yachtmaster 2 lug to lug

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium, Very Rolex Yet Surprisingly Disturbing

It is undoubtedly a rolex from head to toe, yet it felt very surprising on the wrist....

Launched in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master has undoubtedly enjoyed a long shelf life but has never attained the same cult status as a Submariner. A watch inspired by the nautical world and meant to be used as a luxury yachting watch, its vocation and looks have always been slightly confusing. It looks somewhat like a Submariner but without the diving credentials. It has sporty specifications, yet it is truly luxurious and has often appeared in precious metals. Recent versions, with the enlarged 42mm diameter and the matte black bezel, changed this perception. But clearly, it’s the new Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium that signs the independence act of the collection. We’re taking a closer look at this watch that feels extremely familiar and, at the same time, left us with contradictory thoughts. Good or not, let’s check this out. 

Some context

The Yacht-Master collection was introduced at the 1992 edition of the Baselworld Fair. And believe me, this was quite an event. Rolex is known for its strategy of incremental updates and rarely presents new watches. In fact, when the YM was launched, it was one of the very few entirely new collections since the launch of the Daytona in 1963. However, despite the new name (well, not entirely, as it was first used in the late 1960s on a prototype watch based on a Daytona) and its unprecedented vocation within the Rolex portfolio, the watch felt familiar.

The modern-day version of the Yacht-Master made its first appearance with the reference 16628, an 18k yellow gold version with a white dial and black-filled hour markers. Looking at it, the resemblance with the Submariner and other aquatic models at Rolex is… obvious. Some say (nothing official here) that during the 1980s, the brand experimented with many different options to revamp its iconic Submariner. Several attempts later, something close to the Yacht-Master appeared; however, Rolex felt that redesigning the Sub was probably not the right move. Yet, the design caught people’s attention but had to be slightly updated so as not to cannibalise the all-important Submariner. The decision was made to position this design as a higher-end, luxurious nautical model.

The differences were straightforward: steel, 300m water-resistant case, black bezel, black dial and instrumental characteristics for the Submariner compared to the gold; 100m water-resistant case, bright dial, solid gold bezel, more rounded shapes and luxurious touches for the Yacht-Master. However, the visual resemblance persisted, which is probably why it took many years for the YM to become a model on its own. An important moment in the history of this watch is, to me, the introduction of the reference 116655 , an Everose model with a matte black dial, a matte ceramic bezel with raised numerals and the Oysterflex rubber bracelet. This is the moment when the YM became different… and much more attractive.

Since then, Rolex has gradually improved its nautical watch with the release of the Yacht-Master 42 – a new size, larger than a Submariner, to differentiate the collection. It would later be followed by a very appealing yellow gold edition .

The Prototype Yacht-Master 42 of Sir Ben Ainslie… In titanium

The current RLX Titanium edition of the Yacht-Master 42 doesn’t spring out of nowhere. It has existed for about three years already, but only as a prototype, on the wrist of legendary sailor Sir Ben Ainslie – winner of the 34th America’s Cup with Oracle Team USA in 2013, four-time Olympic champion, CEO and Skipper of INEOS Britannia and skipper of the Great Britain SailGP Team. This watch came to us as a surprise long after its creation in 2020. Despite appearing in the wild repeatedly, we only noticed its existence in late 2021, after it was mentioned in an interview on October 2020 in The Week . It was also mentioned in the official Rolex print magazine.

The watch in question, a prototype made exclusively for Ainslie for a very specific purpose and designed to be tested on the field, was made in RLX Titanium (back then an unprecedented material for Rolex, which would later be used on the Deepsea Challenge ) and looked like a deluxurised version of a well-known watch. Entirely matte, equipped with a black dial and black bezel and with a no-date display, it was worn on a technical NATO strap, which according to the brand, combines Cordura with high-performance elastomer and is closed by a Velcro for easy adjustments.

The existence of this watch immediately gave us some ideas, incorporated in our 2022 Rolex Predictions featuring a titanium Yacht-Master . And as we anticipated, it became a reality this year .

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium

This year, Rolex launched its commercial version of the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium, which resulted in a slightly different watch from what we’ve seen on the wrist of Ainslie. More in line with the current white gold and yellow gold YM42 , the watch has many distinctive features. It isn’t just a titanium attire; it is a standalone model with its specificities and unique features.

First of all, let’s talk titanium at Rolex. The brand, over the years, has been using an array of metals – steel, with its own Oystersteel alloy (904L), gold in all possible colours and even proprietary alloys and platinum. Ceramic has long been used too, but only for bezel inserts. Rolex has never used ceramic or any other high-tech material for its cases. Until the recently introduced Deepsea Challenge , titanium has remained a rarity, used for the caseback of the Sea-Dweller Deepsea and for the Pelagos , which isn’t a Rolex but a Tudor, so it doesn’t really count.

