rolex yacht master blue dial

.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} Yacht-Master 42 .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, 42 mm, RLX titanium Reference 226627

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The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium with an intense black dial and 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 42 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.

RLX titanium

Ultralight resistance

RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy specially selected by Rolex. Like all titanium alloys, it is especially lightweight and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

Another characteristic of RLX titanium is the possibility of working it to give a polished or satin finish according to the brand’s specifications. Its high mechanical strength makes it complex to work with, and the decision to use it has required the introduction of special production processes.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Yacht-Master 42, made from RLX titanium, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The Oyster bracelet in RLX titanium also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   226627

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Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

Oyster architecture

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

Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations

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 42

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FIFTH WRIST

Owner review: rolex yacht-master 40 126622.

Before we get to my Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 review, we need some background. In 1992 Rolex introduced a watch that shared the silhouette of their beloved Submariner but in solid 18k yellow gold, embossed YG bezel insert soldered to the bezel, funky white dial, and the unusual name “Yacht-Master” written where “Submariner” would normally live. People then and now still wonder.. “Why?”.

Rumor has it Rolex wanted to drastically update the Submariner but were scared that the changes were too extreme. The Submariner was essentially their poster child and arguably their most iconic watch. Fearing backlash, they created a whole new line. Rolex rarely creates completely new watches, the last time they made a new watch before the Rolex Yacht-Master was in 1964 when the Daytona was introduced. Luckily it paid off as the Yacht-Master was pretty well received!

Even though the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 at first glance looks very similar to the Submariner it’s a totally different wearing experience. The case shape is completely different from the Sub. Its case profile is composed of compound curves with the lugs swooping downwards very similar to a Daytona, the case is also fully polished. My particular Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 being Roleisum (Rolex’s term for the combination of Platinum and Steel which was first introduced in 1999 with the ref. 16622), in combination with the blue sunburst dial and red accents, gives it such a unique aesthetic it sets it apart in Rolex’s catalog. Rolex I think perfected their blue dials, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Pictures do not do it justice whatsoever. In person, it appears much darker, almost black however in direct light that’s when the striking blue hue pops. The date function is also very convenient!

What is it like to wear a Rolex Yacht-Master? I would describe it as the most comfortable and stressful watch I have ever worn and owned. What most people don’t realize is that it’s a thin watch and I mean THIN. At 11.5mm it’s just as thin or even thinner than a 34mm 114200 Air-King! Like what? The case hugs your wrist amazingly while the oyster bracelet seems to caress you. It makes you want to wear it every single day, I mean how could you not? Thin, sporty, beautiful, comfortable and low key a strap monster. Until you see a scratch or nick on the solid Platinum bezel insert, call up Rolex Service Center to see how much it would be to replace it and they slap you in the face with a $2500 (before taxes) quote for JUST the bezel/bezel insert assembly (they’re soldered together remember?). Then you think “Okay, okay which Seiko ’s do I sell to cover the cost of a freaking bezel”. Did I mention the case is fully polished?

Has this ever happened to me? No, because I’m extremely OCD, however I was curious and called RSC, I also used to own the 16622 and was trained to wear long sleeves only, only wear it sparingly, cover my wrist when walking through doorways, never let it touch denim (yes, denim will scratch it apparently), and for all I know never sneeze near it or even look at it too long because for all I know that could probably scratch it too. To top it all off, of COURSE the bracelet and clasp has Polished Center Links! While I am exaggerating the fragility of the Rolex Yacht-Master, the stress of potentially scuffing it is real.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 is arguably one of my favorite watches ever made. I never thought I’d ever get to own one. It’s beautiful, ridiculously comfortable, relatively uncommon, however so stressful to wear. I have owned it for almost exactly one year and I personally try to enjoy every second I wear it; I even strap changed it with zero scuffs! I have and I do but my OCD and extreme caution lends itself to be a difficult one to fully appreciate without worry. I’ve debated if this watch was right for me all the time. However, I would recommend this watch to anyone minutely interested. I have no regrets having owned two of them like an insane person, but who in the watch collecting world isn’t insane?

