Sell Your Rolex Yacht-Master Watch | Expert Buyer in the Hamptons, New York | Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry
Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry · Southampton & New York
Sell Your Rolex
Yacht-Master & Yacht-Master II.
Introduced in 1992 as Rolex's dedicated nautical sport watch, the Yacht-Master has been produced across an extraordinary range of case sizes, metals, and dial configurations — in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, Oystersteel, Rolesor, and titanium. The Yacht-Master II, with its programmable regatta countdown complication, stands apart as one of Rolex's most technically ambitious references. Every model. Every metal. Every generation.
Yacht-Master II Specialists
Yellow · Rose · White Gold
Titanium Ref. 226627
16622 Through Current
1992
First Yacht-Master
5
Case Sizes Across History
40
Years in Business
As seen in
Forbes · The New York Times · Social Life · Hamptons Magazine
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What We Buy
Every Yacht-Master, Every Generation
Original Yacht-Master 40 — Refs. 16622 & 16628
REF. 16622 (ROLESOR) · REF. 16628 (YELLOW GOLD) · 1992–2001
The founding generation — introduced at Basel 1992 in the first Rolesor sport watch Rolex had ever made. The 16622 in Oystersteel with yellow gold Rolesor bezel and the 16628 in solid yellow gold define the original Yacht-Master character: the bidirectional rotating bezel with platinum or gold raised numerals and markings, the "Chromalit" dial, and the Oyster bracelet. Early serial-dated examples are increasingly sought as the Yacht-Master builds its vintage collector base.
Yacht-Master 40 — Ref. 116622
REF. 116622 · c.2001–2019 · OYSTERSTEEL + ROLESOR · CAL. 3135
The second-generation 40mm Yacht-Master — the longest-running single YM reference and the backbone of the secondary market. Available in Oystersteel with platinum bezel, and in Rolesor yellow gold and Rolesor Everose. Multiple dial colors across the production run: blue, black, silver, rhodium, and others. Cal. 3135. The 116622 in its various bezel and dial combinations is the most frequently traded Yacht-Master reference and represents excellent secondary market liquidity.
Yacht-Master 40 — Current Refs. 226658 & 226659
REF. 226658 (EVEROSE) · REF. 226659 (WHITE GOLD) · 2019–PRESENT
The current 40mm Yacht-Master in solid Everose gold and solid white gold — both with matching precious metal bezels and Cal. 3235 (70-hr power reserve, Chronergy). The 226658 in Everose with an Oysterflex bracelet and black or chocolate dial is one of the most visually distinctive current Rolex sport references. The 226659 in white gold with blue or rhodium dial is equally significant. Both purchased at full current market rates.
Yacht-Master 42 — Refs. 226659 & 226677
REF. 226677 (OYSTERSTEEL/RUBBER) · REF. 226659 (WHITE GOLD) · 42MM · CURRENT
The 42mm Yacht-Master arrived in 2019 as the largest standard YM case. The 226677 in Oystersteel with Cerachrom blue bezel and Oysterflex rubber bracelet is the most sport-forward Yacht-Master configuration — a true daily-wear nautical instrument. The 226659 in white gold at 42mm is the most imposing full-precious-metal Yacht-Master. Cal. 3235 throughout. All 42mm configurations purchased at full market rates.
Yacht-Master 37 — Refs. 268621, 268655 & 268656
REF. 268621 · 268655 · 268656 · 37MM · CURRENT
The 37mm bridges the 40mm and smaller ladies YM sizes — a genuinely versatile case worn across genders. The 268621 in Rolesor Everose with a chocolate dial is among the most sought YM mid-size configurations. The 268655 in Everose gold and 268656 in white gold are the precious metal options. Cal. 2236 in 37mm references. Chocolate dial examples command consistent secondary market attention. Purchased across all configurations.
