rolex yacht master 40 price increase

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ultimate Buying Guide

In the realm of luxury timepieces, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 stands as a paragon of elegance fused with practicality. Debuted in the 1990s, this model immediately set a new benchmark in the world of high-end watches. Enclosed in a robust 40mm Oyster case, the Yacht-Master 40 is not just a watch, but a statement of sophistication and versatility. Available in an array of materials – luxurious yellow gold and Everose gold, the classic combination of steel and gold, or sleek steel and platinum. Each variant presents its own allure that caters to the diverse tastes of luxury watch aficionados.

This timepiece surpasses mere functionality. It’s a symbol of a lifestyle, appealing to those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and timeless design. Its sporty yet elegant demeanor makes it equally fitting for a regatta or a high-profile business meeting.

As we explore the rich history and the various models of the Yacht-Master 40, we invite connoisseurs and aspiring collectors alike to explore what makes this Rolex creation not just a watch, but a legacy wrapped around the wrist.

A Brief History of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 , since its inception in 1992, has charted a course marking key milestones that exemplify Rolex’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The journey began with the release of reference 16628, a model in full gold with a pristine white dial, instantly capturing the essence of luxury sports watch design.

By 1994, Rolex expanded the horizon of the Yacht-Master 40 with a new ref 16628, this time featuring a captivating blue sunray dial. This addition not only diversified the collection but also reinforced the Yacht-Master’s position as a symbol of sophistication and nautical spirit.

The end of the decade, in 1999, saw Rolex introduce the Rolesium model, an ingenious blend of steel and platinum. This model offered a fresh perspective within the luxury watch market with a new blend of materials.

The 2000s were marked by further diversification, with Rolex unveiling two-tone metal versions and introducing mother of pearl dials, adding a new layer of elegance to the collection.

In a significant leap forward, 2012 brought with it a series of enhancements: the introduction of rhodium and blue cobalt dials added depth to the Rolesium model’s monochrome style, while the upgrade to the Easylink extension system and the transition to blue Chromalight lume signaled Rolex’s focus on both aesthetics and functionality.

The year 2015 was a hallmark in the Yacht-Master’s history with the launch of the 116655 model – Rolex’s first foray into crafting a watch entirely from Everose gold and debuting the Oysterflex bracelet, setting a new standard in the luxury watch industry.

In 2016, the introduction of the steel and Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref 116621, and in 2019, the unveiling of new models equipped with the Caliber 3235 automatic movement, underscored Rolex’s unceasing pursuit of horological excellence.

Today, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 remains a key part of Rolex’s portfolio as the choice watch of individuals with a taste for luxury and passion for the open seas.

<> Most Popular Models of the Rolex Yachtmaster 40

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is available in a wide range of metal configurations. Here are the most popular references from the collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Yellow Gold Slate Dial 16623

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Yellow Gold Slate Dial 16623, introduced in 2005, represents a unique blend of Rolex’s commitment to luxury and sportiness. This model is particularly notable for its two-tone Rolesor design as it skillfully combines 904L stainless steel with 18-karat yellow gold. This combination demonstrates a more sports-oriented rendition of Rolex’s classic two-tone style, appealing to enthusiasts who favor the sport watch aesthetic in a more lifestyle-oriented context.

One of the distinct features of the 16623 model is its bidirectional rotating bezel, crafted entirely from 18-karat yellow gold. This choice sets the Yacht-Master 16623 apart from other similar models, especially considering the stainless steel crown, which differs from the usual Rolex design where the crown often mirrors the gold elements.

The dial options, including white, silver, champagne, blue, brown, and mother of pearl, provide a spectrum of styles ranging from understated elegance to more striking appearances. The slate dial, pictured here, offers a sleek look that balances the gold construction of the timepiece.

At the heart of this model is the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, celebrated for its reliability, precision, and a 48-hour power reserve. This movement is a testament to Rolex’s engineering prowess, offering longevity and consistent performance. The Yacht-Master 16623, with its blend of robust functionality and luxurious design, is a prime example of Rolex’s ability to create watches that are both visually striking and functionally sound, suitable for both nautical adventures and everyday elegance.

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Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial 116622

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial, Reference 116622, introduced in 2016, is the embodiment of Rolex’s pursuit of excellence in luxury watchmaking. This model is notable for its unique combination of materials and design elements, making it a standout in the Yacht-Master series.

The watch’s 40mm Oyster case and sporty Oyster bracelet are constructed using stainless steel, while its bezel is crafted from 950 platinum. This blend of rugged stainless steel and ultra-precious platinum, known as Rolesium, gives the watch a distinctive monochromatic look but with contrasting textures. The high-polished raised numerals on the bezel set against a sandblasted background, combined with polished center links on the bracelet flanked by brushed-finish outer links, create a visually appealing effect.

The dial of the watch is available in dark rhodium, accented with a turquoise seconds hand and matching YACHT-MASTER text. The dial ensures excellent legibility in low light conditions, thanks to ample lume, and features the signature date window at 3 o’clock, complete with a Cyclops magnification lens on the sapphire crystal.

At the core of this model is the Caliber 3135 movement, a mainstay of Rolex since 1988, known for its reliability and precision. The movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and is backed by the Superlative Chronometer standard. The movement also includes a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Everose Gold Chocolate Dial 116621

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Steel Everose Gold Chocolate Dial 116621, unveiled in 2016, represents an elegant fusion of luxury and maritime spirit. This model is part of Rolex’s ongoing evolution of the Yacht-Master series, which has consistently introduced new materials and color schemes to diversify its appeal.

The 116621 stands out with its unique ‘Rolesor’ combination, melding stainless steel with Rolex’s exclusive Everose Gold, a proprietary rose gold alloy. This blend lends the watch a distinctive, sophisticated look, further enhanced by its dark brown ‘chocolate’ dial. The use of rose gold and brown is a common theme for Rolex, offering warmth and luxury appeal to the timepiece.

This model maintains the classic Yacht-Master design, including a 40mm case with elegantly rounded lugs and a large, easy-to-read dial. The bezel is crafted from a solid block of Everose gold, featuring large, raised numerals set against a sand-blasted background, which provides a striking contrast and adds to the watch’s elegance.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 is powered by the Calibre 3135 movement, known for its precision and durability. This automatic movement ensures reliable timekeeping and includes the blue Parachrom hairspring for better resistance to magnetic fields and impacts. The watch also benefits from Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold Oysterflex Strap 116655

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 116655, introduced in 2015, marked a significant evolution in Rolex’s Yacht-Master series. This model is particularly notable for being the first Yacht-Master model in solid Everose gold, and the first in the Yacht-Master range to feature the innovative Oysterflex bracelet, Rolex’s unique take on the rubber strap, a departure from their traditional metal bracelets.

The 116655 is also well known for replacing the precious metal bezel with Cerachrom, Rolex’s term for ceramic, used here in matte black to complement the sleek Oysterflex strap. This design choice added a new aesthetic dimension to the Yacht-Master line, offering a sportier and more contemporary look.

The case of the Yacht-Master 116655 is crafted from 18k Everose gold, Rolex’s own blend of gold and copper with a hint of platinum, adding durability and color longevity to the gold’s hue. This combination of Everose gold with the matte black elements of the dial and bezel creates a striking contrast, enhancing the watch’s luxurious yet sporty appeal.

At its core, the watch houses the Caliber 3135 movement, a mainstay of Rolex’s engineering excellence. Known for its reliability and precision, the Caliber 3135 offers a 48-hour power reserve and features a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, enhancing the watch’s resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold Pave Diamond Dial 116655

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold with Pave Diamond Dial, model 116655, introduced in 2018, stands as a luxurious and distinctive addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master collection.

Just like the previous edition, the Everose gold is used in the Oyster case, which measures 40 mm in diameter and is paired with a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with a matte black Cerachrom insert.

The defining feature of this model is its diamond-paved dial, radiating luxury and exclusivity. The dial, complemented by the Chromalight display, enhances readability and adds to the watch’s allure. The Oysterflex bracelet, a fusion of flexible metal blades overmolded with high-performance elastomer, offers comfort, durability, and an elegant look.

