yachtmaster 1 stahl gold

Undecided between a Rolex Yacht-Master or Submariner? Here is our guide:

Yacht-Master vs Submariner

Both the Yacht-Master and the Submariner are inextricably linked to Rolex’s rich heritage in developing expert waterproofing technology. Over the last few years Rolex has focussed significantly on its Yacht-Master collection. Since 2015 they have created the Everose version and equipped models with the new Oysterflex bracelet. Likewise, the Submariner has received several modifications since it first launched in 1953, namely its improvement in water resistance. Let’s take a look at how the Yacht-Master and the Submariner fair up to one another in this comparison article which looks into the materials, functions, and performance of each watch.

Presenting the Yacht-Master:

The Yacht-Master is a luxury sports watch that launched in 1992 in an 18k yellow gold case. Since then, ladies’ models have accompanied these rugged timekeeping tools as well as several innovative features like the mid-size man’s model and the Rolesium case, crafted from a mix of Rolex’s 904-L grade stainless steel and 905 platinum. The blend of metals further enhances the model’s luxurious aesthetic, enabling the elements on the dial and bezel to stand out with exquisite luster and luminosity.

Yacht Master

Reference: 268621

Case/Dial: 37mm Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold , Black 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet)

Movement: Rolex 2236, Self-winding

Functions: Date, Calendar, Stop seconds , 55h power reserve

Strap: Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold

Style: Elegant

Presenting the Submariner:

The Submariner was introduced in 1953. The diver’s watch was an extension of the brand’s success in creating the world’s first waterproof and dustproof watch – the Oyster. It used the same structure as the Oyster case and was equipped with 100-meter water resistance, setting the benchmark for all diver’s watches to follow. Over the last 2 decades, the Submariner has tripled in price and remains a highly desirable model to own from the brand’s prestigious catalog.

Reference: 116613LB

Case/Dial: 40mm Oystersteel and yellow gold , Blue 300 metres / 1,000 feet

Movement: Rolex 3135, Self-winding

Functions: Date, Calendar. Stop-seconds for precise time setting. , 48h power reserve

Strap: Oystersteel and yellow gold

Case and Bracelet:

The Submariner watch is a 40mm model, enabling it to sit comfortably on the arm without overpowering the wrist. It’s a great timepiece for pairing with sporty or casual attire. The case is crafted from stainless steel, featuring a monobloc middle case, a screw-down case back and a screw-down crown. The crown is integrated with the Triplock triple waterproofness system developed by Rolex. It features three sealed zones to offer the best water damage protection over the watch’s movement. The top of the watch is completed with anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass and the watch’s unidirectional rotating bezel is crafted from Cerachrom ceramic, which prevents the surface of the colored bezel from scratching and fading. The unidirectional rotating bezel has 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. Available in green, blue and black, these bezels match their respective dial colors. The case of the Submariner is also available in 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, steel or a bi-color steel & 18k yellow gold option. The Rolex Yacht-Master is available in a 37mm, 40mm, and a 42m case size. The 37mm version features a steel case with Everose bezel and bracelet links, the 40mm variations are available in a Rolesium (steel and platinum case) and an 18k Everose case with black bezel. The 42mm version is crafted from white gold with a black bezel. There are black dials and dark rhodium dials to choose from within this collection – each one equipped with a cyclops date at 3 o’clock. The 37mm and 40mm Everose watches have a matching rose gold second hand, and like the Submariner, the dial is protected by a sapphire glass lens. The Yacht-Master’s bezel is bidirectional with 60-minute graduations that are raised and polished to stand out clearly. The Yacht-Master is 100-meter water-resistant compared to the Submariner’s 300-meter water-resistant case.

The Submarine is powered by the calibers 3135 and 3130. Both offer a 48-hour power reserve and perform at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Caliber 3135 has received modifications since it was first developed. It is now COSC-certified and features a Paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring for enhanced mechanical efficiency.

Some Rolex Yacht-Masters are powered by the in-house Caliber 3235, which provides a longer 70-hour power reserve compared to the Submariner. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Others are powered by the Caliber 2236 with a Syloxi hairspring in silicon and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. It provides a 55-hour power reserve.