Now, in less than six months, Rolex has released two watches made entirely of titanium, with an alloy named RLX – which is grade 5 titanium. One is a beast, a gigantic timepiece made to explore the deepest point of the oceans – a watch, objectively speaking, that is hardly wearable. The other one, the Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium reference 226627, is certainly one of the most comfortable models in the brand’s collection.

As said, the YM42 Titanium is more than just a new material applied to an existing watch. Of course, it shares multiple elements with its gold siblings, but some details truly set it apart. The case measures 42mm in diameter with a fairly contained 11.60mm thickness. Measuring 50.3mm from lug-to-lug, it’s not the smallest watch in the brand’s portfolio and wears slightly larger than a classic Submariner (40.5mm x 12.5mm x 47.6mm). All parts of the habillage are made of titanium, from the monobloc middle case to the crown, the rotating bezel, the caseback and the bracelet. The specifications are classic Rolex Yacht-Master, with a Triplock crown with integral guards, a screwed back, a sapphire crystal with AR coating and a Cyclops lens over the date and 100m water-resistance.

Classic features of the YM have been retained, such as the bidirectional bezel with a 60-minute Cerachrom insert. The latter sticks to the classic look of the collection, with a matte base and raised, polished numerals and markers without a lumed index. What makes the Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium so special, then? Well, first of all, the case features one very appealing detail: bevelled lugs. A nod to the past, this feature is exclusive to this titanium version and brings more dynamism to the case, as well as providing a nice historical reference – something that Rolex fanboys will surely appreciate (I do…). The second specificity of this model is its matte look. But I’ll come back to that point later.

The dial of this titanium YM42 is, however, classic. It retains most of the attributes of the white gold reference 226659, with oversized applied markers and hands in polished white gold and all tracks and printings in white. There is not a single touch of colour on this dial, which comes in a new colour named intense black, with a fine satin finish. Matte, with a velvet-like texture, this dial isn’t pure black like most of the watches in the brand’s collection but feels more like a very dark anthracite. Combined with a flat sapphire crystal with AR coating, the result is an almost complete lack of reflections. And the overall legibility, thanks to large markers and great contrast, is superb.

Inside the case is a classic Rolex movement, the calibre 3235 – used in the Submariner Date , the Datejust 41 and 36 , the Sea-Dweller or the Deepsea . A Superlative Chronometer (meaning certified by COSC and then by Rolex once the movement is encased), this automatic movement comes with all the recent innovations of Rolex: a bidirectional rotor on ball bearings, a Chronergy escapement, a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel and a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. It beats at 4Hz, stores a comfortable 70h power reserve and features an instantaneous date and a stop-seconds mechanism. Simply one of the best time-and-date engines on the market.

The bracelet of this new Yacht-Master 42 is also made of RLX Titanium. A classic 3-link Oyster style, it is also entirely matte with a so-called technical satin finish . Contrary to most Oyster bracelets, the sides are also matte, and only the Coronet on the clasp is polished. As you would expect, it is on par with Rolex quality standards, with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm. Also, this bracelet includes patented ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its longevity and flexibility on the wrist.

Some thoughts… It is a disturbing watch (but a good one)

When you’ve been into watches for some years, you develop some preconceived notions about Rolex timepieces and the way they look and feel on the wrist. There’s a certain heft, a presence on the wrist, consolidating the perception of quality and solidity. There’s also a sheen that is unique to Rolex, with glossy bezels and dials. Rolex watches are so emblematic that your brain is pre-formatted to a certain conception of what they should look and feel like on the wrist. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium changes everything and breaks the norm. And it left me with mixed feelings, but not necessarily in a bad way.

When you take a Submariner and strap it around your wrist, it feels like home… It’s reassuringly heavy yet comfortable. Even though weight might be a bit irrational, weight adds to the feeling of quality and weight robustness. Having worn Rolex sports watches on so many occasions in my personal and professional life, I expect a watch from the Crown to weigh about 150/160 grams on a bracelet. It is a construction that is so deeply embedded in my brain that the moment I strapped the YM42 Titanium, I was left with a very disturbing sensation.

Yes, the watch looks like a Rolex, but it doesn’t feel like one on the wrist. It’s about 35% lighter than steel (around 100 grams), and everything I associated with how a Rolex should feel on the wrist simply vanished. I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but believe me when I say that it was a rather special experience at first. But the beauty is that you soon forget about this first impression and enjoy a watch that is surprisingly light. Despite its size, it is extremely comfortable and balanced. A watch that you’ll forget in about 30 seconds after you strapped it on the wrist. The initial feeling of a lack of robustness is, of course, just a misinterpretation of a pre-formatted brain and has nothing to do with the actual heft of the watch.

