How Much Is a Rolex Yacht-Master? 2026 Prices

How much is a Rolex Yacht-Master? In 2026, the steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 retails around $13,250 and trades roughly $14,000–$20,000 on the secondary market, while two-tone Rolesor versions run about $15,000–$22,000. The RLX titanium Yacht-Master 42 trades around $16,000–$24,000, and the white-gold Yacht-Master 42 climbs to roughly $28,000–$38,000. The Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph sits around $18,000–$30,000. Metal and size drive most of the price. If you want a specific reference at a fair price, Crown Watch Group can source it.

This guide breaks down Rolex Yacht-Master prices by size and metal and explains what moves the figure. Prices are approximate 2026 observations — always verify current listings. For more, see our Yacht-Master vs Submariner comparison and the Yacht-Master hub.

How Much Is a Rolex Yacht-Master? Price by Version

The Yacht-Master is Rolex's nautically styled sports watch, sitting between the sporty Submariner and the dressier Datejust, and it spans several sizes and metals. The table gives approximate 2026 secondary-market ranges.

Retail vs Secondary-Market Price

The Yacht-Master trades above retail on the secondary market, like most Rolex sports models, but generally carries a smaller premium than the Submariner, GMT-Master II or Daytona. The steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40, with its distinctive platinum bezel and rotating dial, is the core model and the one most buyers consider. Two-tone Rolesor versions in yellow or Everose gold add a dressier, more luxurious look and cost more, while the titanium Yacht-Master 42 brought a lightweight, modern option to the line. The white-gold 42 and the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph occupy higher tiers. Because the Yacht-Master is less hyped than the headline sports models, it can represent strong value for a buyer who loves its look.

Yacht-Master Prices by Reference

Looking at specific references helps. The current steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 is the 126622, typically around $14,000–$20,000, prized for its platinum bezel and matching dial. The two-tone Rolesor 126621 (Everose) and 126623 (yellow gold) sit a little higher. The 37mm versions (268621/268622) offer a smaller option in a similar range. The Yacht-Master 42 comes in lightweight RLX titanium (226627) at roughly $16,000–$24,000 and in white gold (226659) at a premium of $28,000–$38,000. The Yacht-Master II, a larger regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown, trades around $18,000–$30,000 depending on metal. For where these sit against the range, see the 2026 Rolex price list.

Why Metal and Size Drive the Price

More than almost any other Rolex sports model, the Yacht-Master's price is set by its metal. The entry is the steel-and-platinum 40, which already includes a solid platinum bezel; two-tone Rolesor adds gold and cost; the titanium 42 sits in the middle; and the white-gold 42 is far more expensive because of the precious metal. Size plays a secondary role, with the 42 commanding more than the 40 and 37. The Yacht-Master II is a different, larger and more complex watch entirely. Understanding this hierarchy helps you target the right version for your budget and taste. For a broader view, see why Rolex is so expensive.

Yacht-Master Price History

The Yacht-Master followed the wider market through recent cycles, rising during the 2021–2022 peak and correcting as the market cooled, though with less volatility than the hyped icons because it never traded at their extreme premiums. The introduction of the RLX titanium Yacht-Master 42 drew fresh attention to the line, and the steel-and-platinum 40 has remained the steady core. Retail prices have risen modestly year on year, with the gold and white-gold versions moving more in line with precious-metal costs. Our 2026 price increase guide covers the latest changes.

Vintage and Discontinued Yacht-Master Prices

The Yacht-Master is a relatively modern model, introduced in 1992, so there is less deep vintage than for the Submariner or Datejust, but discontinued references do trade on their own dynamics. Earlier steel-and-platinum references (such as the 116622) and discontinued two-tone and Everose models can offer value or, in some cases, command premiums for sought-after configurations. The original full-gold Yacht-Masters from the 1990s are collectible in their own right. As with any older Rolex, originality and condition are the biggest value factors, so authentication matters.