Both the Submariner and Yacht-Master watches feature Superlative Chronometer tested movements, meaning that they have undergone a set of stringent tests to prove their robustness, reliability, and strength under extreme conditions.

Bracelet and Clasp:

The Submariner and Yacht-Master differ in terms of their bracelets. The Yacht-Master 40mm Everose and 42mm white gold options are completed on an Oysterflex bracelet with features flexible metal blades protected underneath a high-performance elastomer. To secure around the wrist, the band features an Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension facility, enabling you to attach the bracelet over the top of heavy outdoor gear. The other Yacht-Master watches come on an Oyster bracelet with Glidelock system. The Submariner is completed on the Oyster bracelet (in options of steel, 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold or bi-color options), with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension clasp for expanding in small increments.

The Rolex Yacht-Master watch is more expensive than the Submariner, retailing at around $12,000 as opposed to the Submariner’s $8000 price tag. On the preowned market, however, both watches sell for a similar price point since the Submariner holds its value better compared to the Yacht-Master.

Still Undecided:

The Yacht-Master, despite being available in luxurious Everose and platinum versions, has a sportier aesthetic compared to the rugged look of the Submariner, especially since some models are completed on the Oysterflex bracelet as opposed to a 3-piece Oyster bracelet. It also features a clear dial surrounded by a bidirectional rotating bezel with highly legible markers. The Submariner, on the other hand, is more suitable for diving since it features a unidirectional rotating bezel that will enable you to keep track of remaining dive time and better water resistance. It offers a short power reserve, however, and goes without the addition of the sportier Oysterflex bracelet.

Comparision Table

Ref.124060 vs ref.126622.

Find out more:

Check the official site  here  for more information.

Submariner 126610ln

Reference: 126610ln

Case/Dial: 41mm Steel , Black 300

Movement: 3235, Self-winding

Functions: Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting , 70h power reserve

Strap: Steel

Style: Diver

• Latest Releases

Yacht-Master

A valuable tool watch

A technical and elegant watch, the Yacht-Master is a reliable nautical instrument on the wrist.

Its graduated bidirectional bezel allows for precise measurement and reading of time intervals when navigating. This tool watch benefits from innovations that improve its legibility and wearers’ comfort in all circumstances.

Graduated bidirectional bezel Precision and legibility on the wrist

The bidirectional bezel with raised 60-minute graduations is a key feature of the Yacht-Master. Entirely crafted in precious metal – 18 ct Everose gold or 950 platinum – or fitted with a black Cerachrom bezel insert in high-technology ceramic, it is an essential part of the watch’s identity.

With its polished markers and numerals, which stand out clearly from the matt surface, the bezel guarantees optimal reading of time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys. Furthermore, the detailed graduation of the first 15 minutes offers extra precision when reading navigational time.

The bidirectional rotating mechanism relies on a ring bearing 120 notches for precise and fluid adjustment to the nearest half-minute. Lastly, the bezel has a knurled edge, making it easy to manipulate in all conditions.

Gold, Rolesor and Rolesium Precious alloys and exclusive combinations

Rolex gold is an intrinsic part of the Yacht-Master’s identity: 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold are comprised of 750‰ pure gold and blends of silver, copper and palladium. They are all entirely created and cast in our own foundry.

The Yacht-Master in 18 ct Everose gold is available in two diameters: 37 mm and 40 mm. Each of these versions is also available with a diamond-paved dial. The 18 ct yellow gold and 18 ct white gold versions are reserved for the Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex gold is also combined with Oystersteel – a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy – for the Everose Rolesor versions of the Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40. They combine a bezel and centre links in Everose gold with a middle case, winding crown, case back and outer links in Oystersteel.

The Yacht-Master 37 and the Yacht-Master 40 are also available in Rolesium versions, an alliance of platinum and steel. They combine a platinum bezel with a middle case, winding crown, case back and bracelet in Oystersteel.

RLX titanium Robustness and lightness

RLX titanium made its first appearance in the Yacht-Master range in 2023. The grade 5 titanium alloy selected by Rolex is a particularly lightweight metal and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Its use for the Yacht-Master 42’s case and bracelet has reduced the weight of the watch by around a third compared to a similar watch in steel. RLX titanium is complex to work with and has required the introduction of special production processes.