The second surprise with this watch is how it plays with the light and its lack of reflections. As said, most sports Rolex have a certain sheen. Even a Submariner or a Deepea feature glossy, reflective parts, such as the bezel and the sides of the case and the bracelet. The Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium is the most matte watch in the brand’s collection, with only a few polished accents (numerals on the bezel, bezel rim, and crown guards). Even the bevel on the side of the lugs is satin finished. This lack of sheen is definitely something new to Rolex and, far from me to complain, makes this model one of the most discreet and instrumental in the collection. It’s monochromatic, light on the wrist, and despite a size that I would have loved to be a bit smaller, a real joy to wear. It’s not a poser’s watch. The Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium is a tribute to when Rolex watches were made for a job. Yes, I’m very positive about this new release.

Availability & Price

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium 226627 isn’t yet available at retailers but will be soon. At least, on paper, as it won’t be easily accessible, even by Rolex standards. The brand doesn’t communicate production numbers, but we’ve heard that this will remain, for now, a rather exclusive model. It is priced at EUR 13,900 ,  CHF 13,400 or  USD 14,050 . More details at rolex.com .

Technical specifications – Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium 226627

10 responses.

RLX, which is Grade 5 Titanium. 🙂 I laughed out loud, because it’s just so typical for the obfuscation the brand foists upon us via their marketing behemoth on an annual basis.

A “Piece Unique” is more common than this model ….

I have been looking forward to this for a while. But, I was hoping/expecting a more adjustable bracelet. If they can do it on the Pelagos at 1/3 the price, there’s no excuse they can’t do it for this

I only know that the so-called special steel Rolex uses on the bezel of their regular models was soft and easily scratched on the Rolex I owned. My humble Tissot which I wore every day for years, was much more scratch resistant. I wasn’t impressed with the materials Rolex uses. They make them look impressive in photos.I thought Rolex was the watch to have, until I got one.Sold and moved on.

IWC Mark XX vs new Ingenuier – the internet melts down at how expensive the watch is using the same movement.

DJ36 vs YM42 RLX- the internet would do anything (deranged Sxual favors included) to pay double for the YM even though they have the same movement.

Quite like the look of this one on its own, but on the wrist it looks genuinly gigantic..

Old dog doing new trick? It’s tough

Well, it really looks nice, and if it is that big and only weights 100 grams, that is really awesome!!!! I love Titanium watches more than any gold watch. But I am of the opinion that although Rolex is a brand producing excellent watches with a QC second to none, it is still too expensive for my taste. I own since 2017 as part of my watch collection, an Ocean 7 Diver chronometer with an ETA 2824-2, saphire crystal, ceramic bezel, 2000m WR with He Valve, and it had never failed me as my daily watch, and I only paid for it 365.00 USD including taxes new. I also have a 1971 Submariner, and I use both daily,one on each wrist, and I don’t see any difference on the accuracy/function. But I have to pay a fortune every time the Rolex is serviced, not with the Ocean 7 that I can service myself- I am a pretty good amateur watchmaker myself, is one of my hobbies. And when I am working at the Hospital near the MRI machines with that strong magnetic field, I then use my Speedmaster Master Chronometer with cal.3861, and it works flawlessly, and it is less expensive than this YM. I like expensive watches, but still look for the best bang of my buck. And I am an owner of a JLC Deep Sea 40mm, a Blancpain Fifty Fatoms, a Zodiac Super Sea Wolf, a Juvenia 200M Diver’s, and an Omega SMPO as part of my diver’s watch collection. But I like this Titanium YM a lot more than the Submariner or the Sea Dweller. That is what I can say.

best thing about this watch is it’s an alternative to the biG piLLowized case of the redesigned submariner a few years back. softer scratchable titanium and no bezel lume (guess people only yacht in the daytime) are reasons not to buy.

Really, why does one need a 42mm titanium Rolex watch when sailing his uber racing yacht!?! One need to keep your eyes on the gyro compass, or the magnetic compass including (always) the trim of the sails including the large readout on the on the E-chart display which includes instantly time, speed, direction and position. Last: Why does one need a watch when sailing in a corrosive salt sea and air environment? Answer: Beats me unless one wishes to show off his wealth at the yacht club dinner during post racing presentations where a 42mm titanium Rolex is a must.

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WATCH REVIEW Rolex Yacht-Master 40 mm 16622

Rolex yacht-master 40 mm 16622.

• an untypical Rolex!
• a fluid, delicate and light line around the wrist
• a multitasking use
• a less good readability than on the sports models
• the absence of anti-reflection coating on the sapphire glass
• a more confidential model, which reselling might be less easier than another Rolex.