Yacht-Master Ladies — Refs. 168623, 168628, 169623 & 169628
35MM · 29MM · ROLESOR & YELLOW GOLD · 1992–2019
The ladies Yacht-Master has been produced in 35mm and 29mm across the full history of the reference — the 35mm launching with the original 1992 collection in Rolesor (168623) and yellow gold (168628), and the 29mm following in 1999 (169623/169628). These are the original dedicated ladies YM references and represent the earliest small-case Yacht-Masters. Diamond-set bezel variants, unusual dial colors, and precious metal configurations are all purchased. The current ladies YM line in 37mm has superseded these sizes.
Yacht-Master with Platinum Bezel — Ref. 116655 & 126622
REF. 116655 (EVEROSE/OYSTERFLEX) · REF. 126622 (STEEL) · PLATINUM BEZEL
The Yacht-Master's defining material innovation — a platinum bezel on a steel or Everose case — is the combination that made the reference immediately iconic at launch. The ref. 116655 in Everose with Oysterflex bracelet and platinum bidirectional bezel is one of the most recognizable luxury sport watches of the modern era. The ref. 126622 in Oystersteel with platinum bezel continues this tradition. Platinum bezel condition is a primary value driver — scratches and wear on platinum are more visible and more significant than on steel or gold bezels.
Yacht-Master 42 in Titanium — Ref. 226627
REF. 226627 · 42MM · OYSTERSTEEL & TITANIUM · CAL. 3235 · CURRENT
The ref. 226627 is the only Yacht-Master produced with a titanium case — a material that is approximately 40% lighter than steel at equivalent strength, giving the 42mm a dramatically different wearing experience than any other YM. The titanium case is paired with a bidirectional bezel in matching titanium, an Oysterflex bracelet, and a blue or black lacquer dial. RLX titanium (grade 5 titanium with Rolex's proprietary surface treatment) resists scratching more effectively than untreated titanium. The 226627 represents the most technically forward-looking material configuration in the current Yacht-Master lineup and occupies a distinct position in the secondary market.
Yacht-Master II — Refs. 116688 · 116689 · 116681
44MM · YELLOW GOLD · WHITE GOLD · ROLESOR · 2007–2022
The original Yacht-Master II — introduced in 2007 as Rolex's most technically complex sport reference. The Ring Command bezel enables the sailor to set and synchronize a programmable mechanical countdown of 1–10 minutes without touching the crown — a genuine functional complication. Available in yellow gold (116688), white gold (116689), and Rolesor steel/gold (116681). Cal. 4161 flyback chronograph. The Yacht-Master II is one of the most mechanically ambitious references in the Rolex catalog and purchases at significant values across all metal configurations.
Yacht-Master II — Current Refs. 226688 · 226689 · 226681
44MM · YELLOW GOLD · WHITE GOLD · ROLESOR · 2022–PRESENT · CAL. 4161
The updated Yacht-Master II generation with refinements to case finishing, bracelet, and dial. Ref. 226688 in yellow gold, 226689 in white gold, 226681 in Rolesor Oystersteel and Everose. Cal. 4161 continues — the same mechanical regatta countdown complication, refined. The Yacht-Master II remains one of the rarest Rolex references by production volume and represents the brand's pinnacle sport complication. All current YMII configurations purchased at full rates.
Collector Terminology
Yacht-Master Nicknames & Key Variants
YM II
Yacht-Master II — The Regatta Timer
Refs. 116688 · 116689 · 116681 · 226688 · 226689 · 226681 · 44mm
The Yacht-Master II is categorically distinct from the standard Yacht-Master — not merely a larger version, but a fundamentally different watch built around a genuine regatta timing complication. The Ring Command bezel is a patented innovation: rotating the bezel physically engages the Cal. 4161 movement to set and start a programmable countdown of 1–10 minutes, synchronized to a race's starting sequence. The countdown is mechanical — no battery, no electronics — and the flyback function resets it instantly. The YMII is produced in far lower volumes than the standard YM and represents Rolex's most technically ambitious sport reference.