Inside, the watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 3135 movement by Rolex, known for its precision and reliability. The movement boasts features like a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring which offers greater resistance to shocks and temperature changes.

<> Final Thoughts

Each model of Yacht-Master 40 , from the earliest introductions to the latest innovations, showcases Rolex’s dedication to precision, elegance, and durability. These timepieces are not just mere accessories; they are statements of style and sophistication, reflecting the spirit of nautical adventure melded with luxurious living.

For enthusiasts and collectors looking to dive deeper into the world of Rolex Yacht-Master 40, SwissWatchExpo offers a diverse range of these models. Whether it’s the allure of the diamond-paved dials, the robustness of the Oyster case, or the precision of Rolex’s in-house movements, the Yacht-Master 40 series promises to elevate both your maritime adventures and everyday elegance with unmatched grace and performance.

Explore our selection of Rolex Yacht-Master 40 models, along with thousands of watches from the world’s best brands, at SwissWatchExpo.com .

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WATCH ANALYTICS WEDNESDAYS: New Rolex price hikes, which models were the most affected?

Editor’s Note: In a new series for Time+Tide, we recently partnered with @watchanalytics to crunch the numbers and dig into the horological market trends and value fluctuations for the references that matter. Last time, we delved into the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise and its value spike in the wake of the record-breaking Patek Phillipe Nautilus 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany Blue” auction sale. Today we are going to dive into the 2022 Rolex price hikes and discover which models were the least and most affected.

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Annual price hikes are not uncommon. Many, if not all, brands engage in the practice to adjust for inflation at the very. The same way Rolex is known for incremental change in their designs, they are also known to bump prices up in small increments as well – usually by 3% each year. But as @watchanalytics revealed in a recent post, the price increases introduced in 2022 were by no means uniform.

The market analysis

The conducted analysis, performed in euros, reveals price increases from 2.6% to 12.2% – making the model, in steel, with the lowest price increase the Yacht-Master 40 while the Explorer was the greatest. While the Oyster Perpetual is the gateway reference into the catalogue, with the most approachable retail pricing of all Rolex references, the Explorer has been the entry-level model for the “professional” references which include the Submariner, Daytona, Explorer II, GMT-Master II, Sea-Dweller, Yacht-Master, Milgauss, and Air-King.

The other side of the Rolex catalogue coin is referred to as their “classic” watches: Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, Cellini, Lady-Datejust, Pearlmaster and Sky-Dweller. Why am I bothering to emphasise this classification? Well, it is clear from the data the “classic” models had the smallest price increasse, hovering closer to 3%, while, for the most part, the “professional” references had the greatest increases hovering around 10%.

The takeaways

To boil down the aforementioned increases to “hype” or “steel sports demand” would be understandable as an immediate reaction, but the numbers reveal it is not so simple. Arguably the hype beast of the Rolex catalogue today is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Turquoise, and yet it was far from being the model with the heftiest price increase. Clearly, even if they remain elusive in AD cases, Rolex feels the Oyster Perpetual range must remain as the symbolic entry-level design of the brand. To hike its pricing above the Datejust for example would cause confusion and incite a bit of an identity crisis within the catalogue.

Models such as the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master also escaped the 10% increase of many of the popular steel references in the catalogue, jumping less than 3%. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the Rolex boardroom where these increases were decided, because without being present in the room there is no way to know for sure what the exact logic was. The way I see it, perhaps Rolex felt the current pricing reflected what the market would safely digest and therefore defaulted to what I associate as the “inflation percentage”.

To say the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master are not in-demand models would be quite inaccurate – try buying one at your local AD if you don’t believe me. But it is also fair to say that the models that did receive around 10% or more of an increase in pricing are the more iconic and established models within the stainless-steel pantheon of Rolex. The Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master don’t have the same storied history as references like the Submariner or GMT Master II, yet they are also higher in retail price than the historic pair. The Sky-Dweller is more palatable at its greater price point, as it is the most complicated Rolex watch in the modern collection. The Yacht-Master in steel, on the other hand, has a higher price than a Submariner due to its entirely platinum bezel. But is an entirely platinum bezel really a selling point in today’s marketplace? If yes, more-so than the rich heritage and greater aquatic performance capability of a Submariner? This, in effect, creates a new equilibrium within the catalogue. A fiscal acknowledgement of what the market really prizes most.

Lastly, while it pains me to write this, if you enjoy Rolex as a brand due to its investment potential then you are going to want to focus on “professional” references in stainless steel. Precious metal “classics” like the Day-Date, and even the “professional” Daytona 116519LN in white gold on Oysterflex had among the lowest price increases across the board of the analysed references. While it is by no means the primary driver of secondary price – as clearly exhibited by the Oyster Perpetual Turquoise – greater price jump potential at retail ensures reliable and steady increases. If demand crashes for the Oyster Perpetual Turquoise, the secondary value would theoretically decline closer towards its retail pricing. But, anyone who owns a “professional” steel sports reference, other than the Yacht-Master, effectively just gained a 10% bump in trading value. If retail goes up, the secondary market adjusts to account for it – and it is always safer when numbers drive other numbers rather than a “hype economy”.

The Newly Released 2024 Rolex Price List Shows a More Reasonable Yearly Increase

Following a significant increase in 2023, rolex comes back to a more standard price increase for 2024..

Without surprises, the arrival of a new year also means subsequent price changes for brands (and this isn’t limited to watch brands, but you’ll find these in multiple other industries). Last year already, we published the newly released price list of Rolex , which showed a rather impressive increase in the RRP of most models, with precious metal and two-tone watches being particularly affected – something we also did in 2022 , but then steel models were primarily impacted by this increase. As we enter 2024, Rolex has already updated its website with new prices for all references. However, compared to previous years, we might have some good news… or should I say less disappointing news. While we can’t avoid the price increase, it is more reasonable than in previous years, as the 2024 Rolex price list shows, on average, a rise of about 4% of the RRP. 

Method : to simplify this 2024 Rolex price list and to have a reliable comparative background to Rolex prices in 2023, we’ll be using the same method as previous years, meaning a year-on-year (YOY) comparison – January 2023 vs. January 2024 – and with the prices in Euro, on the French market, and including VAT. This allowed us to use the article we published last year as a precise comparison, using the same market, currency and models. The only exceptions to note are the watches presented at Watches & Wonders in March 2023. For these recent models ( Cosmograph Daytona , Yacht-Master 42 Titanium , Explorer 40 , Updated Sky-Dweller , 1908 Collection , Yellow Gold and Rolesor GMT Master II ), we’re using the price at the time of their introduction. We’ve also noticed identical price evolutions in the UK and US markets.

In 2023, Rolex started the year, like many other brands from the watch industry (and from other industries), with a rather significant price correction. Most of the models have been impacted by a rise of about 7 to 8% of the price, except Rolesor models (two-tone, steel-and-gold), showing an increase of about 11%. The economic situation in late 2022 and early 2023, with a strong increase in production costs and other expenses (such as the price of energy or raw materials), somehow justified this situation.

Looking at the wider image, according to the OECD , “ the global economy continues to confront the challenges of both low growth and elevated inflation, with a mild slowdown (in 2024) , mainly as a result of the necessary monetary policy tightening over the past two years. Inflation has declined from last year’s peaks. ” The situation isn’t ideal yet, but it seems that inflation isn’t growing as fast as it used to in 2023, and prices are rising less quickly. Also, if we’re looking more closely, the watch market isn’t as prolific now as it was in 2022 and early 2023. Even if the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry reported that “ exports reached their highest-ever monthly level in November (2023)”, it also reports a “ more moderate rate of growth since the summer. ” Also, second-hand prices have corrected and returned to more acceptable levels, with a few exceptions, of course.

Rolex being Rolex, it remains a highly hermetic company that doesn’t disclose its sales or production figures (presiding over Montres Rolex SA is a foundation, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which owns and controls Rolex to this day, and there is no requirement to disclose financial statements under the law.) We can’t precisely claim that Rolex had a more prolific year in 2023 than in 2022. However, several experts, such as Vontobel or Morgan Stanley, still indicate some growing figures in their estimates and the word about easier availability of some references is spreading…

Considering this situation, it’s time to look at the 2024 Rolex price list. Before we move into the details for each collection, it must be said that this year’s correction is more moderate than in the past. On average, prices are up 4% with no distinction between materials or models – which wasn’t the case in 2022 and 2023 . Let’s now look at the detailed 2023 Rolex price list per collection.

