...Wrist Shot of the Day... Vintage Explorer II "Orange Hand"

 

...Wrist Shot of the Day...

Vintage Explorer II "Orange Hand"

The Complete History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

"We must not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive at the place where we began, and recognize it for the first time." 

—RALPH WALDO EMERSON

YACHT-MASTER

The Complete History  

Rolex very, very rarely introduces all-new models, as a matter of fact, the last Rolex model introduced before the Yacht-Master was the Rolex Daytona which was introduced in 1964. Of course, Rolex's latest new model was the, Land-Dweller released last year in 2025.

Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992, so it took them 28 years to come up with an all-new model! Just for frame of reference, it took Rolex another 20 years to come up with another all-new model, which was the Sky-Dweller, which they introduced in 2012.

In 2012, Rolex also introduced an all-new version of the stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master, with a cobalt blue sunray dial and it was an instant classic!!!

An Ultra-Rare Rolex Prototype or a Fugazi?

The 1967-1969 Rolex YACHT-MASTER

The watch below is somewhat confusing and controversial as it’s apocryphal. Italian Rolex fanatic, John Goldberger sent in the  photo below of this supposedly Ultra-Rare 39.5mm Rolex Yacht-Master Chronograph Prototype [Reference 6239/6242], the dial of which was allegedly made in 1967 and the watch in 1969. It is one of only two documented examples of said model. I recall Eric Clapton owned one of these as some point.

So what is the origin of this alleged Rolex Yacht-Master Chronograph prototype? Is it real, or is it a Fugazi?

The supposed Yacht-Master looks like early Rolex Daytona models, but the Daytona models at the time were 36mm, where this purported Yacht-Master model was 39.5mm. 

Nobody knows if these "Yacht-Master" prototypes are authentic and Rolex has never officially commented on their authenticity which seems strange to me!?!! In other words, if they were real, I would assume Rolex would have acknowledged them by now. Jose from Perezcope.com, who I have a great deal of respect for as a horological forensics investigator did a deep dive and argued they are NOT authentic. 

The Rebirth Of The Rolex Submariner Yacht-Master

In 1992 Rolex introduced an all-new Yacht-Master, but what was its REAL and TRUE design genesis? 

In the late 1970s, Rolex wanted to significantly update and modernize its Rolex Submariner model. Rolex created while gold Submariner variants that were essentially a "Super-Submariner". These highly exotic Submariner prototype models were upgraded to include a matching white gold Rolex President bracelet coupled with an etched white gold bezel insert, along with an unusually notched bezel as seen below in this 2026 Auction photo that appears courtesy of Christie's auction house: 

Back in 2017, Christie's Auction House sold a blue dialed version prototype of this same model for over $600,000, which is pictured below:

The white gold version of the Submariner never made it into production, but the Rolex design team experimented like crazy and came up with what today is the modern Yacht-Master. The challenge was that Rolex loved the new design, but was scared to death to radically transform the Submariner. The Rolex Submariner was at the time and remains to this day, the most iconic watch in the world.

One could argue that for the last half-century, the Submariner has been Rolex's bread & butter.

Rolex loved the design of the new Submariner prototype; where the original had hard right angles, the new one had smoothly radiused edges. The new version had an etched bezel insert that was permanently soldered to the bezel. The new watch had fat hands and maxi markers and was a magnificent work of streamlined art. The challenge was that it looked nothing like the original.

Jocke, the famous Rolex photographer took the side by side photo above of the Rolex LV Submariner with Black Bezel Insert next to his Stainless and Platinum Yacht-Master. If you look at the two watches side by side, you really see how similar they are so much so, one could argue they are the exact same watch.

Rolex Design Language Evolutionary Steps

Design Note: Rolex design language has always been about evolving and then checking back-in with the past. This design methodology typically results in a timeless product that has strong ties to its past. If you examine the all-new Rolex Submariner Rolex Introduced in 2011, you see how it leap-frogged right over the Yacht-Master, while building on the Yacht-Master design language.

