yachtmaster 1 oysterflex

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A Week On The Wrist The Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm With Oysterflex Bracelet

For the first time, rolex is delivering a watch on a rubber strap – except in classic rolex fashion it's not a rubber strap at all. it's a beautifully over-engineered bracelet called the oysterflex..

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There is big news, and there is Rolex big news, and in some ways, ne'er the twain shall meet. At Baselworld this year, Rolex debuted a first for the company: the very first, ever, Rolex delivered on a rubber strap. Now, for most companies this would have little effect on watch enthusiasts other than to evoke (very) tepid interest at best, and boredom at worst – but this is not an ordinary rubber strap, this is an official, designed-and-tested-and-thoroughly-obsessed-over-by-Rolex rubber strap. And thereby hangs a tale.

The Yachtmaster, as we have mentioned in some of our previous coverage , occupies a somewhat particular place in Rolex’s lineup of sports watches; it shares water-resistance and a turning bezel with the Submariner (the latter is water resistant to 300 m while the Yachtmaster standard model is water resistant to 100 m). It is certainly not a tool watch; the Yachtmaster is offered in either platinum and steel, or gold and steel (that’s Rolesium and Rolesor, lest we forget) and is either quietly or unequivocally luxurious depending on what size and metal you go for (Rolex makes the Yachtmaster in both 35 mm and 40 mm sizes). 

The Yachtmaster’s history goes back to the first introduction of the watch in 1992, although the name, interestingly enough, appears on the dial of a prototype Yachtmaster Chronograph from the late 1960s (a watch so legendary I am actually forced to use the word; one of three known is in the collection of Mr. John Goldberger; we covered it – and a host of other remarkable ultra-rare watches from his collection – in a very memorable episode of Talking Watches ).

The term “Yachtmaster” is also, incidentally, used for a certificate of competency in yachting which is issued by the Royal Yachting Association, although we’re unaware of any specific association between the RYA and the Yachtmaster watch.

Now, this newest version of the Yachtmaster does take a few pages from the existing Yachtmaster playbook: 100-meter water resistance, a bidirectional turning bezel, and a dial and hands that echo the Submariner. There are also a couple of features that may make vintage Sub enthusiasts wonder if Rolex mightn’t have an exceedingly subtle sense of humor; the gilt coronet and “Rolex,” and the red lettering, both features which according to HODINKEE founder Ben Clymer would have, had they appeared on a Rolex dive watch, made it instantly the single most popular watch in the modern Rolex inventory. The case is rose gold – Rolex famously makes their own, called Everose, in their own foundry, with a bit of platinum mixed in to prevent discoloration – and the bezel, rather than being some other precious metal (as is the case in the “standard” Yachtmasters) is in black Cerachrom – a very technical-looking matte black that contrasts sharply with the gold case. Somehow, between the rose gold, the Cerachrom bezel, and the new Oysterflex bracelet this manages to be the most luxurious and at the same time most technical Yachtmaster yet (leaving aside the Yachtmaster II, which we recently reviewed right here , but that is a watch that marches to the beat of a different drummer entirely).

The two different versions of the Everose Yachtmaster (40 mm and 37 mm) sport different movements; the larger uses the caliber 3135 and the smaller, the newer 2236, which sports the “Syloxi” silicon balance spring (first used by Rolex in 2014).

The Oysterflex bracelet is, in a nutshell, quite a piece of work. One of the most endearing traits of Rolex as a company is that it tends to demonstrate what we can only describe as a laudable degree of corporate obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to research and development, and it does so, often, without making any sort of fanfare about it at all. In this case we do know a little bit about the Oysterflex, however – it is basically designed to have the hypoallergenic and comfort properties of a rubber strap and the durability and shape-retention properties of a bracelet. 

At the core of the Oysterflex bracelet are metal inserts made of titanium and nickel, which are used to affix the bracelet to the clasp and watch case; over those is a sheathing of “high-performance black elastomer.” “Elastomer” is a portmanteau word, formed from “elastic” and “polymer” and is a general term for natural and synthetic rubbers. In addition to the materials complexity of the Oysterflex bracelet, it is also shaped in a rather unusual fashion – there are ridges molded into the the wristward face of the bracelet, which are intended to allow the bracelet when worn to better approximate the natural curvature of the wrist.

They might look a bit odd but in practice, the design works out quite wonderfully; this is easily the most downright comfortable and organic-feeling rubber strap I have ever worn, and like the entire watch manages to be both extremely technical in feel, and very luxurious at the same time; I doubt whether any company has ever taken so much trouble over the design of a strap (for all that Rolex prefers the term “bracelet” in describing the Oysterflex, habit dies hard and you’ll probably find yourself calling it a strap, just as we did). On the wrist, the two stabilizing ridges do exactly what they are supposed to: keep the watch from shifting, as heavier watches on rubber straps are wont to do, without requiring you to have the strap uncomfortably tight. The Everose Oysterlock clasp does a superb job mechanically and also looks fabulous into the bargain; the quality of finish on the clasp and case may not seem terribly elaborate at first, but it is as technically flawless as anything I have ever seen at any price, on any watch.

What we have here, in other words, is a very Rolex interpretation of luxury. Yes, this is a gold watch, and a gold Rolex, and wearing a gold Rolex always carries with it, shall we say, certain semiotic complexities. However there is also another side to the watch, and to the Rolex approach to luxury in general: the taking of such pains to produce technical perfection that technical perfection becomes a luxury in itself.

The Everose Rolex Yachtmaster, in Rolex Everose, with Everose Oysterclasp and Oysterflex bracelet, as shown, $22,000 in 37 mm, and $24,950 in 40 mm. For more info, check out Rolex.com.

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An Overview of the Oysterflex Rolex Watches

I’ll admit, when I first saw the Oysterflex bracelet back in 2015, I was not a fan. With its imposing black color and sporty rubber profile, it was just so un-Rolex. But fast-forward a few years later, and the Oysterflex style has grown on me. I don’t know if I would go as far as to say that I would wear one regularly, but I do admire what Rolex created. After all, the Oysterflex is not merely a rubber strap (this is Rolex we’re talking about), but a thoughtfully crafted bracelet that combines the advantages of elastomer and metal.

While the Oysterflex was initially exclusively available with the Yacht-Master 37 and Yacht-Master 40 watches, Rolex has rolled out this sporty black bracelet to other models, including Yacht-Master 42, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller watches. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Oysterflex Rolex watches, including an explanation of design, sizes, and prices.

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on Rolex Watches.

What is Rolex Oysterflex

Rolex is careful to call the Oysterflex a bracelet and not a strap, and once you understand its construction, you’ll see why. The patented design consists of a titanium and nickel-alloy blade clad in black elastomer. The result is much of the same durability as a metal bracelet, with the flexibility and comfort of a rubber strap. Regardless of what Rolex calls it, enthusiasts do refer to it as an Oysterflex strap almost as often as an Oysterflex bracelet.

Style-wise, rather than just a smooth finish, the exterior of the band includes a raised center for an attractive tiered surface. If you take a look at the underside of the Oysterflex, Rolex added wing-like rubber components. These curved cushions raise the rubber away from the skin slightly to allow for much-needed airflow. They also serve to stabilize the watch and help keep it centered on the wrist.

Like most Rolex bracelets, the Oysterflex bracelet tapers slightly as it meets the solid gold Oysterlock safety clasp attached to it. The sturdy deployant clasp is equipped with the super practical Easylink extension system, which permits wearers to lengthen the bracelet by around 5mm for a roomier fit.

Can You Buy Rolex Oysterflex?

You can only buy a Rolex Oysterflex bracelet (from Rolex) for a model that already comes paired with an Oysterflex bracelet. In short, you can buy a replacement Oysterflex bracelet. So this begs the question, which Rolex watches are available with an Oysterflex?

