, and thereby its name. In this article, we’ll go into detail about the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622.

Rolex Yacht-Master 126622

As mentioned a new Yacht-Master version was released in 2016, but at Baselworld 2019, Rolex found that the model needed to be updated once again. This time, no major visual differences were done, as in 2016 when Rolex introduced a new dial, among other things. This time, the change was simply a step into the direction of moving to Rolex’s new generation movements. This year, it was the Yacht-Master 116622’s time for an update.

And since we have already gotten started talking about movements, let’s begin with that.

Rolex Yacht-Master movement

The previous generation Yacht-Master 116622 is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135. This is considered Rolex’s workhorse and has been used by the brand since 1988. While this caliber has proven the test of time, there is always room for improvements, and this time, Rolex gave Yacht-Master to the new movement, which is the Caliber 3235. Remember, Rolex is about evolution, not revolution, and while this change of movement can’t be seen as a huge update to the model, it does improve its reliability and quality. And this is what Rolex is all about.

The previous caliber 3135 provides a power reserve of around 48 hours and as of 2015—a year before the launch of the Yacht-Master ref. 116622—Rolex redefined its “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation to guarantee an impressive accuracy rating of -2/+2 seconds per day. The self-winding caliber also boasts the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and daily knocks.

Now, with the new caliber 3235 and Yacht-Master 126622, things have been updated. And therefore, thanks to a new barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3255 extends to three days. This is an increase of 1 day of power reserve.

The 3255 is a new-generation mechanical movement with 14 patents, which sets new standards of performance for the core characteristics of a watch movement: precision, power reserve, reliability, resistance to shocks and magnetism, as well as the ease and convenience of its adjustment.

The Chronergy escapement’s efficiency has been improved by 15%, it is 2x more precise than an official chronometer. Like the previous 3135, it has a Parachrom hairspring which is insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature variations, and up to 10 times more resilient to shocks than traditional hairsprings.

As you have noticed, the reference has changed to start with 12 instead of 11 for this new model, and this is to demonstrate the use of the new generation caliber.

For some, these slight improvements in the movement of the Yacht-Master may not seem like a lot. But the fact of the matter is that it is because of improvements like these that Rolex is what it is today.

As you would expect, the 126622 features a quickset date function where the date us adjusted independently from the center timekeeping hands in order to make adjusting the date quick and effortless. It is also equipped with hacking seconds which means the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out in order to allow for precise time-setting.

Now, the Yacht-Master 126622 is not a full-blooded dive watch , but it does have a water-resistance of 100-meters (330 feet). Think of the Submariner as a robust tool watch and the Yacht-Master as the yacht-owners watch who may just satisfy with a relaxing morning swim from the yacht.

To keep dust and water out from the case, the watch features a Triplock screw-down winding crown and a robust casebook.

Yacht-Master case

Most people have heard of Rolesor – Rolex’s own combination of gold and steel. But not equally many people know what Rolesium is. The Yacht-Master uses Rolesium, and this is when rugged stainless steel and ultra-precious platinum meet on a Rolex watch. The case and bracelet are made of 904L stainless steel, but the bezel of the watch is actually made completely in platinum. While both are white metals, platinum gets a completely unique sheen compared to steel and thus creates a discreet contrast. The use of platinum is also proof of the fact that this model is positioned more as a luxury sports watch.

Because of the fact that both the bezel and steel case is made in white metals, the watch tends to look monochromatic. But this is contrasted by the stunning rich blue dial. If you decide to opt for the rhodium dial, the contrast is not that great as it is with blue.

The case is 40mm in diameter. It has a thickness of 11.5 mm and Lug Width : 20 mm. In comparison, the Rolex Submariner 116610 is 12.5 mm in thickness. So the Yacht-Master is slimmer, which thus also allows it to better slip under a cuff.

This brings us to the bezel:

The bezel of the Yacht-Master 126622 has high-polished raised numerals set against a sandblasted background to the polished center links on the bracelet flanked by the brushed-finish outer links. The Yacht-Master 126622 is the only sports watch from Rolex which features this many polished elements. But this is of course in line with the way Rolex positions this watch as an elegant sports watch – not robust sports watch.

