The complete 37, 40 and 42 mm buying guide

Rolex Yacht-Master Buying Guide

The short answer: begin with the 40 mm 126622 in slate for the signature all-around Yacht-Master, or bright blue for stronger color. Choose 226627 for a large but exceptionally light RLX titanium watch; 126655, 226658 or 226659 for gold on Oysterflex; and a 37 mm reference for a more compact fit. Chocolate is a 126621 Everose Rolesor configuration—not a 126622. Rolex's new 2026 regatta countdown belongs to the separate Yacht-Master II 126680/126688 family.

Reviewed August 14, 2026 Dealer-reviewed Official 12-configuration catalog checked
Shop Yacht-Master watches View the complete current range Source an exact reference
View watch View this exact reference — 126622 Rolex Yacht-Master 40 SLATE DIAL 126622 UNWORN 2026
Yacht-Master 40 reference 126622 in Rolesium with a slate dial. View this exact watch
Signature configuration

126622 Slate

Forty millimetres, Oystersteel case and bracelet, platinum bezel and the slate dial with turquoise accents. It is the clearest expression of Rolesium.

View the slate 126622
Lightest-feeling 42 mm

226627 RLX Titanium

Grade 5 RLX titanium, matte black ceramic bezel and an Oyster bracelet make this the technical, low-mass alternative to gold 42 mm references.

View the titanium 226627
New for 2026—separate family

Yacht-Master II 126680

The regatta chronograph is back with calibre 4162 and a redesigned programmable countdown. It is not a function of the standard Yacht-Master.

Compare Yacht-Master vs. Yacht-Master II
The buying decision

Choose size first, then material, dial and bracelet

The Yacht-Master is a finite but unusually varied current family. Rolex lists 12 standard configurations across 37, 40 and 42 mm. The range moves from Rolesium—Oystersteel paired with a platinum bezel—to Everose Rolesor, full Everose, yellow and white gold on Oysterflex, and RLX titanium. The movement architecture also splits by size: current 37 mm watches use calibre 2236 with approximately 55 hours of reserve, while current 40 and 42 mm watches use calibre 3235 with approximately 70 hours.

Every standard Yacht-Master has a date, a bidirectional 60-minute timing bezel and 100 metres of stated water resistance. It is a nautical timing watch, but it is not a dive watch and its bezel is not unidirectional. The current 2026 Yacht-Master II is a different 44 mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown.

01 · Official current architecture

The complete 12-configuration Yacht-Master catalog

Rolex's US all-models page showed these 12 configurations on August 14, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. had an active, inventory-positive Online Store product for every configuration at the time of the audit.

All 12 current Rolex Yacht-Master configurations by size, reference, material, dial and bracelet
Exact watchSize and materialDial / bezelBraceletBest for
126622 · SlateView watch40 mm · RolesiumSlate · platinumOysterThe signature all-around Yacht-Master
126622 · Bright blueView watch40 mm · RolesiumBright blue · platinumOysterA more vivid Rolesium dial
226627 · TitaniumView watch42 mm · RLX titaniumIntense black · black CerachromTitanium OysterLarge diameter with low physical weight
226658 · Yellow goldView watch42 mm · 18 ct yellow goldBlack · black CerachromOysterflexThe boldest standard gold 42
226659 · White goldView watch42 mm · 18 ct white goldBlack · black CerachromOysterflexDiscreet-looking precious metal
126655 · Everose goldView watch40 mm · 18 ct Everose goldIntense black · black CerachromOysterflexGold sport luxury in the core size
126621 · ChocolateView watch40 mm · Everose RolesorChocolate · Everose goldOysterWarm two-tone with the correct chocolate reference
126621 · Intense blackView watch40 mm · Everose RolesorIntense black · Everose goldOysterStronger dial contrast in two-tone
268622 · SlateView watch37 mm · RolesiumSlate · platinumOysterA compact Rolesium fit
268621 · ChocolateView watch37 mm · Everose RolesorChocolate · Everose goldOysterWarm color in the smaller case
268621 · Intense blackView watch37 mm · Everose RolesorIntense black · Everose goldOysterCompact two-tone with contrast
268655 · Everose goldView watch37 mm · 18 ct Everose goldIntense black · black CerachromOysterflexThe compact full-gold Oysterflex choice

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Reference correction: the current chocolate-dial watch is 126621 in Everose Rolesor. Reference 126622 is Rolesium and is offered with slate or bright-blue dial. The guide keeps those families separate.

