rolex yacht master ii uk

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• Yacht-Master II

Rolex Yacht-Master II Oyster, 44 mm, yellow gold M116688-0002

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Ring Command Bezel

18 ct yellow gold

MODEL AVAILABILITY

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict Rolex production capacity and, at times, the demand for Rolex watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Retailers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

Prestons is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Retailers and can provide information on the availability of Rolex watches.

HOW TO SET YOUR Yacht-Master II

Synonymous with excellence and reliability, Rolex watches are designed for everyday wear, and depending on the model, perfectly suited for a wide range of sports and other activities. Built to last, these timepieces are characterized by their distinctive and timeless aesthetics. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph. Learn more about its features and how to set the time and, for the perfect race start, how to use the exclusive countdown function by watching the video.

Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that lightness is a quality to be taken seriously.

Rolex Yacht-Master

MASTERING LIGHTNESS

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Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both experienced sailors and yachting enthusiasts.

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Mastering lightness

Rolex yacht-master.

Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance. The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that lightness is a quality to be taken seriously.

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.css-1obzumv{font-weight:700;font-size:clamp(1.875rem, 1.25rem + 1.5625vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:1.1;}.css-1obzumv:lang(th){line-height:1.5;} Yacht-Master 42 .css-18uwo57{font-size:clamp(1.125rem, 1.0625rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.6;font-weight:300;line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-18uwo57 span{display:block;} Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium Reference 226627

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Staying on course

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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Rolex Yacht Master II Watches

In the world of film, it is quite common for sequels to fail to live up to the quality of its predecessor. While this can happen in the jewellery industry, this certainly isn’t the case with Rolex Yacht Master II watches. Much like the previous iteration, the Yacht Master II offers the perfect combination between strength and reliability, and elegance and aesthetics. 

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The History of Rolex Yacht Master II Watches

The story of the Rolex Yacht Master begins in 1992, when the very first iteration of Rolex’s homage to the sailing community was first released. Designed specifically for the nautical sportsman, the Yacht Master was a nod to the iconic Submariner but was essentially a completely different breed. Looking to capitalise on the success of the original Yacht Master, Rolex took 15 years to perfect every aspect of the collection and finally unveiled its long-awaited successor to the world in late 2007.

It was during Baselworld 2007 that the Yacht Master II was launched. While its predecessor shared close functionality with the Submariner, the sequel was totally different. Indeed, it is sometimes thought that the only overlap between the two Yacht Master watches is the name – given that the newer version looks like a whole new timepiece. From the outset, it is clear that the Yacht Master II has the needs of yachting professionals in mind at all times.

The first iteration of the Yacht Master II had a 44mm Oyster case, a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) Ring Command bezel and an Oyster bracelet. Two versions of these timepieces were created, with the Reference 116688 made out of yellow gold and the 116689 made out of white gold. The sequel also marked another huge innovation for Rolex, the in-house calibre 4161 that featured COSC-chronometer certification and a 72-hour power reserve. While this is standard for modern timepieces, at the time it was truly groundbreaking. 

In later years, Rolex would go on to release a 904L steel version (Reference 116680) and a 18k everose gold (Reference 116681) to further bolster the collection. The stainless steel iteration in particular offers an interesting alternative for someone who prefers their watches to look strong and robust.

The Ultimate Maritime Sports Watch

The sport of sailing requires endurance and concentration under extreme circumstances. That being said, athletes and sports professionals also attach a great deal of importance to elegance and aesthetics – thereby making Rolex Yacht Master II watches the ideal companion.

What makes a Rolex watch extra special is that every timepiece is created with the brand’s philosophy in mind. No matter which Yacht Master II model you choose, you can be confident that you are wearing a luxury item of exceptional quality.

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Rolex Yacht-Master Ultimate Buying Guide

As Rolex’s most diverse sports watch collection, the Yacht-Master is not only available in a wide assortment of case metals and sizes but it has also been paired with various bracelet styles and bezel materials. In less than three decades, the Rolex Yacht-Master collection has been home to dozens of references – some of which have been discontinued – and the nautical-inspired sports watch continues to be a mainstay of the Rolex lineup. There are two distinct models that share almost identical names: the Yacht Master and the Yacht Master II.

While the original Rolex Yacht-Master is an ultra-luxurious take on Rolex’s already popular sports watches, the Rolex Yacht-Master II was purpose-built to time out regattas in competitive sailing. Essentially, the Yacht-Master is the kind of watch you wear while lounging on a boat and a Yacht Master II is what you wear if you’re racing one. Nonetheless, both Rolex watches are incredibly popular, sought-after for their sleek designs and impeccable quality.

With that in mind, if you’re in the market for a Rolex Yacht Master, there are some important things you should know about the model (such as its history, pricing, and features) before you make a decision. Here, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about buying Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II watches to make the most informed purchase possible. Ready to get started?

Rolex Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master Key Features:

– Case Size: 29mm, 35mm, 37mm, 40mm, 42mm – Material Options:  Rolesium, Yellow Rolesor, Everose Rolesor, 18k Yellow Gold, 18k Everose Gold, 18k White Gold – Functions:  Time with running seconds, date display. – Bezel: 60-minute timing (bi-directional) – Water Resistance:  100 meteres / 330 feet. – Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet, Oysterflex bracelet

Click here to learn more about Rolesium: a special metal combination that is only featured on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Yacht-Master II Key Features:

– Case Size:  44mm – Material Options: Stainless steel, Everose Rolesor, 18k Yellow Gold, 18k White Gold – Functions:  Time with running seconds, adjustable countdown timer with mechanical memory – Bezel: Ring Command Bezel – Water Resistance:  100 meters / 330 feet. – Strap/Bracelet:  Oyster bracelet

Click here to learn how to set the adjustable countdown timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Quick Look: Rolex Yacht-Master Timeline