Cosmograph Daytona

The case of Rolex’s star chronograph is a bit special since the collection was entirely revamped in March 2023 , with watches starting to be delivered in the second half of the year. Thus, we have to compare what’s comparable, and we’re looking here at the evolution of the price of the 126xxx generation. Indeed, when the collection was introduced, it carried a slight price increase compared to the previous 116xxx generation – a minimal one of 300 euros on a steel version (EUR 14,650 for the 116500LN in January 2023, EUR 14,950 for the 126500LN in March 2023). Overall, the price of the 126xxx sees an increase of about 4%, with a more controlled rise of the platinum edition, while the Rolesor models are a bit more impacted… but surely not as much as in 2023 . Also, the Paul Newman-Inspired white gold “Le Mans” reference 126529LN , despite being released later in 2023, is equally impacted.

Submariner and Submariner Date

Whatever the version – date or no date – or the material used, the Submariner collection sees its prices increase by around 4%. No evolution is to be seen in the collection, which is the same as when this dive watch was updated in 2020 . We can’t note this year the same difference between the steel and the Rolesor version, which was particularly affected by the price increase last year .

GMT Master II

Following an increase of about 7% last year for the steel models – Batman (blue-black BLNR), Pepsi (blue-red BLRO) and Sprite/Destro (green-black VTNR) – all these references are mildly affected by the evolution of prices. Two new models were presented in 2023 at Watches & Wonders, the GRNR versions with yellow gold or yellow Rolesor cases and bracelets . Despite their recent introduction, these two models are equally impacted by the price increase.

SEA-DWELLER, DEEPSEA and Deepsea Challenge

Even though there was no evolution in this collection this year, it has to be noted that Rolex’s most impressive dive watch, the Deepsea Challenge , was unveiled in late 2022. As such, it was not impacted by the evolution of the price in early 2023 . As expected, this situation has changed now and the gigantic 11,000-metre water-resistant watch also sees its price rise, however from a fairly restrained 2%. The classic 43mm Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea are impacted by the same 4 to 5% rise as the rest of the watches.

Explorer and Explorer II

As part of what probably was Rolex’s most prolific collection ever (the 2023 range counted no fewer than nine new sub-collections) was a new Explorer, in 40mm , to sit alongside the vintage-inspired 36mm versions . No surprise for these adventure-themed watches, which all see their prices rise in the 4% range. The same can be said about the Explorer II .

Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

The situation for the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II collection has long been different from the rest of the professional collection. Already in 2022 and 2023 , we’ve seen disparities in the evolution of prices. This year, again, some of the references (YM in Rolesium – steel with platinum bezel) are only impacted by a 2% increase. On the other hand, the Rolesor and YG Yacht-Master II are some of the watches with the strongest growth in price this year. The recently introduced Titanium 42mm Yacht-Master is impacted in the same vein as most models.

Air King and Sky-Dweller

In last year’s article , this section also included the Milgauss, which was discontinued in 2023. Now, whether we look at the Air King 126900 , a relatively recent model, or the discreetly updated Sky-Dweller of 2023 (new dials, upgraded movement), the increase of the price is in the 4% range, whatever the material used. For the latter, being a model launched in March 2023, we’re comparing the prices at the time of the introduction and the prices now, yet the new model didn’t come with a price increase at the time of its presentation.

Datejust 41 and Datejust 36

Rolex’s most classic watch, the Datejust, has not been updated in 2023, and the collection remains as wide as it used to be in the past – there are well over 300 versions listed on the brand’s website, taking into account all possible materials, diameters, dial colours, bezel styles and bracelet types. For this reason, we’re only listing here some of the classic references – steel or Rolesor – to give a broad idea of the situation in this collection.

Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36

Another classic and extremely large collection of Rolex, the Day-Date, is exclusively available in precious metals (gold or platinum). Hundreds of combinations are available, so we’re only listing here the most classic versions, which are all affected by a price increase of about 4%, much less than the evolution of 2023 .

OYSTER PERPETUAL 41, 36, 34, 31 AND 28

Last year, Rolex’s entry-level collection, the Oyster Perpetual , faced a massive 11% price increase. Available in no fewer than five different sizes, the collection now undergoes a slightly more minor price correction than the rest of the range. The much-discussed Celebration dial presented this year faces the same increase, and its price is the same as a model with a flat, monochromatic dial .

Perpetual 1908

A new collection presented in March 2023 and the successor to the Cellini watches, the Perpetual 1908 is the most elegant model in Rolex’s catalogue. It also included a brand-new movement, refined decorations and a sapphire back. Knowing its recent introduction, we’re comparing the prices at the time of its launch and January 2024.

You can consult the updated prices of Rolex in your region by visiting www.rolex.com .

11 responses

What i find silly is some models like the YT RLX and Daytona didn’t even show up in 2023 on the market. So their prices were always meant as 2024 prices.

What’s the Difference Between YOY and YTD?

YOY looks at a 12-month change. Year-to-date (YTD) looks at a change relative to the beginning of the year (usually Jan. 1). YTD can provide a running total, while YOY can provide a point of comparison.

@Luciano – you’re absolutely right. And we’re correcting the article accordingly. Sorry for the mistake.

It seems completely out of touch to say “a more reasonable yearly increase” but hey thats the industry I guess. Consumer friendly and fair pricing is not what I assocate with the swiss

I honestly see these yearly increases unjustified. Like what kind of improvements have been made in terms of design, or movement? I think there’ll be a time when they squeeze the demand until people lose interest in their watches. Already the digital watches are pushing the Swiss brands hard against the wall!

So, this is the price I will have to pay after waited for years.

Depends what country – Canada had some massive increases (10% + on some models) that said, nothing compares to JLC increasing prices last year: 30% increase on a reverso duo

@Jonathan Bhimani-Burrows – indeed, it also depends on the currency and exchange rates. There are some markets that will face more important increase than other (Canada being one)

I’m sure this will be a minority view: I want Rolex to raise price 15% or 20% – kill the grey market for many (most?) models.

Good luck if you can find one. Even the display watch is not for sale

What’s the point… they wont even sell you one I have been trying to get an OP41 for years now every time I go to a “dealer” its “ooh they’re hand made and it can take some time … but we will try our best to get you one if you give us a deposit we can hang on to for years” … premier league football joker walks in to same store … he walks out with one on his wrist. Just go buy an omega speed master they are a better watch any way … NASA proved it.

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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 pricing (price list and evolution)

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Rolex pricing is among watch enthusiasts’ most popular and debated topics. It comes standard each time the brand consistently updates its product portfolio, yet, Rolex usually increases its entire price list in the first and second half of the year.

In the last two years, the brand’s price list didn’t change due to the pandemic until the start of 2022, when Rolex increased the price list throughout its offering and added new products at the end of March.

With the beginning of 2023, Rolex has once again updated its price list. Please find below the Rolex price list updated to 1 January 2023 concerning the professional models, the most desired Rolex watches by far.

As 2024 kicks off, Rolex has updated its price lists again.

Let’s take a look at the Rolex 2024 prices by collection and reference; we’ll finalize the analysis by detailing the Rolex price increase from 2021 to 2024 (as of January).

The Rolex pricing evolution 2022 to 2024.

The 2022 new Rolex pricing was mainly affected by the following factors:

• a comprehensive price increase (across all luxury brands, too) at the beginning of the year,
• New models’ or simple updates led to a further rise in the price list , generating a combined effect.
• A further price increase came into effect on November 1, 2022.

January 2023: the Rolex price list has a new increase

In January 2023 , Rolex made a further price increase, raising the average list price of the models listed here by nearly 3,0% , with the most significant increase expected on the 41 and 36-mm Oyster Perpetual and the Sea-Dweller in Rolesor.

Rolex increases its price list at the beginning of 2024

Here is the 2024 Rolex price list and the comparison with its 2023 one (2024 prices are in italics). Consider that the new Rolex 2024 price list is already in force, as you can check via the brand’s official website.