PT
Platinum Bezel
Refs. 16622 · 116622 · 126622 · 116655 and others
The Yacht-Master's signature material innovation — a bidirectional rotating bezel crafted in platinum on a steel, Rolesor, or Everose case. The combination of platinum against steel was unprecedented in the Rolex sport lineup at the YM's 1992 launch. Platinum's natural resistance to oxidation gives the bezel a distinct cool-white character distinct from gold or steel. Bezel condition is the primary variable on any platinum-bezeled YM — platinum scratches more visibly than other bezel materials and polished platinum bezels are significantly less desirable than unpolished examples.
RC
Ring Command Bezel
Yacht-Master II only · All YMII refs.
The Ring Command bezel is the mechanical heart of the Yacht-Master II's regatta complication. Unlike a conventional rotating bezel that merely indicates elapsed time, the Ring Command physically interfaces with the movement: rotating the bezel engages a coupling mechanism that adjusts the countdown timer and initiates or resets the sequence. It is a patented Rolex invention and the reason the YMII commands significant value premiums over the standard YM — the complication is not cosmetic but genuinely functional and engineered specifically for professional sailing race starts.
CH
Chocolate Dial
Refs. 268621 · 116655 · 226658 and others · Brown-toned dials
The rich brown "chocolate" dial available on select Yacht-Master references — particularly the 37mm 268621 in Rolesor Everose and the Everose gold configurations — is among the most appreciated dial colors in the current YM lineup. The warm chocolate tone against Everose gold case and bracelet creates a distinctly warm, rich aesthetic entirely different from the cooler blue or rhodium dials. Chocolate dial configurations command consistent premiums on the secondary market and are among the first configurations to sell at retail.
WG
White Gold YM
Refs. 226659 (40mm & 42mm) · 116689 · 226689 (YMII)
The Yacht-Master in solid 18ct white gold — one of the most understated and elegant configurations in the line. White gold's cooler, silver-like appearance pairs distinctly with the YM's nautical design language, and the white gold references are produced in meaningfully lower volumes than their Everose or steel counterparts. The 226659 at both 40mm and 42mm is a significant acquisition; the white gold YMII (116689/226689) is one of the rarest Rolex sport references in production.
EV
Everose Gold YM
Refs. 226658 · 268655 · 116655 · 226688 (YMII) and others
Everose is Rolex's proprietary 18ct rose gold alloy — formulated to maintain its warm pink-gold color without fading over time. The Yacht-Master in Everose, particularly on the Oysterflex bracelet, is one of the most visually striking configurations in the Rolex sport lineup. The 116655 in Everose with Oysterflex and platinum bezel launched a new aesthetic direction for the YM that continues across the current range. Everose YM references in precious metal are significant acquisitions and are purchased at full market rates.
RL
Rolesor
Refs. 16622 · 116622 · 226681 (YMII) · 268621 and others
Rolesor is Rolex's term for a combination of Oystersteel and gold — typically with a gold bezel, crown, and bracelet center links on a steel case and outer bracelet links. On the Yacht-Master, Rolesor has been offered in yellow gold and Everose gold since the very first 1992 generation. The Rolesor Yacht-Master represents the most accessible precious-metal entry point into the reference and has consistently been the highest-volume configuration. Rolesor YMs are valued against both the steel and full-gold markets.
OX
Oysterflex Bracelet
Current YM refs. in Everose, White Gold, and select Oystersteel
The Oysterflex is Rolex's high-performance elastomer bracelet — a flexible blade of metal covered in black rubber that provides the comfort of a strap with the security and precision of a metal bracelet. It features a titanium and nickel alloy internal architecture and integrates a micro-adjustable rapid extension system. On the Yacht-Master, the Oysterflex is standard equipment on the Everose and white gold references and adds a distinctly modern sport character that differentiates these references from Oyster bracelet configurations. Oysterflex condition is assessed as part of any precious metal YM offer.