The bezel is bi-directional and has 120 clicks in both directions. As Rolex suggests, ”This functional bezel allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys”.

When it comes to the dials, you currently have two dial combinations to choose from. Either a rich blue sunburst dial which catches the light beautifully and completely changes its appearance depending on how the light hits it. Or, you can choose a rhodium dial which has a not-so-Rolex-like baby blue/Miami blue seconds hand that creates a nice contrast against the dial. You also have the Yacht-Master text printed in the same color.

The only way you will be able to tell the 116622 from the 126622 apart is by looking at 6 o’clock on the dial. On the 116622, it will say ”Swiss made”. But on the new reference, it will say ”Swiss (Rolex crown) Made”. This is to show that it has a new generation movement. Apart from this, it will be impossible to tell them apart (unless you open them up or look at the engraved reference number on the case.

The 126622 has a strong lume which allows for good readability. As mentioned briefly, it features a date function, with the date window placed at 3 o’clock and the Cyclops magnification lens on the sapphire crystal.

Being a sporty watch, it features the iconic and robust Oyster bracelet.

To enhance its elegance, it has polished middle links. The clasp has Rolex’s clever Easlylink comfort extension link which allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

116622 is now replaced with the 126622: New dial and Movement

The update from 116622 is obviously not huge from a visual perspective. But the fact of the matter is, that’s not what Rolex about. Evolution, not revolution. At the end of the day, the update of the movement was due because of the many years it has been used. Ultimately, this will lead to a more reliable and qualitative timepiece that will last through generations.

What are your thoughts on the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622? Do you think they should have made more major updates to the model?

12 thoughts on “ Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 Review & Complete Guide ”

I’ve heard this new model also has an easy glide clasp the same as on a sub. I didn’t think the older model had it. I’ll find out for sure on Sunday when I collect mine.

Hi Steven, The 126622 has the Easylink extension system. Not the Glidelock clasp. Congratulations in advance on a stunning timepiece!

Kind regards, Millenary Watches

I watched a review of the latest GMT II that uses this caliber, and while all is well & good, the reviewer did point out that the new rotor mechanism for this caliber is very noisy! Which I find very disappointing for a contemporary Rolex I’m afraid.

Hi David, The Yacht-Master 126622 does not have a GMT hand so does not use the same caliber as the GMT II. The Yacht-Master uses the cal 3235. The GMT uses the caliber 3285.

I bought the 126622 with slate dial. I believe case is also slightly different from 116622 – is that correct?

Hi, The main difference is the movement. There has not been any communication regarding the case of the watch but there is a possibility that there has been a tiny change which is barely noticeable.

If one wanted to “upgrade” their movement from a 3135 to a 3235 can they be swapped without case modification?

Hi, Rolex will not change to a new caliber in an old reference. If you would want to make this change, you would have to source the movement yourself and have an independent watchmaker install it. And finding complete calibers on the secondhand market is very difficult..

I will like the option of a Black dial on the 40 126622.. it would be beautiful.

That sounds like a great idea! Perhaps Rolex doesn’t want it to be too similar to the Submariner, which could be the explanation why they are not making it.

I’ve heard some people say that the dial of 116622 contains rhodium and the dial of 126622 does not contain rhodium. Do you think these statements are valid?

Hello, That sounds a bit strange. The 116622 has a platinum dial with a shiny effect. If anything, it would be more reasonable that the 126622 has a rhodium dial.

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Why There Might Be a New Rolex Yacht-Master II This Year

When it comes to Rolex, I don’t think anyone can completely predict the future. For a brand that is known and celebrated for the consistency of its designs, Rolex always manages to find some way of surprising us each year. With that in mind, sometimes we do get a tiny bit of insight into what Rolex might have planned, and it’s always fun to speculate about what models might be joining (or leaving) the lineup.

Although absolutely nothing is confirmed, nor will it be until the moment that Rolex announces its new releases, there is a pretty good chance that there will be a new Rolex Yacht-Master II unveiled this year at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

No Price Increase for the Rolex Yacht-Master II in 2022

To kick off the new year, Rolex raised its retail prices for 2022. The price increase can be seen across Rolex’s entire catalog, and virtually every single model saw its retail price go up for 2022 - except the Yacht-Master II.