Technical specifications

Editor's opinion 72/100

A sporty Rolex watch

Once around the wrist, this watch intrigues. Rolex has used us to specific categories, which design has become a reference. Yet, in this case, “the tester at your service”, although familiar with the Rolex, looses its marks. The play is blurred.

Are we in front of a sporty Rolex watch?

Numerous clues indicate so:

• a 40 mm diameter, an usual size for Rolex, which is nearly rare nowadays, and suits well my 17,5 cm wrist – Yes
• a triplock screwed crown protected by the caseband – Yes
• the 3135 caliber, well-known for its legendary robustness – Yes
• the sapphire glass, with no anti-reflection coating, with its cyclops, magnifying glass that does not get the approval of everyone, but is dreadfully efficient – Yes
• the revolving bezel (bidirectional) – Yes
• the Mercedes hands and the circled markers for a good readability – Yes
• the comfortable Oysterlock strap (reference 78360), fulfilled links with polished/brushed alternation, a lighter buckle but nevertheless solid – Yes
• the back totally free of any kinds of writings – Yes
• Certified Chronometer – Yes

Though, there is something more….

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Watch review rolex daytona white gold 116519ln oysterflex: more iconic than ever, watch review rolex day-date 40 everose gold ref. 228235: don’t wait to be president to buy it, a vintage profile for the rolex yacht-master.

Hence, what is the profile of the case? Something from the Datejust maybe…

A delicate line, with more marked curves and lugs slightly plunging and above all, integrally polished: the famous “Rolex brushed” of the upper part of the lugs is now replaced with a mirror polished.

That’s it: this Yacht-Master benefits a neo-vintage line, rich of unsuspected charms, which subtly makes the difference with the other models of the sports range (and in particular the Submariner).

“Unsual” colors for Rolex watches

Another new element: its light grey dial, enlivened by the red seconds’ hand and the Yacht-Master inscription, also in red (My God! A “Red” could exclaimed a non-used amateur of the brand!), that seems finely glittered and catches the light.

At last, another differencing element: the bezel made of platinum… Nevertheless, it takes up the traditional subdivisions of the Submariner with raised markers and numbers – which exposes it to the scratches of everyday life.

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What risks have I taken to put this Rolex around my wrist for you, The Watch Observer’s reader?

It is not a dressy Rolex !

We know the delicate and small diameter Datejust, or in the sports range, some models with noble metals such as gold or gold/steel combined.

No, here, we deal with an untypical model.

Its detractors can devoice:

• this light grey dial makes the readability less intuitive than with a black dial!
• or: the bezel with its raised numbers engraved within the mass is little readable
• or even: there is a “Canada Dry effect” = it looks like a Rolex withouth looking like the model people have in mind…

And they will be right. Let them go back to their first loves : The Yacht-Master is not the Rolex made for them.

What to remember

Finally – and here I stake my all – this Yacht-Master is dedicated to a particular amateur of Rolex: the one that will not be afraid to assume what will be perceived by some purists of the brand as an heresy, but that merely corresponds to another type of Rolex, just a little more confidential… Let’s be a good gambler and recognizes it.

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FIFTH WRIST

Owner review: rolex yacht-master 37 268621.

The Yacht-Master line of Rolex has never been a hugely popular series from the acclaimed watch house. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. This was actually the main reason that I got attracted to the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 268621 in the first place.

There are very few of these that you will actually see in the wild.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 37 268621 has such an elegant profile, it is similar to the case of a modern Datejust and Daytona with lugs slopping down and hugging one’s wrist. So when I got a call from my Rolex authorized dealer last year (I waited for a week…. Yes you read it right, waited only for a week) I didn’t think twice and drove myself the very next day to pick it up in person.

I picked up the less popular 37mm two-tone rose gold version and I absolutely love it. The Rolex rose gold is so warm that one tends to get mesmerized by it (at least I do). The elegance of the profile, shine and tone of the rose gold and weight does not disappoint. I wear this in the office and on the beach… literally an incredibly versatile timepiece.

A lot of people might be wondering why I opted for the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 268621 rather than the popular 40mm. I always prefer the more modest sized watches and thought this one was a good fit on my 6.5 inch wrist. I have a number of 40mm watches in my current collection and I thought the 37mm would be a good addition for a more “classy touch”. It is still a mystery to me why this line has not shoot up in popularity and value. Something deep inside me would prefer to keep it that way… a hidden gem that only a few know and appreciate!

the_watch_freak_ph

LEVi A Filipino Watch Nerd ??? Not an expert but a curious soul who loves to learn more about horology, the watch community & watches in general. ?