Ti
Titanium — Ref. 226627
Ref. 226627 · 42mm · RLX Titanium · Current
The ref. 226627 is the only Yacht-Master ever produced in titanium — and the material choice is significant. RLX titanium (Rolex's proprietary grade 5 titanium alloy with a hardened surface treatment) is approximately 40% lighter than steel at equivalent strength and considerably more scratch-resistant than untreated titanium. At 42mm, the weight reduction is immediately perceptible on the wrist. The titanium bezel, case, and Oysterflex bracelet give the 226627 a distinctly matte, cool-grey aesthetic that stands completely apart from steel, gold, or platinum YM references. It is the most technically material-forward configuration in the current Yacht-Master lineup.
CC
Cerachrom Bezel (Steel YM)
Refs. 226677 · 126622 and current steel YM refs.
The more recent Oystersteel Yacht-Master references have transitioned from the platinum bezel of the 116622 era to Cerachrom — Rolex's proprietary ceramic compound — for certain configurations. Cerachrom is virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant, maintaining its color permanently. On the Yacht-Master, Cerachrom bezels have appeared in blue and dark rhodium. The move from platinum to Cerachrom on some steel references is a notable generational distinction that affects the collector dynamics of current versus earlier models.
Configuration Guide
Metals, Bezels & Key Details
Size History — 29mm to 44mm
1992 launch: 40mm (men's), 35mm and 29mm (ladies). 1999: 29mm added. 2004: 37mm mid-size added. 2007: 44mm Yacht-Master II. Current lineup: 29mm (discontinued), 35mm (discontinued), 37mm, 40mm, 42mm (YM I); 44mm (YM II). The 42mm was added in 2019. The trend has been toward larger cases across the board, with the 37mm now the smallest active YM I size. Size determines which calibre is fitted — the 37mm runs Cal. 2236 while the 40mm and 42mm run Cal. 3235.
Calibre Progression
Original 16622/16628: Cal. 3135. Second generation 116622 era: Cal. 3135 (men's), Cal. 2235 (ladies 35mm/29mm). Updated 116622 late production and 126622: Cal. 3135 then 3235. Current men's 40mm/42mm (226658/659/677): Cal. 3235. 37mm (268xxx): Cal. 2236. Yacht-Master II all generations: Cal. 4161 (integrated flyback chronograph with regatta countdown). The 3235 introduced in 2019 brought 70-hr power reserve and Chronergy escapement.
Bezel Material — Platinum vs. Gold vs. Cerachrom
Three distinct bezel materials across YM history: (1) Platinum — the original and most iconic YM bezel; bidirectional rotating; cool-white character against steel or Everose; scratches more visibly than other materials. (2) Precious gold (yellow, white, Everose) — on full-metal references; bidirectional rotating; integral with case material. (3) Cerachrom — on newer steel references; virtually scratch-proof ceramic; appears in blue and dark rhodium. Bezel material is the primary distinguishing factor between many YM references and directly affects secondary market value.
Dial Colors — Full Palette
The Yacht-Master dial palette is broader than most Rolex sport references. Blue (multiple shades across generations — cobalt, light blue, "azzurro"); black; silver/white; rhodium/cool grey; chocolate (particularly on Everose Rolesor 37mm); champagne/gold tone (on precious metal references); slate; and meteorite (on select precious metal references). Dial color is a primary secondary market variable — certain color/metal/size combinations are meaningfully more sought than others within the same reference number.
Ring Command — YM II Mechanics
The Yacht-Master II's Ring Command bezel physically interfaces with Cal. 4161 through a mechanical coupling that engages when the bezel is rotated. The sailor sets the countdown (1–10 minutes) by rotating the bezel, then initiates it at the starting signal — the movement tracks the countdown and the flyback function resets the chronograph instantly. The system requires no crown manipulation during operation. Cal. 4161 is a dedicated movement produced only for the YMII and not shared with any other Rolex reference.
Bracelet — Oyster vs. Oysterflex vs. Jubilee
Original YMs (16622, 116622, ladies refs.): Oyster bracelet. Current steel YM 42mm (226677): Oysterflex. Current precious metal YMs (226658, 226659, 268655, 268656): Oysterflex standard. Some 40mm refs. also offer Oyster bracelet. YM II all generations: Oyster bracelet on gold, rubber bracelet on Rolesor (116681/226681). Original bracelet and strap condition and originality matter to secondary market value — missing original hardware reduces offers.
