
Rolex Yacht-Master: What You Need to Know About the Luxury Sports Watch
Rolex watches all have a sense of prestige, but it is fair to say that many models have a foot in the camp of either luxury (gold models of the Datejust spring to mind) or sport (such as the purist sport intentions of the Submariner). However, it is fair to say that the Rolex Yacht-Master straddles both camps equally; it is a high-performance sports watch with a definite sense of luxury.
Burlingtons Ltd have been buying and selling Rolex watches for over 20 years. Our experts are on hand to give you a full evaluation for your watch.
Why Sell Your Rolex Yacht-Master Through Burlingtons?
So, it’s a luxurious watch intended for sailing or racing yachts, which is a prestige sport in itself, and you can expect the following features of the various Rolex Yacht-Master references:
- Variety: Some Rolex watches look very similar through the years, but the Yacht-Master has a very diverse range of customisations. Popular customisations include things like bracelets, clasps or bezel styles, but most importantly the Oyster case – this can vary from functional materials like stainless steel to luxurious gold or platinum.
- Large sizes: Rolex watches have expanded greatly in size over the years, and as the Yacht-Master has been produced since just the early 1990s, you can expect most men’s references to be quite chunky on the wrist. The Yacht-Master needs sizable bezels, cases and dials to incorporate its sports features, so the size is not only aesthetic.
- Timing bezels: Perhaps the most important sports function of the Yacht-Master is the bidirectional rotatable bezel, used for timing average lap speed, the distance between buoys and other important markers during a yacht race. The bezels are often quite big and have this distinctive design for visibility during the swells that occur during a race.
Discover the Yacht-Master’s most important references and explore a little more about what makes them an exciting watch to buy, sell or collect. Although primarily designed for water sports and sailing, the Yacht-Master is a very popular men’s and ladies’ watch for many activities.
If you are looking to sell a Rolex Yacht-Master then you will avoid all auction fees by using our private buying service; simply get in touch with us to book a free valuation today.
More About Rolex Yacht-Master References
The references we discuss here will concern the Rolex Yacht-Master, not the Rolex Yacht-Master II – an updated model released in 2007. People may wear Rolex Yacht-Master references as professional watches for water sports but they may equally use them as watches for more leisurely boating, to harness the spirit of the sailor.
The following are some of the most unique, interesting or notable Rolex Yacht-Master references. We’ve also provided further information on what makes them great to wear, buy, sell or collect:
Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 16622
The Yacht-Master 16622 is a very interesting reference, as it combines platinum and stainless steel materials with the new official Rolex brand name ‘Rolesium’. If you are after a unique watch the 16622 is a fine option, as it is one of only a few Rolesium watches Rolex has ever produced.
Wearers can expect a 40 mm steel case with a shimmering platinum bezel and dials. One nice thing about the 16622 is that although it uses opulent platinum materials, it is an understated watch with a silvery look. This makes it an excellent option for a subtle appearance, while remaining luxurious.
Rolex Lady Yacht-Master ref. 169623
This is a fantastic example of Rolex embracing demand from female sailors, which is perhaps due to sailing being equally popular among both men and women and carrying the same prestige in the Olympics and other games. The notable feature is its smaller 29 mm case size.
The 169623 is a two-tone steel and yellow gold design, which is what Rolex calls ‘Rolesor’, and suits sporting ladies and those who prefer lounging on a yacht rather than sailing them. It has both white and blue dial varieties and many bracelet customisations, so it’s ripe for personal flair.
Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116622
This is a newer version of the Rolesium 16622, part of the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 range. The main difference is in the bracelet and clasp, which is more robust and better suited for high-octane water sports. The 116622 is probably the best example of the quintessential Yacht-Master watch.
You can pull the crown out to stop the second hand and set the time very precisely, so the 116622 is ideal for a competitive edge on the water. But, of course, this watch also features the Rolesium platinum and stainless steel design, so it has sporting and luxurious credentials packed into one.


How to Buy a New or Used Rolex Yacht-Master Watch
There are many references to choose from, but some have been discontinued since the Yacht-Master’s 1990’s debut. So, this means you may have to reach into the second-hand market if you have a particular model in mind. Whether buying used or new, Rolex Yacht-Master watches can be very expensive indeed, even by Rolex standards, thanks to their high-cost materials.
We’d recommend going down to your local jewellers to find one of these watches. If you are looking for a new Yacht-Master, which is the best option for customisation and fine details, go to an Official Rolex® Retailer – you’re also likely to find one on the official Rolex website.
“I have just sold my Rolex Submariner to Daniel. He gave me a very fair price and the transaction was flawless. He travelled over 90 miles to be with me and was spot on time too! A real honourable gentleman and I would not hesitate to deal with him again.” – Pelham Temple, London.
The Benefits of Using Burlingtons
A professional service in the
comfort of your homeNo fees, commissions
or hidden chargesOver 20 years
experienceFree no obligation
valuationsImmediate
paymentWe can offer prices
unachievable at auction
Are you looking to sell your Rolex watch? Our offer will be higher than you can achieve at auction.

Buying and Selling Rolex Yacht-Master Watches
The Yacht-Master is an interesting modern variety of the Rolex brand, designed to be sporty and luxurious at the same time. You can find many references with lots of variations on the second-hand market, and new Yacht-Masters are among the most expensive Rolex watches.
We appreciate the value and significance of the Rolex brand and are experienced in buying and selling many types of luxury watches, including Yacht-Masters. Sell for a fair price with no fees using our buying service or get in touch to learn more.
Testimonials
Sharon White
2nd December 2025
gareth Warnock
2nd December 2025
Melanie Lewis
7th November 2025
leah paterson
25th October 2025
Julie Short
23rd October 2025
Paul Norris
7th October 2025
Diane Parnell
2nd October 2025
S DM
29th September 2025
Carlos Eduardo Moreno
19th September 2025
Sandra Rosenthal
17th September 2025
Mariele Locke
14th September 2025
Paul Barker
10th September 2025
Sally Loxton
2nd September 2025
CM
27th August 2025
Marian Dixon
24th August 2025
Julie Brightman
22nd August 2025
Michael Edwards
16th August 2025
jodie maunder
31st July 2025
Amanda King
31st July 2025
Karen T
31st July 2025
Steve Collingwood
25th July 2025
Kevin French
25th July 2025
Lucy Payne
18th June 2025
nikki wilson
10th June 2025
DAVID WORTHINGTON
7th June 2025
enrico ferrero
3rd June 2025
Jharna Jobes
2nd June 2025
Mortal_N46 S
29th May 2025
Stefano Rodrigues
21st May 2025
Alberto Olimon
19th May 2025
Kris Woodward
14th May 2025
Francesca Troiani
9th May 2025
Dorothy Stewart
8th May 2025
Ma Ma
1st May 2025
Catherine Beagley
1st May 2025
Carol Brewer
1st May 2025
Mark Cockram
23rd April 2025
Zoe Carey
23rd April 2025
Kit Fitz
17th April 2025
Ann Noon
16th April 2025
Sam Manners
12th April 2025
Dominic Kenny
30th March 2025
Dale MacDonald
28th March 2025
Britt Walker
26th March 2025
John de la Rue
25th March 2025
Lee Wood
21st March 2025
Tamasine LittleJ
20th March 2025
carolyn donaldson
20th March 2025