The Oysterflex made its debut in 2015 on the then-new Everose gold Yacht-Master models in 40mm (ref. 116655) and 37mm (ref. 268655) sizes, each fitted with a black dial. This particular bracelet was a solid choice for the new iterations of the luxurious yet sporty Yacht-Master models, as it matches the black Cerachrom ceramic bezels and black dials perfectly. Plus, the rubber coating is well suited for life at sea, since it can stand up to salty waters and long-term sun exposure.

Following the introduction of the Oysterflex on the Yacht-Master, Rolex rolled out this particular bracelet style to select Daytona models in 2017. Additionally, Rolex has used it to replace all of the leather strap options within their Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona collection. Today, the Everose gold Daytona ref. 116515LN, the yellow gold Daytona ref. 116518LN, and the white gold Daytona ref. 116519LN all sport the innovative black Oysterflex bracelet. The sporty black rubber Oysterflex band looks especially great with Rolex’s famed sports chronographs – regardless of the case metal.

Finally, in 2020, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller was the latest Rolex watch collection to receive the Oysterflex bracelet treatment. You can find it on the Everose gold Sky-Dweller 326235 and the yellow gold Sky-Dweller 326238.

Rolex Watch Models with Oysterflex

• Rolex Yacht-Master
• Rolex Daytona
• Rolex Sky-Dweller

It’s worth noting that the Oysterflex bracelet is currently only available on gold Rolex watch models, including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Whether or not Rolex decides to furnish steel watches (or another precious metal watch like platinum) with Oysterflex bracelets in the future remains to be seen.

How Much Does a Rolex Oysterflex Cost?

If you buy a Rolex Oysterflex bracelet replacement, it’ll cost you around $250 per side. Since the Oysterflex bracelet comes with two separate pieces, each side is sold separately and the solid gold clasp is a separate (and significant) additional charge.

Since the Yacht-Master, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller have different case sizes, Oysterflex bracelets come in four different widths:

• 18mm to fit the 37mm Yacht-Master (Bracelet Code 350557, Part # B218-106-x)
• 20mm to fit the 40mm Yacht-Master and Daytona (Bracelet Code 350501, Part # B218-105-x)
• 21mm to fit the 42mm Yacht-Master Bracelet Code 351525, Part # B218-107-x)
• 22mm to fit the 42mm Sky-Dweller (Bracelet Code 351860, Part # B218-108-x)

Each side of the bracelet comes in six different lengths, which are categorized from letters C to H. The “x” in the above part numbers would be replaced with a size letter C, D, E, F, etc.

Remember, Rolex does not sell Oysterflex bracelets to pair with Rolex watches that don’t originally come with an Oysterflex. The company will simply sell you a replacement for an already existing bracelet.

The (retail) costs of Oysterflex bracelet Rolex watches are as follows:

• Everose gold Yacht-Master 37 ref. 268655: $24,050
• Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126655: $28,050
• White gold Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659: $29,650
• Yellow gold Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226658: $28,300
• Yellow gold Daytona ref. 16518LN: $29,200
• White gold Daytona ref. 116519LN: $30,500
• Everose gold Daytona ref. 116515LN: $30,500
• Yellow gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326238: $40,000
• Everose gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326235: $41,400

Is Rolex Oysterflex Comfortable?

At first glance, the Oysterflex bracelet looks like a standard black rubber strap. However, the Oysterflex bracelet is not a simple rubber strap – as mentioned, it consists of a titanium and nickel alloy metal blade at its core, which is then wrapped with black elastomer. What’s more, for comfort, airflow, and stability, the underside of the band includes cushion segments to lift the rubber surface slightly above the skin.

Depending on the model, the Oysterflex is furnished with various clasps and extension systems to perfect the wearer to increase the bracelet length for added comfort and better fit.

• Cosmograph Daytona – Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink extension
• Yacht-Master – Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system
• Sky-Dweller – Folding Oysterclasp with Glidelock extension system

The Easylink permits the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5mm. On the other hand, the Glidelock permits micro-adjustment of the bracelet length by around 15mm, in increments of 2.5mm.

If you like luxury watches with rubber straps, then the Rolex Oysterflex is arguably one of the best-designed options in the market that offers fantastic comfort. It’s not often that Rolex SA unveils a completely new design and this highly innovative one is a worthy addition to the brand’s bracelet collection, joining the likes of the famous Oyster, Jubilee, and President bracelets.

About Celine Simon

Celine is a luxury watch writer here for us at Bob's Watches who has enjoyed working in the horology industry for over ten years. Like many of the high-end timepieces she writes about, she comes from Switzerland—the heart of fine watchmaking. From Singapore to Montreal to Geneva to Dubai to Amman, Celine has lived all over the world but now calls the beaches of Southern California home.

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The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

Instagram: @rolex

In the year 1992, Swiss watchmaker Rolex would debut a new model line at the Baselworld show that was strikingly similar to the already-popular Submariner. It featured the same 40mm Oyster case with a rotating bezel, the same chronometer-certified caliber, and the same Oyster bracelet.

Seemingly the only difference between the two was the white dial of that first Yacht-Master, a style which has never been an option on a Sub, and the inferior depth rating of 100m when compared to the Sub’s 300m.

Yet, the Yacht-Master was well-received upon launch, and with the passing of time, the yachting-inspired model has evolved and pioneered its own path within Rolex’s catalog.

Read on with us as we go back to the beginning and track the catalysts that paved the way for the most recent Yacht-Master release, the Yacht-Master 42 (226659), to become one of the hottest sports timepieces of the year.

History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

We’ve broken down our overview of the Yacht-Master into the following segments:

• Release Of The Yacht-Master

The Submariner/Yacht-Master Theory

• Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master
• Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The Maxi Dial Yacht-Master

• Two-Tone Rolesor Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master II

• Six-Digit Yacht-Master

The Oysterflex Yacht-Master

Keep scrolling to read this guide from its beginning, or use the links above to jump down to a specific point.

Browse Bob’s Watches Rolex Catalogue

The Release Of The Yacht-Master

The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.

Rolex ref. 16628. Instagram: @m_j_watches

Previous to the Yacht-Master’s introduction, Rolex had not released a new model line in a quarter century. So, why did they go with the Yacht-Master, a design that risked being a detractor from their existing Submariner? Let’s take a look at the inspiration.

The sport of yachting is one which demands precise timing and extreme coordination of the entire crew for optimal performance, particularly in offshore competitions.

Prototype Daytona Yacht-Master ref. 6239. Image: Christies.com

Rolex believed their waterproof and chronometer-grade timepieces to be more than qualified to handle the knocks of a regatta and keep ticking accurately. The brand is also notorious for their marketing prowess, which led them to act quickly in establishing an association with the sport.

Beginning in 1958 with their first sponsorship of a race, the relationship has endured until today, when the brand sponsors over a dozen international yachting events.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that there exists a large gap between first contact in 1958 and the release of the yacht-inspired timepiece in the early ’90s. Why wasn’t the Yacht-Master released earlier on?

Well, Rolex played around with the idea of yachting chronograph early on, though it never materialized. All that’s left of these trials are an extremely limited number of Daytona ref. 6239 chronograph prototypes with a 39mm case (vs standard 36mm) and modified regatta dials.

Unfortunately, the Yacht-Master concept was scrapped and would not reappear until decades later.

When it did return, none of the previous Yacht-Master’s DNA was there. Furthermore, the 1992 Yacht-Master was bizarrely similar to the 16610 Sub of the time.

Interestingly enough, Rolex folklore tells of a time in the ’80s when the brand sought to update their Submariner . What resulted was less of an update and more of an overhaul, manifested as what we know now as the first Yacht-Master.