The combination of polished, high-sheen and technical satin finishes illustrates our excellence in machining and finishing techniques. Together, they produce a subtle blend of textures and light, setting off the gleaming polished surface of the crown guard and the lustrous high-sheen on the top edges of the lugs against the matt of the technical satin finishing – with its pronounced grain – visible on the rest of the case and bracelet.

Bracelets, clasps and extension systems Comfort and security on the wrist

Chromalight display and cyclops lens for optimal legibility.

Equipped with the Chromalight display and the Cyclops lens, the Yacht-Master combines two exclusive Rolex features that improve legibility.

The Chromalight display provides optimum legibility, whatever the light conditions. The luminescent material is applied by experts to the hands and the large hour markers which have simple shapes (triangle, circle and rectangle) that are characteristic of Rolex professional watches. Brilliant white in daylight, this material emits an intense blue glow in the dark.

Introduced in 2008, the Chromalight display was optimized in 2021 to maintain the intensity of the blue glow for longer. The performance of this luminescent substance clearly exceeds the standards required by watchmaking norms.

Designed to improve the readability of the date thanks to its magnifying effect, the Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and technical signature of the brand. This Rolex invention was patented in the early 1950s. Like the crystal of the watch, it is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from a double anti-reflective coating.

Calibres 3235 and 2236 Superlative performance

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A Week On The Wrist The Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm With Oysterflex Bracelet

For the first time, rolex is delivering a watch on a rubber strap – except in classic rolex fashion it's not a rubber strap at all. it's a beautifully over-engineered bracelet called the oysterflex..

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There is big news, and there is Rolex big news, and in some ways, ne'er the twain shall meet. At Baselworld this year, Rolex debuted a first for the company: the very first, ever, Rolex delivered on a rubber strap. Now, for most companies this would have little effect on watch enthusiasts other than to evoke (very) tepid interest at best, and boredom at worst – but this is not an ordinary rubber strap, this is an official, designed-and-tested-and-thoroughly-obsessed-over-by-Rolex rubber strap. And thereby hangs a tale.

The Yachtmaster, as we have mentioned in some of our previous coverage , occupies a somewhat particular place in Rolex’s lineup of sports watches; it shares water-resistance and a turning bezel with the Submariner (the latter is water resistant to 300 m while the Yachtmaster standard model is water resistant to 100 m). It is certainly not a tool watch; the Yachtmaster is offered in either platinum and steel, or gold and steel (that’s Rolesium and Rolesor, lest we forget) and is either quietly or unequivocally luxurious depending on what size and metal you go for (Rolex makes the Yachtmaster in both 35 mm and 40 mm sizes). 

The Yachtmaster’s history goes back to the first introduction of the watch in 1992, although the name, interestingly enough, appears on the dial of a prototype Yachtmaster Chronograph from the late 1960s (a watch so legendary I am actually forced to use the word; one of three known is in the collection of Mr. John Goldberger; we covered it – and a host of other remarkable ultra-rare watches from his collection – in a very memorable episode of Talking Watches ).

The term “Yachtmaster” is also, incidentally, used for a certificate of competency in yachting which is issued by the Royal Yachting Association, although we’re unaware of any specific association between the RYA and the Yachtmaster watch.

Now, this newest version of the Yachtmaster does take a few pages from the existing Yachtmaster playbook: 100-meter water resistance, a bidirectional turning bezel, and a dial and hands that echo the Submariner. There are also a couple of features that may make vintage Sub enthusiasts wonder if Rolex mightn’t have an exceedingly subtle sense of humor; the gilt coronet and “Rolex,” and the red lettering, both features which according to HODINKEE founder Ben Clymer would have, had they appeared on a Rolex dive watch, made it instantly the single most popular watch in the modern Rolex inventory. The case is rose gold – Rolex famously makes their own, called Everose, in their own foundry, with a bit of platinum mixed in to prevent discoloration – and the bezel, rather than being some other precious metal (as is the case in the “standard” Yachtmasters) is in black Cerachrom – a very technical-looking matte black that contrasts sharply with the gold case. Somehow, between the rose gold, the Cerachrom bezel, and the new Oysterflex bracelet this manages to be the most luxurious and at the same time most technical Yachtmaster yet (leaving aside the Yachtmaster II, which we recently reviewed right here , but that is a watch that marches to the beat of a different drummer entirely).