In other words, the new Supercase Submariner (2011 Model) has a ceramic bezel insert with lowered white gold markers, which give it a more sculptured/etched look like the Yacht-Master bezel in reverse. Just in the same way the crown guards grew fatter on the Yacht-Master than on the older Submariner, the new Ceramic Submariner has even fatter, crown guards.

Same thing with the new Ceramic Submariner getting fattened up lugs that give it a SuperCase. Also, add the fat hands, and Maxi-Markers, and the Ceramic Submariner leap-frogs the Yacht-Master by adding the super-innovative glide-lock clasp.

I realize I got a little sidetracked with the Submariner/Yacht-Master discussion, so now let's go back to the Yacht-Master. Rolex ultimately decided to revive their old trademark of Yacht-Master, and the rest, as they say, is history. If you carefully examine the modern Yacht-Master you will find it is almost identical in every way to a Submariner!!! The stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master below almost looks like an albino version of the Submariner.

Rolex originally introduced the 40mm Yacht-Master in 1992 it was a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold, with a white dial and 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. The Yacht-Master had a triple-lock crown, and it was water resistant to 100 meters (10 bars) which is 320 Feet.

Essentially, the first Yacht-Master was positioned as a Luxury version of the Submariner. The Submariner was for use underwater, and the Yacht-Master was for use topside. If the Submariner was for The Captain/The Skipper, the Yacht-Master was for Thurston Howell III (The Millionaire).



Just for frame of reference, I am sharing these image of  Emeril Lagasse and Brad Pitt sporting full-size 40MM Men's Rolex Yacht-Master models.




In 1994, Rolex introduced a 35MM "Mid-size edition" named the Reference 69628 which was geared toward the Asian market, or for men with smaller wrist sizes. In the photos below we see Charlie Sheet rockin' a three-quarter size Rolex Yacht-Master.

That same year Rolex introduced the women's 29MM version of the Yacht-Master named the Reference 69628.

In the same year, Rolex also introduced a 18KT gold 40mm men's version with a blue sunray dial, which I happened to purchase. I took the wrist-shot photo below of my yellow gold Yacht-Master in 2002. I don't own this beauty anymore, but I really enjoyed wearing this striking work of art.

In 1999, at Basel Fair, Rolex introduced the 40 MM stainless steel and platinum version of the Yacht-Master known as the Reference 16622. Rolex referred to this stainless steel and platinum combo as Rolesium. 

This watch is unique in the sense it has a platinum machined bezel with beautifully raised markers, as well as a dial made out of platinum. I have often criticized this model for lacking contrast and being too monochromatic, or albino, but in certain lighting, conditions the dial really comes to life as you can see in this photo taken by Vu.

In 2005 Rolex introduced a 40MM Rolesor stainless steel and gold two-tone version of the Yacht-Master known as Reference 16623. Rolex refers to two-tone stainless steel versions of their watches as Rolesor.

Rolex also started making Yacht-Master watches with a special mother of pearl dial, as seen below.

...Rolex Instantly Re-invents A Classic...

Stainless Steel & Platinum Yacht-Master

Cobalt Blue Sunray Dial

[40mm: Reference 116622]

Rolex very, very rarely introduces all-new models, but when they originally introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992 it was a Reference 16628 in 18kt gold, with a white dial and 3135 movement, which was the same movement used in the Rolex Submariner. 

All New Blue Dial Yacht-Master Photo By Jurgen

At BaselWorld in 1999 Rolex surprised everyone when the introduced the stainless steel and platinum version. Rolex refers to the combination of Stainless Steel and Platinum as Rolesium. This all-new model was the first to bring back the timeless Maxi Markers and fat hands. Since then Rolex has slowly returned all sports models to incorporate Maxi Markers and fat hands-Thank God!!! 

The stainless and platinum Yacht-Master dial and bezel were made out of platinum but, the challenge was that the watch had no contrast. It was beautiful but it looked albino and had no pop. That all changed this year at BaselWorld when Rolex introduced the new 40mm Reference 116622 with a Cobalt Blue Sunray dial, which is just stunning. With this new version, Rolex also updated the case design, by giving the Yacht-Master a Supercase, which means, they made the lugs much thicker.