New vs Pre-Owned Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master is more attainable at retail than the most hyped sports models, though specific references — particularly the newer titanium 42 and some two-tone configurations — can still carry waits. Pre-owned, every version is available immediately, including discontinued references, often at a saving and frequently complete with box and papers. Because the Yacht-Master's premium over retail is more modest than the Submariner's, pre-owned carries limited downside and is often the better value, especially for a discontinued configuration you cannot get new.

What Moves a Yacht-Master's Price

Metal is the headline factor — steel-and-platinum, two-tone, titanium and white gold occupy clearly different tiers. Size follows, with the 42 above the 40 and 37. Dial and bezel configuration matter, as does current versus discontinued reference and production year. And as always, condition and completeness are decisive, with an unpolished, full-set example commanding a premium over a watch-only piece. The Yacht-Master II, as a distinct regatta chronograph, sits in its own pricing bracket. These levers determine where a given Yacht-Master lands in the range.

Is a Rolex Yacht-Master Worth It?

For a buyer who loves its distinctive nautical styling — the rotating bidirectional bezel, the sunburst dials, the blend of sporty and dressy — the Yacht-Master is a compelling and somewhat underrated choice. It offers a genuinely different look from the ubiquitous Submariner, often at a smaller premium, and the steel-and-platinum version includes real precious metal in the bezel. It holds its value well, and because it is less hyped, you are less exposed to buying at the top of a speculative cycle. For an honest wider take, see whether a Rolex is worth it.

Is the Yacht-Master a Good Investment?

The Yacht-Master holds its value well and the steel-and-platinum and precious-metal versions have a solid following, but it has not seen the dramatic appreciation of the scarcest steel icons. It is best understood as a stable purchase bought for its distinctive style, with value retention as a benefit rather than the primary reason to buy. The precious-metal content in the platinum bezel and gold versions provides some underlying value support. For the models with the strongest appreciation record, see the best Rolex models to buy as an investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

What to Check When Buying a Yacht-Master

When assessing a Yacht-Master, confirm the reference and that the bezel, dial, hands and bracelet are correct and original — the rotating platinum or gold bezel is central to the watch and its condition matters. Check that the bidirectional bezel turns correctly, verify the movement runs within specification, and inspect the case for sharp, unpolished lines. On two-tone and gold models, check the gold elements and bracelet stretch. Confirm the serial and reference engravings, and look for box and papers. Every watch we supply passes a full authentication process before payment, and you can read how to spot a fake Rolex.

How Much Does It Cost to Service a Yacht-Master?

A full Rolex service typically costs several hundred to around a thousand dollars depending on the work required, recommended roughly every ten years. The Yacht-Master's movement is robust and routine to service; the Yacht-Master II's regatta complication is more complex and may cost more. A documented service history supports resale value. See our Rolex service cost guide for detail.

Yacht-Master vs Submariner: Price Comparison

The Yacht-Master and Submariner are often cross-shopped. The steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 trades around $14,000–$20,000, somewhat above the steel Submariner, because it includes a platinum bezel — but it typically carries a smaller hype premium relative to its specification. The Submariner is the more famous icon and a pure dive watch; the Yacht-Master is dressier, more distinctive and includes precious metal. Our Yacht-Master vs Submariner guide compares them in full, so you can decide which suits you.

How to Get the Best Price on a Yacht-Master

The route to a fair price is a genuine, well-kept example priced to the current market, with authentication removing the risk of a fake or a misrepresented watch. A suspiciously cheap Yacht-Master is a warning sign. Focus on condition, completeness and the correctness of the precious-metal bezel rather than chasing a bargain. Because prices move with demand and vary by metal and reference, we confirm the current fair figure for your exact watch before you commit, with a transparent all-in quote and no hidden buyer's fee, so you know exactly how much your Rolex Yacht-Master should cost.

How to Source a Rolex Yacht-Master

Crown Watch Group sources any Yacht-Master — steel-and-platinum, two-tone, titanium, white gold or the Yacht-Master II — through a verified global network, authenticates it before payment, and delivers it fully insured. Tell us which Yacht-Master you want, or browse the Rolex watches we currently have available.