The two different versions of the Everose Yachtmaster (40 mm and 37 mm) sport different movements; the larger uses the caliber 3135 and the smaller, the newer 2236, which sports the “Syloxi” silicon balance spring (first used by Rolex in 2014).

The Oysterflex bracelet is, in a nutshell, quite a piece of work. One of the most endearing traits of Rolex as a company is that it tends to demonstrate what we can only describe as a laudable degree of corporate obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to research and development, and it does so, often, without making any sort of fanfare about it at all. In this case we do know a little bit about the Oysterflex, however – it is basically designed to have the hypoallergenic and comfort properties of a rubber strap and the durability and shape-retention properties of a bracelet. 

At the core of the Oysterflex bracelet are metal inserts made of titanium and nickel, which are used to affix the bracelet to the clasp and watch case; over those is a sheathing of “high-performance black elastomer.” “Elastomer” is a portmanteau word, formed from “elastic” and “polymer” and is a general term for natural and synthetic rubbers. In addition to the materials complexity of the Oysterflex bracelet, it is also shaped in a rather unusual fashion – there are ridges molded into the the wristward face of the bracelet, which are intended to allow the bracelet when worn to better approximate the natural curvature of the wrist.

They might look a bit odd but in practice, the design works out quite wonderfully; this is easily the most downright comfortable and organic-feeling rubber strap I have ever worn, and like the entire watch manages to be both extremely technical in feel, and very luxurious at the same time; I doubt whether any company has ever taken so much trouble over the design of a strap (for all that Rolex prefers the term “bracelet” in describing the Oysterflex, habit dies hard and you’ll probably find yourself calling it a strap, just as we did). On the wrist, the two stabilizing ridges do exactly what they are supposed to: keep the watch from shifting, as heavier watches on rubber straps are wont to do, without requiring you to have the strap uncomfortably tight. The Everose Oysterlock clasp does a superb job mechanically and also looks fabulous into the bargain; the quality of finish on the clasp and case may not seem terribly elaborate at first, but it is as technically flawless as anything I have ever seen at any price, on any watch.

What we have here, in other words, is a very Rolex interpretation of luxury. Yes, this is a gold watch, and a gold Rolex, and wearing a gold Rolex always carries with it, shall we say, certain semiotic complexities. However there is also another side to the watch, and to the Rolex approach to luxury in general: the taking of such pains to produce technical perfection that technical perfection becomes a luxury in itself.

The Everose Rolex Yachtmaster, in Rolex Everose, with Everose Oysterclasp and Oysterflex bracelet, as shown, $22,000 in 37 mm, and $24,950 in 40 mm. For more info, check out Rolex.com.

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• Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master I – Maritime & sporty

Hoist the sails, don the Rolex Yacht-Master I, and let the regatta begin. This elegant watch attracts both men and women with style and the timeless design. It is the prized companion for both days on deck and nights on the harbour. At CHRONEXT, you can buy a wide range of Yacht-Master I models – for great prices and available for immediate delivery!

A sophisticated timepiece

The legendary Rolex Yacht-Master further strengthens the bond between the Swiss manufacturer and the world of sailing - a connection that has been going strong for decades.

Not only does Rolex sponsor numerous international regattas, the company has its own competition: the prestigious Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Resisting wind and weather, the Yacht-Master I offers waterproofness up to 100 metres, ensuring that it is the perfect companion for yacht cruises.

But the predecessor of the larger Yacht-Master II is not only ideal for stormy weather - the watch also exudes a sense of elegance, delegating it as the perfect accessory for a relaxed evening at the yacht club. The Yacht-Master models that include a blue watch face bring forth the essence of the sea and sailing. The model is also available with a platinum dial, reflecting the elegance that characterizes the collection for both men and women alike.