Even though the Yachtmaster collection is one of the newest additions to the Rolex lineup, there has been a great amount of innovation over the years. Additionally, while we didn’t see this watch come to life until the early 1990s, Rolex history shows that they had concepts and ideas of a yacht-themed watch long before it was ever brought to market. 1950’s — Rolex joins the prestigious New York Yacht Club 1966 to 1967 — Sir Francis Chichester becomes the first man to circumnavigate the globe single-handedly and he wore a Rolex Oyster watch 1992 — Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master collection 1994 —  Rolex introduces the midsize and ladies’ models 1996 — Rolex introduces the two-tone midsize and ladies’ models 1997 — Rolex releases the Rolesium version (also known as steel and platinum) 2007 — Rolex releases the Yacht-Master II, which is the world’s first watch equipped with a programmable countdown timer and a mechanical memory 2013 — Rolex updates the movement inside the Yacht-Master II collection from the Cal. 4160 to the Cal. 4161. 2019  — Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master 42 to the collection

History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

While we wouldn’t be introduced to the very first Yacht-Master until 1992, Rolex’s history with sailing actually dates back to 1958, the year the Swiss watchmaker partnered with the prestigious New York Yacht Club. By then, Rolex had already garnered a reputation for making great waterproof watches with the invention of their Rolex Oyster case back in 1926. So, the partnership was actually quite a natural next step.

Rolex solidified its relationship with the world of sailing in 1966 when Francis Chichester — one of history’s most exceptional navigators — became the first person to sail around the globe on his yacht, the Gipsy Moth IV, with a Rolex on his wrist. His voyage, which spanned from August 1966 to May 1967, took him 29,600 miles around the world. however, the most impressive part is that he only had a few tools to help him navigate his way, including nautical charts, a sextant, and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The Rolex wristwatch chronometer he used was a reliable and steady partner, helping him keep time amidst rough conditions for 226 days at sea.

Despite the brand’s massive success in creating watches that were great for sailing, Rolex continued to hold back its efforts to create a watch specifically for this category. The brand did briefly dabble with the idea in the 1960’s, releasing a prototype dial for the Cosmograph chronograph with the name “Yacht Master” on it, but the idea never took hold. Today, only two known examples of this prototype Daytona Yacht-Master are known to exist — one belonging to Eric Clapton (whose model sold for $125,100 at auction in 2003) and one owned by legendary Rolex collector John Goldberger.

In 1992, we were finally introduced to the modern Yacht Master we know and love today. Its official name, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, was the brand’s first ultra-luxury sports watch built for the open seas. To make sure that collectors understood the luxury aspect of this new watch, the very first 40mm model was forged entirely out of solid 18k yellow gold and featured a matching gold bi-directional rotating bezel (marked to 60 minutes for timing) alongside a gold Oyster bracelet. Over the next few decades, Rolex has expanded the collection using a variety of materials as well as adding new sizes to the luxury nautical watch collection.

15 years after the first release of the Yachtmaster, Rolex introduced the regatta chronograph Yacht-Master II specifically made for sportsmen to use while regatta racing. To cater specifically to these athletes, Rolex outfitted the watch with important features like a programmable countdown timer (to measure with reliability how much time until the start of the race) and both flyback and fly-forward functionality (for easy synchronization should the race committee have to restart the race sequence). Another key difference is that the Rolex Yacht-Master II is only available in one size, 44mm with an Oyster case and bracelet. However, there are a variety of alloys available.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master?

Because there is such a wide variety of sizes and materials used across the Rolex Yacht-Master collection, the prices tend to vary significantly. For example, you can pick up some of the older or smaller Rolex Yacht-Master models for around $5,000 on the second-hand market. However, newer, larger Yacht-Master models, especially those forged out of precious metals, can sell for well into five-figures.

How much is a Yacht Master II?

Due to its large size, complicated movement, and frequent use of precious metals, the Yacht-Master II is one of the higher-priced Rolex watches you can purchase. In terms of pre-owned prices, a stainless steel reference of the Yacht-Master II starts around $15,000. This may seem steep, considering that this Yacht-Master II is stainless steel and doesn’t feature any diamonds or gems. However, the complexity of the movement is what really makes this watch shine and it is the primary factor behind its high price tag. On the higher end, the yellow gold ref. 116688 costs $43,550 retail and can be bought for around $28,000 on the pre-owned market.

Buying Pre-Owned vs New Yacht-Master Watches

The key difference between buying a pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master or Yacht-Master II versus a new one is the price. For a retail Rolex model , you will surely pay a premium – especially if you choose one of the precious metal models. On the secondary market, you can get a Yacht-Master for a much lower price, and many collectors find this option a better value for their investment. However, this is still totally dependent on the specifics about the watch which you can get an idea of in the chart above. The price of a pre-owned Yacht-Master will always vary depending on factors like its alloy, the year it was produced, condition, and whether it is a luxury-oriented Yacht-Master or a sporty and purpose-built Yacht-Master II.

Often, many collectors turn to the second-hand market to purchase a Rolex Yacht-Master. Of course, the price is a big factor, but due to the durability and overall build quality, a used Rolex Yacht-Master represents a highly competitive offering. Because these watches are purpose-built to withstand weather and water, they tend to age well even if they have been heavily worn, loved, and used. Another reason that collectors turn to the second-hand market is to get their hands on early models. Since the Yacht-Master has only been around for about 30 years, it is still quite easy to track down some of the early references. This is a great opportunity for collectors who not only love the Yacht-Master as a watch but who also want to make a smart investment for their collection that has great potential to increase in value.

Rolex Yacht-Master References

While the Yacht-Master is one of the newest Rolex models, only first introduced in 1992, the watch has been given a wide variety of upgrades in sizing, alloys, and bezels over the years. Here, this comprehensive list outlines all of the standard-production Yacht-Master references since its initial introduction. This list is also incredibly important as a reference if you are purchasing a Rolex Yacht-Master on the secondary market, as it will serve as a great quick reference for what models have been produced over the years.