Admittedly,  the Yacht-Master is Rolex’s most underrated sports watch collection , and the Yacht-Master II might be one of the most divisive models in the brand’s entire lineup. However, Rolex Yacht-Master II watches are still completely sold-out at retailers, and it’s not likely that a small price increase at a retail level would deter sales - especially when available examples are trading hands for a premium on the open market. None of the Rolex Yacht-Master II references saw their prices increase by a single dollar for 2022, and a good explanation for this would be if Rolex planned to phase them out later this year.

Why the Yacht-Master II Won’t Be Discontinued

The lack of a price increase supports the theory that the current Rolex Yacht-Master II references are destined to be dropped from the catalog, but couldn’t this also mean that the Yacht-Master II will be discontinued entirely? 

Although anything is possible, it’s highly unlikely that Rolex would discontinue the Yacht-Master II altogether after this short of a production run. The model was first unveiled in 2007 and only officially joined Rolex’s catalog in 2010, so to scrap the entire concept after just one generation would be highly uncharacteristic of Rolex. Additionally, given that the Yacht-Master II is one the most complex models in the brand’s entire lineup, it likely cost a significant amount of money to design and develop. Therefore, it would only make sense for Rolex to continue to iterate upon the Yacht-Master II’s innovative platform and advanced movement in order to maximize the return on its investment. 

What’s Next for the Rolex Yacht-Master II

The current Yacht-Master II references seem destined to be phased out, yet it doesn’t make sense for Rolex to discontinue the model entirely. Therefore, one possibility is that we might see an entirely new generation of Yacht-Master II watches. Additionally, given that British sailor and Rolex ambassador Ben Ainslie has been  spotted wearing a titanium Yacht-Master prototype , some major update to the greater Rolex Yacht-Master collection seems like a serious possibility… maybe a titanium Yacht-Master II on an Oysterflex bracelet?

All of that being said, while a number of signs are indicating that there will be a new generation of the Yacht-Master II, this does not mean that Rolex will actually unveil one later this year. We like to think of Rolex as being predictable, yet somehow the brand continues to surprise us each year by creating new and unexpected watches that somehow feel as though they should already be part of the catalog.

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History of Rolex GMT-Master II – A Journey Though Time

Welcome to a captivating journey through the illustrious history of the Rolex GMT-Master II, a timepiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of horology. As you delve into the pages ahead, you’ll discover the intriguing story behind this iconic watch, one that transcends its function as a mere timekeeping device. The Rolex GMT-Master II collection , often revered as the quintessential traveler’s companion, has become synonymous with precision, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

In an era where luxury watches abound, this particular model stands apart, its legacy spanning generations and continents. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a symbol of both adventure and affluence, the GMT-Master II has continuously captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. So, prepare to embark on a captivating journey through time, where each tick of the GMT-Master II’s hands reveals a new chapter in the history of watchmaking excellence. 

The Origins of the GMT-Master  

When exploring watchmaking history, the Rolex GMT-Master II emerges as a true icon, but its story begins with a humble yet vital purpose. Picture the golden age of aviation in the 1950s when long-distance travel across multiple time zones was becoming increasingly common. Pilots and navigators needed a timepiece that could keep track of both their home time and the time zone of their destination, an essential tool to ensure safe and precise flights.

Rolex rose to this challenge with the introduction of the original GMT-Master collection. Born out of a collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), this groundbreaking timepiece not only met the demands of aviators but also marked the inception of a legendary watch lineage. The inaugural GMT-Master featured a distinctive red and blue bezel, quickly earning it the affectionate nickname “Pepsi.” Its innovative GMT function allowed wearers to independently set a 24-hour hand to track a second-time zone, making it indispensable for globetrotters and aviation professionals alike. 

As we explore the origins of the GMT-Master, we’ll uncover the engineering brilliance and the aviation heritage that laid the foundation for what would become the Rolex GMT-Master II. Join us on this journey back in time, as we delve into the evolution of this remarkable timepiece, its innovative advancements, and the enduring legacy it has left in the world of luxury watches. 

Evolution of the GMT-Master 

The evolution of the Rolex GMT-Master series is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection. With the introduction of the Rolex GMT-Master II, Rolex set its sights on refining an already exceptional timepiece. The transition from the original GMT-Master to its successor marked a significant milestone in the watch’s history.