The luxurious world of the Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) was presented in 1992 as a member of the Oyster Perpetual family. Its similarities to the classic Submariner are abundant, but the resemblance between the two models end when it comes to the price: initially, the Yacht-Master was exclusively produced with a gold case, which accounts for the higher costs.

Contrary to the Submariner’s adaption to adventures under the sea, the Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 116622), with its bright blue dial or mother-of-pearl watch face, is made for life on the water as well as on land. Its bi-directional rotatable bezel allows for exact timekeeping on the high seas. Only high-quality materials are used in the production of this elegant watch: 18 carat yellow gold or 950 platinum. Excellent quality is characteristic of the Yacht-Master: A scratch-proof sapphire crystal, a Cyclops lens, the uniquely innovative Oyster case, and the unrivalled Parachrom hairspring are just some of the outstanding features that make this Rolex watch a true masterpiece.

Sports and luxury - united in the Rolex Yacht-Master I

There is only one Oyster Professional watch that can be purchased in two sizes: the Rolex Yacht-Master. The 40mm model is equipped with the self-winding Rolex calibre 3135 while the smaller 35mm model offers the mechanical Rolex calibre 2235. The production and manufacturing of both calibres are conducted entirely by Rolex and the movements are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Another technological feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master I is the blue Parachrom hairspring. Following years of research, Rolex introduced the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is finer than a human hair. Manufactured from a highly stable paramagnetic alloy, the Parachrom hairspring resists magnetic fields and is ten times less sensitive to shocks as compared to conventional oscillator hairsprings. All these innovative features are protected by a waterproof Oyster case whose name stems from the mollusc that can clamp its shell shut, unlike any other living creature. The Oyster case is screwed shut and can thus offer different degrees of water-resistance. The Oyster bracelet is an exceptionally robust innovation that combines elegance and function with a sensationally comfortable fit. Beginning its success story in the late 1930s, the flat metal bracelet with its three-piece links has become one of the most popular Rolex bracelets, thanks to a comfortable fit and unsurpassed durability.

Only the best materials for the Rolex Yacht-Master

After the development of the Rolex Yacht-Master prototype in the 1960s, the world eagerly awaited an additional 30 years for the introduction of the first Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16628) in 1992. While the first model, manufactured from 18 carat gold with a white dial, measured 40 millimetres in diameter, the smaller Yacht-Master that launched in 1994 was available with a case diameter of 35 millimetres (68628), as well as a case measuring 29 millimetres (16622).

In the year 1999, Rolex amazed with a new, modern twist on the Yacht-Master by producing the watch in an extravagant mix of stainless steel and platinum. Since then, Rolex has coined the well-known term “Rolesium”, which stands for the combination of platinum and 904L steel. Six years following the presentation in 1999, another model of the Yacht-Master (Ref. 16623) hit the market: the new Rolex watch surprised with a Rolesor-case, famous for its combination of gold and stainless steel. Thus, the Yacht-Master collection of both used and new wristwatches offers an incredible choice of case sizes, materials, and dial colours, making the Yacht-Master a noteworthy and exceptional Rolex watch. Yacht-Masters are produced for both men and women as they brighten every wrist and exude elegant sophistication.

Luxurious and Exhilarating

The Rolex-Yacht master is a watch made for adventurers of the seven seas. Captivating knowledgeable explorers, experienced sailors, and festive yacht owners, the Rolex Yacht-Master collection offers wristwatches for every occasion and impresses with various different and outstanding watches for both men and women.

While men tend to favour bigger Yacht-Master models with a 40-millimeter case, women may prefer the model that measures a slightly smaller 35 millimeters. These models include the white dial Yacht-Master manufactured from stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 168622), and the gold watch dial fashioned from stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 168623)

The men’s watches from the Rolex Yacht-Master collection are equipped with a blue or white dial and their materials range from a combination of stainless steel and platinum (Ref. 116622) to a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold (Ref. 16623). The use of high-quality materials such as gold and platinum explain the higher prices for a Rolex Yacht-Master and allow for a sensible financial investment. For those looking for more reasonably priced watches, the purchase of a Yacht-Master on the second-hand market might be an appealing alternative.