YACHT-MASTER
42MM WHITE GOLD

Last year Rolex introduced the all-new white gold Rolex YACHT-MASTER in 42MM, which is stunningly magnificent!!! I LOVE the 42MM sizing, and noticed the Fat Hands and Jumbo Markers, which look amazing!!! Essentially, the Rolex Yacht-Master—just like the SEA-DWELLER—has always been a Rolex Submariner variant. So basically, we are are seeing what a 42MM or 43MM Submariner would look like, and it's BRILLIANT!!!!!

Also notice that Rolex seriously narrowed the lug width on this puppy, as the design language is going retro, back to the old-school lugs. 

Below you can find my previously published story from 2014 that will walk you through the history of the Rolex Yacht-Master so you will get a much better understanding of the evolution of the model and understand how we got to this point:

Rolex Coolness: Cesar Millan-The Dog Whisperer

...Rolex Coolness...

Cesar Millan

The Dog Whisperer

Stainless Steel Supercase Rolex Submariner

César Millán has one of those remarkable American success stories that almost sounds too good to be true. Born in rural Mexico in 1969, Millán grew up around animals on his grandfather's farm and developed an unusually strong connection with dogs from an early age. As a young man, he came to the United States with little money and spoke very little English, but with an extraordinary determination to pursue his dream of working with dogs.

That dream eventually turned into an international phenomenon, and soon after he started rocking a supervise black bezel Rolex GMT-Master, which he has now worn for a few decades.

Millán became famous as the star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which debuted in 2004 and introduced millions of viewers around the world to his distinctive approach to understanding canine behavior. His calm demeanor and emphasis on exercise, discipline, affection, and what he famously describes as "calm-assertive energy" transformed him into one of the most recognizable dog trainers in the world.

Below is a fascinating video that shows Cesar rocking his Rolex while helping dog owners overcome their challenges:

1951 ROLEX Magazine Datejust Ad...

1951 ROLEX Magazine Datejust Ad

BLUEPRINT OF Supremacy

Special 1988 International Olympic Committee Rolex

1988 International Olympic Committee ROLEX 

Back in May of 2014, Sotheby's auctioned off a very rare 36MM Rolex Datejust which was made for the International Olympic Committee in 1988. The watch achieved an auction sale price of $24,000. I have seen these models before, and of course it is always interesting to see something so fascinating with two great 20th Century icons together.  If I recall correctly, Olympic Skiing legend, Jean-Claude Killy wears this same model.

Rolex also made a Ladies International Olympic Committee Two-Tone Datejust Reference 69173 (pictured below) with a Caliber 2135 which appears below courtesy of Christie's Auction House. 

The Christie's lot essay reads:

The present ladies’ two-tone Datejust is quite a special watch that was made for the 1988 Olympic Committee. The Rolex guarantee confirms this by listing the buyer as “Comite Olympiques Geneve.” Both the Summer and Winter games were held in ’88 and the Winter games were hosted in Calgary, Alberta. 

The consignor of this watch purchased it from the estate of the former late Mayor of Calgary, Ralph Klein. Klein would later go on to serve as the Premier of Alberta. His wife was presented with this watch in 1988 from the Olympic Committee. 

Any Rolex with a unique dial is highly sought after. In addition to having this trait, the present watch is offered as complete and has a very nice history.

Rolex Worldwide Headquarters

Autumn Is Here

Rolex Worldwide Headquarters

Geneva, Switzerland 

1995

Summer is gone in the northern hemisphere and leaves are changing color and falling off the trees. The photo below of Rolex Worldwide Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland was taken in Fall of 1995 before Rolex increased the number of floors and changed the color from gold and brown to green. 

Under certain lighting conditions, the building could take on an orange look as seen below. If you want to learn much more about the history of Rolex headquarters architecture you can check out my story named, "Inside Rolex. Exploring What Makes Rolex Tick."

The Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox occurs when the sun approaches the Southern Hemisphere, marking the start of the astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The  Autumn Equinox occurs around September 22nd, during which daylight occurs everywhere for 12 hours straight.