Early (16622/16628) vs. Later Generation
The first-generation Yacht-Masters (1992–c.2001) carry reference numbers 16622 (Rolesor) and 16628 (yellow gold). These transitional references — Cal. 3135, "Chromalit" dials, early serial structures — are now building their own vintage collector profile. Early production examples with matching serial-dated papers and original bracelets are increasingly sought. The specific dial text of early 16622 and 16628 examples differs from later 116622 production in ways that matter to early-generation YM collectors.
Box & Papers
Box and papers on any Yacht-Master — standard or YM II — materially affect secondary market value. On precious metal configurations, a complete set (inner box, outer box, chronometer certificate, warranty card) can represent a significant additional premium over the same watch without documentation. For early-generation YMs (16622/16628), original papers with matching serial are particularly significant given the watch's growing vintage appeal. For YM II in any metal, the complexity and price of the reference means papers are proportionally more impactful.
Complete Reference Directory
Every Yacht-Master, Every Reference
Ref. 16622 through current 226689 — every Yacht-Master I and Yacht-Master II reference
First Generation Yacht-Master — 1992 Launch
1992–c.2001 · Refs. 16622 · 16628 · 168623 · 168628 · 169623 · 169628
Ref. 16622 — 40mm Rolesor, Platinum Bezel (1992–2001)
The founding Yacht-Master; Oystersteel case with yellow gold Rolesor bezel and bracelet center links; platinum bidirectional bezel; Cal. 3135; blue or black "Chromalit" dial; Oyster bracelet; building vintage appeal
Original Yacht-Master — 1992
Ref. 16628 — 40mm Yellow Gold (1992–2001)
Solid 18ct yellow gold case, bezel, and Oyster bracelet; Cal. 3135; champagne, blue, or black dial; the highest-specification first-generation YM; early serial examples with papers increasingly significant
Yellow gold — first gen
Ref. 168623 — 35mm Ladies Rolesor (1992–2004)
Original ladies YM in 35mm Rolesor; yellow gold bezel and bracelet accents on steel; Cal. 2235; blue and silver dials; the founding ladies Yacht-Master reference
Ref. 168628 — 35mm Ladies Yellow Gold (1992–2004)
Solid 18ct yellow gold ladies 35mm; Cal. 2235; champagne and blue dials; the most elevated original ladies YM configuration
Ref. 169623 — 29mm Ladies Rolesor (1999–2019)
29mm ladies YM added in 1999; Rolesor yellow gold; Cal. 2135/2235; multiple dial colors; the most understated ladies YM case size; various diamond-set bezel options available
Ref. 169628 — 29mm Ladies Yellow Gold (1999–2019)
Solid 18ct yellow gold 29mm; Cal. 2135; champagne and blue dials; diamond-set bezel variants; the smallest and most delicate YM configuration ever produced
Second Generation — Refs. 116622, 116628, 116655
c.2001–2019 · 40mm · Cal. 3135
Ref. 116622 — 40mm Oystersteel, Platinum Bezel
The most widely produced YM reference; steel case; platinum bidirectional bezel; Cal. 3135; blue, black, silver, and rhodium dials across the production run; Oyster bracelet; the benchmark second-generation YM
Ref. 116622 — 40mm Rolesor Yellow Gold
Yellow Rolesor variant of the 116622; yellow gold bezel, crown, and bracelet center links; platinum bezel surface on some; blue and champagne dials; Cal. 3135
Ref. 116622 — 40mm Rolesor Everose Gold
Everose Rolesor 116622; Everose gold bezel, crown, center links; blue dial standard; Cal. 3135; a warmer alternative to the yellow Rolesor within the same reference number
Ref. 116628 — 40mm Yellow Gold
Second-generation solid yellow gold YM; Cal. 3135; champagne, blue, and black dials; Oyster bracelet in yellow gold; significant secondary market value on full-metal examples
Ref. 116655 — 40mm Everose, Oysterflex, Platinum Bezel
The pivotal modern YM — Everose gold case; platinum bidirectional bezel; black Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3135; black dial; introduced a new aesthetic direction for the Yacht-Master that defines its current character; among the most recognizable contemporary Rolex
Everose/Oysterflex — iconic configuration
Ref. 168622 — 35mm Ladies Rolesor Everose (c.2004–2019)