Apprehensive of the repercussions that making such aggressive design changes to their staple offering could bring, the brand chose instead to release the watch intended to be a new Submariner as the reborn Yacht-Master instead.

The move worked, and the new Yacht-Masters started flying off the shelves. The Yacht-Master was perceived as a more luxurious Sub, though its bidirectional bezel proved useful for on-the-fly countdowns which are critical in sailing competitions. The waterproof nature of the Oyster case further cemented the Yacht-Master as the ideal first mate.

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master

In 1994, just two years after the debut of the 16628, Rolex would introduce the same design but in smaller case sizes. These were:

• Ref. 68628: Yacht-Master “Mid-Size” in 35mm
• Ref. 69628: Yacht-Master Ladies’ in 29mm

This marked the first time that Rolex ever offered one of their sports models in a smaller case size; all previous instances of case size changes were increases as opposed to reductions. It has been speculated that the smaller cases were intended for the Asian market.

Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Instagram: @thewatchcentre

In the same year, Rolex also offered the same 16628 but this time with a deep blue dial. Blue dials tend to make for broadly-liked watches, and coupled with the gold case and bracelet, the new version was once again a hit.

The Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The next update to the model line would come in 1999 with yet another home-run: the Rolesium Yacht-Master. The new watch featured a stainless steel case and bracelet with a platinum dial and platinum-insert bezel. Rolesium, a term registered by Rolex back in the ’30s for a combination of steel and platinum in a watch, was finally put to use.

The new platinum Yacht-Master ref. 16622 was not only more accessible than the previous all-gold varieties, it was also more versatile. This would lead the 16622 variety to become the face of the Yacht-Master line.

In fact, many online resources erroneously label it the first Yacht-Master ever; this should offer an idea of how emblematic it is in the watch industry.

The 16622 also presented a new dial and hand style that would mark Rolex as a whole through to the modern day. The new Yacht-Master boasted what is now recognized as the “maxi dial”.

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628 w/ maxi dial. Instagram: @kellokonttori

The maxi dial is characterized by oversized hour indices as well as larger hands at center. To the untrained eye, the difference may be difficult to spot, though experienced collectors will note the change instantly.

The maxi dial became the style of choice for all modern Rolex sports watches, though it got its start in the 1999 platinum Yacht-Master. A Submariner would first feature a maxi dial in 2003, with the release of the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner “Kermit” (16610LV).

All versions of the Yacht-Master produced after the introduction of the maxi dial would also feature the new dial design. This included the blue, gold, and white dial versions from years past.

The Two-Tone (Rolesor) Yacht-Master

Six years after the Rolesium Yacht-Master came to be, Rolex would once more put on display their mixed-metal Rolesor style in the two-tone Yacht-Master 16623.

Yacht-Master ref. 16623. Instagram: @v.davidofftimepieces

The 2005 debuts possessed a 40mm steel case, a yellow gold bidirectional bezel, and a two-tone Oyster bracelet. As far as dials, many of the previous styles were also available like the black-on-white, though mother of pearl version were also introduced.

It was during Baselworld 2007 when Rolex would introduce the Yacht-Master’s younger and much larger sibling, the Yacht-Master II. Whereas the original Yacht-Master was very close functionally to the Sub, the Yacht-Master II was completely the opposite.

It can be said that the only overlap between the YM and the YMII is be the name, as the second iteration looks like a whole new watch. This time, though, it’s clear that the watch has been designed with the needs of yachting professionals in mind.

The first Yacht-Master II were marked by a 44mm Oyster case, an Oyster bracelet, a white dial,  and a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) Ring Command bezel. The first two references, 116688 and 116689, were made of yellow gold and white gold, respectively.

Powering the YMII was another innovation – Rolex’s in-house calibre 4161. It features the COSC-chronometer certification and 72-hour power reserve that are today’s standard, though they were industry-leading at the time. Most notable, though, was the 4161 movement’s functions.

The new caliber boasted a “ programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. ” Naturally, the programming of the movement required the use of the Ring Command bezel, a feature which had also never been encountered on a Rolex watch before.

In later years, Rolex would go on to release Rolesor and full-steel versions of the Yacht-Master II, both of which have been relatively successful. The Yacht-Master II has certainly earned a spot in the brand’s catalog, and is sure to stick around for next couple of decades.

The Six-Digit Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master 116622

Twenty years after it debuted as the 16628, the Yacht-Master would see in 2012 the modernization that had been sweeping Rolex’s other model families.

Aside from receiving a new six-digit reference number (116622), subtle aesthetic changes were also present, as was an outstanding new dial option – the Cobalt Blue dial.

The case was now a “super case”, which retained the 40mm diameter but was styled differently. The bezel was now completely platinum, where previous versions were made of steel with a platinum insert. The Oyster bracelet had likewise been upgraded.

A platinum bezel / platinum dial option was still part of the collection and therefore received the same upgrades. Unfortunately, this iconic “albino” look would be completely discontinued in 2017.

The subsequent and most recent significant change to the Yacht-Master family took place in 2015, when Rolex first introduced the Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655.

Rolex Everose Yacht-Master on Oysterflex bracelet

The newest iteration of the YM possessed some new features. The case was made of Everose, and the bezel now boasted a black Cerachrom insert. Securing the watch to the wrist was another Rolex first – the Oysterflex rubber ‘bracelet’.

Before the 116655, no Rolex watch had ever sported a rubber band. The brand still refers to it as a bracelet given the metal elements within the band, but these are not obvious even with the watch in the hand.

This same style of Yacht-Master would receive the next update in 2019, when Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in white gold.

What’s Next?

With the recent changes that the Yacht-Master line has had, it is clear that Rolex intends to keep this model family alive and well for years to come. Consumers are likewise responding to each new release, offering plenty of feedback with their pocketbooks.

If you’d like to read up on any of Rolex’s other model families, make sure to check out some of our extensive watch guides below:

• History Of The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
• Overview Of The Most Luxurious Pilot’s Watch: The GMT-Master
• How Did The Day-Date Become The President’s Watch?
• Review Of Rolex’s Longest Running Watch Model
• Rolex Watches That Could Become The Investment Of A Lifetime

"I have always been a fan of the Yacht-Master, but I had no idea that it didn't exist until the 1990s. Thanks for the information, and thanks for keeping it entertaining. Well done!"

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The Oysterflex Bible – every Rolex Oysterflex reference, named and rated

We all know only too well how a Rolex Oyster or Jubilee bracelet embraces the wrist unlike any other assembly of steel parts available. It’s a watch bracelet with the feel of silk. Lesser common an experience is the sampling of an Oysterflex bracelet, Rolex’s version of a rubber strap. At the time it was released, the brand stridently avoided that description, by the way. We must mention neither the war, nor rubber.

Back then, it seemed like typical watch industry doublespeak – where every commoner material is granted a loftier title. That is, until it was in the hand; Rolex was perfectly right . Through typical – and utterly masterful – over-engineering, the brand succeeded in elevating the whole concept of rubber strap to another level. Since then, it’s become a ‘Flex by name, and a flex by nature – this is every current Rolex Oysterflex reference, in one handy place.

The beginning of the Oysterflex story

With its debut in 2015 on the 40mm and 37mm Yacht-Master , it made Rolex fun, dare we say it, even ‘urban’  and thereby captured a younger audience in the process. This was at the very dawn of ‘Athleisure’, and the tracksuited, Yeezy set happily spent double the price of a classic Submariner on a large gold sports watch on soft rubber.