An additional bonus is the fact that vintage watches, whose timelessness is undeniable, tend to reveal exciting stories about their past.

Your model selection at CHRONEXT

• Rolex Yacht-Master 37
• Rolex Yacht-Master 40
• Rolex Yacht-Master 42
• Rolex Yacht-Master in platinum

Sell Rolex Yacht-Master I watches at CHRONEXT

Perhaps, rather than looking to buy, you have a Rolex Yacht-Master I for sale – CHRONEXT is the place for you! Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive service based on years of experience in the watch sector. To obtain offers, simply fill out our online form or contact our experts by phone or email or via live chat. We would be happy to advise you and help you find the best possible deal.

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• Rolex watches
• Yacht-Master

Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Yacht-Master

Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. This Professional-category watch provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master embodies the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to the 1950s. Specially designed to meet the needs of sailors, it is a technical, elegant and sporty watch that is above all a useful and reliable nautical instrument.

An immediately recognisable bezel

The Yacht-Master is easily recognisable for its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal (Everose gold or platinum) or fitted with a black Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic. The raised polished graduations and numerals stand out clearly against a matt background. This characteristic and functional bezel – which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – plays a full part in creating the unique visual identity of the watch.

Exclusive materials

Robust, accurate and perfectly waterproof, the Yacht-Master is one of the only Rolex Professional watches offered in several diameters (37, 40 and 42 mm).

The Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 are available in a Rolesium version (combining Oystersteel and platinum, exclusive to the Yacht-Master range) and in an Everose Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and Everose gold) with a bezel in precious metal and fitted with an Oyster bracelet. Both models are also offered in 18 ct Everose gold featuring a Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic and an Oysterflex bracelet.

The Yacht-Master 42 is available in 18 ct yellow or white gold with an Oysterflex bracelet and in RLX titanium – a particularly lightweight alloy with excellent corrosion-resistance properties and high mechanical strength – with an Oyster bracelet. This version, unveiled in 2023, stands out for its technical satin finish, a finish with a visible grain.

Perpetual calibres 2236 and 3235

Yacht-Master models are equipped with calibre 2236 (Yacht-Master 37) or calibre 3235 (Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. Both movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Superlative Chronometer certification

Like all Rolex timepieces, the Yacht-Master is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by a green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Rolex Yacht-Master A selection of models

Yacht-Master 37

Yacht-Master 42

Yacht-Master 40

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Rolex Yacht-Master vs. Submariner Date Review

In our latest head-to-head (spoiler: you can’t really make a wrong decision), we’re pitting two nautically-themed titans against each other: one perhaps the most famous Rolex of them all, the other heading towards future classic status.

The Rolex Submariner has been the world’s favorite dive watch for generations now, arriving way back in 1953 and gaining immortality as James Bond’s original gadget of choice. An unqualified success whether in its civilian or military role, the Submariner range split in the 1960s into a date and non-date version – the former going on to be released in a variety of precious metal configurations, alongside the ubiquitous stainless steel models.

As for the Rolex Yacht Master, its roots are very much intertwined with the Submariner. It is believed that during the 80s, Rolex made the decision to completely revamp the all-conquering dive watch, for reasons they alone know. Fortunately, changing the design of their most popular model finally struck someone as a bad idea and the plans were abandoned. However, the work the designers had already carried out was deemed too good to shelve, and it was decided to release it as a separate entity – a more luxurious take on the classic. The Yacht-Master entered the scene in 1992, and would go on to become the first sports watch from Rolex to be released in three sizes – a ladies 29mm, a mid-size 35mm, and the full-size 40mm.

Since its release, the Yacht-Master has developed into one of the most aesthetically varied ranges within the Professional Collection lineup. Due to the wide range of materials and styles, we are going to compare two examples from each series that are as closely matched as possible; the ref. 116610LN Submariner Date and the ref. 126622 Yacht-Master 40.  Prices:  the base model Yacht-Master Reference 126622 has a current retail price of $11,800 USD and the base model Submariner 116610 has a retail price of $8,550 as of 2019.