Updated ladies 35mm in Everose Rolesor; Cal. 2235; blue and champagne dials; transitional between original 168623 and current 37mm range; now discontinued — building collector interest
Current Yacht-Master I — Refs. 226xxx, 126622, 268xxx & 226627
2019–present · Cal. 3235 / 2236 · All Metals Including Titanium
Ref. 226677 — 42mm Oystersteel, Cerachrom Blue Bezel
Current 42mm steel YM; Cerachrom blue bidirectional bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3235; black or blue dial; the most sport-forward standard YM configuration; purchased at full current rates
Ref. 226627 — 42mm RLX Titanium, Titanium Bezel
The only titanium Yacht-Master ever made; RLX grade 5 titanium case, bezel, and Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3235; blue or black lacquer dial; approximately 40% lighter than steel at equivalent strength; matte cool-grey aesthetic entirely distinct from every other YM configuration; significant secondary market presence
Titanium — unique material in YM lineup
Ref. 226658 — 42mm Everose Gold, Everose Bezel
42mm in solid Everose gold; Everose bidirectional bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3235; black or chocolate dial; the most imposing precious metal YM I currently produced
Chocolate dial — high demand
Ref. 226659 — 42mm White Gold, White Gold Bezel
42mm solid white gold; white gold bidirectional bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3235; blue or rhodium dial; the most understated full-precious-metal large YM; significant secondary market value
Ref. 126622 — 40mm Oystersteel, Platinum or Cerachrom Bezel
Current 40mm steel YM; available with platinum bidirectional bezel (continuing original heritage) and Cerachrom dark rhodium; Cal. 3235; multiple dial colors; Oyster bracelet
Ref. 226658 — 40mm Everose Gold
40mm Everose YM; matching Everose bidirectional bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 3235; black or chocolate dial; the updated 40mm in Everose succeeding the 116655
Chocolate dial — most sought
Ref. 226659 — 40mm White Gold
40mm solid white gold; white gold bezel; Oysterflex; Cal. 3235; blue or rhodium dial; the 40mm white gold successor — limited production, significant secondary value
Ref. 268621 — 37mm Rolesor Everose, Chocolate Dial
37mm Everose Rolesor; Everose gold bezel, crown, center links; Cal. 2236; chocolate dial — the signature and most sought configuration of this reference; consistent secondary premium over other 268621 dials
Chocolate dial — 37mm signature
Ref. 268621 — 37mm Rolesor Everose, Other Dials
37mm Everose Rolesor in black, blue, silver, and other dial configurations; Cal. 2236; Oyster bracelet; purchased across all dial colors at full market rates
Ref. 268655 — 37mm Everose Gold
Solid 18ct Everose gold 37mm; Everose bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 2236; black, chocolate, and blue dials; a significant precious metal acquisition at a versatile mid-size case
Ref. 268656 — 37mm White Gold
Solid 18ct white gold 37mm; white gold bezel; Oysterflex bracelet; Cal. 2236; blue and rhodium dials; the most refined 37mm YM configuration; low production volume, significant secondary value
Yacht-Master II — Original Generation, Refs. 116688 · 116689 · 116681
2007–2022 · 44mm · Cal. 4161 Regatta Countdown
Ref. 116688 — 44mm Yellow Gold (2007–2022)
Original YM II in solid 18ct yellow gold; Ring Command bezel in yellow gold; Cal. 4161 flyback chronograph with programmable 1–10 min countdown; white or blue dial; Oyster bracelet in yellow gold; the most opulent original YMII configuration
YM II — yellow gold
Ref. 116689 — 44mm White Gold (2007–2022)
Original YM II in solid 18ct white gold; Ring Command bezel in white gold; Cal. 4161; blue or white dial; Oyster bracelet in white gold; the rarest original YMII configuration by production volume
YM II — white gold, rarest original
Ref. 116681 — 44mm Rolesor, Rubber Bracelet (2007–2022)
Original YM II in Oystersteel and yellow Rolesor; rubber bracelet standard; Ring Command bezel; Cal. 4161; white dial; the most accessible original YMII by price point; strong secondary market across all years