I’m happy to admit I was of the staunch belief that while rubber was comfortable on my divers, when spending more than $20,000, the mere mention of it would make me laugh … it’s not premium, is it? Well, think again. The Oysterflex bracelet made me raise an eyebrow from day one, when Rolex insisted this was a bracelet and not a strap, unexpectedly not the point of contention it may seem. The material is a flexible high-density elastomer, which is commonly utilised for high performance bushings in sports cars. The raised eyebrow is back up — now raised out of interest. This sets the bar, revealing the years of research behind a mere strap (sorry, bracelet).

This is why it’s a ‘bracelet’, not a strap

The Oysterflex is, in 2020, by far the best example available of a rubber bracelet on the market, offering the durability of metal, the assurance and class of a deployant mechanism, and the comfort of rubber. Encased within the elastomer is a titanium-nickel core, giving it shape and structural integrity on or off the wrist. The bracelet itself features a patented tiered design and gives you a hitherto unknown feeling of comfort even on warmer days, as the shape lifts the bracelet up from your wrist with wing-like curved cushions.

This lends the Oysterflex a very different feeling to the lint-magnet clingy silicone you associated with the first raised eyebrow. A raised upper section creates a well-needed depth to the design, tapering discreetly to the brilliant solid gold Oysterlock deployant. The Oysterlock in itself is a detail good enough to spend an hour locking and unlocking if only to appreciate the haptics of the clasp. And yes, the genius of Easylink, allowing you an easy extension of the bracelet by around 5mm for a more relaxed fit in the summer heat when your wrist might expand by a millimetre or two.

They could not have made a bigger splash in 2015 than launching the Oysterflex on the sharply redesigned black dial Yacht-Master. The Everose gold, in its warm tone, was the perfect counterpoint to the matt black rubber strap, with the totally un-Rolex move of glossy black details on a matt black Cerachrom bezel. In an instant, Rolex went from your dad’s Sunday best, to out-customising the customisers with a dark take on cutting-edge luxury sports. Mic dropped, and AD stocks instantly depleted.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm ref.116655, the Origin of the Species

Yes, this watch is still the best of both worlds, with the warm glow of Everose gold and matt black looking at once tough yet precious on its black elastomer bracelet.

The sharpest applied indices this side of a surgeon’s scalpel is paired with the brilliant touch of a gold print logo under 12 o’clock, while the fresh red Yacht-Master logo is a touch of fresh genius. Read Andrew’s original, sharp in-depth piece here . RRP: The Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm ref. 116655 was $31,600AUD at time of launch and is now $38,600AUD.  A pavè diamond dial version is available as ref.126655

Rating: The OG, and still the King. 

Rolex yacht-master 37mm ref.268655.

Let’s be a bit cheeky here and look at the smaller brother of this warm-hued beauty. This is a perfect smaller edition of the original 40mm Yacht-Master, here in 37mm and still marketed as a ladies’ watch. Personally, I have both 36 and 38mm watches that are some of my absolute favourites in terms of wearability, so let’s open this one up to both sexes, shall we? The insider’s tip is that this one will be easier to get hold of at your local AD, and boy does it wear comfortably on the wrist, effortlessly slipping under a cuff and just as full of delightful gold and black elastomer contrast as its larger 40mm brother. RRP: The Rolex Yacht-Master 37mm ref. 268655 is $32,750AUD – Also available is a pavè diamond dial version like its 40mm brother has the ref.126655

Rating: I rate this model as unisex, and more likely than every other Oysterflex model to be available. 

Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm ref.226659, in white gold

Well, what can we say? The ref.226659 is simply more of a good thing, keeping the matt black Cerachrom bezel of the original, though here in solid 18k white gold — an example of stealth irony, which appeals tremendously to me. This Yacht-Master is ironically safer to wear on the street than a ’90s bi-colour GMT, thanks to its monochrome look, black Oysterflex and dark bezel, giving it a distinct tool watch vibe.

The contrasts work brilliantly, with the crisp white print and dazzle of the 18k white gold case being a sharp contrast to the black elastomer bracelet. Stealth Wealth is a term of ever-increasing popularity in 2020, and this would be the perfect choice. Read our story from 2019 here , and have a look at our reaction when it was unveiled at Baselworld here . Price: The Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm ref. 226659 is $40,750AUD

Rating: One of the greatest stealth wealth watches of all time

2017: The Daytona chronograph enters the ring

A year after the phenomenal reception of the steel and Cerachrom Daytona with its added strength and lustre to the bezel, Rolex introduced all three precious metal iconic chronographs with what was by now the talk of the town, the Oysterflex. All leather options on Daytonas are now replaced by the brilliance of titanium-nickel encased in elastomer, and gives the already sporty Daytona a tougher vibe. Should you want to bling it up there are plenty of exquisite diamond set and mother of pearl dials to choose from.

We covered this release in 2017 , and already then posed a question that will end this Oysterflex piece by yours truly … no points for guessing what we wanted to see. The Daytona models available on Oysterflex are the white gold reference 116519LN, the Everose gold reference 116515, and the yellow gold reference 116518LN you will find covered in our story here.   Prices: The Rolex Daytona ref. 116519LN is $41,850AUD , the  Rolex Daytona ref. 116515LN is $41,850AUD and the Rolex Daytona ref. 116518LN is $40,150AUD

Rating: Less lit than Lil Yachty, but a nice way to twist a classic 

New for 2020, the Rolex Sky-Dweller joins the Oysterflex family

The Rolex Sky-Dweller will never be a discreet timepiece or a tool watch; it owns its own rarefied air as the most complicated wristwatch in the Big Crown’s catalogue, and it is expressly for the wrist of business class travellers and beyond. Even with our sub-40mm focus today, 42mm is not large when you consider the inherent ergonomics of any Rolex case from 37 to 42mm, and why not enjoy some of the world’s most perfect bevels and dial details on a slightly larger canvas. The Sky-Dweller is the last reference to make you enjoy the soft embrace of the Oysterflex, and we covered this latest release in our story here.

Rating: The biggest ‘Flex yet, literally (because this model is 42mm)

The dazzling ones

Yes, we have an even stronger dial to give maximum effect and more flex than the bracelet can ever muster (sorry!), and that is the full dazzling shock value of a full pavè diamond dial on a matt black soft elastomer bracelet. Enjoy the comfort only an Oysterflex can bring to the party, and mix up your Haute Horlogerie with a healthy dose of pizzazz. And should you go searching on the pre-loved scene, there is also a rainbow bezel reference 116695 to be found should the pavè not be dazzling enough for Sir..

Price: The Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm ref.126655 is available. Price on request. As they say, if you don’t think you can afford it, don’t ask.

To conclude, Rolex rocks with the Oysterflex

It’s as simple as that. The group of staunch supporters of The Crown with eyebrows raised in shock at the mere notion of rubber touching the precious metal of a Rolex case is still there … all of four people. This was the contemporary boost that Rolex needed, and on that blessed day when they decide to fit the Oysterflex on a 41mm Submariner, well, may God help us all.

WATCH REVIEW

Swanky sailor: reviewing the rolex oyster perpetual yacht-master.

In this feature from the WatchTime archives, we take a close look at the modern version of Rolex ’s Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master , with black Cerachrom bezel and Oysterflex bracelet. Original photos are by Nik Schölzel.

A water-resistant Oyster case, large hour markers and bold hands are essential elements of Rolex’s Submariner , introduced in 1953 and made for use underwater. In contrast, Rolex’s Yacht-Master, launched in 1992, is a luxury liner – equally at home on board a yacht on the high seas or on land at a ritzy yacht club. But to enjoy this luxury you’ll need to pay almost $25,000 for the 40-mm Everose gold and Cerachrom ceramic version shown here. Stainless-steel versions of the Yacht-Master are priced about $13,000 less.