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• 126622-0002 : Yacht-Master 40 Rolesium / Blue

Rolex - 126622-0002 Yacht-Master 40 Rolesium / Blue

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Rolex 126622-0002 description.

The Yacht-Master was first introduced in 1992 as a more luxurious alternative to the Submariner. It features a slightly more curved case that is completely polished; the revolving bezel features raised numerals. In its current iteration, the case measures 40mm across, housing the 'Perpetual' caliber 3235. Reference 116622 was introduced in 2012 as a replacement for the 16622. The updates include slight refinements to the dial and bezel in terms of finish and fonts. The 116622 also features an updated bracelet, with a different fit of the end links and an updated clasp. In 2019 this was replaced by the 126622, which is powered by the latest 3235 movement.

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Shop New Arrivals

Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 40MM Stainless Steel, Oyster Band Platinum Bezel & Chromalight Dial $ 11,995

Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 40MM Stainless Steel, Oyster Band Platinum Dial & Bezel, B&P (2008) $ 10,495

Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 40MM Stainless Steel, Timing Bezel Platinum Luminous Dial, B&P (2004) $ 10,195

Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 40MM Stainless Steel, Oyster Band Platinum Dial & Bezel, B&P (2004) $ 10,195

• Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Blue Dial

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Rolesium is celebrated for its resilient yet opulent finish, which pairs Oystersteel with 950 platinum. Both metals are forged entirely in-house, creating a stunning white metal finish that is nearly flawless and will maintain a mesmerizing luster for a lifetime of wear. Rolesium offers the durability needed for daily wear while also bringing a level of elegance and class to the tough Yacht-Master regatta watch. It's prepared to sail the vast ocean while also being suitable enough for the board room or a round of golf. Add this contemporary edition of the Yacht-Master with a striking blue dial to your watch box today in excellent pre-owned Rolex condition.

Immaculate condition with like-new appearance. Watch works flawlessly. Beautiful watch over-all.

Like a new . Excelent beautyfull

Excellent quality preowned Rolex at a fair price. Prompt service and good selection.

I have been casually browsing Bob's site for about 4 years now. When the timing was right I finally made a purchase. It was an easy seamless transaction. After selecting my time piece, I added it to my cart and checked out like any other online purchase. Wire transferred funds as per instructions and the watch showed up the next day as promised! I will certainly be doing business with Bob's Watches in the future. Either selling or buying, it makes sense!

I’m local in Newport so it was easy to go see the watch. Service was fantastic and the watch is in great condition, better than description. I will most definitely do business with Bobs again

The new yacht master is beautiful! Max was superbly helpful in this transaction. I traded in an Explorer which I had previously purchased through Bob’s. The process was smooth as silk!

No hassle super fast shipping, reasonable pricing, impeccable product-like BRAND NEW not even a tiny bit of scratch anywhere! Would definitely buy again here at Bob’s, sadly waitlisted on a few other watches.

The watch is exactly was I have been looking for, for the better part of a year. The case has a slimmer design than the submariner, which is better for cuffed shirts. It is the right blend of dress & casual, which is exactly what I needed.

super fast delivery, very helpful and professional on the phone. Watch very nice overall.

This is my 3rd purchase from Bob's, and they have not failed to deliver an outstanding time piece each time. My Yacht Master is simply magnificent and the jewel of my collection .

SUBTLE UNDERSTATED QUIET ELEGANCE. WHEN YOU REALIZE IT QUIET BEAUTY IT PUT THIS TOOL WATCH TO THE FRONT ROW.

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Overall great experience and Bob’s Watches made it a seamless, simple process. I sold a Rolex and worked with Max who was excellent to work with. Would consider Bob’s Watches again for sale or purchase of Rolex.

Amazing customer service!! I sent an email inquiring about a piece and was quickly contacted by a representative who helped me out. Overnight shipping and 3 days to checkout the watch or return it for no cost. No better place to pick up a watch. 10/10!!