Rolex Yacht-Master vs. Submariner: The Case

When initially released, the Yacht-Master was an entirely precious metal watch, the original run comprising only of yellow gold pieces. Since then, models in Everose with Cerachrom bezels appeared, as well as a number in Rolesor (Rolex’s own name for a combination of steel and gold). However, along with the more traditional two-tone steel and gold variations, the Yacht-Master also introduced what is known as Rolesium – the brand’s combination of a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel.

The ref. 126622 arrived this year, sporting an updated movement from 2016’s ref. 116622. At 40mm, it is technically the same size as our competing Sub; however, underlining its more opulent bearing, it has retained the gracefully sweeping profile that is more commonly seen on earlier Rolex watches. The Submariner has adopted the beefed-up, angular lugs and crown guards of the Super Case, lending to far more presence on the wrist, and splitting the odd opinion or two.

Even so, there is no getting away from the fact that the two look very similar. The YachtMaster is perhaps the more sleek and showy; the Submariner, by comparison, a rather low-key, everyday choice. One other thing you will likely notice from trying on both – it has a thinner and flatter caseback, making it a more comfortable wear in many people’s eyes. It is due to it only needing 100m of water resistance, whereas the Submariner’s 300m depth dating calls for more bulk.

The defining element of many of Rolex’s tool watches, the bezel on the contemporary Submariner has been forged from Cerachrom, an insanely tough ceramic alloy that is resistant to scratching and fading. In keeping with diving timepiece standards, the bezel insert is marked for 60 minutes, with hash marks for the first 15, and it is unidirectional (only turns one way, a crucial safety feature).

With the Yacht-Master, its bezel rotates in both directions and is made from the most luxurious of all precious metals: solid 950 platinum. Like the Sub, it also shows 60 minute gradations, but they are embossed – raised from the surface rather than engraved. The Yacht-Master’s bezel has a much softer action than the Submariner’s, which revolves with 120 well-defined clicks.

And the final thing that made its introduction with the Yacht-Master; it was the first model to adopt Rolex’s Maxi dial. The larger indexes and fatter hands have been as controversial as the Super Case, but there’s no doubting it makes the face more legible. The ref. 126622 comes with a choice of two dials; in dark rhodium and sunburst blue.

Because the platinum and steel in the watch’s makeup are both white metals, the rhodium dial provides a head-to-toe monochromatic look, broken up only by the bright turquoise on the seconds hand and single line of text. Alternatively, the blue has a real eye-catching contrast and is becoming a hot favorite, especially with its sparingly used bright red detailing on the seconds hand and ‘Yacht-Master’ name.

The Submariner ref. 116610LN is finished with the classic black dial that we all know and love – as you would hope on such a traditional watch. Coupled with the clean white markers and handset, it makes for perfect legibility, whether underwater or sitting at your desk.

The Movements

Until this year, both watches were powered by the same movement – the incredible workhorse that is the Cal. 3135. It is the engine which has been driving the Submariner since 1988, and it is still the one inside the current ref. 116610LN that Rolex sells today. 30-years old or not though, it is a formidable mechanism, accurate to within -2/+2 seconds a day, and fitted with some of the latest in cutting-edge components, such as Rolex’s siogniture Blue Parachrom hairspring.

Rolex unveiled the Yacht-Master 126622 at the most recent Baselworld, ostensibly the same as the old watch except for an updated movement: the Caliber 3235. Representing the next generation of Rolex’s in-house, date-displaying movements, the Cal. 3235 has been fitted with an all-new escapement (called the Chronergy) which is reportedly 15% more efficient than before and offers an improved 70-hour power reserve. Obviously the way Rolex are going with their movements, it is only a matter of time before the Submariner is given the same.

Although clearly cut from the same cloth, there is nevertheless a world of difference between the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Submariner. The Sub these days is the more understated choice. Its brushed surfaces and strict black and white palette don’t shout for attention, yet it’s still brawny enough to get noticed.

The Yacht-Master has always been unapologetically opulent, without the same tool watch origins as the Sub. Of the pair, it is the one more likely to get the looks, its slimmer lines with polished lugs and center links making it the dressy option.

But, as we said at the beginning when choosing between a Rolex Yacht-Master and a Submariner there really is no wrong choice!

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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