One response to “Owner review: Rolex Yacht-Master 37 268621”

One of my favorite two tones watch +1

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Rolex watches thickness - complete resource guide.

We have earlier discussed the lug-to-lug of Rolex watches, but another important measurement about Rolex watches (and any other watch for that matter) is its thickness.

The thickness of a watch greatly affects how it feels on the wrist and how well it sits. With that said, the thickness is something you want to take into consideration when buying your next Rolex watch. Some watches are thicker, making it rather difficult to slide them under a cuff, whilst others are extremely slim which means you barely feel them on the wrist.

Most people only look at the diameter of a watch when deciding its size, but there are more factors that need to be taken into consideration in order to decide how a watch sits on the wrist. Two of those are lug-to-lug and thickness. The latter is what we are going to look closer at in this article.

In this resource guide, we have compiled the thickness of the most common Rolex watches which you can use as a reference guide. Worth noting is that watches that have different versions but are the same model, for example, the stainless steel Datejust 36 or the same model in yellow gold and steel, naturally have the same thickness. What may vary, however, is if the models are from different eras and generations, as Rolex is constantly making small tweaks and upgrades to its models. So, for example, if you have a Rolex Submariner gold and steel reference 116613, it will have the same thickness as a full steel version from the same era, reference 116610LN - this is why not all models are included in this list.

Also, worth noting is that the measurements may vary slightly since the thickness is actually not a dimension that Rolex specifies in its product specifications, hence variations such as how it is measured and what tool is used may have slight variations.

Rolex Watches thickness

Rolex submariner thickness:.

• Rolex Submariner 124060 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126610LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126613LB thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126613LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126618LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126619LB thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 116610LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 114060 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 16610 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Submariner 5513 thickness: 13mm
• Rolex Submariner 5512 thickness: 15mm

Rolex Daytona thickness:

• Rolex Daytona 116500LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Daytona 116518LN thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 116515LN thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 16520 thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 116520 thickness: 12.2mm

Rolex Explorer thickness:

• Rolex Explorer 214270 thickness: 11mm
• Rolex Explorer 124270 thickness: 11.6mm
• Rolex Explorer 114270 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Explorer 14270 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Explorer II 16570 thickness: 12.3mm
• Rolex Explorer II 216570 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Explorer II 226570 thickness: 12.5mm

Rolex Sea-Dweller thickness:

• Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 thickness: 15mm
• Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 126660 thickness: 17.7mm
• Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 thickness: 15mm
• Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 thickness: 14.5mm

Rolex Milgauss & Air-King thickness:

• Rolex Milgauss 116400 thickness: 13mm
• Rolex Air-King 116900 thickness: 13mm

Rolex Datejust thickness:

• Rolex Datejust 41 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Datejust 36 (1262XX) thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Datejust 36 1601 thickness: 12mm

Rolex GMT-Master thickness:

• Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master 116710 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 thickness: 12mm

Rolex Sky-Dweller thickness:

• Rolex Sky-Dweller thickness: 14.1mm

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Thickness:

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 114300 thickness: 11mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 124300 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 126000 thickness: 11.8mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 116000 thickness: 12mm

Rolex Yacht-Master thickness:

• Rolex Yacht-Master 1166655 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master II thickness: 14mm

Rolex Day-Date thickness:

• Rolex Day-Date 40 228238 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 40 228239 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 40 228235 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128238 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128239 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128235 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 1803 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 thickness: 12mm

About Rolex thickness

A word about Rolex thickness: Most manufacturers specify only the diameter when it comes to the dimensions of their timepieces. This is actually quite strange considering the fact that, as mentioned, there are other factors that affect how a watch wears, including the lug-to-lug and the thickness. Why Rolex (and other brands) do not specify the thickness of their timepieces in their product specifications still remains a mystery to us and is something that all manufacturers should present, in our opinion to help guide customers and give them a better understanding of the product sizings. But for now, many manufacturers neglect this, but we hope that this list can be helpful in regards to the thickness of the most common Rolex watches.

Also, thickness plays an important part in the nature of a watch. Thinner/slimmer does not always mean better. For dress watches where you want the watch to slide under a cuff and sit slim and discreet on the wrist, a low thickness is suitable. However, for sports watches, it is more appropriate with a thicker size due to the nature of the timepieces and the increased ruggedness and robustness it offers. With that said, always consider the purpose of the watch you are buying and how you will wear it.

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Rolex GMT-master II 126710BLNR Dimensions & Lug to lug Size Guide

Rolex GMT-master II 126710BLNR Dimensions & Lug to lug Size Guide

The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR was released at Baselworld 2019. The watch was – like all modern steel GMT-Master II watches – met with praise and positive reactions.

