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A Rolex Yacht-Master costs between $12,500 and $60,700 at current retail, depending on case size, material, and model. On the secondary market, Rolex Yacht-Master prices start around $6,500 for 1990s midsize references and climb past $50,000 for gold models. Here is how pricing breaks down across current and discontinued models.
Key Takeaways
- Retail prices for current Rolex Yacht-Master models run from $12,500 for the 37mm Rolesium reference 268622 to $60,700 for the 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master II.
- Pre-owned Yacht-Master prices start around $6,500 for midsize and ladies references from the 1990s, while full-size 40mm models start around $8,500.
- The most popular reference, the Yacht-Master 40 in Oystersteel and platinum (126622), retails for $13,200 and has sold for an average of about $14,500 in recent Bob’s Watches sales.
- Case material is the single biggest factor in Yacht-Master pricing, and the same 40mm design costs $13,200 in Rolesium and $37,700 in 18k Everose gold.
- Several precious metal references sell below their retail price on the pre-owned market, which creates real value for secondary market buyers.
Those numbers tell the short version of the story. The full picture depends on which Yacht-Master you have in mind, because the collection spans four case sizes, a wide range of materials, and more than three decades of Rolex history. The sections below cover current retail pricing for every model, real sold prices from our own Rolex market report, and the factors that separate a $6,500 Yacht-Master from a $60,000 one.
Price of a Rolex Yacht-Master Compared
| Price Category | Price Range (USD) | Best For |
| Current retail (authorized dealer) | $12,500 to $60,700 | Buyers who want an unworn watch and can wait for allocation |
| Pre-owned, current generation | $11,000 to $31,000 | Buyers who want current models with immediate availability |
| Pre-owned, discontinued references | $6,500 to $27,000 | Value focused buyers and collectors |
| Gold and diamond set models | $28,000 to $50,000+ | Buyers seeking precious metals or rare configurations |
Rolex Yacht-Master Retail Prices by Model
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a nautical watch that Rolex introduced in 1992, launching first as the 18k yellow gold reference 16628. Today the collection covers three time and date sizes, 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm, plus the 44mm Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph. Every size carries its own mix of materials, and material is where the price gaps open up. The tables below show official retail pricing as of July 2026, verified against Rolex’s current price list.
According to Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches: “The Rolex Yacht-Master occupies a distinct space within the Rolex Professional lineup, blending sport watch durability with elevated luxury materials. Unlike traditional deep-sea dive tools, the Yacht-Master is engineered for lifestyle, sailing, and formal versatility. From mid-size profiles to high-complication regatta timers, the collection offers tailored proportions for every wrist and preference.”
Yacht-Master 37 Prices
The Yacht-Master 37 is the smallest and most affordable entry into the collection at retail. It suits smaller wrists and anyone who prefers a more understated luxury sports watch, and it runs on the caliber 2236, fitted with a Syloxi silicon hairspring for strong magnetic resistance. The Rolesium and two-tone models come on the Oyster bracelet, while the Everose gold reference wears the Oysterflex.
| Reference | Material | Retail Price (USD) |
| 268622 | Oystersteel and platinum (Rolesium) | $12,500 |
| 268621 | Oystersteel and Everose gold | $17,750 |
| 268655 | 18k Everose gold | $32,500 |
Yacht-Master 40 Prices
The Yacht-Master 40 is the heart of the collection and the size most buyers gravitate toward. The Rolesium reference 126622, which pairs an Oystersteel case with a 950 platinum bezel, is the most popular Yacht-Master in production and the most common starting point for first time buyers. As in the 37mm line, the Everose gold model comes on the Oysterflex, the rubber coated strap with an internal metal blade.
| Reference | Material | Retail Price (USD) |
| 126622 | Oystersteel and platinum (Rolesium) | $13,200 |
| 126621 | Oystersteel and Everose gold | $19,750 |
| 126655 | 18k Everose gold | $37,700 |
Prices shown are for standard dial configurations. Gem set variants, such as the diamond pave dial version of the 126655, carry meaningfully higher prices, and some gem set pieces are produced outside the standard catalog with pricing available only through authorized dealers.