Just wonderful. Well priced watches in great condition. I also don’t remember the last time I enjoyed speaking to customer service as much as I did… almost didn’t want to hang up!

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Model #: 126622 Blue Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Mens Watch

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Rolex is a registered trademark of Rolex USA. Prestige Time LLC is not an authorized dealer for Rolex and is in NO WAY affiliated with Rolex SA or Rolex USA. All Rolex watches sold by Prestige Time LLC are in UNWORN condition.

• Polished finished stainless steel case.
• Patented "Triplock" locking crown crown ensuring that the crown screws down against the Oyster case as securely as a submarine hatch.
• Polished stainless steel.
• Solid 950 platinum bezel.
• Bi-directional rotating bezel.
• Polished beveled corners.
• Ribbed edge for a sure grip.
• Matte finished recessed top with raised polished finished numbers & graduation indexes.
• Blue dial with a fine sunray dial.
• Applied polished Everose gold rimmed hour markers with luminous fill.
• Polished 18kt Everose gold hands with luminous fill.
• Fine printed minute/seconds track on the dial perimeter.
• Date window displayed at the 3 o'clock position with a cyclops magnifier.
• Rolex in-house calibre 3235, beats at 28,800 vph, contains 31 Jewels & has an approximate power reserve of 70 hours. Features Rolex's Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring & jigh-performance Paraflex shock absorbers.

Alternate model # m126622-0002

Mens rolex 126622 blue yacht-master 40mm watch.

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Rolex 126622 Blue Yacht-Master 40mm

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• History of Rolex
• Iconic Rolex Models
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The Complete Guide to Rolex Watch Collecting

N o watch brand has shaped contemporary watchmaking and collecting culture more than Rolex . In a little over a century, those five letters have become synonymous with top-tier Swiss mechanical watchmaking the world over, transcending circles of watch-loving connoisseurs and seeping into contemporary culture at every level. A historic emphasis on quality, craftsmanship and design has made the luxury watchmaker into the world’s most popular, boasting extensive waiting lists for Rolex Submariners , Datejusts , Daytonas and all their most popular models – unless, of course, you buy your Rolex watch on the secondary market. Sotheby’s is on hand to help, with a team of global specialists handpicking a wide range of Rolex watches for sale at auction around the world, as well as through our extensive online marketplace .

So it should come as no surprise that watches from every era of Rolex watch history, from the earliest days of the 20th century through to this year’s hottest releases, are highly collectible, inspire endless scholarship and push enthusiasts to the very limits of what watch collecting can be. A little bit of history, an overview of the brand’s most important creations and a few collector tips from Sotheby’s are all it takes to confidently jump into the fray yourself.

The History of Rolex and the Invention of Modern Swiss Watchmaking

The history of Rolex starts in 1905, when 24-year-old Hans Wilsdorf founded a watch distribution company in London. Pocket watches were still the order of the day, but Wilsdorf saw the writing on the wall and became an early advocate for and seller of wrist watches. A few years later he came up with the name “Rolex” on a morning carriage ride – as the legend goes – and soon Rolex was making some of the earliest wristwatches to be observatory-certified chronometers, among the strictest accuracy standards of the time.

Wilsdorf’s firm would go on to pioneer a number of innovations whose impact on 20th-century watchmaking cannot be overstated. In 1926, Rolex unveiled the Oyster case, with its screw-down crown and unmatched water resistance. In 1931, the Perpetual automatic winding system was introduced, alleviating the need to manually wind those watches. In 1945, the Rolex Datejust revolutionized the use of a date display in a wristwatch meant for everyday wear. And this is just the beginning.

