History of the Rolex Yacht-Master -

History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master is a relatively young model and many believe the Yacht-Master began in 1992 with the introduction of the first 16628. Yacht-Master However, yachting is one of the sports which Rolex has supported through sponsorship for decades (since 1958), and first debuted a “sailor’s watch” in 1965 when a small number of 6239 Cosmograph chronographs were fitted with a special dial which read “Rolex Cosmograph Yacht-Master”. This model was never produced on a large scale however.

It would not be until 2007 with the introduction of the Yacht-Master II that we would see Rolex produce another chronograph Yacht-Master with functions specifically designed for Yacht racing. The Yacht-Master variants produced beginning in 1992 were largely consider dressier, more refined versions of the Submariner but unique in that the Yacht-Master models are offered in full-size (40mm), mid-size (35mm), and ladies model size (29mm) – one of only a few Rolex models to be offered in such size variations.


Rolex Yacht-Master Milestones

1992 Rolex introduces the all-gold Reference 16628 Yacht-Master
1994 Rolex adds the mid-size Reference 68628 and ladies size Reference 69628 to the Yacht-Master line.
1995 Rolex introduces the two-tone Reference 68623 (35mm) and the Reference 69623 (29mm).
1999 Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master in ROLESIUM (stainless steel and platinum) in three size references of 16622 (40mm), 168622 (35mm) and 169622 (29mm).
2005 Rolex introduces the two-tone Yacht-Master Reference 16623 in 40mm.
2007 Rolex introduces the Yach-Master II in Reference 116689 (white gold) and Reference 116688 (yellow gold).
2011 Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master II Reference 116681 in two-tone stainless and Everose gold.
2012 Rolex introduces the Reference 116622 Yacht-Master with an updated clasp and a bezel with 120 clicks.
2013 Rolex introduces the Reference 116680 Yacht-Master II in stainless steel.