The Rolex GMT-Master II, which made its debut in the early 1980s, brought with it a host of impressive improvements. One of the most notable upgrades was the introduction of the caliber 3085 movement , which allowed for smoother and more precise timekeeping. This movement featured a quick-set hour hand, enabling wearers to adjust the local time without disturbing the minute and 24-hour hands, a convenience cherished by frequent travelers. Rolex also introduced an independently adjustable 12-hour hand, providing even greater versatility when tracking multiple time zones. 

As we trace the evolution of the GMT-Master, it becomes evident that each iteration represented a leap forward in watchmaking technology. From the caliber 3085, Rolex later transitioned to the caliber 3185 movement, further enhancing the watch’s accuracy and reliability. These advancements cemented the GMT-Master II’s reputation as an essential tool for both professional aviators and world travelers. 

Now, with an understanding of the GMT-Master’s evolution, let’s delve into one of its most iconic and recognizable features – the red and blue bezel, fondly known as the “Pepsi” bezel.  

The Iconic Red and Blue Bezel 

The Rolex GMT-Master II has never been a mere timekeeping instrument; it’s a symbol of style and innovation. At the heart of its unmistakable charm lies the iconic red and blue bezel, affectionately referred to as the “Pepsi” bezel. This eye-catching feature, introduced with the original GMT-Master, served a practical purpose that went beyond aesthetics. The red portion of the bezel represented daylight hours, while the blue portion symbolized nighttime, allowing wearers to distinguish between day and night in their home and destination time zones. This unique design not only catered to the needs of pilots and travelers but also added a distinct flair to the watch. The combination of red and blue was a stroke of design genius, creating a timeless and instantly recognizable look that would become synonymous with Rolex’s GMT-Master line. 

The Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” bezel has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a symbol of adventure and luxury. Its vibrant colors evoke images of distant horizons and global exploration, capturing the spirit of travel and discovery. Over the years, it has adorned the wrists of countless individuals, from seasoned adventurers to stylish globetrotters. Its enduring popularity has made it a cherished collector’s item, with vintage GMT-Master models featuring the “Pepsi” bezel commanding a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. 

As we marvel at the enduring appeal of the “Pepsi” bezel, let’s cover another pivotal moment in the evolution of the GMT-Master II – the introduction of the ceramic bezel . This innovation not only enhanced the watch’s durability but also expanded its design possibilities.  

Notable GMT-Master II References 

Within the realm of Rolex’s GMT-Master II, there exists a rich tapestry of references, each with its own unique character and charm. One standout reference is the GMT-Master II 16710, often hailed as a classic in the lineup. Introduced in the late 1980s, this model featured the beloved “Pepsi” bezel and represented a bridge between the watch’s heritage and modernity. It was powered by the reliable caliber 3185 movement and was treasured by collectors for its timeless design. Moving ahead to the contemporary era, the GMT-Master II 116710 entered the scene, bringing with it the innovation of the ceramic bezel. This reference, available in various color combinations, brought enhanced durability and vibrant aesthetics to the GMT-Master II. And let’s not forget the GMT-Master II 126710, which introduced the Jubilee bracelet to the collection, adding a touch of sophistication to an already iconic timepiece. 

These notable references are just a glimpse into the diverse offerings of the GMT-Master II series , each appealing to different tastes and preferences. Collectors and enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to specific references, whether it’s the classic allure of the 16710, the contemporary charm of the 116710, or the elegance of the 126710. 

The Rolex GMT-Master II in Popular Culture 

Beyond its role as a precision timekeeping instrument, the Rolex GMT-Master II has earned a place in the spotlight of popular culture. This horological masterpiece has graced the wrists of legendary personalities and made its mark in the world of cinema and sports. One of its most iconic moments came when it shared the screen with none other than James Bond himself. In the 1989 film “License to Kill,” Timothy Dalton’s Bond sported a Rolex GMT-Master II, reinforcing its association with adventure and espionage. Notable figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Pablo Picasso also chose the GMT-Master as their timepiece of choice, underscoring its appeal to influential minds across various disciplines. 