The History and Appeal of the Yacht-Master

Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master was conceived as a more luxurious, nautically themed sports watch — evoking the world of sailing and yachting rather than diving. Its bidirectional rotating bezel, originally without a specific timing function on the standard model, its sunburst dials, and its use of precious metals set it apart from the purely functional Submariner. Over the decades it has carved out a distinct identity as the sporty-but-refined option in Rolex's catalogue, equally at home on a boat or with a jacket. That dual character — more dressed-up than a dive watch, more sporting than a Datejust — is the core of its appeal, and it attracts buyers who want something a little different from the ubiquitous Submariner.

Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II

It is important not to confuse the two. The Yacht-Master is the core three-hand (plus date) sports watch described throughout this guide. The Yacht-Master II is a larger, more complex and more expensive watch — a regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown timer designed for timing the start of yacht races, instantly recognisable by its size and the prominent "Ring Command" bezel. The Yacht-Master II trades around $18,000–$30,000 depending on metal, well above the standard Yacht-Master, and appeals to a different buyer who wants the regatta function and the bolder presence. When comparing prices, be sure you are comparing the right model.

Which Yacht-Master Should You Buy?

The choice comes down to metal, size and budget. For the classic look at the most accessible price, the steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 is the core choice and includes a real platinum bezel. For a dressier, more luxurious feel, a two-tone Rolesor version in yellow or Everose gold. For a modern, lightweight option, the RLX titanium 42. For an all-precious-metal statement, the white-gold 42. And for the regatta function and maximum presence, the Yacht-Master II. There is a Yacht-Master for a wide range of tastes and budgets, so let the metal and size you love lead the decision.

Yacht-Master Buying Tips

A few tips help you buy well. Decide first on the metal, as it is the biggest price driver. Pay close attention to the condition of the precious-metal bezel, which is central to the watch's look and value. Consider a recent discontinued reference for better value, since the Yacht-Master's modest premium means the gap to new can be small. If you are drawn to the Yacht-Master II, budget for its higher price and more complex service. And whatever you choose, buy a genuine, well-kept example at a fair current price — we confirm the current figure for your exact reference before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Rolex Yacht-Master in 2026?

Approximately: the steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 trades around $14,000–$20,000, two-tone versions $15,000–$22,000, the titanium 42 around $16,000–$24,000, and the white-gold 42 around $28,000–$38,000. The Yacht-Master II sits around $18,000–$30,000. Verify current listings.

What is the retail price of a Yacht-Master?

Rolex's official retail for the steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 is around $13,250 in 2026, with the titanium 42 around $15,500 and the white-gold 42 around $30,000. Two-tone Rolesor versions sit in between.

Why does the Yacht-Master have a platinum bezel?

The steel Yacht-Master 40 pairs an Oystersteel case with a solid platinum bezel and a matching rhodium sunburst dial — a signature combination Rolex calls Rolesium. The platinum bezel is part of why even the "steel" Yacht-Master includes precious metal and costs more than a plain steel sports watch.

Is the Yacht-Master more expensive than a Submariner?

Usually, yes, on a like-for-like basis — the steel-and-platinum Yacht-Master 40 trades somewhat above the steel Submariner because it includes a platinum bezel. However, the Yacht-Master often carries a smaller hype premium relative to its specification.

Which Yacht-Master is the most expensive?

The white-gold Yacht-Master 42 is the most expensive standard model at around $28,000–$38,000, followed by the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph and the precious-metal versions. The steel-and-platinum 40 is the most accessible.

Does the Yacht-Master hold its value?

Yes. The Yacht-Master holds its value well, supported by the precious metal in its bezel and, on gold versions, the case. It has not appreciated as sharply as the scarcest icons, but it is a stable, distinctive sports Rolex to own.

What is the difference between the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II?

The Yacht-Master is a three-hand sports watch with a rotating bezel; the Yacht-Master II is a larger, more expensive regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown timer and Ring Command bezel. The Yacht-Master II trades around $18,000–$30,000, well above the standard Yacht-Master.