The watch is an upgrade to the previous reference 116710BLNR – which was discontinued at the same time as the new one was introduced. The differences between them are not huge, but there are a few key changes.

Firstly, the 126710BLNR has a new, upgraded GMT movement that has better performance. Visually, the big difference is the change from an Oyster bracelet to a Jubilee bracelet.

If you are considering buying a Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR, naturally, you want to know the sizes and dimensions of this watch, and how it sits on the wrist. However, due to the extremely high demand, and generally long waiting lists for this watch, it’s not that simple to just walk into an official Rolex retailer and try it on. This is why many people turn to the secondhand market – and this may mean buying it online without ever having tried it on.

In this 126710BLNR sizing guide, we have therefore listed the most important dimensions of this timepiece to help you get a better idea of how it will sit on the wrist.

Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR dimensions and size guide

• Diameter: 40mm
• Height/thickness: 12mm
• Lug to lug: 48mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Note that due to the fact that the watch has been fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, the watch, according to a lot of people, feels smaller than its predecessor. This can be attributed to the fact that the Oyster bracelet is more bulky and robust, as opposed to the neat and elegant Jubilee bracelet, which doesn’t feel as bulky on the wrist.

The dimensions of the 126710BLNR are identical to the dimensions of the 126710BLRO.

Watch the size and dimensions of the 126710BLNR presented in live-action

1 thought on “ Rolex GMT-master II 126710BLNR Dimensions & Lug to lug Size Guide ”

My Father has a 9″ wrist and wants to get this watch in a Jubilee band. Do you know if it will fit, or would he need to purchase extra links? Thank you -jeff

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Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Two-Tone Watch Review

First introduced in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master is one of the newer addition to the brand’s catalog and was developed to be a somewhat flashier and more luxurious cousin to the iconic Submariner dive watch. While the Submariner is better suited for adventures below the surface of the ocean, the Yacht-Master excels when worn on the decks of a boat or even on land. Over the past several decades, the Rolex Yacht-Master has maintained its notoriously luxurious aesthetic, which we will examine further with this review of the two-tone Everose Rolesor Rolex 116621.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 was introduced at Baselworld 2016 – the same year that Rolex unveiled the Oystersteel and ceramic Daytona. At the time of its release, the reference 116621 was the first Everose Rolesor edition of the Yacht-Master, which pairs Oystersteel with the brand’s proprietary 18kt rose gold alloy. Its release was overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the new Daytona, and now that the dust has settled, the ref. 116621 garnering a bit more attention among collectors in-the-know.

Rolex Yacht-Master Movement

Powering the Yacht-Master 116621 is Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3135 movement. Rolex has used the Cal 3135 in many of its date-displaying watches for decades now due to its precision, reliability, and ease of use. In addition to being self-winding and beating at a standard frequency of 28,800bph, the Cal. 3135 also features an automatically changing date mechanism and a 48-hour power reserve. Newer editions of the movement are also equipped with Rolex’s patented paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which allows the Yacht-Master 116621 to be accurate to within -2/+2 seconds per day.

In addition to being COSC-certified, which means that the movement meets the strict standards set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, the Cal. 3135 in the Yacht-Master ref. 116621 also features Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification, which adheres to even more stringent timekeeping and performance standards than what is required for traditional chronometer-rated movements.

The Case and Bracelet

Regarding size, the Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 remains the same as its predecessors with a 40mm Oyster case. The case is equipped with the collection’s signature sand-blasted rotating 60-minute timing bezel (which is crafted from solid 18k Everose gold on the ref. 116621) and Rolex’s Triplock crown, which is screwed into the Monobloc middle case and promises water-resistance up to 100 meters. The Rolex Yacht-Master also notably features lugs that are more curved and tapered than other sports models currently in production, which makes for a more dressy and refined appearance on the wrist.

The original ref. 116621 paired the warm hue of the Everose Rolesor finish with a stunning chocolate sunburst dial, which included matching rose gold accents on the hour markers, hands, and Rolex logo. The option of a black dial was added later; however, both brown and black dial versions remain incredibly popular among collectors on the pre-owned market.

As a reference to Rolex’s original professional tool watches, the ‘Yacht-Master’ name on the ref. 116621 is presented in a sporty red hue. The mesmerizing sunburst finish of the brown dial mirrors the luster of the bezel, creating a cohesive design that is more than deserving of the prestigious Yacht-Master name. It’s also worth noting that the Yacht-Master was the first Rolex sports watches to feature the brand’s modern Maxi dial, which would later make appearances on the beloved Kermit Submariner 16610LV and then the rest of the 6-digit series Rolex watches .