Moreover, the Rolex GMT-Master II has been a staple in the world of professional sports . Tennis legend Roger Federer has been spotted a GMT-Master II, symbolizing precision and excellence on and off the court. Racing champion Sir Jackie Stewart has also been a proud ambassador for Rolex, exemplifying the watch’s affinity for speed and accuracy. 

Its presence in popular culture extends beyond the silver screen and the world of sports. Celebrities and fashion icons are often seen wearing Rolex watches , particularly the GMT – Master II, making it a statement of luxury and sophistication. It embodies a timeless elegance that effortlessly blends with contemporary fashion. 

In the realm of luxury watches, the Rolex GMT-Master II has transcended its function, becoming a symbol of aspiration, style, and adventure. Its iconic design and legendary associations continue to capture the imagination of watch enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer things in life. As we conclude our exploration of its presence in popular culture, we’ll turn our attention to its collectability and investment value, shedding light on why this watch remains a coveted treasure among collectors. 

Collectability and Investment Value 

The allure of the Rolex GMT-Master II extends beyond its aesthetic and functional appeal; it has also become a prized item among collectors and investors. Its rich history, iconic design, and Rolex’s unwavering commitment to quality have established it as a highly sought-after timepiece. Collectors are drawn to specific references, often seeking out vintage models with unique features or limited production runs. These watches, with their historical significance and rarity, have seen their value appreciate significantly over the years. 

Investors, too, recognize the GMT-Master II as a smart choice. Rolex’s reputation for producing enduring luxury watches has created a steady demand for their timepieces, ensuring their value remains stable. Moreover, GMT-Master II’s enduring popularity and the brand’s careful control of production numbers contribute to its potential for long-term appreciation. Owning a GMT-Master II is not just a statement of style; it can also be a wise Rolex watch investment . 

Whether you’re a passionate collector seeking to complete your watch collection or an investor looking for a timepiece with a proven track record of value retention, the Rolex GMT-Master II offers the best of both worlds. Its blend of history, craftsmanship, and iconic design make it a timeless treasure that continues to shine in the world of horology and luxury. 

Wrapping It Up: Why We love the Rolex GMT-Master II

In the realm of luxury watches, the Rolex GMT-Master II stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring style. From its origins as a vital tool for pilots to its current status as a symbol of adventure and affluence, the GMT-Master II has navigated the winds of time with precision and grace. Its evolution, marked by innovations like the “Pepsi” bezel and the transition to ceramic, reflects Rolex’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence. Beyond its technical prowess, the GMT-Master II has left an indelible mark in popular culture, gracing the wrists of legendary figures and becoming a sought-after fashion statement. 

For collectors, it represents a cherished treasure with a rich history and the promise of appreciation. For investors, it symbolizes a smart choice, with Rolex’s reputation ensuring enduring value. In essence, the Rolex GMT-Master II is more than a watch; it’s a journey through time, a symbol of precision and adventure. As we conclude our exploration, it’s clear that this timepiece’s legacy is as enduring as the passing hours it faithfully keeps. It reminds us that in a world driven by innovation, some things remain timeless, and the Rolex GMT-Master II is a shining example of this enduring truth in the world of horology. 

About Bobs Watches Editorial

With over two decades of experience in the luxury watch industry, the Bob's Watches Editorial Team stands at the forefront of watch expertise and insight. Our team, composed of seasoned watch enthusiasts, skilled horologists, and knowledgeable industry insiders, is dedicated to bringing you the latest and most accurate information in the world of luxury timepieces. We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and our unwavering commitment to authenticity. Our editorial content is a reflection of our passion for luxury watches and our dedication to providing our readers with comprehensive, unbiased, and up-to-date information. Our expertise spans a wide range of topics, including in-depth reviews of the latest models, historical retrospectives of iconic timepieces, and insightful analyses of market trends. We are also renowned for our detailed guides on watch maintenance and investment advice, making us a trusted resource for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike. As thought leaders in the watch industry, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. That's why we continually update our knowledge and skills, ensuring that our readers receive the most current and relevant information. Whether you're seeking advice on your next luxury watch purchase or looking to deepen your understanding of watch craftsmanship, the Bob's Watches Editorial Team is here to guide you.

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