The 1950s through the ’70s are considered by many collectors to be the original golden age of Rolex watchmaking. It was during this period that genuine icons like the Rolex Submariner (released 1953), Rolex GMT-Master (1954), Rolex Explorer (1963) and Rolex Daytona (1963) were all introduced to the market. These are now considered the bread-and-butter of Rolex watch collecting, no matter what era of watches you’re talking about. Quirkier models like the Rolex Milgauss (1956) and Rolex Explorer II (1971) were also released, and though it took longer for them to find their audiences, they now have die-hard fans of their own.

As watchmaking continued to improve in the 1980s and the ’90s, particularly with regards to the use of materials and computer-aided design and production, evolutions of these watches emerged. The so-called five-digit references – like the reference 16710 Rolex GMT-Master II, the reference 16610 and 14060 Rolex Submariners and reference 16520 Rolex Daytona – introduced new movements, nonradioactive luminous material for dials, sapphire crystals and more. These are, in some ways, the first truly modern Rolex watches, and over the last few years they have become every bit as collectible as their older cousins.

“The stories that these watches hold is the source of endless inspiration,” says Vincent Brasesco, VP, Director of Digital Strategy and Specialist in Sotheby’s watch department . “There was an incredible ad Rolex ran years ago, saying, ‘It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.’ That really sums it up. What other watch has been worn by astronauts, athletes, explorers and icons of the big screen alike? You and I will most likely never salvage a shipwreck, but we can own the watch that did. That’s the magic.”

The Most Iconic Rolex Watch Models

Rolex makes some of the most iconic watches known to man, and each comes in dozens – if not hundreds – of variations. Here are just a few of the more popular Rolex watch models you’re likely to come across.

Rolex Submariner

Most instantly recognizable is the Rolex Submariner , or Sub. In many ways, this watch has served as the archetype for the entire category of dive watches, past and present. A tool watch designed for underwater use by military and recreational divers, the Rolex Submariner features highly legible hands and lume plots, accompanied by a rotating timing bezel. Black remains the most popular Rolex Submariner color, but a number of colored dials and bezels have emerged over the years, including green (Kermit, Starbucks, Hulk) and blue (Bluesy, Smurf). This distinction also points to another important tradition for any Rolex watch buyer to be aware of – namely the use of nicknames to identify their favorite models .

Less than a decade after the model was introduced, Sean Connery’s personal Rolex Submariner appeared on the wrist of James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No , cementing its place in the pantheon of popular culture. Early examples, such as the reference 6538 Rolex Submariner sported by 007 (nicknamed the Rolex Big Crown by aficionados), are highly collectible and can fetch huge prices on the market. But part of the Rolex Submariner’s enduring appeal is that every version, from these “holy grail” pieces through the currently available reference 124060 , carries the same spirit. There’s truly a Rolex Submariner for every collection.

Holy Grails: Early Rolex Submariners, such as references 6538 and 6200 , feature larger winding crowns and slightly bolder designs, hence their Big Crown and King Sub nicknames, respectively.

Modern Classics: For those looking for a perfect middle ground between a vintage and modern Rolex Sub, a neovintage piece like the reference 16610 offers old-school design with contemporary materials and build quality.

Next Generation: The current no-date Rolex Submariner, reference 124060 , has new case dimensions, a cutting-edge movement and a miles-long waitlist at retailers, making it instantly collectible and highly desirable at auction.

Rolex GMT-Master

Descending a bit deeper into the collecting rabbit hole, one finds the Rolex GMT , with its colorful 24-hour bezel for tracking another time zone. (The blue and red bezel earned the original its nickname , Pepsi, but you’ll also find the Coke, Sprite, Root Beer and some non-soda-themed options, like the Batman and Batgirl.) As you move across the sky, you simply twist the bezel to line up the correct hour with the 24-hour hand, and you’ll be ready before wheels-down. This GMT (or Greenwich Mean Time) complication is a Rolex watch invention created for Pan American World Airways, whose pilots needed a time-keeping tool for long-haul flights. These watches were present on some of the earliest transcontinental Pan Am flights, including the historic first flight from New York to Moscow in 1968, and are every bit as emblematic of the jet age as New York City’s TWA Terminal and the Concorde itself.

