Rolex Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master is Rolex's sports line for sailing and life on the water, introduced in 1992. Its hallmark is a bidirectional rotating bezel, whose raised polished 60-minute numerals stand out against a matt background and can be read at a glance.

The line has two branches. The first is the Yacht-Master with date, in 37, 40 and 42 mm cases. The 37 and 40 mm sizes include Rolesium and Everose Rolesor combinations as well as full-gold cases: yellow gold on the 40 mm reference 16628, and Everose gold on the models on an Oysterflex strap. The 42 mm case is in white or yellow gold or RLX titanium. The 42 mm models and the 40 mm Everose on Oysterflex have a matt black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert instead of a metal bezel. The second branch is the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph in a 44 mm case, available in steel, steel and Everose gold, and yellow gold.

The generations differ by calibre. Earlier 40 mm references — 16628, 116622, 116621 and 116655 — use calibre 3135. The new generation uses calibre 3235 with the Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring and a power reserve of about 70 hours: the 40 mm 126622, 126621 and 126655 and the 42 mm 226659, 226658 and 226627. The 37 mm models (268621 and 268622) use calibre 2236 with a Syloxi hairspring and a 55-hour power reserve.

It helps to choose in order: branch and size first, then material and bracelet. Bracelets come in steel, gold, two-tone or titanium, and there is also the Oysterflex strap. Case sizes range from 29 to 44 mm and years of production from 2005 to 2026. Each listing gives the condition, what is included and the reference.