02 · All current configurations in stock

Shop the complete standard Yacht-Master range

This rail presents one exact active, inventory-positive product for each of Rolex's 12 current standard configurations. Cards resolve from Shopify; each product page is authoritative for current price, availability, photographs, condition and delivery set.

03 · Separate stocked examples and specialist inventory

Duplicate references remain separate because the watches are separate

The same reference and dial can appear in more than one Shopify product when distinct inventory has its own SKU, price, photography, year or delivery set. Those are not merged silently. This rail also includes two specialized products that are outside Rolex's 12-model standard online catalog and therefore require exact factory-configuration review.

Specialist-inventory boundary: “off-catalog” and market nicknames are not substitutes for factory documentation. Verify the exact reference, factory configuration, delivery set and condition before comparing 226668TBR or 126679SABR with standard catalog watches.

04 · Size and wrist presence

Yacht-Master 37 vs. 40 vs. 42

Diameter changes more than visual scale: it changes movement family, material availability, bracelet choices and weight. Measure fit with the actual bracelet or Oysterflex size rather than diameter alone.

Rolex Yacht-Master 37, 40 and 42 mm size, movement and configuration comparison
SizeCurrent referencesMovementCurrent materialsBest for
37 mmView 37 mm268622, 268621, 2686552236 · approximately 55 hoursRolesium, Everose Rolesor, Everose gold OysterflexCompact proportions and smaller wrists
40 mmView 40 mm126622, 126621, 1266553235 · approximately 70 hoursRolesium, Everose Rolesor, Everose gold OysterflexThe broadest configuration choice and core fit
42 mmView 42 mm226627, 226658, 2266593235 · approximately 70 hoursRLX titanium, yellow gold Oysterflex, white gold OysterflexModern presence; weight varies dramatically by metal

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

05 · Material and dial map

The material is the identity of the watch

Slate Rolesium 126622

Oystersteel with a platinum bezel and slate dial. The turquoise seconds hand and text make it the family signature.

Bright-blue Rolesium 126622

The same 40 mm architecture with a more saturated dial. Compare it directly with slate before changing materials.

Chocolate 126621

Chocolate belongs to Everose Rolesor in 37 or 40 mm. It is warmer and more visibly two-tone than Rolesium.

Full-gold Oysterflex

Everose 126655, yellow-gold 226658 and white-gold 226659 pair precious-metal cases with black Cerachrom and Oysterflex.

RLX titanium 226627

Grade 5 titanium makes the 42 mm watch feel radically lighter and visually more technical than its gold siblings.

Specialist gem-set references

Evaluate exact factory specification and documentation. Do not infer legitimacy from an off-catalog label or nickname.

06 · Oyster vs. Oysterflex

Bracelet choice changes fit, adjustment and character

Choose the Oyster bracelet if…

  • You want Rolesium, Everose Rolesor or the full RLX titanium architecture.
  • You prefer a conventional three-piece link bracelet.
  • You want approximately 5 mm of Easylink adjustment on the current references discussed here.
  • You are comparing slate and blue 126622 watches on otherwise matching hardware.

Choose Oysterflex if…

  • You want a full-gold case without a full-gold bracelet.
  • You value the internal metal-blade structure and elastomer exterior.
  • You want the Rolex Glidelock system with approximately 15 mm of fine adjustment.
  • You are buying 268655, 126655, 226658 or 226659 and have verified the installed Oysterflex sizing.

Oysterflex sizing is part of the purchase: confirm both blade sizes, clasp position, wrist fit and what replacement sizing would cost. Do not assume one seller's bracelet will fit every wrist.

07 · Function and movement

A date watch with a bidirectional 60-minute timing bezel

The standard Yacht-Master is not a chronograph and does not have a regatta countdown. Its rotating bezel can time an interval such as the sailing time between two buoys. Because the bezel is bidirectional, it is not the safety architecture of a Submariner's unidirectional dive bezel.