Yacht-Master

226659 = 42mm, solid 18k white gold with Cerachrom bezel 16622 = 40mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 16628 = 40mm; solid 18k yellow gold 166233 = 40mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 116622 = 40mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 116621 : 40mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) 116655 = 40mm; solid 18k Everose gold with Cerachrom bezel 268621 = 37mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) 268655 : 37mm; solid 18k Everose gold with Cerachrom bezel 268622 : 37mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 68623 = 35mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 68628 = 35mm; solid 18k yellow gold 168622 = 35mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 168623 = 35mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 168628 = 35mm; solid 18k yellow gold 169623 = 29mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold) 169628 = 29mm; solid 18k yellow gold 169622 = 29mm; Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum) 69628 = 29mm; solid 18k yellow gold 69623 = 29mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and yellow gold)

Yacht-Master II

116680 = 44mm; stainless steel with Cerachrom bezel 116689 = 44mm; solid 18k white gold with platinum bezel 116688 = 44mm; solid 18k yellow gold with Cerachrom bezel 116681 = 44mm; Rolesor (two-tone steel and Everose gold) with Cerachrom bezel

Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Yacht-Master Features & Options

Since the first all-gold Yacht-Master was released in 1992, Rolex has expanded the line with a variety of aesthetic details and mechanical upgrades. Here, we’ll explore the different options available on both the retail and secondary market for the Rolex Yacht-Master collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master materials

Today, Rolex no longer makes yellow gold versions of their standard Yacht-Master model, replacing it with Everose (their proprietary rose gold alloy) and 18k white gold. However, the 42mm version is the only white gold version (which was only just introduced at Baselworld 2019) is the only white gold model, as well as the only 42mm model in the collection. – Yellow Gold (discontinued) – Yellow Rolesor two-tone  (discontinued) – Everose Gold – Everose Rolesor two-tone – White Gold – Rolesium (Oystersteel and platinum)

Rolex Yacht-Master sizes

Rolex has produced this luxury sports watch in a few different sizes to ensure that everyone has a Yacht-Master that fits their wrist perfectly. However, the smaller sized Yacht-Master models, known as the Lady Yacht-Master watches, have been discontinued in favor of the newer 37mm models. Today, women are reaching for more unisex sizes and designs, which could be what lead to the decision by Rolex. But that doesn’t mean women collectors are strapped for choice — as the current retail models are incredibly luxe and sophisticated for enthusiasts of both sexes. Furthermore, the secondary market is a great place to still get your hands on the smaller sized Midsize and Lady Yacht-Master models, and going pre-owned also opens up the doors to now-discontinued models like the solid yellow gold Yacht-Master watches. – 29mm (discontinued) – 35mm (discontinued) – 37mm – 40mm – 42mm

Rolex Yacht-Master bezel

With the Rolex Yacht-Master, the materials and aesthetics of the bezel depend on the material used for the case. With the Yacht-Master, there are bezels that consist of solid 950 platinum or 18k gold with raised, polished numerals. There are also bezels that are matte black Cerachrom ceramic with raised numerals, which are typically only fitted to the various solid 18k gold Yacht Master references. One of the less common and more flashy Yacht-Master bezels is nicknamed the “gummy bear” and it features rainbow-colored sapphires set around the bezel.

Rolex Yacht-Master dial

The dial of the Yacht-Master is quite archetypal of other Rolex sports watches. To ensure the watch is easily readable, the dial layout of the Yacht-Master features Mercedes-style hands, lume-filled hour markers, and a date window over at 3 o’clock. The dial itself is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that has a Cyclops magnification lens for easier reading of the date. When it comes to the dial color of the Yacht-Master, there are several colors and materials that have been used over the years, like the beautiful blue dial on the ref. 116622 or the luxe sandblasted platinum dial that can be found on the now-discontinued version of this reference.

Rolex Yacht-Master bracelet

The Rolex Yacht-Master only ever features either an Oyster bracelet or an Oysterflex bracelet. The iconic, three-link bracelet Oyster bracelet is a Rolex staple, and it is featured across nearly the brand’s entire collection — from the Datejust to the Daytona to the Yacht-Master. In 2015, Rolex also introduced the now-famous Oysterflex bracelet on the then-new Everose gold Yacht-Master. This rubber bracelet is far more impressive than it appears at first glance. The rubber strap is actually reinforced by an internal flexible metal blade, making it incredibly durable and sporty, while still having this elevated aesthetic that matches the overall luxury feeling of this timepiece.

Rolex Yacht-Master movement

Depending on the size of the Yacht-Master watch, it will have a different movement to fit the case. Additionally, in 2019, Rolex updated the 40 version of the watch to feature the new-generation Cal. 3235 movement. Below are the sizes Rolex has used in its various Yacht-Master watches over the years.

– 29mm : Caliber 2135; Caliber 2235 – 35mm : Caliber 2135; Caliber 2235 – 37mm : Caliber 2236 – 40mm : Caliber 3135; Caliber 3235 – 42mm : Caliber 3235

Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Yacht-Master II Features & Options

Below, we’ll outline the different options available on both the retail and pre-owned market for the Rolex Yacht-Master II collection.

Rolex Yacht-Master II materials

In keeping with the inherently luxurious feel of the Yacht-Master line, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is outfitted in some of the world’s finest alloys. Many collectors love this watch for its combination of precious metals and durable stainless steel — what Rolex calls Rolesor. On the Yacht-Master II, there is the Everose Rolesor which is beloved for the warm pink hue of its 18k Everose gold components. Another great combination is the white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II; however, this is obviously a much more opulent choice at represents the top-of-the-line offering in the Yacht-Master II lineup. Of course, there is also a stainless steel option with a blue ceramic bezel for those who just want sheer practicality and durability. Unlike the standard Yacht-Master, you can get this larger, more complicated timepiece outfitted in solid yellow 18k gold if you really want to go all out. – Yellow Gold – Everose Rolesor two-tone – White Gold and platinum – Oystersteel

Rolex Yacht-Master II sizes

There are a lot of features that separate the Rolex Yacht-Master II from the standard Yacht-Master, and the 44mm size is immediately one of the most noticeable. While the Yacht-Master II case is just 2mm larger than the largest Yacht-Master, this extra-large sizing helps this watch house a more complicated dial and movement.

– 44mm

Rolex Yacht-Master II bezel

Another one of the big differentiators with the Yacht-Master II is that large, beautiful bezel. The bidirectional rotatable ‘Ring Command bezel’ on the Yacht-Master II is specifically designed to help the wearer time out a regatta. Unlike most bezels that operate independently from the internal movement, the ‘Ring Command’ bezel on the Yacht-Master II actually works with the watch’s state-of-the-art movement. Rotating the bezel unlocks access to the programmable countdown timer, enabling quick and easy setting for use during competitions. While the design is incredibly complex, the aesthetics are beautifully simple.