Yacht-Master 42 Prices
The Yacht-Master 42 covers the largest time and date cases and some of the most distinctive materials in the lineup. The RLX titanium reference 226627 is the only titanium model in the Yacht-Master collection, and it carries a retail price closer to Rolesium than to gold. The two gold references come on the Oysterflex strap.
| Reference | Material | Retail Price (USD) |
| 226627 | RLX titanium | $16,050 |
| 226658 | 18k yellow gold | $38,100 |
| 226659 | 18k white gold | $40,000 |
Yacht-Master II Prices
The Yacht-Master II is a different watch altogether, a 44mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown built for competitive sailing. Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II in 2007, retired the first generation in 2024, then brought the model back at Watches and Wonders 2026 with a redesigned case, a simplified countdown interface, and the current caliber 4162.
| Reference | Material | Retail Price (USD) |
| 126680 | Oystersteel | $20,300 |
| 126688 | 18k yellow gold | $60,700 |
Rolex Yacht-Master Pre-Owned and Market Prices
Retail prices only tell half the story, because most Yacht-Masters change hands on the secondary market. Our sales data shows the pre-owned collection starting around $6,500 for midsize and ladies references from the 1990s, with full-size 40mm models starting around $8,500 and gold pieces reaching past $50,000. Some models sell above retail because demand outpaces supply, while others, mostly precious metal references, sell below their original list price. That split creates real opportunities for informed buyers.
| Reference | Secondary Market Price Ranges | Current Retail |
| 16622 (discontinued 40mm) | $8,500 to $14,600 | Discontinued |
| 126622 Rolesium 40 | $13,300 to $16,000 | $13,200 |
| 126621 two-tone 40 | $14,600 to $16,500 | $19,750 |
| 226627 titanium 42 | $26,000 to $30,500 | $16,050 |
| 126655 Everose 40 | $28,400 to $31,000 | $37,700 |
Two patterns stand out in that table. The titanium 226627 has sold through Bob’s Watches for an average of about $28,700 against its $16,050 retail price, the widest premium in the collection, though our 2026 sales have softened slightly from 2025 levels as production catches up. On the other side, the two-tone 126621 and the Everose 126655 have both sold thousands of dollars below their current retail prices, which hurts the first owner but makes them two of the strongest values on the pre-owned market.
What Factors Affect the Price of a Rolex Yacht-Master?
Case material drives Yacht-Master pricing more than any other factor, but it is far from the only one. Here are the details that determine what any given example costs:
- Case material: This is the biggest lever. The same 40mm design costs $13,200 in Rolesium and $37,700 in 18k Everose gold at retail. Titanium sits closer to Rolesium at retail but commands a large premium on the open market.
- Case size: Larger cases generally cost more within the same material. The 42mm gold models price above their 40mm counterparts, and the 44mm Yacht-Master II sits above the time and date models in steel.
- Model generation and movement: Current references with the caliber 3235 and its 70 hour power reserve price above older versions running the caliber 3135. The redesigned Yacht-Master II with the caliber 4162 carries a higher retail price than the first generation ever did.
- Condition and completeness: A full set with the original box, papers, and links brings the strongest price, while polishing, dents, or aftermarket parts reduce what a watch sells for.
- Discontinued status and rarity: Once a reference leaves the catalog, its price is set entirely by collector demand. Early Yacht-Masters with tritium dials and complete original sets have become increasingly sought after.
- Supply and demand at retail: References with long waitlists at authorized dealers, like the titanium 226627, often sell above retail on the secondary market simply because buyers do not want to wait.
- Bracelet type: Oysterflex models price differently than Oyster bracelet versions, and a missing or shortened bracelet meaningfully reduces resale value.
How Much is My Rolex Yacht-Master Worth?
If you own a Yacht-Master, its value depends on the exact reference, its condition, and whether you still have the box and papers. Based on our recent sales, realistic values run from about $6,500 for 1990s midsize references to between $40,000 and $46,000 for 18k gold Yacht-Master II models with complete sets. Follow these steps to pin down an accurate number:
- Identify your reference number. It is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o’clock position, visible once the bracelet end link is removed. Your papers also list it.