The Yacht-Master was the first watch in Rolex’s Professional Oyster Collection to come in three different case sizes: 29, 35 and 40 mm. The model we tested, launched last year, is offered in two sizes: 37 and 40 mm. We chose the larger version, which we measured at precisely 40.19 mm in diameter and 11.49 mm in height (excluding the magnifying “Cyclops” lens for the date).

The well-known Cyclops date lens was patented by Rolex in 1953 and introduced in 1954 on the Datejust. This magnifying device is made of sapphire, like the watch’s crystal, and has nonreflective coating on both sides. The jumping date advances exactly at midnight.

The watch is powered by a seasoned caliber, the Rolex 3135, used in the very first Yacht-Master in 1992. The 3135 debuted in 1988 in the Submariner. The blue Parachrom balance spring was added to the movement in 2005, five years after it was first introduced in the Cosmograph Daytona. Its paramagnetic alloy resists changes caused by temperature variations and magnetic fields.

The Parachrom balance spring is thinner than a human hair and up to 10 times more resistant to shocks than a conventional balance spring. Provided with an overcoil, it is attached to a large balance wheel with a variable moment of inertia. Fine adjustments are made using four gold Microstella regulating screws. The balance wheel is supported by a height-adjustable bridge. The entire construction ensures rate results that bring the Yacht-Master (as well as the other watches in the Oyster collection) to the rank of “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.” These words on the Yacht-Master’s dial mean that the watch has endured 15 days and nights of testing by COSC in addition to a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratory. Acceptable rate results for a Superlative Chronometer allow deviations of less than +/-2 seconds per day, while COSC’s test permits average deviations between -4 and +6 seconds per day. In addition, Rolex’s tests are carried out under conditions that correspond more closely to real-life situations than COSC’s tests and are conducted on fully assembled watches, while COSC tests just the movements.

We, too, tested the finished watch – fully wound and after running for 24 hours – first in five positions on the timing machine and then with a two-week wearing test on the wrist (or simulated on a winding machine). In our tests, the Yacht-Master remained within the standards specified by Rolex for a Superlative Chronometer. On the wrist it showed virtually no deviations over the two-week period. On the timing machine it showed a gain of about 1 second per day with minimal variations among the positions.

The tests performed by Rolex include a water-resistance check. Unlike the Submariner, the Yacht-Master’s water resistance is “only” 100 meters. This means that the Yacht-Master is not designed to be a professional dive watch , which requires water resistance of at least 200 meters.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional bezel also keeps it from being a dive watch. The bezel on a dive watch usually rotates in only one direction so it won’t show a shorter dive time if it’s repositioned inadvertently. But the Yacht-Master’s bezel is impressive: it has 120 ratchets and shows graduations in 5-minute increments using both Arabic numerals and line markers. The first quarter has well-defined minutes markers. Polished, raised graduations on the ceramic inlay stand in relief against a sandblasted, matte black background. The bezel is made of Cerachrom, Rolex’s ceramic material. The Ceramic inlay is set in a deeply grooved ring made of Everose gold, Rolex’s rose-gold alloy. A grooved caseback seals the case hermetically and can only be opened using a special tool. Three dots on the screw-down crown indicate that this watch has been sealed with the Triplock sealing system, a triple water- resistance system developed by Rolex.

The screw-down crown sits securely inside the case between two crown guards. Releasing the crown allows it to spring away from the midsection, which makes it easy to use for manual winding, rapid date change and setting the hands.

The dial has a characteristic Rolex look. The applied markers and elongated triangle at 12 o’clock are filled with Rolex’s luminous substance, Chromalight, and are displayed on a matte black background. The hour hand has a “Mercedes” circle filled with Chromalight and the seconds hand has a luminous Chromalight dot. The stark contrast of black and white ensures excellent legibility during the day; at night the Chromalight emits a blue glow for easy reading in the dark.

This watch is the first Rolex with an Oysterflex bracelet. (We use the term “bracelet” rather than “strap” because the Oysterflex, unlike standard rubber straps, has metal on the inside.) Combining a rubber strap with a gold case is nothing new, but at Rolex, known for its conservative approach to design, it’s a major innovation. The patented bracelet has a core made of nickel-titanium alloy blades, which provide excellent flexibility and are coated with a black elastomer, a synthetic type of rubber. When the material is subjected to tension and pressure, it returns to its original shape quickly. It resists environmental changes and is long lasting, waterproof and hypoallergenic – a good alternative to a metal bracelet. The bracelet’s black color goes well with the ceramic bezel and with the Everose gold case, presenting a modern, two-tone look.

Inside the bracelet is a patented cushioning system that increases wearing comfort. The bracelet accommodates changes in wrist size. The single-sided Oysterlock folding clasp made of Everose gold offers additional flexibility; it allows for three length adjustments. Screws attach the clasp securely to the bracelet. A safety bar makes opening the clasp more difficult but prevents it from opening accidentally.

SPECS: Manufacturer: Rolex SA, Rue François-Dussaud 3-7, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland Reference number: 116655 Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date, bidirectional rotating bezel Movement: In-house Caliber 3135, automatic, “Superlative Chronometer” certified, 28,800 vph, 31 jewels, Kif shock absorbers, Glucydur balance with Microstella regulating screws, Parachrom balance spring with overcoil, 48-hour power reserve, diameter = 28.5 mm, height = 6.0 mm Case: Everose-gold Oyster case with black Cerachrom ceramic graduated bezel, sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifying lens, water resistant to 100 m Bracelet and clasp: Oysterflex bracelet with Everose-gold, single-sided Oysterlock folding clasp Rate results: Deviations in seconds per 24 hours (Fully wound / after 24 hours) Dial up +3.1 / +2.9 Dial down +2.1 / +3.2 Crown up -0.7 / -1.6 Crown down -0.8 / -2.6 Crown left +2.5 / +2.6 Greatest deviation of rate 3.9 / 5.8 Average deviation +1.2 / +0.9 Average amplitude: Flat positions 292° / 265° Hanging positions 247° / 233° Dimensions: Diameter = 40 mm, height = 11 mm, weight = 154 g Variations: 37-mm case (Ref. 268655, with Caliber 2236, $22,000) Price: $24,950

gold on rubber = cool if one can afford it. I still prefer my S/S Y-M with PT dial & bezel = an understated goes everywhere quite comfortable piece. By the way… hardly mentioned BUT the curved lugs on all Yacht-Master models make for a wonderfully contoured fit + way better than straight lugs on most Rolex’

You’ll have to sell it to pay for the repairs for your yacht… but you’ll sure look good wearing it!

Buy rolex oys

An interesting piece, shame about the poor out of focus photo’s !!!

May I request for an article or review regarding swiss made SELECTRON chronograph / computer watches made possibly during the 60s-70s?

That patent on the Cyclops would have expired over 40 years ago, meaning whatever it covered now can be freely-used by the public, I’m not sure it’s a bragging point (and, no, patents cannot be renewed).

This was a very nice watch. Is it automatic or manual? Do you know a good place to buy it?

Just aquired the YM 40 in Everose, stylish a touch sporty with a different look from my other Rolex’s.

Hey GW? Was wondering, since the article didn’t mention it, how is the rubber bracelet sized?

It actually comes with three different sizes, so you just pick the pair that works best for your wrist.

Sizing is a bit of a problem, I bought mine 2nd hand but never worn. AD will have various sizes in combination to make it fit. So if i were to sell it on that person may have a heck of a time getting it to fit.

Love the watch but I was told I had to wait a year to purchase the 40mm size in Canada. So, off I went and purchased a watch from a different manufacturerer!

Why make the consumer with cash in hand wait?

There are certainly other options available these days!

