Is the Yacht-Master the Ultimate Modern Rolex?

When most people think of Rolex, the Submariner is usually the first model that comes to mind. It’s an icon, after all—perhaps the icon. But there’s another Rolex sports watch that, while overlooked by some, offers a combination of features that could arguably make it the ultimate modern Rolex: the Yacht-Master.

Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master is one of the younger collections in the Rolex lineup. This gives it a unique position in the catalog—one that isn’t bound by the same historical constraints as the brand's mid-century icons. As a result, the Yacht-Master collection is diverse, with a range of sizes, materials, and configurations that set it apart from the rest of Rolex’s professional lineup.

A Broad Range of Sizes

Image Source: Swiss Watch Expo

One of the most compelling aspects of the Yacht-Master collection is the variety of sizes it offers. In the current lineup, you can choose between 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm cases. This is particularly noteworthy because no other Rolex professional watch comes close to offering this kind of range. The Submariner, for example, is only available in 41mm, and the Daytona is limited to 40mm. We now have some optionality in the Explorer lineup, but aside from the OP, that's about it.

Regardless of the size you choose, the Yacht-Master has curved lugs designed to comfortably hug your wrist: one of its major differences from the Submariner. This isn't just a small tweak—it completely shifts the wearing experience of the watch.

For those who prefer something even smaller, there are discontinued Yacht-Master models in 35mm and 29mm sizes. This level of size variety is something you’d typically find in Rolex’s dressier models like the Datejust, making the Yacht-Master an outlier in the professional category.

A Diverse Palette of Materials

When it comes to materials, the Yacht-Master collection is just as diverse. Current models are available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, two-tone (Everose gold), titanium, and a combination of steel and Everose gold (known as Everose Rolesor). This wide array of options opens up the Yacht-Master collection to a broad spectrum of buyers, suiting a variety of tastes.

A standout material combination that has become synonymous with the Yacht-Master is Rolesium, which pairs a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel. This combination is exclusive to the Yacht-Master and makes it recognizable from across the room. Additionally, the collection includes gem-set versions, where precious stones are set into the bezel and/or dial, adding an extra layer of bling.

Innovative Bracelet and Strap Options

Historically, the Yacht-Master was paired with Rolex’s classic three-link Oyster bracelet. However, in 2015, Rolex introduced the Oysterflex bracelet on the Yacht-Master—a hybrid rubber strap with a metal blade inside, giving it the rigidity of a bracelet with the comfort of a strap. The introduction of the Oysterflex was a significant move for Rolex, showcasing their willingness to innovate within the Yacht-Master collection.

Today, gold Yacht-Master models (whether yellow, white, or Everose) come fitted with the Oysterflex bracelet, while Rolesium, Everose Rolesor, and titanium models are equipped with the traditional Oyster bracelet. This range of bracelet options further adds to the Yacht-Master’s versatility, catering to different preferences and use cases. 

If you like the feel of a rubber strap but don't have an Oysterflex Yacht-Master, check out our selection of straps for various Yacht-Master references (16622, 16623, 16628, 116621, 116622, 126621, 126622).

A Configuration for Every Taste

Beyond size and material, the Yacht-Master also offers a variety of dial and bezel options. Most current models feature black dials, but there are also choices like blue, slate, and even diamond-paved dials, depending on the specific reference. The bezels, which are bidirectional and feature a 60-minute scale, come in platinum, Everose gold, or black ceramic. This range of options allows for a high degree of customization: not a common thing in Rolex's catalog.

Why the Yacht-Master Stands Out

The Yacht-Master’s relative youth compared to other Rolex models allows it to be a platform for innovation, akin to (but not quite on the level of) what we see from Tudor. Rolex has used the Yacht-Master to debut features like the Oysterflex bracelet, matte black ceramic bezel inserts, and RLX titanium cases. This willingness to experiment has made the Yacht-Master a dynamic part of the Rolex lineup.

Whether you prefer the luxurious look and feel of Everose gold, the light weight of titanium, or the versatility of a smaller case size, the Yacht-Master has something to offer.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Modern Rolex?

So, is the Yacht-Master the ultimate modern Rolex? In many ways, it is. It combines the brand’s iconic dive watch design with modern innovations, offering unparalleled versatility in terms of size, material, and configuration. While it may not have the storied histories of other (perhaps similar-looking) Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master more than makes up for it with its forward-thinking approach and wide-reaching appeal. 

Unless otherwise stated, images courtesy of Rolex