Oyster Perpetual 2023

• Oyster Perpetual 41mm ref. 124300: 6.450 €
• Oyster Perpetual 36mm ref. 126000: 6.150 €

Oyster Perpetual 2024

• Oyster Perpetual 41mm ref. 124300: 6.650 €
• Oyster Perpetual 36mm ref. 126000: 6.350 €

Explorer 2023

• Explorer I ref. 124270: 7.300 €
• Explorer I ref. 124273: 11.850 €
• Explorer II ref. 226570: 9.750 €

Explorer 2024

• Explorer I ref. 124270: 7.500 €
• Explorer I ref. 124273: 12.400 €
• Explorer II ref. 226570: 10.100 €
• Nuovo Explorer 40 ref. 224270: 7.950€

Submariner 2023

• Submariner ref. 124060: 9.150 €
• Submariner Date ref. 126610LN: 10.350 €
• Submariner ref. 126610LV: 10.850 €

Submariner 2024

• Submariner ref. 124060: 9.550 €
• Submariner Date ref. 126610LN: 10.750 €
• Submariner ref. 126610LV: 11.300 €

GMT-Master II 2023

• GMT-Master II ref.126710BLRO Jubilee: 10.950 €
• GMT-Master II ref.126710BLRO Oyster: 10.750 €
• GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR Jubilee: 10.950 €
• GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR Oyster: 10.750 €

GMT-Master II 2024

• GMT-Master II ref.126710BLRO Jubilee: 11.200 €
• GMT-Master II ref.126710BLRO Oyster: 11.400 €
• GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR Jubilee: 11.200 €
• GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR Oyster: 111.400 €
• GMT-Master II ref. 126713GRNR Jubilee: 17.400€
• GMT-Master II ref. 126718GRNR Jubilee: 40.700€

Daytona 2023

• Daytona ref. 126500LN: 15.200 €
• Daytona ref. 126515LN: 32.350 €
• Daytona ref. 126518LN: 30.850 €
• Daytona ref. 126519LN: 34.350 €
• Daytona ref. 126505: 42.700 €
• Daytona ref. 126506: su richiesta

Daytona 2024

• Daytona ref. 126509: 42.700 €
• Daytona ref. 126500LN: 15.850 €
• Daytona ref. 126515LN: 33.600 €
• Daytona ref. 126519LN: 33.600 €
• Daytona ref. 126505: 44.500 €
• Daytona ref. 126506: 79.900€
• Daytona ref. 126509: 44.500 €

Sky–Dweller 2023

• Sky-Dweller ref. 336934 Oyster: 15.800 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 336934 Jubilee: 16.000 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 336238: 41.450 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 336235: 42.950 €

Sky–Dweller 2024

• Sky-Dweller ref. 336934 Oyster: 16.400 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 336934 Jubilee: 16.600 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 336238: 43.100 €
• Sky-Dweller ref. 326235: 44.700 €

Yacht-Master 2023

• Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126622: 12.400 €
• Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126655: 29.050 €
• Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 RLX Titanium: 14.150 €

Yacht-Master 2024

• Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126622: 12.650 €
• Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126655: 30.200 €
• Yacht-Master 42 226627 RLX Titanium: 14.750 €

Sea-Dweller 2023

• Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600: 13.350 €
• Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603: 18.150 €

Sea-Dweller 2024

• Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600: 13.900 €
• Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603: 19.000 €

Deepsea 2023

• Deepsea Ref. 136660: 14.300 €
• Deepsea Ref. 136660 Blue: 14.620 €
• Deepsea Challenge Titanio RLX Ref. 126067: 26.200 €

Deepsea 2024

• Deepsea Ref. 136660: 14.850 €
• Deepsea Ref. 136660 Blue: 15.170 €
• Deepsea Challenge Titanio RLX Ref. 126067: 26.700 €

Rolex price list differences between 2024 and 2023

The price list has increased yearly by 4% on average, with some peaks explained in the following paragraphs.

Oyster Perpetual: a steady price increase

The Oyster Perpetual is one of the brand’s most iconic Rolex models . It did not undergo significant price changes at the beginning of 2022 but increased further in November 2022 and January 2023, and in January 2024, it experienced another widespread increase.

The Oyster Perpetual collection

Despite the new Submariner holding the headline news in 2021, the Oyster Perpetual collection has undergone a revamp and, most importantly, a new 41mm lineup has replaced the now-phased-out 39mm one .

Let’s begin with introducing the two new 41mm references: the former is the reference 124300 with a silver dial ; the latter is the reference 124300 with a black dial . Both models showcase a sunray finish.

They showcase 18-karat gold indexes and hands in yellow or white gold, respectively. I’m not fond of the new case size that much, honestly, and I’m not praising Rolex for phasing out such a sleek timepiece like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm reference 114300. Yes, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 has been discontinued . However, let’s hope to get our hands on the new watches to give our final verdict.

The major esthetic changes

However, from an aesthetic standpoint , the new dial doesn’t look as clean as an Oyster Perpetual 39’s; the double index applied at three, six, and nine makes the new 41mm model look chunky. It tends to make this Oyster’s dial look like a kind of Datejust 41.

Conversely, the new Chromalight-filled indexes overcome one of the old Oyster Perpetual 39’s weak points: poor readability in the dark. Let’s expect the current Oyster Perpetual 39 in stock to increase its value on both the new and used Rolex market.

The evergreen Oyster Perpetual 36 126000 now offers new and stronger-than-ever colour options . It keeps playing with colourful dial options, with the phased-out Grape or Green dials standing out in the past. Please welcome new colour palettes, more vivid than ever before, and confirm the 36mm option is the unisex, small-wrist oriented Oyster.

Why has the Rolex pricing of such a classic model grown so much ? As with most Rolex watches, the gap between supply and market demand has quickly resulted in product shortages of most professional Rolex watches, thus pushing fans to register their interest for timepieces once available at their nearest Rolex AD network. Let’s keep in mind that the time interval under the loupe has seen the most significant gap between product offering and demand, in recent times, for Rolex.

Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Ref. 124300

• Retail price 2021: € 5,600
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 5,850 (+ 4.4%)
• Delta Retail Price 2022: € 6.100 (+4,3%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 6.450 € (+5,7%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 6.650 € (+3,1 %)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 17.5 percentage points .

Oyster Perpetual 36mm – Ref. 126000

• Retail price 2021: € 5,300
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 5,600 (+ 5.7%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 5,800  (+3,6%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 6.150 € (+6,0%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 6.350 € (+3,3%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 18.6 percentage points .

The collection includes references with 34mm, 31mm, and 28mm case diameters we won’t consider.

Explorer: a significant price increase on the 40 mm model

The Rolex watch designed to explore the world under the harshest weather conditions is undoubtedly the Explorer , tested by scientists and adventurers worldwide.

However, this collection unexpectedly faced one of its highest increases despite preserving an attractive retail price.

The Rolex Explorer collection

Against all expectations, Rolex has slightly redesigned Explorer I and its bigger brother . The Rolex Explorer slims down by three millimetres in case width (39 to 36), thus paying homage to the original 1953 model.

Furthermore – here is perhaps the most significant piece of news – Rolex has released their first Rolesor Explorer joining the classic Oystersteel model. The black lacquered dial preserves the mixed Arabic numerals and baton indexes layout while adding several upgrades.

Rolex has announced that the new collection adopts next-gen Chromalight , capable of ensuring better lume performance in either appearance and long-lasting effect than the outgoing Explorer. The latest-gen Rolex Explorer’s size pays homage to the reference 114270 .

From a technical standpoint, it now houses the state-of-the-art calibre 3230, whose power reserve grows from 48 to 70 hours.

The Rolex Explorer 2

You won’t find any ceramic bezel, as most experts have rumoured. The new Rolex Explorer II 226570 has changed, but not as radically as you might have expected . All in all, an additional ceramic inlay would affect the core collection’s identity, and we’re all aware that Rolex barely redesigns any new watch from the ground up, especially regarding professional high-volume products, as rooted as they are in history.

The case comes with a circular surface satin finish providing a different touch and feel, whereas a significant design upgrade is that the bracelet gains one millimetre in width as opposed to the now-old Rolex Explorer 2.

