ROLEX YACHT-MASTER 40

The history of this Rolex Yacht-Master 40

The Yacht-Master was introduced to the Rolex range in 1992 with the reference 16628 in 18-carat yellow gold. Designed for recreational sailing, it features the Oyster’s water-resistant construction and adds a bidirectional rotating bezel graduated in 60-minute increments, used to measure sailing time. In 2015, at Baselworld, the brand unveiled the Yacht-Master 116655, whose case was crafted for the first time from Everose, Rolex’s exclusive 18-carat rose gold. Above all, it marked the debut of the Oysterflex, Rolex’s first elastomer bracelet, constructed around flexible metal blades overmoulded with black elastomer. The design was subsequently adopted for the Daytona and the Sky-Dweller.

Case, calibre and bracelet of this Yacht-Master 40

The 40 mm Oyster case in polished Everose gold is water-resistant to 100 metres, secured by a screw-down case back and a fluted screw-down crown. Its polished lugs frame a bidirectional rotating bezel with a matt black Cerachrom disc, featuring embossed numerals and graduations that are polished, with the first 10 minutes marked individually. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the black dial features round, baton and triangular hour-markers outlined in rose gold and filled with luminescent material, the ‘Yacht-Master’ inscription in red, and the date at 3 o’clock beneath a Cyclops lens. The Mercedes-style and sword-shaped hands in rose gold are luminescent. The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 3135, a self-winding, chronometer-certified movement, fitted with a Parachrom hairspring and offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The black Oysterflex bracelet features longitudinal cushions on the inner surface and fastens with an Everose gold Oysterlock folding clasp.

Why this Rolex watch

Having since been replaced in the catalogue by a version featuring the calibre 3235, this generation is no longer available in official boutiques, and it is on the second-hand market that one can find the configuration that launched the Oysterflex. The calibre 3135 is the same movement that powered the Submariner of the same era – a tried-and-tested movement well known to watchmakers. The contrast between the rose gold and the black elastomer creates a sports watch in precious metal, which can be worn whilst swimming or for a day at sea. Supplied with its original documentation, it also allows you to trace its history back to its purchase from an official retailer.

Contents and condition

The watch is supplied as a Full Set, with its green Rolex presentation box and outer box, its international warranty card dated October 2017 in its leather wallet, the booklet, the green Superlative Chronometer seal and the original reference label. It has just been polished and is in very good condition. The Cerachrom bezel has retained its black colour and the polished relief of its numerals, and the Oysterflex bracelet remains supple, with no cuts or deformation. This is a 2017 watch ready to wear, accompanied by all the accessories supplied at the time of sale.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.