When it comes to the look of the bezel itself, the Yacht-Master II does differ from the standard Yacht-Master. While a two-texture timing bezel defines the original model, the real star of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is that bright, beautiful blue Cerachrom bezel. This blue ceramic bezel is featured on the stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master II watches; however, the white gold models receive their bezels in sandblasted platinum.

Rolex Yacht-Master II dial

The Rolex Yacht-Master II dial layout is stunning, sophisticated, and totally different than any of the other Rolex dials due to its niche complication. On the dial, you will find a variety of features including the countdown display (which can be programmed anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes) that you can read via the red arrow-tipped hand. You will also notice the central flyback/fly-forward chronograph hand, the center hour and minute hands, and the running seconds sub-dial.

The dial of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is also outfitted with 12 lume-filled hour makers for added readability. Today, the most modern references are outfitted with Rolex’s Chromalight display, which is a luminescent material that emits a blue long-lasting glow.

You will also notice a big difference between the dial of the new generation of Yacht-Master II watches and the first generation, which featured baton-style hands that pointed to square hour markers. It was only in 2017 that Rolex decided to marry the style of the Yacht-Master II with the brand’s famous Mercedes-style hands. Rolex also updated the hour markers to feature a triangular hour marker at 12 and a rectangular hour marker at 6, rather than just square-shaped markers all the way around.

Rolex Yacht-Master II bracelet

Unlike the Yacht-Master which has two bracelets, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is only available with an Oyster bracelet. The sporty, durable 3-piece link bracelet is a staple for the brand’s sports watches, which makes it a perfect choice for this professional regatta watch. Rolex has also outfitted this Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock folding clasp, built specifically to prevent the wearer from losing the watch due to accidental opening. This is a great feature for this model, which is purpose-built to be used during tough racing conditions.

Rolex Yacht-Master II movement

It’s clear that the Rolex Yacht-Master II is an incredible looking timepiece. But, the most impressive part of this watch is by far its movement. When the watch was first released, the Yacht-Master II was outfitted with the brand’s Caliber 4160, with Caliber 4161 making its debut a few years later in 2013.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II features one of the brand’s most complicated in-house movements to date — the self-winding mechanical chronograph, caliber 4160/4161. This movement boasts high-tech features like a countdown timer with both flyback and fly-forward functionality and a mechanical memory with on-the-fly chronograph synchronization, making it incredibly sophisticated. Additionally, the bezel (aka the Ring Command Bezel) is actually connected to the mechanism itself, allowing the wearer to adjust and set the countdown feature quickly and easily on the go. Rolex says it took its engineers some 35,000 hours of development to create this mechanism — and we think it was well worth it. – Ref. 116689 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116688 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116681 : Caliber 4160; Caliber 4161 – Ref. 116680 : Caliber 4161

Celebrities Who Wear the Rolex Yacht-Master

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that one of Rolex’s most bold and luxurious watches is popular among the world’s most famous celebrities. One of the most well-known A-listers to sport the Yacht-Master is Mark Wahlberg, who is already a really big Rolex fan. We’ve seen him out and about in a solid 18k yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master II, which totally pops against that blue ceramic bezel. Mark has no trouble making a statement with his watches, and that’s clear with this stunning timepiece.

Tennis champion Roger Federer also famously sports the top-of-the-line 18k white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II, while comedian and host Ellen DeGeneres is often spotted wearing her the 18k Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 with a black Cerachrom bezel and a black Oysterflex bracelet. Other celebrities that have been seen wearing the Yacht-Master include the following list of names, although there are many other stars who proudly have a Rolex Yacht-Master in their collections. – Russell Crowe – Lydia Ko – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – Mark Wahlberg – Bruce Willis – Connor McGregor – Emeril Lagasse – David Beckham – Guy Fieri – Steven Gerrard – A$AP Rocky – Billy Joe Saunders – Flo Rida – Drake – Manny Pacquiao – Ellen DeGeneres – Ed Sheeran

How to Style The Rolex Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master was an instant classic when it was introduced by Rolex, which means that it is incredibly easy to work it into your wardrobe. What we love so much about this watch collection — whether we’re talking about the Yacht-Master or the Yacht-Master II — is that it has this incredible balance of luxury and sports-oriented performance. Being able to dress this watch both up and down is what makes the Rolex Yacht-Master so much fun to wear. Here are just three classic ways you can wear this watch.

Yacht-Master with Bracelets

Ladies love this watch for its luxe finishing and superior durability. What woman doesn’t want a watch they can wear to drinks, diving, or lounging in the cabana? Because of that, we love pairing a beautiful two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master with bangles and bracelets that match the gold components on the watch. For example, we love the pairing of the 29mm Lady Yacht Master ref. 169623 with a gold Cartier love bracelet bangle and a linked chain. If you’re feeling really bold, you might as well go all out and pair your gold bracelets with a solid, 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master. Fair warning: you’re going to not be able to stop staring at your wrist. Chances are, no one else will be able to either.

Dressing Up With The Matte Black ref. 268655

We love this unisex 37mm timepiece because it works equally well on both men and women’s wrists. What makes this watch so special is the rubber Oysterflex strap watch that allows it to be sporty and durable. Matching that bracelet with the matte black bezel and dial really elevates the entire watch, which looks handsome and luxurious with the warm 18k Everose gold case. So when evening comes, head to the bar for sundowners wearing this ref. 268655. Of course, it will look good with a dark jacket. But, this watch will really pop if you pair it with a warm-colored shirt that accentuates the natural Everose hue. Finish the outfit off with dark wash jeans and you’ve mastered the elegant-meets-accessible look that defines this modern luxury watch.

Casual Elegance with the Yacht Master II

The two-tone Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master II is the ultimate luxury sports watch. You have luxury elements like the ceramic Cerachrom blue bezel and 18k Everose gold alongside durable Oystersteel and one of Rolex’s most complicated mechanisms to date. Because of this watch’s exclusivity, durability, water resistance, and functionality, there really isn’t a better choice for spending time on the high seas. And while this watch was built to time out a regatta, it is going to look just as good on your wrist while you lounge, swim, and play. We suggest pairing your Two-Tone Everose Rolesor’s blue bezel with a matching blue suit. Alternatively, you can pair it with a white and blue pinstripe shirt, rolling up the sleeves and unbuttoning the top few buttons to make your look feel more casual.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rolex Yacht-Master

What is the difference between the yacht master and the yacht master ii.