Moondance

I love adding great songs to stories, that encapsulate and offer better contextualization. In this story I added Van Morrision singing his epic hit, "Moondance", which has some great lyrics:

Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance

With the stars up above in your eyes...

A fantabulous night to make romance

'Neath the cover of October skies...

And all the leaves on the trees are falling

To the sound of the breezes that blow...

You know I'm tryin' to please to the calling

Of your heartstrings that play soft and low...

You know the night's magic seems to whisper and hush

You know the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush...

Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?

Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?

Culture can be described as acquainting ourselves with the best the world has ever known, and that's exactly what we witness with this this virtuoso command performance. 

Keep in mind, the music video below is no ordinary version of "Moondance", as it features legendary guitarists, Geroge Benson, and Carlos Santana, rocking out with a number of amazing musicians including Dr. John, Etta James and Tom Scott. If you have never seen this version of Moondance, turn up the volume and fasten your seatbelt, as you are in for an otherworldly treat!!!

Vintage Rolex Milgauss Rolex Magazine Ad

Vintage Rolex Milgauss 

LIVE FOR GREATNESS 

ROLEX MAGAZINE AD

Rolex TwinLock Winding Crown

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Rolex TwinLock Crown

Arnold Schwarzenegger Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master

Arnold

Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated his 79th birthday by working out, and he took this cool selfie, and we see he is still rocking his Mocha GMT-Master after all these years. 

NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

Several years ago, back in 2023 NETFLIX came out with a full lengthdocumentary on his amazing lifetime achievements and it will debut on June 7, 2023. Below is the trailer, and notice he is still rocking his yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master...

The Arnold Schwarzenegger Netflix Documentary poster below could read:

One Man. Three Lifetimes. One Rolex.

...Vintage Rolex Coolness...

Arnold

Schwarzenegger

Yellow Gold Rootbeer GMT-Master

I Want To Pump You Up!!!

.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in December of 1994 wearing his Mocha GMT-Master

Arnold Schwarzenegger has many nicknames; The Oak, The Austrian Oak, The Olympian, Oak, The King, Champ, Arnie, Schwarzie, Arnold Strong, Mr. Universe, Mr. Olympia and The Governator. 

What a life he has lived. From Mister Universe, to Mega Movie Star to the Governor of California.

I am working on my upcoming Andy Warhol story, and I thought I would offer a preview of some of the great Polaroid images from the story. These Warhol Polaroids feature a barechested Arnold Schwarzenneger sporting his GMT-Master. One of the amazing details in my upcoming story has to do with how prescient and relevant Warhol's polaroids are today as an analog to Instagram, and Pinterest. Today, with an iPhone in hand, we are all now potentially Andy Warhol.

It doesn't just tell time

It tells history

ARNOLD IS

NUMERO UNO

Arnold looks a bit like Elon Musk in these photos as Schwarzenegger is smoking a joint back in 1975 while he enjoys some fried chicken along with a glass of white wine, and he is hilariously wearing a t-shirt that says "ARNOLD IS NUMERO UNO". 

1988

Hotel Meurice, Paris, France

Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master

These classic images of Arnold were taken in a hotel room in Paris in 1988. In the photos, we see him wearing his yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master, on a Jubilee bracelet.

...All In The Family...

Arnold, Maria & Patrick Schwarzenegger

Like Father & Mother—Like Son

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were married and have four children—two girls and two boys. Patrick Schwarzenegger is the oldest boy and we see him pictured below in a recent shot sporting his Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner with a Ceramic bezel.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is pictured below with Maria Shriver when then first started dating, and we see him wearing his Yellow-Gold Rolex GMT-Master.

So far as I can tell, it appears Arnold may have first started wearing his GMT-Master after he started dating Maria Shriver in 1977, so that means in a few months he will become a member of the Rolex 50+ Year Club.

Like Mother—Like Son: In the photo below, we see Arnold Schwarzenegger with his wife, Maria Shriver, who is wearing a 36MM Rolex Day-Date. Maria Shriver is a Kennedy, and many of her fellow Kennedy relatives also wear Rolex.

Who You Callin' Girlyman!?!

Hasta La Vista Baby!!!