Is the titanium Yacht-Master 42 worth it?

For buyers who want a large, lightweight sports Rolex, the RLX titanium Yacht-Master 42 is compelling at around $16,000–$24,000. Titanium is durable and comfortable, and the 42 brought a fresh, modern option to the line, so it is worth it if the size and material appeal.

How much is a two-tone Yacht-Master?

Two-tone Rolesor Yacht-Master 40 models in yellow or Everose gold typically trade around $15,000–$22,000, above the steel-and-platinum version because of the added gold and their dressier look.

Is the Yacht-Master a good first Rolex sports watch?

It can be a great choice for a buyer who loves its distinctive nautical styling and wants something different from the Submariner. It often carries a smaller hype premium relative to its specification, includes precious metal, and holds its value well.

How much does it cost to service a Yacht-Master?

A full Rolex service typically costs several hundred to around a thousand dollars, recommended roughly every ten years. The standard Yacht-Master is routine to service; the Yacht-Master II's regatta complication is more complex and may cost more.

Can Crown Watch Group source a Yacht-Master?

Yes. Crown Watch Group sources any Yacht-Master reference through its verified global network, authenticates it before payment, and delivers it fully insured worldwide.

The Yacht-Master as an Everyday Watch

One of the Yacht-Master's strengths is its versatility as a daily watch. The rotating bezel and water resistance give it genuine sporting capability, while the precious-metal bezel and refined dials make it dressy enough for formal settings — few watches transition from a weekend on the water to a business dinner as naturally. The steel-and-platinum version in particular is remarkably wearable: understated enough for everyday use, distinctive enough to stand out to those who recognise it. For a buyer who wants one watch that genuinely does everything, the Yacht-Master is an underrated one-watch choice that sits comfortably alongside the more obvious Submariner and Datejust.

Where to Buy a Yacht-Master at the Best Price

The Yacht-Master is available through authorized dealers, specialist pre-owned dealers, marketplaces and private sellers — but the safest value comes from a source that authenticates every watch before payment and prices transparently, especially given the precious-metal content. Crown Watch Group sources any Yacht-Master through a verified global network, verifies it end to end before you pay — including the condition and correctness of the platinum or gold bezel — provides a transparent all-in quote, and delivers it fully insured. That removes the risk of a fake or a misrepresented watch on a purchase that includes real precious metal.

Is the Yacht-Master Underrated?

Many enthusiasts consider the Yacht-Master one of Rolex's most underrated models, and the pricing supports that view. It offers genuine precious metal in its bezel, a distinctive and refined design, and real sporting capability, yet it often trades at a smaller hype premium relative to its specification than the Submariner or GMT-Master II. That means a buyer can own a precious-metal Rolex sports watch with a look all its own, frequently for comparable or better value than the more obvious choices. For someone who has considered the Submariner but wants something less ubiquitous, or who appreciates the Rolesium steel-and-platinum combination, the Yacht-Master rewards a closer look — and its relative lack of hype can make it a smarter buy.

Yacht-Master Prices: The Bottom Line

In summary, the Yacht-Master spans a wide range set primarily by metal: from around $14,000 for the steel-and-platinum 40, through $15,000–$22,000 for two-tone and $16,000–$24,000 for titanium, up to $28,000–$38,000 for white gold, with the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph around $18,000–$30,000. It trades above retail like most sports Rolex, but typically with a more modest premium. Whichever version appeals, the keys to buying well are the same: confirm the condition and correctness of the precious-metal bezel, authenticate the watch before payment, and buy at a fair current market figure. Do that, and the Yacht-Master is one of the more rewarding and distinctive sports Rolex watches you can own.

Source Your Yacht-Master With Confidence

So, how much is a Rolex Yacht-Master? From around $14,000 for the steel-and-platinum 40 to $38,000 for the white-gold 42 — a distinctive, precious-metal sports Rolex that is often underrated. When you know the one you want, tell us and we will source, authenticate and deliver it, wherever you are located.