The standard Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury-oriented sport watch that displays the time and date. The Yacht-Master II joined the Rolex lineup in 2007 and offers never before seen functionality thanks to its regatta timer. Powered by the Calibre 4161 — one of the most complicated Rolex movements ever made (second only to the annual calendar found in the Sky-Dweller — the Yacht-Master II has a patented mechanical memory and on-the-fly-synchronization used for the regatta timer. Additionally, the bezel is different on the Yacht-Master II because it controls part of the movement inside the case rather than just working as an external mechanism to help track elapsed time. The Rolex Yacht-Master II also has an entirely different aesthetic and features a larger 44m case with chronograph pushers on either side of the winding crown.

Is a Rolex Yacht Master a good investment?

Yes. The Rolex Yacht-Master is a good investment for collectors for two main reasons. For one, these watches have historically held great value because of their uniqueness and sportiness; however, at the present time, they remain somewhat undervalued compared to their siblings in the Rolex catalog. Consequently, they offer significant potential for appreciation in the future. Secondly, the Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury watch and is often outfitted in precious metals. These precious metals inherently allow it to hold great value as the years go on, and its premium construction guarantees that it will always be worth something.

What was the Rolex Yacht-Master built to do?

The Rolex Yacht-Master was first created as a luxury sports watch, whereas the Yacht-Master II was built as a professional regatta timer with a luxury flare. Comparatively, the Yacht-Master can time events up to 60 minutes with its rotating bezel and the Yacht-Master II is outfitted with a countdown timer with flyback or fly-forward functionality to use when timing out a regatta race.

How do you use the Yachtmaster II?

While the Yacht-Master II looks quite complicated, Rolex has made sure that using it is actually quite intuitive. After setting the adjustable countdown timer to your desired setting, you start the time. Press the top button to start the countdown timer, then pressing the top button a second time will stop the timer. However, by pressing the bottom button while the chronograph is running, that will adjust the timer forwards or backward to the nearest minute — allowing it to be perfectly synchronized to the official race clock.

How can I spot a fake Rolex Yacht Master?

As with any Rolex watch, the clues are in the details. When it comes to the Yacht-Master, you’re going to want to look at details like the adjustable countdown timer, which is incredibly complicated, making it almost impossible for fake counterfeit watches to replicate. Additionally, Yacht-Master models are luxury sports watches crafted from the world’s best materials and to the highest possible standards. If you notice any defects like dial printing or finishing looks less than perfect, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a fake Rolex Yacht-Master.

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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The Complete Guide to Rolex Watches: Every Model for Sale in 2024

Everything you need to know about Rolex’s current watch lineup, including prices, provenance and more.

By Johnny Brayson , Jack Seemer , Zen Love , Oren Hartov , and Allen Farmelo

Buyers new to Rolex face mountains of information, both current and historical. Hell, even ardent fans have trouble keeping up. As of 2024, Rolex makes hundreds of individual references, divided into over a dozen different collections:

Rolex Submariner

Rolex gmt-master ii, rolex cosmograph daytona, rolex sea-dweller, rolex deepsea, rolex explorer, rolex explorer ii, rolex air-king, rolex yacht-master, rolex oyster perpetual, rolex datejust, rolex day-date, rolex sky-dweller.

Editor’s Note: The above taxonomy is Rolex’s own. For our purposes, we’ve separated the Explorer and Explorer II, as they’re two very different watches and occupy unique positions in Rolex’s overall lineup.

Classic vs. Professional: What’s the Difference?

If those collections weren’t enough to keep track of, each one falls into one of two major categories: Classic and Professional .

In the simplest of terms, think of Rolex’s Classic watches — which include the Day-Date, Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, Sky-Dweller and 1908 — as dressier timepieces designed for everyday wear. They weren’t developed for a specific professional pursuit, such as diving.

The Professional watches — which include the Submariner, Air-King, GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master, Cosmograph Daytona, Sea-Dweller, Deepsea and Explorer — were developed for a specific purpose, be it SCUBA diving , driving , spelunking , etc.

It’s important to note that while a certain number of the Professional watches do include specific functionality and increased water resistance , the Classic watches are no less well-built. After all, you’ll find the Sky-Dweller , currently Rolex’s most complicated watch , housed within the Classic collection.

So for readers ready to make the leap, here’s everything you need to know about each current Rolex men’s watch, including its history and features.

Rolex, Blancpain and Zodiac were neck and neck in releasing the first dive watches with rotating bezels. However, when in 1953 Rolex put an external diving bezel on a more robust version of its already famously water-resistant Oyster Perpetual, kept the automatic winding in place, and added a sturdy adjustable bracelet, the most iconic and important dive watch in history was born. (Rolex, however, was prevented from implementing a unidirectional dive bezel for years due to possible patent infringement.)

It wasn’t really until the 1980s, however, that the Sub became the fashionable item it is now, largely due to preppy folks sporting them as an assertion of an active lifestyle that, more likely, revolved around cocktails at the yacht club. Alas, tool watches became fashion items during this decade, and the rest is horological history.

Rolex understood that its Submariner had ascended from tool to jewel, and so gold, two-tone, and even diamond-encrusted versions cropped up during the decade of materialism. Today, however, it’s the plain steel models that are impossible to come by at retail and which sell for as much as 25 percent above retail among enthusiasts, while gold models are much less sought after. It’s a strange phenomenon, but people around the world are clamoring for steel Subs.

When Pan American Airlines ruled the trans-Atlantic skies in the 1950s, Rolex designed the original GMT-Master for their pilots, who needed to track multiple time zones simultaneously. In 1982, the Crown upgraded to the GMT-Master II — a new movement and an independently adjustable local hour hand turned out to be big hits as steel and gold models asserted a pitch-perfect jet-setting attitude.

Plenty of folks knew to rock a Rolex Submariner for maximum panache but rocking a GMT-Master II was a slyly stylish move that demonstrated the owner’s uniqueness. To this day, the GMT-Master II emits a reserved eccentricity.