Rolex currently produces the Yacht-Master 40 on both a three-link Oyster and a rubber Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 116621 was only ever offered with an Oyster bracelet, while the Oysterflex bracelet remains reserved for the full gold references. Solid end-links, a sturdy machined clasp, and solid center links in Everose gold give the bracelet substantial weight on the wrist while mirroring the elevated two-tone style of the case, making this edition of the Yacht-Master an intriguing watch to wear. The clasp also includes Rolex’s convenient Easylink extension that allows users to increase or decrease the length of the bracelet by 5mm without the use of tools, allowing for a perfect fit as an individual’s wrist fluctuates throughout the day.

The Yacht-Master Origin Story and its Resemblance to the Submariner

Some consider the Rolex Yacht-Master to be a fancier edition of the iconic Submariner dive watch. It features a similar overall design with a 60-minute rotating timing bezel, a 40mm case diameter, and a sporty luminous display on the dial, complete with the same Mercedes hands. However, what sets the Yacht-Master apart from the Submariner, and what makes it a bit more luxurious, is the addition of a sand-blasted bezel crafted entirely from either solid gold or platinum along with more refined and curved lugs.

While the Yacht-Master and the Submariner are similar in appearance and both feature Rolex’s Triplock winding crown, the two watches offer significantly different water resistance ratings. As it was not designed for scuba diving, the Rolex Yacht-Master doesn’t offer the same water-resistance as the Submariner, with an official depth rating of 100 meters, compared to the 300 meters offered by the Submariner.

Additionally, the rotating bezel on the Yacht-Master moves bidirectionally (rather than being unidirectional) and is always crafted from precious metals. Additionally, the Yacht-Master’s bezel features raised and polished graduations against its sandblasted surface, while the Submariner’s bezel exclusively moves unidirectionally (on modern watches) and features an insert with either printed or engraved numerals.

It’s rumored that the design for the Rolex Yacht-Master was initially developed as the evolution of the Submariner, embracing a more luxurious and refined overall aesthetic. According to the rumors, the actual design of the Yacht-Master was created many years before its release, but Rolex supposedly decided that it was too much of an aesthetic departure and shelved the design for years before releasing it under its own model name in 1992.

The Rolex Yacht-Master Price

The Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116621 is no longer in production. The model was discontinued last year at Baselworld 2019 in favor of the current Everose Rolesor ref. 126621, which boasts a brand new Caliber 3235 movement. If you’re interested in adding the ref. 116621 to your watch box, your best bet is to shop the used Rolex market, where examples in good condition are still relatively attainable.

Thanks to the use of precious metal and its association with the Rolex brand itself, the Yacht-Master 116621 stands to hold its value quite well. Additionally, its Everose Rolesor construction helps set it apart from the various other two-tone Rolex watches that have been produced over the years, which primarily feature stainless steel paired with a more traditional yellow gold.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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Guide to Rolex Sizes - Cases and Lugs

If you’re a fan of Rolex watches, you know that the brand offers a wide range of case sizes across its various collections. Some Rolex collections even have different sizes within the same line. In recent years, Rolex has not only added more case sizes to its lineup but also changed some, which also alters the width of the lugs. 

Knowing the case size and lug size of a particular watch is the first step when  choosing the right strap to pair it with. So we’ve compiled this handy guide to Rolex sizes, detailing all the case diameters and lug widths of popular modern models. 

Rolex Air-King Size

Rolex redesigned the Air-King from the ground up in 2016 to feature a larger case, a fresh dial design, and a new movement. In 2022, the Air-King underwent a subtle revamp to include crown guards and a slightly wider lug width.

Air-King 126900

• Case size 40mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Air-King 116900 (Discontinued)

• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Size

Arguably Rolex’s most famous collection, the Daytona has had a 40mm case and automatic movement since 1988. It is available in a wide variety of case materials, bezel styles, and dial designs. 

• References: 16520, 16523, 16528, 116519, 116518, 116515, 116520, 116523, 116528, 116500, 116503, 116508, 116509, 116506
• Case size: 40mm

Rolex Day-Date Sizes

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The Rolex Day-Date, also known as the Rolex President, is the brand’s most prestigious watch, available in various sizes and styles but always crafted in precious metals. 

Day-Date 40 

• References: 228238, 228239, 228235, 228236, 228206

Day-Date II (Discontinued) 

• References: 218238, 218239, 218235, 218206
• Case size: 41mm

Day-Date 36

• References: 128238, 128239, 128235, 128236, 128206, 118238, 118208, 118239, 118235, 118205, 118206
• Case size: 36mm

Rolex Datejust Sizes

The Rolex Datejust is one of the brand’s most versatile collections, home to a vast assortment of sizes, styles, and references.