- Check recent sold prices for your exact reference. Look at completed sales rather than asking prices, since listings often sit above what watches actually sell for.
- Assess condition and completeness honestly. Note any polishing, dents, or aftermarket parts, and gather the original box, warranty card, and spare links if you have them.
- Get a professional quote. A reputable pre-owned dealer can give you a firm offer based on a physical inspection, which removes the guesswork of online estimates.
When it comes time to sell, you have three main paths. Selling to a dealer is the fastest and most secure, consignment can bring a higher price in exchange for a longer wait, and a private sale maximizes the number but puts authentication, payment risk, and logistics on your shoulders. For most owners, a direct sale to an established dealer offers the best balance of price and peace of mind. You can get a free quote to sell your Rolex in a few minutes.
Does a Rolex Yacht-Master Hold Its Value?
Yes, the Rolex Yacht-Master generally holds its value well, though not every reference performs the same way. The Rolesium models are the strongest performers in our sales data. The 126622 has sold through Bob’s Watches for an average of about $14,500 over the past two years, above its $13,200 retail price, and our 2026 sales have trended toward the mid $15,000s. For a watch that can be worn daily, that is a strong result.
Precious metal references tell a more mixed story. The Everose 126655 and the two-tone 126621 have both sold below their current retail prices in our recent sales, which works against the first owner but creates genuine value for pre-owned buyers. Across the collection, our sold prices for the 126622 climbed from roughly $12,600 on average in 2020 to a peak near $16,900 in 2022, settled around $14,400 through 2025, and have posted modest gains in 2026. Anyone buying a Yacht-Master today can reasonably expect the Rolesium models to hold value, should treat the titanium premium with some caution, and should view gold references as watches to enjoy rather than short term investments. No reference guarantees a profit.
Is It Hard to Get a Rolex Yacht-Master?
At retail, yes. Dealers receive limited quantities and typically maintain waitlists that can stretch from several months to a few years depending on the boutique and your purchase history. The titanium 226627 is currently among the hardest references to obtain at retail, which explains why it has sold for roughly $12,000 above its list price in our recent sales. Precious metal models are generally easier to find in boutiques, since their higher prices naturally limit demand.
The pre-owned market removes the Rolex waitlist experience entirely. Every current reference, along with three decades of discontinued models, is available for immediate purchase. Some in demand references carry a premium over retail, while others, particularly gold models, sell below what a comparable watch would cost at the boutique. For most buyers, the real question is not whether they can get a Yacht-Master, but whether the specific reference they want is worth a waitlist or a market premium.
Where to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master
Buyers have three main options, and the right one depends on how much you value factory freshness, speed, and price:
- Authorized dealers: The only source for an unworn watch at Rolex’s official price. The tradeoff is availability, since Rolesium and titanium models involve waitlists and allocation decisions are at the dealer’s discretion.
- Certified pre-owned programs: These offer recent pre-owned watches authenticated and warrantied under a manufacturer backed program, usually at prices above the open pre-owned market in exchange for that official stamp.
- Established pre-owned dealers: The widest selection and the best pricing, covering everything from the latest titanium 226627 to 1990s references no boutique can offer.
Whichever route you choose, buy the seller as much as the watch. Verified authentication, a clear return policy, and a warranty matter as much as the price on the tag, especially for references where counterfeits and aftermarket parts circulate.
Rolex Yacht-Master Prices: Finding the Right Model for Your Budget
The right Yacht-Master depends on the buyer. A first time Rolex owner gets the most watch per dollar from a pre-owned Rolesium 40, a collector seeking something distinctive might target the titanium 42 or an early tritium dial piece, and anyone drawn to gold can shop the secondary market at a real discount to current retail. The pre-owned market also opens the door well below the $12,500 retail floor, with 1990s midsize and ladies references starting around $6,500.
At Bob’s Watches, every pre-owned Yacht-Master we sell is authenticated by our watchmakers before it ships, and the sold prices in this guide come from our own transaction records rather than asking prices. Prices shift with the market, so we update this guide quarterly with current figures from Rolex’s price list and our latest sales data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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