In 2007, Rolex put out an improved GMT-Master II with a ceramic Cerachrom bezel and a new movement that hosted a suite of modern updates. Since then, it’s been all about metal and color combos, which are judiciously and painfully released at a rate of about one a year.

In 2023, however, Rolex delivered something different: Yellow-gold and two-tone versions of the GMT-Master II, with material-matching jubilee bracelets and black-and-gray bezels. The brand followed that up in 2024 with an Oystersteel version featuring the same black-and-gray bezel (minus the gold accents), available on either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet at launch.

We doubt the release will do anything to dampen the popularity of the older steel varieties — namely, the “Batman” (blue and black) and “Pepsi” (blue and red). However, getting your hands on a coveted steel GMT-Master II at retail is extremely difficult, if not entirely impossible.

Before the 1960s, Rolex housed third-party chronograph movements in Oyster cases. Then the company upped the case size, redesigned the dial and put out the space-age-sounding “Cosmograph.” Shortly thereafter, when the Crown sponsored races at Florida’s famous beach-side track and put its name on the dial, the legend of the Rolex Daytona was born — though not to much fanfare. That would come later.

Paul Newman’s wife bought him one with a creamy Bauhaus-inspired exotic dial — now called the “Newman” dial — and the famed actor casually gave it to his son-in-law (sometime in the 1980s), who auctioned it off for more than $17 million in 2017. That made this once humble and unpopular Daytona variant one of the most expensive wristwatches ever sold.

The auction transformed what was already becoming an increasingly coveted watch into a crazed run on all Daytonas, old and new. Now you can hardly get one at retail, especially in all stainless steel, and the used market for Daytonas of any era in any style or metal with any dial has gone completely berserk. Like so many steel Professional models, the Daytona remains in demand and sells far above retail on the secondary market — a remarkable result for what was initially an unremarkable watch.

Since 2023, the Daytona has carried a new movement, 4131, which succeeded the 4130 that debuted in 2000 when Rolex first brought its movements in-house. To see it in all its glory, look no further than the platinum version of the watch (reference 126506), which has a unique (for Rolex) exhibition caseback.

Also launched in 2023 was the Daytona “Le Mans” ref. 126529LN. Created for the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the watch was executed in white gold with a red “100” on the bezel, an exhibition caseback and a custom movement that tracked 24 hours of the chronograph instead of 12. Most remarkable of all, its reverse panda dial featured the unexpected return of the “Paul Newman” style with its unique subdials. The watch quickly became the most hyped modern Rolex before being unceremoniously discontinued in 2024, just ten months after its initial release. An off-catalog yellow gold version has taken its place, though Rolex isn’t exactly advertising that fact.

As SCUBA matured beyond surface-level military and recreational uses, commercial, research, and exploratory techniques were developed to go deeper for longer. The Sea-Dweller was Rolex’s answer to the demands for watches capable of withstanding the pressure of these deeper dives. In 1967 upon its initial release, the Sea-Dweller was rated to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) and was the first watch to incorporate a helium escape valve, a nifty feature for saturation dives that allows helium to escape the watch without damaging it.

The Sea-Dweller is essentially a beefed-up Submariner, but that beefing up shouldn’t be taken lightly: Rolex had to entirely re-engineer the case, the crystal, the case back and more to get this kind of water resistance, so while the Sea-Dweller resembles the Submariner on the outside, the guts are a different animal. Waterproofness in nano-scale wristwatches has turned out to provide useful tech that can be ported over to small submarines, cameras and other scientific tools that are plumbing the depths of our largely unexplored oceans. Rolex often backs those scientific expeditions, linking the watch and the brand to the essence of professional SCUBA diving.

Introduced in 2007, the Deepsea is Rolex’s most extreme dive watch with a mind-boggling depth rating of 3,900m. For most of its life it was categorized as part of the Sea-Dweller family until 2024, when it was spun off as its own independent line. Marking that transition in 2024 is the yellow-gold reference 136668LB , an absolutely absurd watch that clocks in at over half a pound and is likely the heaviest watch Rolex makes. It’s the only Rolex to feature a mix of gold, ceramic (for the bezel) and titanium (utilized for the caseback and helium escape valve because gold would fail at the pressures the watch is rated to withstand).

The Deepsea line is small, consisting only of two steel versions and the aforementioned gold. There’s also the Deepsea Challenge , which still maintains Sea-Dweller branding but is classified as a Deepsea. More experiment than everyday watch, it’s based on the prototype that accompanied James Cameron to the bottom of the Mariana Trench and is water resistant to 11,000m, the depth of the trench and a record among commercially available watches. The watch measures a whopping 50mm across and 23mm thick, but its RLX titanium construction — it was Rolex’s first-ever titanium watch — helps keep its weight down.

Contrary to popular belief, Sir Edmund Hillary was in fact not wearing a Rolex Explorer when he conquered Everest in 1953. It was allegedly a watch from British brand Smiths that he wore at the summit, while an experimental Oyster Perpetual provided by Rolex is said to have been stashed away in his gear.

Nevertheless, the feat ushered in a new Oyster Perpetual model called the Explorer with a larger case size (36mm as opposed to 34mm or smaller), which Rolex sold to a new wave of mid-century mountaineering enthusiasts. The Explorer went on to become an “entry-level” Rolex sports model due only to price, and it remains in that position to this day.

Like all Rolex models, the Explorer has gone through many permutations, including more modern iterations like the 14270 (1989-2001), now popular among vintage collectors because its tritium luminescence has finally turned beige.

As of 2023, the watch is the biggest it’s ever been, measuring 40mm in diameter and bringing it even closer to next watch on our list, the Explorer II. If you prefer to keep things historically accurate, however, a 36mm version of the Explorer, reintroduced in 2021, is also available.

A spelunking watch? That’s right. The boldly luminescent 24-hour GMT hand was included to help those living in caves keep track of day and night. While spelunking isn’t exactly a popular sport, the Explorer II became a rather popular watch among those who love a cool design and GMT functionality.

