Yacht‑Master and Yacht‑Master II
Conquering the open seasThe quest for precision and pursuit of performance have naturally anchored Rolex in a privileged alliance with the world of sailing. The manufacture has continuously innovated through the years, guided by a permanent ambition to produce reliable, precise and robust wristwatches. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht‑Master and Oyster Perpetual Yacht‑Master II represent important milestones in this rich history.
A match for marine chronometers
The imperative of precision
In this period, large marine chronometers were regarded as the most precise horological instruments in the world. These essential tools used by sailors to assess their position at sea were certified by astronomical observatories. In 1914, the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, had one of the brand’s watches tested by the Kew Observatory in Great Britain, which awarded it a certificate of chronometric precision: a first in the watchmaking world for a wristwatch.
1914
The first waterproof case
Rolex revolutionized the watchmaking industry with the Oyster, the first completely waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. An achievement made possible by the innovative architecture of its case, consisting of a screw-down bezel, case back and winding crown.
1926
Around-the-world voyage
After 226 days at sea and having covered approximately 25,700 nautical miles (47,600 km) – with just one stopover in Sydney, Australia – Sir Francis Chichester became the first yachtsman to circumnavigate the globe single-handed from west to east. He achieved this exploit wearing an Oyster Perpetual.
During my voyage around the world in Gipsy Moth IV, my Rolex watch was knocked off my wrist several times without being damaged. I cannot imagine a hardier timepiece.
1967
Launch of the Yacht-Master
Designed specifically for sailors, the Yacht-Master embodies the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s. This elegant watch blends functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.
1992
The meeting of platinum and steel
Rolex unveiled its first watches in a Rolesium version: Yacht‑Master models in different diameters. The association of platinum and steel on the case and bracelet of these watches follows the same concept as Rolesor, namely the combination of a precious alloy with steel on a Rolex watch.
1999
Rolex, a partner of World Sailing
Rolex entered a partnership with World Sailing, the sport’s international governing body. Together, each November, they jointly present the highest accolade a sailor can receive. The Rolex World Sailor of the Year award recognizes the achievements of one woman and one man whose outstanding performances have defined the past season.
2001
Launch of the Yacht-Master II
With its programmable countdown, the Yacht-Master II was specifically designed for use during regatta starts. The countdown on this watch was programmed via the rotatable bezel interacting with the Ring Command system.
2007
Superior comfort on the wrist
The Yacht-Master was the first Rolex watch to be equipped with an Oysterflex bracelet. Especially suited to the rigours of sailing, this bracelet combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility and comfort of an elastomer strap.
2015
A fresh wind in yachting
The Rolex SailGP Championship, with Rolex as Title Partner and Official Timepiece, combines ultralight catamarans, spectacular races on the seas across five continents and an immersive spectator experience. Launched in 2019, this competition has revolutionized the sport of competitive sailing and propelled it into the future.
Discover more2019
Performance, robustness and lightness
Rolex launched a new version of the Yacht-Master 42, crafted in RLX titanium, a high-performance material that is lightweight, robust and corrosion resistant. World-renowned sailor Sir Ben Ainslie tested the qualities of this watch in real conditions prior to its release.
2023