Look at the bezel ring’s width; it looks larger but it is not as wide as the pictures suggest . The different feel comes from a tapered design mimicking a Daytona’s conical graduated bezel, thus making the Explorer II bolder and more masculine than the prior model.

In contrast, I would have gone for a less-than-42-mm size, whereas the new one looks and feels bigger instead. Most importantly, the Rolex Explorer II 226570, like the base Explorer, now comes standard with upgraded calibre ; please (finally) welcome the Rolex calibre 3285 found anywhere on all the Rolex GMT models.

Explorer 40 – Ref. 224270

• First retail price: 7.300 €
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 7.950 € (+8,9%)

Explorer I – Ref. 124270

• Retail price 2021: € 6,100
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 6,850 (+ 12.2%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 7,150 (+4,4%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 7.300 € (+2,1%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 7.5o0 € (+2,7%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 21.4 percentage points .

Explorer I – Ref. 124273

• Retail price 2021: € 10,350
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 10,700 (+ 3.5%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 11,150 (+4,2%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 11.850 € (+6,3%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 12.400 € (+4,6%)

Explorer II – Ref. 226570

• Retail price 2021: € 8,150
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 9,050 (+ 11.0%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: 9,500 € (+5,0%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 9.750 € (+2,6%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 10.100 € (+3,6%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 22.2 percentage points .

Would you like to know more? Please read our review of the new Rolex Explorer .

Day-Date: a relevant price increase in 2024

Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first model to display the date and day of the week .

From a price increase perspective, the Rolex pricing has grown from € 37,600 to € 38,600 on the most luxurious gold models , marking a + 2.6% growth on both Ref. 228239 and Ref. 228235. Their retail price has increased to € 40,500 .

In January 2024, the two references grew to €43,600 (+7.7%). The two models’ overall increase totals 15.4 percentage points .

Submariner: a 3.9% to 4.4% price increase in 2024

The Submariner is the luxury “diver’s watch” par excellence, geared towards diving professionals and “amateur divers”. We’ll here exclusively refer to the references in Oyster Steel.

The Rolex Submariner collection

The new Rolex Submariner is leading the Rolex proposal and has among the most extended product life cycles; the latest generation appeared in 2020.

New Vs. Old Submariner

Let’s try and identify them via the pictures released:

• the case grows from the current 40mm to 41mm
• the case wears thinner than before , and the lugs are less squared and sleeker
• the rotating bezel has different grooves (while hopefully preserving the same top-notch detenting)
• the Rolex Hulk and Rolex Smurf were replaced by the 2020 Rolex Kermit and Smurf

A new calibre

• the Rolex calibre 3235 is replacing the now-obsolete Rolex 3135 (Sub Date)
• the dial showcases the Rolex logo amidst the Swiss Made wording placed at six

Here is a group photo including some of the new references, like the new Rolex 124060, the Rolex 126610LV, the Rolex 126613 LB in Rolesor and, last but not least, the Rolex 126619 LB.

There is also the Submariner Date with black dial reference 126610LN and an additional variant in Rolesor (Oystersteel and yellow gold) with a Royal Blue dial. Finally, the catalogue includes two options in Full Gold (yellow gold, let me remind you that a Submariner never comes with Everose rose gold case and bracelet).

The Rolex pricing on this collection underwent a general increase from 2021 to 2022, totalling +10% approximately . The market request for the Submariner is high, explaining why the Price has grown so much.

Submariner Ref. 124060

• Retail price 2021: € 7,750
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 8,550 (+ 10.3%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 8,950 (+4,7%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 9.150 € (+2,2%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 9.550 € (+4,4%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 21.6 percentage points .

Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN

• Retail price 2021: € 8,750
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 9,650 (+ 10.3%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 10,100 (+4,7%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 10.350 € (+2,5%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 10.750 € (+3,9%)

Submariner Ref. 126610LV

• Retail price 2021: € 9,150
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 10,150 (10.9%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: 10,650 € (+4,9%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 10.850 € (+1,9%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 11.300 € (+4,1%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 21.8 percentage points .

We have reviewed, from the new collection, the Rolex Submariner in white gold .

Daytona: price increase is over 4%

The Daytona, designed initially to time professional car races, still is a Rolex reference product whose appeal stands the test of time. The collection marks a price increase as well but shows off different behaviours:

• a relevant price increase on the steel models,
• a slighter increase on gold references, whose starting price is three times higher than before.

A Rolex Daytona keeps being the most wanted luxury chronograph . It takes a lot of patience and dedication to get one and many years on a waiting list if you’re willing to get your hands on a steel and ceramic Daytona. Over the past three years, the full-gold Daytona references have become as desirable as their steel siblings, and their quotations on the grey market skyrocketed.

If you want to learn more about this iconic timepiece, head to our article regarding the history of the Rolex Daytona .

Daytona Ref. 126500LN

• Price 2023: 15.200 €
• Price 2024: 15.850 € (+4,3%)

Daytona Ref. 126515LN

• Price 2023: 32.350 €
• Price 2024: 33.600 € (+3,9%)

Daytona Ref. 126518LN

• Price 2023: 30.850 €
• Price 2024: 30.850 € (=)

Daytona Ref. 126519LN

• Price 2023: 34.350 €
• Price 2024: 33.600 € (tbv)

Daytona Ref. 126505

• Price 2023: 42.700 €
• Price 2024: 44.500 €  (+4,2%)

Daytona Ref. 126509

• Price 2024: 44.500 € (+4,2%)

You will notice a decrease in the listed price on the reference 126519LN; we are checking our information regarding the latest 2023 price list.

Old generation Daytona

Daytona ref. 116500ln.

• Retail price 2021: 12.600 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 13.900 € (+10,3%)
• Retail price end of 2022: 14.600 € (+5,0%)
• Retail price Jan 2023: 14.900 € (+2,0%)

Daytona Ref. 116515LN

• Retail price originale 2021: 28.550 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 29.250 € (+2,5%)
• Retail price end of 2022: 30.750 € (+5,1%)
• Retail price Jan 2023: 31.650 € (+2,9%)

Daytona Ref. 116518LN

• Retail price 2021: 27.250 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 27.950 € (+2,5%)
• Retail price end of 2022: 29.300 € (+4,8%)
• Retail price Jan 2023: 30.250 € (+3,2%)

Daytona Ref. 116519LN

• Retail price 2021: 28.450 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 29.250 € (+2,8%)

Daytona Ref. 116505

• Retail price 2021: 37.100 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 38.700 € (+4,4%)
• Retail price end of 2022: 40.600 € (+4,9%)
• Retail price Jan 2023: 41.900 € (+3,2%)

Daytona Ref. 116506

• Retail price 2021: 72.600 €
• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 74.500 € (+2,6%)
• Retail price fine 2022: ND

Daytona Ref. 116509

• Retail price 2022 Jan-Oct: 38.700 € (+4,3%)

GMT Master II: a 4% price increase on steel models

Here is the most wanted GMT watch ever . The Rolex GMT is available with a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet and a two-tone bezel in the iconic blue and red Pepsi combo or blue and black.

Both product references had the same retail Price, with the Ref. 126710 Oyster jumping from € 9,050 to break the 10k threshold and stop at € 10,050. The same goes with the Ref. 126710 Jubilee, now costing € 10,250 instead of € 9,250 as of 2021.

GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO and 126710BLNR Jubilee

• Retail price 2021: € 9,250
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 10,250 (+ 10.8%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 10,750 (+4,9%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 10.950 € (+1,9%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 11.400 € (+4,1%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 21.7 percentage points .

GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO and 126710BLNR Oyster

• Retail price 2021: € 9,050
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 10,050 (+ 11.0%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 10,550 (+5,0%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 10.750 € (+1,9%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 11.200 € (+4,2%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 22.1 percentage points .

Check out our review of the Rolex Batman .

Sky-Dweller: limited price increase in 2024 for the Rolex complicated model

The complicated Rolex par excellence is among the most clever watches on the market , and Rolex keeps upgrading the collection by adding new variants and improving comfort, considering the size of the case (the thickness, especially).