Old Caliber, a braclet which cannot be changed. What else can you expect from Rolex for a price about 24k Euro?

Yes, I agree. I don’t understand why they didn’t use the 3235 caliber.

Since spring 2019 they do use the 3235 movement.

Superb review of a superb Rolex. Thank you!

Hi, So does this mean that they have dumped the YM2 with its funny 10 second / minute countdown dial? I never liked the look of the YM2.

If they did it would explain why they are now available at Costco.

Truly lavishly stylish

Oh my goodness! Another lust object from Rolex (the origin of my watch, sorry chronometer, fetish). Faultless style and flash balanced with flawless functionality (OK, you can’t go all the way down). Opening my savings account now.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master is truly a fabulous watch and though it cost me a lot of money, I must say it is worth the money that I had to pay for it.

Over the years it has been quite accurate and did not cause me any difficulty till date.

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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40

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Rolex Yachtmaster 116655 Full Review

Behold the  new rose gold Rolex Yachtmaster with the Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet: Rolex's 1st Rubber Strap

With the new rose gold Rolex Yachtmaster, Rolex watchmakers held no punches and put in nearly every great idea they ever had into one amazing watch. The Rolex Yachtmaster has been around since the early '90s and came in an assortment of materials from gold and steel all the way up to platinum. They are known for being shiny and luxurious from one end to the next. So it comes as no surprise that the world was taken by a storm when they decided to use rubber to introduce the new Rolex Yachtmaster watch reference #116655 . Was it a step up or a step down for the series? PrestigeTime.com bloggers believe that pictures speak much louder than words.

The new men's Yachtmaster from Rolex is a 40mm 18k rose gold case watch with a black dial and accented in Rolex's very own Everose gold. Just like their proprietary 18kt rose gold alloy, Rolex will always prefer to create the status quo and not have to rise to meet it because of anyone else.

In the new rose gold Rolex Yachtmaster, they held no punches and put in nearly every great idea they ever had into one amazing watch.

At the core lies their in-house Rolex movement, the automatic caliber 3135 which resonates at 28,800 vph containing 31 jewels and has a whopping 50-hour power reserve. Of course, it would not be complete without their "Cyclops" magnifier. The new rose gold Rolex Yachtmaster is also known as the m116655-0001.

Rolex is also no stranger to trending luxury watches. They tend to be the first in doing and introducing many things. While rubber has been around for a long time and has been used on many watches over the years, both high-end luxury watches and everything else. Rubber had no place on a Rolex watch until now. Rolex waited this long to introduce this material into their products not because they were hesitant to be part of the trend, on the contrary, 

they wanted to revolutionize the rubber watch band before using it on their first-ever rubber strapped watch. Creating the best rubber bracelet was something Rolex obsessed about until its perfection. Enter the new Rolex  Oysterflex bracelet which we hope to see on more of their men's watches. A rubber-coated two-piece titanium bracelet with a patented cushioning system. The black elastomer coating is a similar substance to what you see on the Apple Watch. The bracelet has an Oysterlock clasp in solid 18k Everose gold which seals the deal. Rolex held nothing back in reinventing and over-engineering the perfect rubber bracelet that has the same elasticity as a metal bracelet without the initial cold feeling of a metal bracelet when first placed on a wrist. Now it's just a matter of time before a platinum Rolex comes with a rubber Oysterflex bracelet.

In 2015 Rolex introduces the Rolex Yachtmaster watch model #116655, the first Rolex watch with the all-new rubber Oysterflex band with an 18k rose gold clasp. After its creation, they saw all that they have made …and it was good.

Most recently this watch has been upgraded with a new movement and new reference number that we sell new, in its original box, with a warranty, and with free shipping to the United States. The new Rolex 126655 Yachtmaster 40mm is essentially the same watch with a few improvements. Specifically, the caliber inside has been replaced with the Rolex in-house caliber 3235, a Superlative Chronometer with exceptional precision, 31 watch jewels, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a substantially longer power reserve duration of approximately 70 hours.

Not sure if this collection is the right one for you?

View All Rolex Collections & Series

• Comparisons

The Rolex Yachtmaster: history, models, price

Table of Contents

(NEWS) The Monaco Legend Group will auction a one-of-a-kind Rolex Yacht-Master

The rolex yacht-master dix millionieme chronometre.

The Yacht-Master auctioned on April 22 and 23 in Monaco is one of the most attractive one-of-a-kind contemporary Rolex watches and popped up in the early nineties to celebrate the ten-millionth Rolex watch equipped featuring the Chronometer Certificate.

Interestingly, it is not a Daytona, a Submariner or a Day-Date but a Rolex Yacht-Master, thus adding additional flavour to our guide as no other model could ever do. May we call it the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger ? Yes, we might, but we need to move forward and provide further details.

The Heiniger family and Rolex

The model pictured here was manufactured under the Heiniger family’s leadership at Rolex; they managed the brand since Andre Heiniger was appointed President of Rolex in 1964 through his son Patrick’s appointment in 1992.

This one-off platinum Yacht-Master is a prototype conceived to celebrate such a milestone and holds all the features found on first-class super-exclusive Rolex timepieces, and adopts baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds replacing the stock indexes plus the “DIX MILLIONIEME CHRONOMETRE” print on the dial, and the calibre 3135’s oscillating mass.

The Heiniger family had, no doubt, a soft spot for platinum watches ; three unique platinum Daytona also appeared under their management and, according to industry’s rumours, the Daytona 116598 SACO, better known as the Leopard, was among their projects inspired, it seems, by Nina Stevens, Patrick Heiniger’s girlfriend back then.

However, the Rolex Yacht-Master Heiniger is not a unicorn adorning a watch museum ; it will soon go under the hammer thanks to the Monaco Legends Group, the auction house co-managed by vintage watchmaking guru Davide Parmegiani, the 22 and 23 April.

Given the relevance of the timepiece and its exclusivity, we expect fierce competition among collectors to make this piece theirs. What is the auction’s base price? The current estimation is between one and two million euros , quite a hefty price gap but something hard to predict for any watch expert.

The origins of the Rolex Yachtmaster

When did the Rolex Yachtmaster first appear? It’s hard to define. The name “Yacht Master” was filed for patent by Rolex in 1950 and, according to rumours and several non-confirmed historical sources, marked the brand’s willingness to introduce a new collection atop the top-selling and sporty Submariner; yet, it’s hard to describe the time lapse between patent and the first official commercial release. When we look at the current collection, we can also find inspiration in the most challenging endeavours across the oceans, up to professional yacht racing.

For instance, the former includes the expeditions set out by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston . He completed the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the globe, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race of 1969, but we can’t forget what Sir Francis Chichester achieved, too; he circumnavigated the world from West to East in nine months and one day between 1966 and 1977 aboard the never-forgotten Gipsy Moth IV.

During his expedition, Chichester wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, laying the foundations for what a Rolex watch represents when tested under extreme weather conditions on land, sea and air.

The first Yachtmaster

The first Rolex Yachtmaster dates back to 1992 ; it was marketed as reference 16628 and is the second most recent new Rolex watch after the more contemporary Rolex Sky-Dweller.

The collection’s timeline has undergone a bizarre evolution compared to similar Rolex watch collections.

Showcasing an 18-carat yellow gold case and bracelet paired with an unusual white dial , it housed the movement 3135 and is undeniably an evolution of the design codes seen on a Submariner, despite the journey to the first edition being unexpected and with plenty of testing prototypes.