Offered today with either a black or white (“polar”) dial, the Explorer II came out in 1971 in order to “perpetuate the privileged relationship Rolex shares with exploration,” according to current marketing materials. However, the spelunking history is largely forgotten as the watch increasingly serves as a tool for adventurers of all kinds. (The more recent editions — unlike the original — feature fully functional true GMT movements, so the watches can be used for tracking second time zones.)

Though the Explorer II went from a tasty 40mm case up to a 42mm Super case in 2011, the reference 216570 was intended to celebrate the original design of 1971, which amounts to an orange GMT hand in the “correct” arrow shape. Those two extra millimeters don’t feel significant on the wrist, however, and only seem noticeable when compared directly with a 40mm model.

Like The Explorer, the Air-King had existed as the Oyster Perpetual for a long while before Rolex printed “Air-King” on the dial and began marketing it to a new set of post-WWII jet setters — men who adored and imitated the former war pilots now flying jumbo jets across the Atlantic. Released in 1945, Rolex’s new model caught that wave of enthusiasm for the future, and nothing at that moment said “future” like beautiful commercial jets that turned a weekend jaunt across the ocean to Paris, Rome or London into a reality.

Today’s model is 40mm across and carries one of the most divisive dials in Rolex’s catalog. Admittedly, the intermittent hour and minute markers on the modern Air-King — which are inspired by dashboard instruments — are visually unique (for some, jarring), as are the touches of green and yellow. It’s the only Rolex watch to feature the colored logo style on its dial. For 2022, the Air-King got a thorough refresh with the latest movement, design tweaks and, most notably, a new Oyster case featuring crown guards — giving the new Air-King a unique feature set among the brand’s collections.

For today’s Rolex enthusiasts, the Air-King is positioned at the periphery of the Professional series watches. However, you can (theoretically) get an Air-King at retail relatively easily, and that’s almost impossible to say of any other all steel model on the Professional side of the catalog. A bird in hand beats two in the bush.

By the 1980s, the Rolex Submariner had come out in gold, and preppy folks around the world were rocking them as status symbols. Rolex kind of punched the preppy class on the nose with the all-gold Yacht Master of 1992. Interestingly, the Yacht Master’s evolution has been one of increased sportiness and reduced bling since its release — not the common direction for Rolex’s evolution. The toning down of glamor and upping of ruggedness has made the Yacht-Master a bit of a sleeper model in the Rolex catalog, but it is every bit as capable as the Submariner, which it resembles.

In 1999, Rolex offered the Yacht-Master in platinum and steel “Rolesium” (reference 16622), and from there it’s been an endless riffing on precious metal combinations. Though we’ve yet to see an all-stainless steel variant (and likely never will), rumors of a titanium Yacht-Master finally came to fruition in 2023 with the release of reference 226627 .

Today’s Yacht-Master is available in 37mm, 40mm and 42mm sizes, making it the most diverse of the brand’s Professional lineup, and the watch carries all the latest Rolex technology inside and out. Distinguishing features include the “relief” bezel in ceramic or precious metal, depending on the model, and the optional Oysterflex rubber strap, which is surprisingly luxurious and durable on the wrist.

In many ways, this is the watch that launched Rolex as the king of industrial watchmaking. The “OP” was, upon its release in 1950, both highly water-resistant and automatically wound, a first-time combo. “Perpetual” refers not to it being always wound but to its rotor swinging 360 degrees around a central axis — so, perpetually winding (despite it only winding in one direction). But none of that matters much to end users, who adore these waterproof watches for their durability and midcentury, function-forward appearance.

The Oyster Perpetual has perpetually (no pun intended) been in production since then, and this model formed the basis for most other Rolex models, including the famous Submariner, the Explorer, the Air-King, the Datejust and the Day-Date. Today’s Oyster Perpetual comes in many sizes and colors and was generally one of the few Rolex models readily available at retail. (That is, such was the case until the release of a crop of brightly colored dials in 2020 — now some OPs, like the Turquoise version , can be as tough to track down as a Sub or a GMT-Master II.)

With no date, no cyclops, no complications, no fluted gold bezel, and a sleek polished and brushed case and matching bracelet, the “OP” is a pure expression of the Rolex brand, one that’s instantly recognizable despite it lacking some key iconic visual cues.

Rolex took their Oyster models (first released in the 1920s) and in 1945 added the first date complication that changed “just before” midnight, rather than taking hours to turn over. (Or was “just,” as in “accurate,” depending on your interpretation.) Sounds like a simple thing, but in the 1940s, and even now, that feature was unique and convenient. The “cyclops” date magnifier was also a first on the Datejust of 1945.

The most iconic modern Rolex Datejust retains the fluted bezel of the early Oyster models, though it serves no function now. (Originally that bezel was the receiving end of a tool that unscrewed the bezel ring to release the crystal from the mid-case. Today, that bezel is integrated into the mid-case, and the fluting is purely decorative.) Combined with the cyclops, these visual cues say “Rolex” more loudly than any other features on any other model, including the Submariner and the Daytona.

Neither too sporty nor too dressy, the Datejust is the perfect solution for the person seeking one watch to do it all. Robust, ready for water and shocks and all kinds of abuse, but dressy enough to go to a wedding or funeral, the Datejust is a midcentury classic that remains the centerpiece of Rolex’s catalog. Essential, iconic and perpetually in vogue, a Datejust might be the only watch you’ll ever require.

In 1956, Rolex released a new model with both the date at 3 o’clock and the day of the week boldly displayed in an arced aperture at the top of the dial. It also came on a newly designed three-link bracelet that glimmered in the lowest of lighting.

Few would have expected this more complicated version of the Datejust to have become the chosen watch of multiple US presidents — LBJ, JFK and Reagan among them — but that’s what happened. It certainly didn’t hurt that the watch has only ever been available in all-precious metal cases — a signifier of wealth and power if ever there was one. Its day display is also available in no fewer than 26 different languages, making it a favorite watch the world over.

Now nicknamed “The President” — though, technically, this is the official name of the watch’s unique bracelet, not the watch itself — the Day-Date is the other most recognizable Rolex after the Datejust, and no dressy 1908 or any other model seems capable of outshining it, literally and figuratively. As such, the Day-Date is always on offer in a wide array of sizes and dial colors, with enough precious metals and diamonds to cross that thin line into gaudiness — there’s even a version with a colorful puzzle dial and emojis on the date wheel. Though a stock, unadorned Day-Date remains one of the classiest watches on the market, a sign of sophistication and good taste.