Among the latest novelties were the new Sky-Dweller 326238 and 326235 , equipped with the Oysterflex bracelet for the first time . The watch has the disadvantage of having a relatively large case which has always penalized it compared to the more popular sports Oyster Perpetuals, precisely in terms of comfort.

With the launch of this new option, the Sky-Dweller is equally sportier and more comfortable, and I believe it’ll soon broaden its audience.

If you own a Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex or a Yacht–Master 40, you know that the Rolex patented rubber strap is super smooth yet robust . Its flexibility is top-notch, thanks to the adoption of titanium and nickel-made blades inside each half. The Oysterflex combines a metal bracelet’s performance with the best quality and ease of use with a rubber strap.

Finally, the Oysterflex makes the Gold Sky–Dweller lighter and perfect during the summer season . It comes with 18-carat Gold Oysterclasp and Glidelock extension systems. Specifically, the new Rolex Sky-Dweller 326238 in yellow gold also debuts a unique black dial with a sunray finish and is priced at 38,350 Euros at launch. Like every new 2020 Oyster Perpetual, the former is one of the new options available. Please jump to Francesco Falcone’s article to learn more about Rolex Sky-Dweller Oysterflex’s specs and options.

Above all, Oysterflex contributes to lowering the weight of the gold Rolex Sky-Dweller. Coupled with the strap is the Oysterclasp in 18K yellow gold.

Sky-Dweller 326934/336934 Oyster

• Retail price 2021: 14.200 €
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: 14.600 € (+2,8%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: 15.300 € (+4,8%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 15.800 € (+3,3%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 16.400 € (+3,8%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 14.7 percentage points .

Sky-Dweller 326934/336934 Jubilee

• Retail price 2021: 14.400 €
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: 14.800 € (+2,8%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: 15.500 € (+4,7%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 16.000 € (+3,2%)
• Delta prezzo gennaio 2024: 16.600 € (+3,8%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 14.5 percentage points .

Sky-Dweller 326238/336238

• Retail price 2021: 38.350 €
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct:  –
• Retail Price end of 2022: 40.200 € (+4,8%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 41.450 € (+3,1%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 43.100 € (+4,0%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 11.9 percentage points .

Sky-Dweller 326235/336235

• Retail price 2021: 39.750 €
• Retail Price end of 2022: 41.750 € (+5,0%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 42.950 € (+2,9%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 44.700 € (+4,1%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 12.0 percentage points .

Discover our review of the Rolex Sky-Dweller in steel and gold .

Yacht-Master 40: the increase regards Rolesor and Titanium models

The collection faced a limited price increase on the Rolesor reference and higher on the gold options .

Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126622

• Retail price 2021: € 11,450
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 11,750 (+ 2.6%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 12,300 (+4,7%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 12.400 € (+0,8%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 12.650 € (+2,0%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 10.1 percentage points .

Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126655

• Retail price 2021: € 26,150
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 27,850 (+ 6.5%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 28,150 (+1,1%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 29.050 € (+3,2%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 30.200 € (+4,0%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 14.8 percentage points .

Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium Ref. 226627

• Retail price 2023: 14.150 €
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 14.750 € (+4,2%)

You can read our review of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 here .

Sea-Dweller: a 4% plus price increase in 2024

The Sea-Dweller has undergone a consistent price increase .

Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600

• Retail price 2021: € 11,150
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 12,350 (+ 10.8%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 12,950 (+4,9%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 13.350 € (+3,1%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 13.900 € (+4,1%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 22.9 percentage points .

Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603

• Retail price 2021: € 14,950
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 16,300 (+ 9.0%)
• Retail Price end of 2022:€ 17,050 (+4,6%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 18.150 € (+6,5%)
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 19.000 € (+4,7%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 24.8 percentage points .

Please read our full review of the Rolex Sea-Dweller .

Deepsea: less than a 4% price increase in 2024

Here comes a slight price increase.

Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660

• Retail price 2021: € 12,050
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 13,250 (+ 10.0%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 13,900 (+4,9%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 14.300 € (+2,9%) – [Ref. 136660]
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 14.850 € (+3,8%)

Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660 Blue

• Retail price 2021: € 12,350
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 13,550 (+ 9.7%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 14,250 (+5,2%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 14.620 € (+2,6%) – [Ref. 136660 Blue]
• Delta Retail Price January 2024: 15.170 € (+3,8%)

Price Increase 2021-2024: 21.3 percentage points .

Check out the Deepsea in our review .

The new Rolex Deepsea Challenge Titanium RLX 126067

Ten years after the experiment that saw James Cameron deep dive the Rolex Deepsea Challenge prototype eleven thousand meters down in the Mariana Trench (10,908 meters), Rolex entitled the famous director and producer to unveil the commercial edition of that timepiece finally: please welcome the new Rolex Deepsea Challenge Titanium RLX 126067 .

A giant of the seas

The new watch, measuring a whopping 50 mm in diameter, marks the debut of Rolex’s first-ever professional watch in titanium. The brand patented it as “Titanium RLX”, a grade 5 titanium alloy combining a brushed finish to some luxurious touches like the mirror polish on either lugs’ edges, crown protectors, and crown.

Here is Rolex’s answer to Omega’s Ultra Deep, and they are the only premium watches to belong to the 11,000-meter water-resistant diving watches’ club.

The Rolex ultra-professional model has slightly increased its price tag by €100 . The 2024 retail price is 26.700 € .

Milgauss: slight price increase

The Milgauss is one of the most recognizable and long-established Rolex models , thanks to its unique style, which includes a green sapphire crystal. Despite being unchanged for several years, this historical collection saw its retail price jump 10%+ over 2021 RRP .

We have thoroughly reviewed this collection, and you can read our review of the Milgauss here .

Milgauss (two variants reference 116400GV)

• Retail price 2021: € 7,950
• Retail Price 2022 Jan-Oct: € 8,750 (+ 10%)
• Retail Price end of 2022: € 9,200 (+5,1%)
• Retail Price Jan 2023: 9.400 € (+2,2%)

The above price is the last known price of the Milgauss. With the launch of the new 2023 models, the Rolex Milgauss was officially discontinued . We therefore leave this section to provide some historical data, waiting for a new model which we hope might return in 2024 .

The reasons behind the Rolex price list’s increase

Now that we have scrutinized the new prices let’s return to the opening question. What triggered the Rolex pricing increase?

The watch industry wasn’t the only luxury business to face such increases. While the premium luxury business is somewhat different from anything else, let’s try and list some key factors.

The wake of the pandemic: how the stop of production affected the watch market

By closing all the industrial activities in the previous two years, the retail industry suffered a product shortage which drove a further price increase. With the product demand being strong and even more sustained when it comes to Rolex, a lowered product supply has further increased the gap between product availability and demand.

The demand for Rolex watches never plummeted

Companies stopped producing non-essential goods, yet this didn’t stop fans from purchasing luxury watches and Rolex watches.

Several studies prove that luxury consumer product purchases increased thanks to the steady lockdown and online sales boom.

Raw materials price increase

Another not negligible factor concerns raw materials, whose quotations have grown throughout, on less precious metals like steel as on more precious ones such as gold which, as far as Rolex is concerned, holds a relevant part in the product mix.

For additional information, please visit the official Rolex website .

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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ultimate Buying Guide

First released at Baselworld 2019, the Yacht-Master 42 is the newest and largest addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master lineup. Historically, the Yacht Master collection has been the only Rolex sports model available in multiple sizes; however, until the release of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659, 40mm was the largest case size available. Despite the fact that the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 introduced a new and larger 42mm case to the collection, at the time of writing, the model is only offered in a single configuration: a 42mm white gold case fitted with a black dial, black ceramic bezel, and matching black Oysterflex bracelet.