Was the Yachtmaster pictured above the first attempt ever? It was from a commercial standpoint, not from a product perspective instead. The Yachtmaster moniker first surfaced between 1967 and 1969 when Rolex released a couple of prototypes based on the Daytona , whose case diameter had grown to 39.5 mm. The timepieces mentioned above belong to Italian collector John Goldberger and artist Eric Clapton.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 and 37 mm

Here is the Yacht Master’s “bread and butter”, undergoing several evolutions to end up with the model pictured here, as an example, in its gold and steel livery. With Jean-Frèdèric Dufour appointed CEO, Rolex has revisited the entire offering, which includes 40 and 37-mm large models, but has never hit the spot as the most wanted Professional Rolex among enthusiasts. The Daytona , Submariner, or GMT Master 2 are far more sought-after than any Yachtmaster, although the appreciation has steadily grown year after year .

Instead, the Yachtmaster’s technical development began with the 2007 Rolex Yacht-Master 2 116680 , whose sailing-professionals-oriented complication proves, alongside a Rolex Sky-Dweller, how much Rolex technicians are up to the task when asked to design a mechanically complicated watch.

Rolesor and Rolesium.

The current Yachtmaster collection with bracelets includes a completely revised range, comprising seven models : four 40 mm and three 37 mm models. They are available exclusively in steel and gold or platinum; some come in Rolesium (steel and platinum), others in Rolesor (steel and gold) such as, for instance, the Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm model in steel and Everose gold pictured here, also available with a black dial and as a 37mm size.

Let’s look closer at the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in Steel and Everose Gold : it combines 904L steel and Everose pink gold, the Rolex-patented pink gold alloy adopting a specific silver and copper percentage to create an alloy capable of offering above-the-average shine, and wear resistance over time.

The Yachtmaster’s bezel

What makes the Yacht-Master unique is the bezel’s design in finish and functionality; it houses mirror-polished raised indexes and numerals on a sandblasted base and comes as a one-piece of gold or platinum. The polished to brushed finish appears on the Oyster bracelet and case sides, lugs included.

The Yachtmaster is widely considered a more luxurious take on the Submariner and a transition model between a sporty and classic Rolex watch with a gold case, as proved by the slightly curved lugs and the case side, making the Yachtmaster closer to four and five-digit Submariners as less professional than other timepieces belonging to the same product category, as exemplified by the specs sheet. The bezel is graduated but is bidirectional and water-resistant up to 100 metres .

Comparing current and first-ever Yachtmaster like the Rolex 69623 or 169622, for instance, lies in the options available: you’ll find the blue dial exclusively available on Rolesium models, while the Rolesor offers a chocolate brown or black dial , lovingly contrasting the case and bracelet’s tones, in our opinion.

The calibre 3235

Since 2019, the Rolex Yachtmaster has housed the latest-gen Rolex calibre 3235. Therefore, all models can run for at least 70 hours when fully wound.

The watch is certified as a Superlative Chronometer according to Rolex standards.

The calibre 2236

Instead, the 37 mm model adopts the smaller movement 2236, whose technical specifications differ slightly .

The main difference is that the Siloxy hairspring with a flat terminal curve , introduced by Rolex in 2014, replaced the Parachrom Blue one.

The Rolex Yachtmaster Oysterflex

At Baselworld 2015, Rolex released the first Yachtmaster with an Oysterflex bracelet , the brand’s patented rubber strap equipped with an inner nickel and titanium alloy, exclusively offered with a 40mm or 37mm gold case. Looking back at the first-ever YM, the Yachtmaster Oysterflex is perhaps the perfect successor to the 1992 Yacht Master.

The first release appeared in Everose rose gold. Such a new generation best embodies the collection’s spirit ; it belongs to the Professional line of watches but is more luxurious, and gold highlights the Yacht Master’s “carrure”.

The new Yachtmaster Oysterflex also introduced the first-ever matte ceramic bezel ; it mimics a Rolesor or Rolesium’s, but the inlay is a single piece of matt black ceramic.

As with the two-tone models, the 40 and 37-mm case options adopt the 3235 and 2236 , respectively. The new model had a stunning success, and Rolex soon expanded the product range by offering a more generous 42 mm case size (however, the 40 mm model is unparalleled, in our opinion).

The 42mm collection is available in yellow or white gold , while the 40mm and 37mm models only come with an Everose rose gold case. We think Rolex will soon extend the Oysterflex collection by adopting new case materials.

In 2020, Ineos Britannia’s skipper Ben Ainslie was spotted wearing a titanium Yachtmaster 42 during a training session. After the Rolex Deepsea Challenge Titanium RLX ‘s unveil, this proto will likely make it to reality anytime soon.

Before moving to the next chapter, remember that we discovered an odd model while surfing the Rolex official website: Rolex Yachtmaster 42 Hawkeye or Yachtmaster Falcon’s Eye , pictured above.

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2

Rolex is a manufacturer whose capabilities include rather mechanically-complicated watches ; it is something most people are unaware of. In the same price range as a Daytona, for example, you can opt for at least two complicated models: one is the regatta-ready Yachtmaster 2.

If an ordinary Yachtmaster is not as “professional” as its siblings, the Yachtmaster 2 is a full-fledged tool watch for professional skippers.

The complicated Rolex: from the Sky-Dweller to the Yacht-Master 2

The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 is bold and hefty; it’s a regatta timer and something you will, on paper, disregard when compared to a Rolex Sky-Dweller. The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 was conceived to provide professional skippers with a wrist instrument capable of accurately measuring the countdown to start a regatta.

The link between Rolex and yachting is long-established: the brand has associated its image with several sailing competitions like the Farr 40 or the Sidney–Hobart ever since. Pictured below is a map of the current partnerships.

The 5 to 10 minutes preceding the start of a regatta are paramount to any skipper and their crew; last-minute performance before the start is triggered can separate victory from defeat.

Most Regatta watches do not offer a dedicated function but make the most of ordinary chronograph functions. In contrast, the Rolex Yachtmaster II has a dedicated counter on the dial, coaxial to the bezel, equipped with a graduated scale from 0 to 10 minutes and an easy-to-read arrow hand.

The Countdown function: how to activate it.

The timer setting is straightforward and achieved by combining the bezel, crown and button at 4 o’clock in this sequence. The first operation is to rotate the bezel counter-clockwise to activate the small countdown counter adjustment system.

The bezel will automatically lock after a 90° rotation or when the “Yacht-Master II” writing appears on the right-hand side of the watch (the rotation axis of the crown ideally cuts the wording in two halves). Subsequently, please push the button located at 4 o’clock. Unscrew the crown until it locks in position 1 ; from that moment on, you can control the adjustment of the (jumping) 10-minute scale in one-minute intervals by rotating the crown clockwise.

After stopping the minute counter on the desired value, you need to rotate the bezel clockwise until it clicks into the position where the “Yacht-Master II” writing is again aligned at the bottom (-90 °, back to the original place).

At the end of this rotation, the two-minute scales, located on the bezel and the dial, respectively, will be fully aligned. By screwing back in the winding crown, you can restart the countdown (using the button at 2 o’clock); the red hand in the middle will start running, and the minutes’ countdown will begin .

During the countdown, you can stop the hand can by using the button at 2 o’clock or re-set the complete countdown with the button at 4 o’clock (Flyback). The countdown will start from the original position in the second case scenario. When the countdown has finished, the minute’s hand will also stop, while the second’s hand will continue to run indefinitely. The Rolex Yachtmaster II is a chronograph with a Flyback function .

The 2017 Rolex Yachtmaster II 116680 reference has replaced the previous reference by introducing a series of updates ; the new version is now equipped with Mercedes-styled hands, thus aligning itself with the family feeling of the other Oyster Perpetual divers, like the Submariner. Moreover, new applied indices located at 12 and 6′ clock have been launched (arrow-shaped and rectangular-shaped, respectively).