The year 2012 saw Rolex release the Sky-Dweller to a very mixed response. Some hate how it looks quite vehemently, which makes it a bit of a rebel choice, while others applauded the mechanical accomplishment.

What distinguishes the Sky-Dweller is, indeed, the brilliant movement inside. This is a full-on annual calendar (displaying months, but not years), and it uses a truly clever mechanism and display: The months are indicated by a tiny aperture that turns red at each of the 12 markers around the dial, while the date is in the traditional position at 3-o’clock. A 24-hour GMT indicator is located on the ring above 6 o’clock, which is the most divisive visual feature of the Sky-Dweller.

But what truly distinguishes this movement is that the “Ring Command” bezel works as a selector for whatever function you’re looking to set via the crown: One rotates the bezel to any of seven positions and uses the crown to adjust the affiliated function. It sounds tricky, but after one try, it’s entirely intuitive.

The Sky-Dweller is 42mm across, which is on the larger side for a Rolex, and it’s available on either an Oyster, an Oysterflex or a full-gold Jubilee bracelet — making it the only model in Rolex’s catalog that’s available on all three bracelet styles.

The youngest watch in Rolex’s lineup is a callback to the year Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, trademarked the brand name and is “a clear tribute to the first Oyster Perpetual watches.”

The 1908 measures 39mm across and comes equipped with a brand-new caliber 7140 movement you can observe through a sapphire caseback, a rarity for the brand. It’s easily the brand’s dressiest watch and stands apart from other Rolex collections not only for its exhibition caseback, but also its seconds subdial, its leather strap, and for being the only watch that doesn’t use the brand’s signature Oyster case.

First launched in 2023 in yellow and white gold with a clean black or white dial, the 1908 didn’t make much of a splash initially. But in 2024, Rolex launched a platinum version with an ice-blue guilloche dial. As the only guilloche dial in the brand’s lineup (another feature to further set the 1908 apart), the platinum version has quickly become a fan-favorite .

It should be mentioned: the 1908’s release in 2023 was not without loss. The 1908 effectively replaced and formally marked the end of the longstanding Cellini collection, which Rolex largely and unceremoniously started discontinuing in 2022.

Rolex Pricing and Availability

Rolex watches range from roughly $5,000 for a basic ladies’ Oyster Perpetual to hundreds of thousands of dollars for an “iced-out” Daytona with diamonds. This is one of the wonderful things about Rolex: Though it is one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world, the price of entry isn’t prohibitive in the same way that a watch from, say, Patek Philippe is.

Unfortunately, pricing can be a bit of a moot point for much of Rolex’s catalog, since many of the watches aren’t readily available at retail . We’re not just talking about Subs and Daytonas, either. Watches that were recently plentiful, such as the Oyster Perpetual, are even scarce now. For example, a new 36mm Oyster Perpetual in the Tiffany-like blue color will currently cost you in the ballpark of $30,000 on the secondhand market. And this is for a watch that should retail for $6,100 !

The bottom line for serious buyers: Do not expect to pay below retail for any current-catalog Rolex model, full stop. Expect to pay more. In some cases, way more .

Pricing on vintage models is much more forgiving. Because so much focus is placed on sports models such as Subs, Daytonas, GMTs, etc., if you’re willing to look smaller or older, you can get yourself a fantastic watch for under $5,000 . There are a few important points to be made here, however.

Do not expect to pay below retail for any current-catalog Rolex model, full stop

One is that Rolex has restricted the sale of parts to independent watchmakers, meaning that it’s only becoming harder to source correct parts and service vintage Rolex watches. It is expensive to do so.

Secondly, there are countless “frankenwatches” — watches made of parts from different models — and outright fakes out there. That’s why we recommend buying vintage watches from reputable dealers, especially those that belong to Rolex’s Certified Pre-Owned program, since their watches are guaranteed authentic by The Crown itself.

Lastly, here’s some good news: Most Rolexes are not rare. The brand makes over one million watches per year and accounts for nearly a third of the entire Swiss watch market . If money is no object, you can find the watch you’re looking for on the secondary market. You’re just gonna have to pay for it. While it’s been this way for years, there’s hope that Rolex models will soon become increasingly accessible with Rolex’s 2023 announcement that it’s expanding production . If and when that happens, the secondary market should cool down considerably.

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Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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Kuznetski Most area in Moscow

Kuznetski Most is a small area between Tverskaya street, Kremlin, and Kitai Gorod (Lubyanka) and it's a downtown of Moscow. First of all, 'Kuznya' is a great place to walk: it is a real Moscow area, not a postcard at all, hectic busy streets neighbour tranquil lanes and courtyards with traditional architecture. There are also many very nice cafes, restaurants, clubs, and shops. If you want a cool place to meet people, go for a walk and to get the real feeling of the city, check out this area.

Long time ago there were only half-broken low wooden houses in Kuznetski Most area, and it was the place where poor blacksmithes lived. Blacksmith is 'Kuznets' in Russia, hence the name. In the beginning of the street (on top) there was a bridge over a small river, later this river was put underground, so there's no bridge anymore. About 200 years ago there was a rich Moscovitan noble buying this area. He immediately put away all the blacksmiths' houses and started to build a fancy new district. Just in few years he built up beautiful houses, with impressive ornaments, rich decoration, pools in the courtyards. Also, he opened some French boutiques in the area. That's when Kuznetski Most started to become fashionable. In a short time all the elite moved to this  area, and those who wasn't so fast were coming here to make some shopping and to sit in many of the restaurants and cafes around.  In the 20th century, when the communist times arrived, most of the buildings were given to government offices, some were given to soviet shops. The area became boring, the architecture was slowly deteriorating , but nobody seemed to care. In the beginning of the 90s  the area was revived again: the buildings were  restored , there was many new cafes being opened, boutiques, and shops. One important landmark of Kuznetsky Most is that it's home to FSB (Federal Security Bureau - former KGB) offices, and if you walk along Kuznetsky Most street you can get to the FSB reception, which is open 24 hours (in case you have something to report).  

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