At first glance, the Rolex Yacht Master 42 reference 226659 appears very similar to the 40mm Everose gold model that is also fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Both watches feature black dials, matte black ceramic bezels with raised polished numerals, black Oysterflex bracelets, and Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3235 movement. However, while the core design of the Yacht-Master 42 is shared with the other Oysterflex Yacht-Master watches, the larger case paired with its toned-down monochromatic color profile makes it immediately distinct, and these small changes come together to make the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 the perfect poster child for the modern Rolex brand.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

Yacht-Master 226659 Key Features:

– Reference Number: 226659

– Production Years: 2019 – Present

– Case Size: 42mm

– Materials: 18k White Gold

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds; Date Display

– Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Luminescence: Chromalight

– Bezel: Bidirectional, Black Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3235

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oysterflex Bracelet

– Clasp: Oysterlock Safety Clasp w/ Glidelock Extension System

– Approx. Price: $28,900 (Retail); $33,500 (Pre-Owned)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

The History of the Rolex Yacht Master 42

Compared to many of Rolex’s other lines of watches, the Yacht-Master is a fairly young collection, having only just joined the brand’s catalog in 1992. While Rolex originally built much of its reputation by producing tough-as-nails tool watches, the brand had already started to make its transition towards becoming an all-out luxury manufacturer by the 1980s, and the Yacht-Master was created as an unapologetically luxurious take on the brand’s classic sports watch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master largely follows the same overall design as the Submariner, but leans more towards the opulent and luxurious side of things, rather than being a purpose-built underwater timing tool. Both the Submariner and the Yacht-Master feature rotating timing bezels, but while the Submariner’s bezel rotates unidirectionally and features a luminous dot at the zero-marker, the Yacht-Master’s moves bi-directionally and omits the luminous dot in favor of an insert crafted from either solid gold, platinum, or black ceramic. Similarly, all Rolex Yacht-Master watches feature precious metals somewhere in their construction. Even the most humble models that are largely crafted from stainless steel feature solid platinum bezels, and while the bezel insert on the reference 226659 is built from black ceramic, the watch itself is crafted from solid 18k white gold.

Initially, the Rolex Yacht-Master was exclusively offered in solid yellow gold and with a 40mm case. However, over the years, the collection expanded to include other case sizes and materials including both two-tone and Rolesium (a combination of stainless steel and platinum) references. Both a 29mm Lady Yacht-Master and 35mm Midsize Yacht-Master were previously offered alongside the standard 40mm model, but these two smaller versions were ultimately discontinued in favor of the Midsize Yacht-Master 37.

With that in mind, Baselworld 2019 marked the arrival of both an all-new Yacht-Master size and a new material option for the collection. With the launch of the reference 226659, not only was the Rolex Yacht-Master now available with a 42mm case diameter for the first time in its history but it was also offered with a solid 18k white gold case – something that was previously not an option within the standard Yacht-Master collection. While the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 marked a major step forward for the collection, the new 42mm case size is exclusively available for the ref. 226659, and the watch is only available in one single configuration. Given that the Yacht-Master 42 has only been on the market for a couple of years, many collectors speculate that the solid 18k white gold ref. 226659 is just the first of many 42mm Rolex Yacht-Master watches.

Rolex Yacht Master 42 Defining Elements

For the most part, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is a larger, white gold version of the Everose Yacht-Master 40 that is also on an Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 226659 does possess a number of unique traits that make it immediately identifiable and separate it from all other Rolex watches.

42mm White Gold Case

Probably the single most defining feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is its 42mm case crafted from solid 18k white gold. Not only is this unique because the ref. 226659 is the only 42mm Yacht-Master model, but it also holds the distinction of being the only one that has ever been constructed from white gold. Over the course of the Yacht-Master’s history, it has been created in full 18k yellow gold, Yellow Rolesor (stainless steel and yellow gold), Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum), full 18k Everose gold, and Everose Rolesor (stainless steel and Everose gold). Additionally, there is even a version of the 44mm Yacht-Master II regatta timer that is built from white gold with a platinum bezel, but the reference 226659 is the only iteration of the classic Yacht-Master to be offered in full 18k white gold.

Black Cerachrom Bezel

Just like the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Rolex Yacht-Master models that are also fitted with Oysterflex bracelets, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 receives a bidirectional timing bezel with an insert that is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic material. The black ceramic insert is given a matte-sandblasted texture, with raised graduations that feature a high-polish finish for improved contrast. Despite having both a different case size and being made from different materials, the matte black ceramic insert on the Yacht-Master 42 instantly unites it with the rest of the Oysterflex bracelets Yacht-Master watches in Rolex’s portfolio.

Oysterflex Bracelet

The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is quite possibly the most over-engineered rubber strap in the world – however, to call it a “rubber strap” is a bit misleading. Rolex specifically refers to it as a bracelet within its catalog because the elastomer strap features a flexible metal core for optimum durability and longevity. Additionally, the underside of the strap features a comfort pad that elevates the strap slightly off the wrist, better distributing the weight of the watch and promoting airflow and breathability.

One of the more interesting details about how Rolex has chosen to structure its catalog is that the Oysterflex bracelet (seemingly the most sporty and least formal option) is exclusively equipped to the brand’s solid gold models. Whether fitted to a Daytona, Sky-Dweller, or Yacht-Master watch, all of the Oysterflex-equipped models are crafted from solid 18k gold (either yellow, white, or Everose). At the time of writing, the Oysterflex bracelet is only found on the full 18k Everose gold Yachtmaster 40 and Yacht-Master 37 watches, along with the 18k white gold Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex Caliber 3235 Movement

Despite being 2mm larger than the current Yacht-Master 40, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is powered by the exact same Caliber 3235 movement. Designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex, the Cal. 3235 represents the brand’s latest generation of date-displaying mechanical movements and can be found in a number of other date-displaying Rolex watches, including all-time classics like the Datejust and the Submariner.

The Caliber 3235 movement is based around Rolex’s new Chronergy escapement, which features a skeletonized structure for improved efficiency. When combined with Rolex’s proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring and a redesigned gear train and mainspring barrel, the Caliber 3235 offers users an increased power reserve of 70 hours, which represents a significant step up from the 48-hour reserve offered by its predecessor. Additionally, despite its improved efficiency, the Rolex Cal. 3235 movement adheres to the same incredibly stringent ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision standards, which permit a maximum timekeeping deviation of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Price and Availability

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 has only been around for a couple of years, so it is still in production and available for purchase from retailers and boutiques. However, as anyone who is familiar with Rolex watches will tell you, finding the model you want brand-new and available for immediate sale is virtually impossible and for many highly popular references, there is no way to buy a brand-new Rolex without spending a significant amount of time on a waiting list. As a result of this lack of availability on a retail level, many buyers turn to the secondary market, where they can add a Rolex Yachtmaster 42 ref. 226659 to their collections without the wait.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master 42?

As of 2021, the retail price for a brand-new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is $28,900, which represents a $1,600 premium compared to its 40mm Everose gold counterpart. However, due to the fact that the white gold Yacht-Master 42 cannot be purchased at a retail level without being on a waiting list, pre-owned prices exceed their brand-new values and you can expect to pay a premium of several thousand dollars if you wish to skip the line and add one to your collection today.

Where to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master 42

Since the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is still in production, you can technically still buy it brand-new from Rolex retailers and boutiques – just as long as you are willing to wait out the cue. A similar story exists for most of the popular modern Rolex models; however, compared to the steep premiums that many of the brand’s stainless steel sports watches trade hands for on the open market (which can frequently reach values in excess of 100% above their brand-new retail prices), the comparatively reasonable premium of a few thousand dollars to skip the line for a reference 226659 Yachtmaster 42 means that buyers often opt for a pre-owned example, where availability is immediate and guaranteed.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42: A Modern Luxury Sports Watch

Rolex may have originally built much of its legendary reputation by building tough and reliable sport and tool watches, but the brand’s days as a manufacturer of utilitarian timekeeping devices have long since passed. These days, Rolex is an all-out luxury brand and it is arguably the single most famous luxury label in the entire world. The thought of a military branch supplying its troops with Rolex Submariner watches has become almost comical given that countless people all around the globe are unable to buy a Submariner, despite being more than willing to pay full retail price for one. In fact, the Rolex Submariner is so in-demand that most people are willing to pay far more than the brand-new retail price, just to skip the multi-year waiting list and add one to their collections.

Despite Rolex’s transition towards becoming a luxury manufacturer, it has never stopped producing reliable and finely crafted sports watches. However, the nature of its sports watches has certainly evolved to take on a more luxury-oriented approach, just like the brand’s positioning within the greater watch market. Rolex was producing sports watches back in the 1950s and 1960s and although its products were always considered to be premium timepieces, they were hardly regarded as luxury items, let alone status symbols.