Current Rolex Yacht-Master movement, bezel, water-resistance and bracelet-adjustment specifications
Specification37 mm40 / 42 mmBuyer meaning
MovementCalibre 2236Calibre 3235Both provide automatic time, seconds, date and stop-seconds; architecture and reserve differ.
Power reserveApproximately 55 hoursApproximately 70 hoursUseful when rotating watches, but not a reason to buy the wrong case size.
Precision−2/+2 sec/day after casing−2/+2 sec/day after casingRolex's stated Superlative Chronometer tolerance for the completed watch.
Water resistance100 m / 330 ft100 m / 330 ftA pre-owned example still needs an appropriate current pressure test before water use.
BezelBidirectional 60-minute timingBidirectional 60-minute timingUseful for elapsed intervals; not a programmable countdown.
Oyster bracelet adjustmentEasylink, approximately 5 mmEasylink, approximately 5 mmApplies to the linked Oyster-bracelet current examples.
Oysterflex adjustmentGlidelock, approximately 15 mmGlidelock, approximately 15 mmFine adjustment in roughly 2.5 mm increments; initial blade sizing still matters.

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

08 · The 2026 regatta watch, accurately separated

The new countdown model is Yacht-Master II—not Yacht-Master

Rolex presented a new-generation Yacht-Master II in 2026 after the prior generation had left the catalog. The current family comprises Oystersteel 126680 and yellow-gold 126688. Both are 44 mm regatta chronographs powered by calibre 4162, with a programmable countdown, mechanical memory, on-the-fly synchronization and approximately 72 hours of power reserve.

The 2026 redesign programs the countdown with the lower pusher rather than the previous generation's Ring Command bezel logic. Its countdown minute and seconds hands move counterclockwise. It is real, current and commercially important—but it is a distinct family, not an added complication inside the 37/40/42 mm Yacht-Master.

Current standard Yacht-Master compared with the new-generation 2026 Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph
FamilySizes / referencesCore functionMovementBest for
Yacht-MasterShop range37, 40, 42 mm · 12 current configurationsTime, date and bidirectional elapsed-time bezel2236 or 3235Versatile nautical sport-luxury wear
Yacht-Master II 126680View watch44 mm · OystersteelProgrammable regatta countdown with memory and synchronization4162 · approximately 72 hoursBuyers who specifically want regatta timing
Yacht-Master II 126688Read separate guide44 mm · 18 ct yellow goldThe same redesigned countdown architecture in precious metal4162 · approximately 72 hoursThe full-gold current regatta model

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Do not merge the families

A Yacht-Master 126622 and Yacht-Master II 126680 share nautical naming, not function, size, movement or buyer use case.

Compare the generations

The 2026 126680/126688 generation replaces the earlier 11668x architecture with calibre 4162 and a redesigned programming method.

Read the Yacht-Master II guide
09 · Exact-watch verification

Inspect the bezel, bracelet and configuration—not the family name

  1. Reference and size: verify 37, 40 or 42 mm and match the full reference to the stated material and dial.
  2. Bezel: inspect platinum, Everose-gold, Cerachrom or specialist gem-set execution for condition, alignment and originality.
  3. Dial: distinguish slate, bright blue, chocolate and intense black; confirm printing, markers, lume and date display.
  4. Case finish: review polished and satin surfaces, lug shape, dents, hallmarks and evidence of previous refinishing.
  5. Oyster bracelet: confirm correct material, link count, clasp operation, wear and Easylink function.
  6. Oysterflex: confirm both installed blade sizes, clasp, Glidelock operation, fit and elastomer condition.
  7. Movement: verify winding, setting, date change, stop-seconds and timekeeping appropriate to calibre 2236 or 3235.
  8. Delivery set: match warranty card, serial relationship, card date, box, manuals, tags, service history and included components.
  9. Water use: do not rely on the original 100 m rating for an individual watch without an appropriate current pressure test.
  10. Exact price comparison: compare the same size, reference, dial, bracelet, condition, year and delivery set—especially when duplicate reference listings exist.
10 · Buyer questions

Rolex Yacht-Master FAQs

What is the best Rolex Yacht-Master for a first-time buyer?