Datejust 41 

• References: 126300, 126301, 126303, 126331, 126333, and 126334

Datejust II (Discontinued)

• References: 116300, 116333, 116334, 

Datejust 36

• References: 126200, 126234, 126203, 126233, 126201, 126231, 116200, 116234, 116203, 116233, 116201, 116231
• Case size: 36mm 

Rolex Explorer Sizes

The  Explorer is Rolex’s simplest sports watch , featuring a compact case and minimalist time-only dial. While the watch’s overall style has remained largely the same since its inception in the 1950s, Rolex has tinkered with its case size and lug widths over the last few decades. 

Explorer 36

• References: 124270, 124273
• Lug width: 19mm

Explorer 36 (Discontinued)

• References: 114270

Explorer 39 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 214270
• Case size: 39mm

Rolex Explorer II Sizes

The Rolex Explorer II is an adventure-ready watch furnished with a GMT function and a fixed 24-hour bezel. While the Explorer II has exclusively been made in steel and in two dial colors, Rolex has updated the case sizes and lug widths over the years. 

Explorer II 42

• Reference: 226570
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 22mm

Explorer II 42 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 216570

Explorer II 40 (Discontinued)

• References: 116570

Rolex GMT-Master II Size

The GMT-Master II is Rolex’s signature pilot watch, characterized by its 24-hour marked bezel and ability to track multiple time zones simultaneously. The watch is available in plenty of variations, with an assortment of case metals, bezel colors, and bracelet styles to choose from. 

GMT-Master II

• References: 126710, 126715, 126711, 116710, 116713, 116718

Rolex Milgauss Size

After a few decades of discontinuation, Rolex revived the antimagnetic Milgauss watch in 2007. While the watch is available in a range of dials and with the option of a green sapphire crystal, Rolex makes it in only one size and exclusively in steel. 

• Reference: 116400

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sizes

The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s entry-level model, exclusively produced in steel and fitted with a straightforward time-only dial. However, Rolex does make it available in several sizes and with a range of dial colors. 

Oyster Perpetual 36

• Reference: 126000
• Lug width: 20mm 

Oyster Perpetual 39 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 114300

Oyster Perpetual 41

• References: 124300

Rolex Sea-Dweller Sizes

The Sea-Dweller is Rolex’s line of saturation dive watches, complete with exceedingly high water resistance and helium escape valves. Rolex has made several sizes and variations of the Sea-Dweller. 

Sea-Dweller Deepsea

• References: 136660, 126660
• Case size: 44mm

Sea-Dweller Deepsea (Discontinued)

• Reference: 116660 

Sea-Dweller 43

• References: 126603, 126600
• Case size: 43mm

Sea-Dweller 40 (Discontinued) 

• References: 116600

Rolex Sky-Dweller Sizes

The Sky-Dweller is Rolex’s youngest watch collection, making its debut in 2012 and now available in plenty of material options. It’s also one of the brand’s most mechanically complicated, boasting two time zones, a date window, a month indicator, and an annual calendar. Interestingly, the steel case versions of the Sky-Dweller have wider lug widths than the precious metal variants. 

Sky-Dweller

• References: 326938, 326939, 326935, 
• References: 326933, 326934

Rolex Submariner Sizes

Not only is the Submariner Rolex’s most popular dive watch but it has become the standard for what a luxury diving watch should be. Although 40mm was the go-to size for the Submariner since the late-1950s, Rolex increased the case diameter in 2020. 

Submariner 41

• References: 124060, 126610, 126613, 126618, 126619

Submariner 40

• References: 114060, 116610, 116613, 116618, 116619

Rolex Yacht-Master Sizes

The Rolex Yacht-Master is the brand’s nautical-inspired watch line, which houses a long list of materials, styles, and case diameter options. 

Yacht-Master 42

• References: 226659, 226658

Yacht-Master 40

• References: 126622, 126621, 126655, 116622, 116621, 116655

Yacht-Master 37

• References: 268622, 268621, 268655
• Case size: 37mm
• Lug width: 17mm

Rolex Yacht-Master II Size

The Yacht-Master II was developed for the competitive sailor and it features a highly complex regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown and mechanical memory. Aside from its complexity, it’s also one of Rolex’s largest watches. 

• References: 116688, 116681, 116680, 116689

The Details Make The Difference

There you have it, our comprehensive guide to Rolex case sizes and lug widths. 

Before we wrap things up, it is important to point out that even if two Rolex watches have the same on-paper case diameters and lug widths, an aftermarket strap may not fit the same way on each watch. Other factors such as lug shape and case thickness come into play. Therefore, if you have any questions about which  straps would pair best with a particular Rolex reference , feel free to reach out to our team here at Everest. 

Do you have a favorite Rolex case size? Do you prefer them bigger or more compact? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below. 

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