These days, Rolex sports watches are some of the most iconic and desirable luxury timepieces in existence, and wearing one has become a universally recognized symbol of success and personal accomplishment. As a result of the implicit connotations that they carry, modern Rolex sports watches need to do more than just be tough and reliable; they also need to offer a bit of flash and match the opulent and exclusive image of Rolex itself.

The Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand. Its monochromatic color profile paired with its matte black ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet makes the watch inherently casual and sporty, and at first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a humble stainless steel model. However, at its core, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is a $30k solid gold Rolex. Wearing a Rolex watch has become a universally recognized status symbol, but Rolex is not a brand known for making over-the-top, statement pieces. The white gold Yacht-Master 42 is the perfect statement piece for those that do not want to make a statement, and that is precisely why the reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand.

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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.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} Yacht-Master 40 .css-1g7r01k{font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.9375rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-1g7r01k span{display:block;} Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold Reference 126621

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in Oystersteel and Everose gold with an Oyster bracelet.

Bidirectional rotatable bezel, timing the distance.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.

This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Intense black dial

Exceptional legibility.

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 40 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

Everose Rolesor

A meeting of two metals.

Gold is coveted for its lustre and nobility. Steel reinforces strength and reliability. Together, they harmoniously combine the best of their properties.

A true Rolex signature, Rolesor has featured on Rolex models since the early 1930s, and was trademarked as a name in 1933. It is one of the prominent pillars of the Oyster collection.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening and the Easylink comfort extension link, also exclusive to Rolex.

This ingenious system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   126621

Model case .css-plfq1t{--iconSize:12px;--iconStrokeWidth:2px;height:var(--iconSize);position:relative;width:var(--iconSize);}.css-plfq1t::before,.css-plfq1t::after{background:currentColor;content:"";display:block;height:var(--iconStrokeWidth);left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:50%;-webkit-transition:-webkit-transform 0.6s;transition:transform 0.6s;will-change:transform;}html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::before,html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}.css-160voq8 .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transform:rotate(90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(90deg);transform:rotate(90deg);}.no-js .css-plfq1t{display:none;}

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Everose Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and Everose gold

Everose gold bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated with raised numerals

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

Intense black

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master 40

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6 Rolex Watches Under $25000: Your Dream Collection Awaits!

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Regarding the epitome of luxury watches, Rolex is an unrivaled titan in the industry. But what if I told you that the dream of owning one of these iconic timepieces could be a reality, even if you're on a budget?

You read that right: Rolex Watches Under $25,000 is a figment of your imagination and a tangible luxury you can wrap around your wrist. From the Rolex 2023 Collection to vintage classics, there are Affordable Rolex options that offer the same blend of precision, elegance, and status without requiring you to break the bank. 

The Allure of Luxury Watches: Why Rolex Stands Out in 2023

In luxury watches, Rolex has consistently set the gold standard. Their timepieces are not just instruments to tell time; they're a testament to craftsmanship, precision, and a legacy over a century. When discussing watches under $25,000, Rolex offers a range that beautifully marries affordability with luxury.

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The Rolex 2023 collection, in particular, showcases the brand's commitment to innovation while staying true to its roots. The Rolex price guide is a compass for those seeking the best Rolex deals, directing enthusiasts to premium watches on a budget. And while the term "affordable Rolex" might seem like an oxymoron to some, it's a reality for those who know where to look.

The allure isn't just in the brand name; it's in the promise of quality, the history of excellence, and the sheer joy of owning a piece of horological art.

Watches Under $25,000: The Best Picks

Rolex deepsea dweller 116660.

The Rolex Deepsea also features a 44 mm case, shown above, with the D-Blue dial commemorating the Deepsea Challenge 2012. With a depth rating of 3,900 meters, this watch lives up to its name. This model is larger than the Submariner, Rolex's most famous dive watch, with a thicker case and a Fliplock extension link that extends the Oyster bracelet by 26 mm.

I chose the version with the D-Blue dial for this list because it is unique and may be more valuable in the long run after Rolex stops offering this configuration. The suggested retail price for the Rolex Deepsea with D-Blue Dial is approximately $9,762 US.

Rolex Yacht-Master II (Reference 116681)

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The model with the most significant price tag on this list is the Yacht-Master II in Rolesor Everose, a combination of stainless steel and rose gold. This beautiful nautical watch features a regatta timer and a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The 44 mm case is one of Rolex's most extensive, and the YM2 is one of the newer Rolex models, introduced in 2007.

While the functionality is designed for yacht racing, this is an excellent timepiece for anyone who appreciates a nautical aesthetic. The combination of rose gold and stainless steel complements this model. The suggested retail price for the Rolesor Everose Rolex Yacht-Master II is approximately $19,746 US.

Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference 118135)

Rolex's Everose gold provides a great alternative to traditional yellow and white gold. It gives any timepiece a uniquely contemporary appearance that still harkens back to the gold watches that dominated the market in the early 20th century - particularly when paired with a leather strap.

The 36 mm Day-Date in Everose gold on a black leather strap perfectly synthesizes traditional and modern watch aesthetics: the size and black leather strap are more conventional. At the same time, the fluted rose gold bezel and black dial give it a modern touch.

This is one of the few Day-Date model prices under $25,000 and is well worth the price tag of 22,500 Swiss francs (approximately $23,200 US).

Rolex Datejust II (Reference 116333)

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If someone were to ask me to close my eyes and think of a Rolex, a Datejust model would probably be the first one that pops into my head. Even though I have had a Deepsea for a few years now, something about a gold Datejust screams Rolex.

The Datejust II maintains the classical elements of the original with a 41 mm case. The model configuration above features diamond hour markers, a fluted 18-karat gold bezel, and a Rolesor Oyster bracelet. Based on the size and materials, it is an excellent value at 13,000 Swiss francs or approximately $13,404 US.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116523)

The Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex's most coveted model, a favorite among celebrities and race car enthusiasts. While most are priced well over $25,000 and have waiting lists of up to two years in some cases, there are still a couple Daytona configurations in this price range. The Rolesor Daytona above features a black dial and gold bezel, giving it an exquisite look. The suggested retail price for this configuration is 16,100 Swiss francs or approximately $16,601 US.

Rolex GMT-Master II (Reference 116713 LN)

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While the GMT-Master II BLNR or 'Batman' is perhaps the most well-known model configuration (featuring a blue and black ceramic bezel), this model looks particularly sophisticated in yellow gold or a combination of yellow gold with stainless steel.

The stainless and yellow gold version is shown above, referred to as 'Rolesor' by Rolex. The yellow gold elements compliment the black dial and black Cerachrom bezel, with the green 24-hour hand providing a complimentary color detail.

The suggested retail price for the Rolesor GMT-Master II is 12,400 Swiss francs or approximately $12,785 US.

The Art of Maintaining Your Rolex: Ensuring Timeless Elegance

When you invest in a Rolex, you're not just purchasing a watch; you're acquiring a piece of art, a symbol of luxury, and a testament to impeccable craftsmanship. Like any masterpiece, it demands care and attention to retain its luster and function. 

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Rolex watches, renowned for their precision and durability, are designed to last generations. However, the longevity and performance of your Rolex largely depend on how you treat it. Regular servicing is akin to a health check-up; it ensures that every intricate part of your watch is functioning optimally.

But beyond professional servicing, there are daily practices you can adopt. Avoid exposing your Rolex to extreme temperatures or magnetic fields, as these can impact its accuracy. When not wearing your watch, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably its original box or a watch case. Cleaning your Rolex is a delicate process. Gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or smudges, ensuring you don't scratch its surface.

In the realm of luxury watches, the Rolex Deepsea Dweller 116660 stands out with its unique D-Blue dial, commemorating the Deepsea Challenge of 2012. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this watch is a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision and durability, boasting a depth rating of 3,900 meters.

Its uniqueness suggests potential long-term value, especially once this configuration becomes a rarity. Investing in such a masterpiece is not just about owning a timepiece; it's about embracing a legacy. And to ensure its longevity, consider using a watch winder when it's not adorning your wrist, ensuring its precision remains uncompromised.

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