Holy Grails: The first Rolex GMT was the reference 6542 , which featured a blue and red Bakelite bezel insert for the 24-hour scale. Because these are slightly radioactive, they were swapped for aluminum bezel inserts during service, making originals extremely rare.

Modern Classics: The reference 16760 introduced the Rolex GMT-Master II, which added a jumping hour hand that lets the wearer more easily track a third timezone (one via the main hour hand, one via the adjustable 24-hour hand and one via the bezel).

Next Generation: The Rolex Batman (reference 116710BLNR) is one of the most desirable modern Rolex GMT models, with its black and blue bezel, and either Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

Rolex Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date (or Day Date as commonly spelt) is a different sort of Rolex watch, a bit more dressed-up and buttoned-down, but no less sturdily crafted. It’s hard to believe that when it was introduced in 1956 this was the very first watch to show the date along with a fully spelled out day of the week, but it’s yet another world first Rolex can add to its very long list.

There are countless Rolex Day Date variations available, in all manner of steel, gold and platinum combinations, with myriad dial options. Any Day Date within a collection is therefore immensely expressive and personal. And the number of world leaders, movie stars and athletes who have sported them over the years is too high to imagine. There’s a reason its nickname is the President – a yellow-gold Rolex Day Date has famously graced the wrists of presidents from Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, along with those of countless other global political leaders.

Holy Grails: Because there are so many variants of the Rolex Day Date, the most collectible pieces are those with provenance, whether that’s in the form of a special-order dial (like those with the Khanjar on them) or a famous original owner . Quality and uniqueness are king.

Modern Classics: From the 1970s through the mid-90s, Rolex produced small batches of Day Date watches with brightly colored enamel dials. These Stella Dial watches are a collecting niche all their own.

Next Generation: While traditionally a 36mm-diameter watch, the Rolex Day Date is now available in a larger 40mm size, and Rolex has been creating lots of interesting dial variants at this scale that will surely become collector favorites as they age.

Rolex Daytona

But the king of Rolex collecting is undoubtedly the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona , first introduced in 1963 and now known as just the Daytona. A chronograph with three subdials and a tachymeter on the bezel, the Rolex Daytona was designed for race car drivers (it’s named after the 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida) and today represents the pinnacle of Rolex sport watches. Today the Rolex Daytona is perhaps the most sought-after luxury sports watch globally. This is particularly true for the white-dialed Rolex Daytona Panda , easily one of the most recognizable watches in the world.

Collectors enjoy obsessing over the tiniest details, with a subtle change in a dial font or a hallmark on the case back sometimes being the difference between a relatively common watch and a once-in-a-lifetime find.

For many collectors, the pinnacle of the model is the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, defined by its exotic dial with small squares on the sub-dials and so-named because of the configuration famously worn by the actor and philanthropist himself. It is the perfect coming together of watch collecting and popular culture.

Holy Grails: An immensely desirable yellow-gold, Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special” ( reference 6241 ) holds the special distinction of being the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold at auction by Sotheby’s.

Modern Classics: In 1988, Rolex introduced the references 16520 , 16523 and 16528 Rolex Daytonas, all of which utilized modified Zenith El Primero chronograph movements (a first for Rolex). These movements would remain in use until circa 2000 and the watches can be spotted by their five-digit reference numbers beginning with 165XX.

Next Generation: The reference 126529LN Le Mans Daytona was created to celebrate the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. It is white gold, the dial pays homage to the Rolex Paul Newman dials of old and it was produced for just one year, from 2023-24. This all combines to make it the most collectible modern Rolex Daytona.

And this all barely scratches the surface of what Rolex offers contemporary collectors from its nearly 120-year history. See, for example, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual , which despite its classic styling is perhaps Rolex’s most playful line – it features cheerful colors (such as the yellow dial, no longer in production) and whimsical dials. From the also-iconic DRolex Datejust to lesser-known models like the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Rolex Sky-Dweller , there is always something more to explore.

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