YM II — Rolesor, rubber bracelet
Yacht-Master II — Current Generation, Refs. 226688 · 226689 · 226681
2022–present · 44mm · Cal. 4161 Updated
Ref. 226688 — 44mm Yellow Gold (2022–present)
Current YM II in solid yellow gold; refined case and bracelet finishing from 116688; Ring Command bezel; Cal. 4161; white or blue dial; Oyster bracelet; the current pinnacle non-white-gold YMII
Ref. 226689 — 44mm White Gold (2022–present)
Current YM II in solid white gold; the most refined and rare current YMII; Ring Command bezel; Cal. 4161; blue dial; Oyster bracelet; extremely limited production; very significant secondary market value
White gold YMII — rarest current config
Ref. 226681 — 44mm Rolesor Everose, Rubber Bracelet (2022–present)
Current YM II in Oystersteel and Everose gold Rolesor; rubber bracelet; Ring Command bezel; Cal. 4161; white dial; updated finishing from 116681; the most accessible current YMII entry point
The Glenn Bradford Difference
Nearly Four Decades & Every Nautical Configuration
Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry has been a trusted name in fine jewelry and investment-grade watches for nearly 40 years, with a flagship boutique in Southampton and an atelier in New York. The Hamptons — our home — is one of the most naturally connected markets for the Yacht-Master in the world. We understand the reference, its clientele, and its secondary market from the inside.
The Yacht-Master presents a more complex secondary market than many Rolex references precisely because it spans such a broad range of metals, sizes, bezel types, and dial configurations. A steel 116622 with a platinum bezel and a blue dial is a fundamentally different watch from an Everose 116655 on Oysterflex, which is different again from a white gold 226659 or a yellow gold 116688 Yacht-Master II — and each occupies its own position in the collector market. We assess every configuration against its specific market, not against a generic Yacht-Master price.
For the Yacht-Master II, we bring particular attention. The YMII's mechanical regatta complication — Cal. 4161 with Ring Command bezel — is one of the most sophisticated movement/case integrations Rolex has ever produced, and it is produced in significantly lower volumes than the standard Yacht-Master. If you own a Yacht-Master II in any metal configuration, you own one of Rolex's rarest sport references — and we will offer accordingly.
How It Works
A Simple, Discreet Process
01
Submit Your Watch
Use the form above or contact us directly. For Yacht-Masters, the most important initial details are case size, case material, and bezel material and color — particularly whether the bezel is platinum, gold, or Cerachrom. For Yacht-Master II, include a note on whether the Ring Command function is operating correctly. Clear photographs of the dial, bezel, case, and caseback are most helpful.
02
Receive Our Assessment
We respond within 24 hours with a preliminary offer. For precious metal YMs and all Yacht-Master II references, we may request additional photographs before confirming a final figure. Box and papers status should be noted at this stage — they affect our offer across the full range.
03
Agree on Terms
Once we examine the watch in person or receive it via fully insured shipping, we confirm our final offer. No obligation to proceed at any stage.
04
Receive Payment
Payment is made promptly following final agreement and authentication. Wire transfer, check, or other arrangements available to suit your preference.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We work with clients throughout the United States and internationally. Submit your piece through the form above with clear photographs of the case, dial, caseback, and any paperwork. We will provide a preliminary assessment promptly and can arrange fully insured shipping or a private appointment at our Southampton flagship boutique — whatever is most convenient for you.
Begin the Conversation
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Rolex Yacht-Master?
Reach us by phone, email, or through the form above. Private consultations available in Southampton and New York.