The Story of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – A Luxury Watch with Maritime Heritage
The Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992 as a luxurious alternative to the Submariner. While the Submariner was designed for professional divers, the Yacht-Master was aimed at sailors and lovers of the maritime lifestyle. The first Yacht-Master with a 40 mm case was the reference 16628, crafted from 18-carat yellow gold.
Later, new material combinations followed, including the striking Rolesium design (stainless steel and platinum), introduced with reference 16622. In 2015, Rolex presented the Yacht-Master 40 with reference 116655, which was the first to offer a rubber Oysterflex bracelet. Since 2019, the current reference 126622 has been available with the modern caliber 3235, which offers a 70-hour power reserve.
Design & Functions – Sportiness and elegance perfectly combined
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 impresses with a harmonious blend of sporty looks and fine materials. Its 40mm case is available in various versions: stainless steel and platinum (Rolesium), Everose gold, or Rolesor (steel and gold). The bidirectional rotating bezel with raised numerals enables precise timekeeping and underscores the watch's maritime character.
Inside is the Caliber 3235, an in-house automatic movement with a Chronergy escapement, offering high energy efficiency and precision. The model is water-resistant to 100 meters and is available with an Oyster bracelet or the flexible Oysterflex bracelet, which ensures maximum comfort.
Models of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – Variants at a glance
Over the years, Rolex has evolved the Yacht-Master 40 in various material combinations and designs to meet both sporty and elegant demands. Each model has its own character, but always remains true to the collection's maritime tradition.
Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 (Rolesium – stainless steel & platinum):Grey or blue dial, platinum bezel.
Rolex Yacht-Master 126655 (Everose Gold):Black dial, black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Oysterflex bracelet.
Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 (Rolesor Everose – stainless steel & Everose gold):Two-tone design with warm gold accents.
With its unique blend of luxury and sportiness, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 remains a perfect choice for style-conscious watch lovers.