Start with the 40 mm 126622 in slate and bright blue. Both use the same current Rolesium architecture, calibre 3235 and Oyster bracelet, so the comparison isolates dial preference. Choose 37 or 42 mm only after deciding the 40 mm fit is not right.

Should I choose a slate or blue Yacht-Master 126622?

Slate is more distinctly associated with the modern Yacht-Master and uses turquoise accents; bright blue has stronger color and contrast. The case, platinum bezel, Oyster bracelet and calibre 3235 are otherwise the same current architecture. Compare exact price, condition and delivery set after choosing the dial.

Does Rolex make a chocolate-dial Yacht-Master 126622?

No in the current official catalog reviewed here. Current 126622 Rolesium watches use slate or bright-blue dials. Chocolate belongs to the Everose Rolesor 126621 in 40 mm and 268621 in 37 mm.

Did Rolex release a new Yacht-Master with a regatta function in 2026?

Rolex released a new-generation Yacht-Master II, not a complication added to the standard Yacht-Master. The current 44 mm 126680 and 126688 use calibre 4162 and a programmable regatta countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization.

What is the difference between Yacht-Master 37, 40 and 42?

The 37 mm range uses calibre 2236 with approximately 55 hours of reserve. Current 40 and 42 mm references use calibre 3235 with approximately 70 hours. Materials also differ: 37 and 40 include Rolesium, Everose Rolesor and Everose Oysterflex, while 42 includes RLX titanium plus yellow- and white-gold Oysterflex.

What does Rolesium mean on a Yacht-Master?

Rolesium is Rolex's name for the combination used here: an Oystersteel case and bracelet with platinum elements, most visibly the bidirectional platinum bezel. Current 126622 and 268622 are Rolesium references.

Is Oysterflex simply a rubber strap?

No. Rolex describes Oysterflex as flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer. Current Yacht-Master Oysterflex references use an Oysterlock safety clasp and Rolex Glidelock adjustment. The installed blade sizes still need to match the buyer's wrist.

Why does the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium wear differently?

RLX titanium is Rolex's grade 5 titanium alloy, selected for lightness, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Reference 226627 retains a 42 mm diameter but feels much lighter than gold 42 mm references and has a more technical satin-finished character.

How water resistant is a current Yacht-Master?

Rolex states 100 metres or 330 feet for the current standard references discussed here. That original specification does not prove an individual pre-owned watch is presently water resistant; arrange an appropriate current pressure test before planned water exposure.

Can Superlative Watch Co. source a specific Yacht-Master?

Yes. The buying desk can compare or source an exact size, reference, material, dial, bracelet, condition and card-year requirement. For Oysterflex, include wrist sizing; for specialist references, include the required factory configuration and documentation.

Continue researching
Rolex Guide LibraryBrowse every Rolex family and comparison guide. Yacht-Master II GuideUnderstand the new 2026 regatta chronograph separately. Submariner Buying GuideCompare the unidirectional dive-watch alternative. Rolex Weight GuideCompare titanium, steel and precious-metal wrist mass. Rolex Buying GuideStart with the wider brand and collection architecture. Shop Yacht-MasterView current exact-product pricing and availability.
Primary-source methodology

Official current catalog, dealer-level buying context

Current configurations and technical facts were checked against Rolex's own US catalog and model pages on August 14, 2026. Product prices and availability come from exact Superlative Watch Co. Shopify records. Fit, comparison and inspection guidance is dealer editorial analysis.

Buying desk

Need an exact Yacht-Master configuration?

Send the size, reference, material, dial, bracelet, condition and card-year requirements. Include wrist size for Oysterflex and distinguish standard Yacht-Master from Yacht-Master II.

Shop Yacht-Master inventory Source a Yacht-Master Contact Superlative Watch Co.

Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury watch dealer. Rolex, Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II are trademarks of their respective owner; no manufacturer affiliation is implied.

Editorial review date: August 14, 2026. Product pricing and availability are controlled by linked product records and can change independently of this guide.