Gem-Set Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

When Rolex released the Yacht-Master in 1992, it was one of the brand’s most luxurious sports models from the get-go. Crafted almost entirely in 18k yellow gold, this was a solid hunk of precious metal that you could comfortably wear while sailing the seas on your private yacht. Over the years, Rolex has greatly expanded the Yacht-Master lineup with additional sizes, materials, and dials. Plus, Rolex chose the Yacht-Master to debut its newest bracelet style in 2015 by pairing the nautical watch with the black rubber Oysterflex bracelet. In addition to all the great variety, there are also a handful of lavish gem-set Rolex Yacht-Master watches on offer; some in the regular production catalog and some hidden from the public as “off-catalog” models. Here are a few of them.  

Everose Rolex Yacht-Master with Diamond Paved Dials 

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When you say “Yacht-Master” to the modern Rolex buyer, they likely picture the Everose gold version with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet that entered the scene in 2015. With its sporty black accents and precious metal case, the Everose Yacht-Master has become the flagship model of the entire collection. 

Rolex not only offers the Everose Yacht-Master in two sizes, but buyers can also choose between the standard black dial or a dazzling diamond-paved dial. The current production Yacht-Master 40 with a diamond pavé dial is the ref. 126655-0005, while the smaller 37mm version is the ref. 268655-0019.

Rolex Yacht-Master “Tutti Frutti”

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Launched in 2017, the Yacht-Master ref. 116695 SATS has been given the nickname “Tutti Frutti,” and one look at its Skittles-themed bezel and it’s not hard to see why. The rainbow-like bezel that sits on top of the 40mm Everose case is set with 32 sapphires, eight tsavorites, and a single triangular diamond at 12 o’clock. Except for the diamond, pink, yellow, blue, orange, and green are the colors of the precious gemstones, laid in a repetitive pattern. 

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Dial choices include the customary black version, which matches the black Oysterflex perfectly. However, if you really want to lean into the opulence of it all, Rolex also made a Yacht-Master “Tutti Frutti” watch with a full diamond paved dial. 

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 with a Baguette Diamond Bezel

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In 2019, Rolex added the biggest model to the collection with the introduction of the Yacht-Master 42. The watch sports a 42mm white gold case and is fitted with a black Oysterflex bracelet. In addition to the standard option furnished with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Rolex also added a gem-set variation (around 2021) in the form of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226679TBR. 

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The diamond Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226679TBR is one of the ultra-secretive “off-catalog” models that are only accessible to select Rolex customers. The watch features trapeze-cut diamonds on the bezel and brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs. What’s more, if that isn’t enough gemstones for you, Rolex also makes a full diamond paved dial version. 

Rolex Yacht-Master “Cotton Candy”

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In 2022, Rolex announced the latest gem-set Yacht-Master to join the company’s lineup. It was the Yacht-Master ref. 126679 SABR with a 40mm white gold case embellished with diamonds and colorful sapphires. The rotating bezel is home to a group of five trapeze-cut gemstones (pink sapphire, light blue sapphire, diamond, purple sapphire, and dark blue sapphires) repeated eight times in sequence and accompanied by a triangular diamond at 12 o’clock. The case is also set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, spanning from the lugs to the crown guard.

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According to Rolex, the watch was inspired by the aurora borealis and the glow of dawn, yet collectors have nicknamed it the Yacht-Master “Cotton Candy.” Similar to the other examples we’ve laid out there, Rolex offers the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126679 SABR with either a black dial or a full diamond paved dial. 

The Appeal of Gem-Set Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

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Whether or not these gem-set Rolex Yacht-Master watches are to your taste, what remains true is their value and collectibility in the market. Rolex produces these types of high-jewelry sports watches in very low quantities, which in turn makes them even more appealing to Rolex collectors. 

Other secret gem-set Rolex watches include Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master models that glisten with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Would you ever wear Rolex sports watches with precious gems? Sound off in the comments below.

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