Ring Command and calibre 4161

The Ring Command bezel is integrated with the calibre and is an active part of the user experience. The level of complication and perfection this mechanism requires (firm clicks and no play) is more challenging than any other Rolex timepiece, making this watch extremely attractive.

At the same time, as per the usual Rolex tradition, the complication is concealed through a simplified aesthetic , although the dial is still more complex and crowded than those standards that Rolex has made us accustomed to, and this is one of the reasons why a Rolex Yachtmaster II is rarely a first choice when it comes to selecting a timepiece.

Rolex Yachtmaster Prices

The price list starts with the Yacht-Master 37 mm at 14,450 Euros and grows to the 43,800 Euros needed for a Yacht-Master 2 model in yellow gold . For instance, a more exclusive price list is requested, as with the reference 126655. The listed price range here is updated to February 2023; if you’re looking for a more comprehensive overview, please head to our dedicated article; there, you’ll find a price list and evolution since 2021 regarding the most coveted professional Rolex watches.

(Photo credit: Horbiter®)

Editorial team @Horbiter®

Giovanni Di Biase

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Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet Complete Guide

Rolex Oysterflex bracelet Guide

Rolex is famous all around the world for its watches, but the bracelets that the brand has developed and designed to be fitted on its watches have also gotten an almost iconic status.

The different bracelet styles developed by Rolex have become prime examples of how a bracelet should look – and many manufacturers have taken note.

Rolex is mostly famous for its metal bracelets, but also makes leather straps for some of its watches.

In more recent times, Rolex continued to build on its choices of bracelets by introducing a rubber strap – a first for the company.

In this article, we will go into detail about the Rolex rubber strap, also known as the Oysterflex bracelet.

Rolex Oysterflex bracelet   – Does Rolex make a rubber strap?

At Baselworld 2015, Rolex introduced a new version of the Yacht-Master, reference 116655. This piece was a full gold version of the standard Yacht-Master in steel, but it did feature a number of changes. The instantly noticeable is, of course, the fact that the steel bracelet had been replaced by a rubber strap.

Since rubber straps on watches have become very closely associated with beach and water in recent years, it made complete sense that Rolex decided to fit the Yacht-Master on a rubber strap. For a sporty watch such as the Yacht-Master, the wearer needs comfort, water resistance, and uncompromising bracelet safety. The Rolex Oysterflex offers all of these things. Plus, it looks amazing and gives the watch a sporty look that goes well with the image of the Yacht-Master.

Since then, Rolex has released a number of more models fitted on the Oysterflex bracelet. This goes to show that Rolex is satisfied with the bracelet and the response it has been getting.

Rolex Oysterflex bracelet technical details

The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is not your ordinary rubber strap. Rolex being Rolex, the company has incorporated a number of clever features into the rubber strap to improve performance but also comfort.

Rolex highlights that the Oysterflex is a bracelet and not a strap. You’d assume that this is typical Rolex trying to use the right words, but using the word bracelet instead of strap actually makes perfect sense when understanding the Oysterflex construction.

The Oysterflex bracelet is, of course, patented because it is not an ordinary rubber strap. It uses metal blades made of titanium and nickel alloy, which are then over-molded by black elastomer. This metal construction brings the benefit of making it more sturdy and durable, whilst still retaining the comfort of a rubber strap.

For additional comfort, the Oysterflex bracelet tapers towards the Oysterlock clasp.

In terms of tech, that is not all. On the inside of the strap, Rolex has also developed a raised rubber ”cushion”. These cushions flex and create a level between your wrist and the actual strap. The benefit of this is that it allows your wrist to breathe and prevents uncomfortable sweating against the rubber. These cushions also help make the watch sit more stable on the wrist.

Unlike most rubber straps, the Oysterflex does not have a tang buckle. Instead, it uses an Oysterclasp. When the Oysterflex was released, it only came with a 5mm Easylink extension system. But now, Rolex has incorporated the Gridlock clasp on some of the models that use the Oysterflex. This is a great addition as it allows the wearer to adjust the size of the rubber strap without the use of any tools.  

Adjusting the size of a rubber strap is always a bit tricky since it’s not as easy as simply removing or adding a link to a steel bracelet. Instead, the Oysterflex comes available in several sizes, and then you have to choose the size that fits your wrist. This is why it’s great that you can adjust the size by so much, using the Glidelock.

Rolex Oysterflex and watches

In the writing moment, the Oysteflex bracelet is only available on full gold watches. The future will tell if Rolex chooses to introduce this bracelet for full steel models.

Rolex used the Oysterflex to replace all of the Daytonas on a leather strap. Today, Rolex makes no Daytona with leather straps since they were replaced with the Oysterflex.

The Daytona versions using the Oysterflex are also fitted with end links for fitting against the case. The Yacht-Master, on the other hand, sits directly against the case, creating a slight gap between the case and the Oysterflex bracelet.

Rolex Oysterflex bracelet sizes

The reference/part number for the Oysterflex bracelet is 350501. Then, Rolex uses letterings to describe the sizing of the straps, as the construction consists of two rubber parts, in turn, locked in place with the clasp. Depending on your wrist size, you may need one size to be longer than the other.

Read our article on how to adjust Rolex Oyssterflex bracelet.

38 thoughts on “ rolex oysterflex bracelet complete guide ”.

Hi, I like that Roley Oysterflex very much, perfect feeling! Could it fit on a Omega Seamaster 300 M??, i ask because those are not that smooth and have no Microadjustment clasps. Thanks

Hi, Both are 20mm so theoretically the Oysterflex will fit. But since it’s not made for the Seamaster, the fit won’t be as perfect as on the Rolex watches.

Kind regards, Millenary Watches

Hi. I have a new two tone skydweller. I know that the make an oyster flex that fits the all gold model sky dweller however I believe the cases on the all gold versus two-tone are actually slightly different. Will I be able to put an oyster flex on my two-tone skydweller and will it fit perfectly?Also am I able to use the class from the metal bracelet I currently have or do I need a new class. Thank you so much

Hi, The clasp is the same. But the Oysterflex has an extended end link design that is fixed, which the Jubilee version does not have. With that said, youäll likely end up with a rather large gap between the case and the Oysterflex. You will be able to use an Oysterflex but it won’t fit perfectly.

Will Rolex sell the Oysterflex with a clasp already attached?

Hi, Some Rolex ADs will be able to order both the clasp and the Oysterflex. However, it differs a lot between different stores. You will have to reach out to a Rolex store and ask them.

Would the oyster flex fit correctly on a 2006 Daytona white gold?

Hi, Yes, assuming it is the version with leather strap (reference 116519), the Oysterflex will fit perfectly.

Hola, tengo un Rolex Oyster Date, mod. 1500/8, en oro. Quisiera saber si podría sustituir la correa por una Oysterflex y si se puede acoplar mi broche a esa correa

Hello, No, this would not be possible as the case of the 1500 is too small/slim and equally so the clasp.

Kind regards, Millenary Wathces

Is it impossible to fit an oyster bracelet on a 41mm datejust from 2020? My local dealer says that they are not allowed to fit an oysterflex bracelet on a model that doesn’t come with oysterflex. But would it theoretically be possible?

Hi, Yes, it would be theoretically possible as they both have a lug width of 20mm however it would not be a perfect fit. I’m not sure it would look very good and there is likely better rubber strap options that will look and fit the Datejust better than the Oysterflex.

Hi, I have a 2021 Sea-Dweller (126600) Would the Oysterflex bracket fit this? Thanks Scott

Hi, The 126600 has a lug width of 21 mm and the Oysteflex is 20mm. Whilst it will fit, it will not fit or look good.

granted Rolex meant Oysterflex for their full gold watches, can the Oysterflex be fitted onto stainless steel Submariner? in addition, is Oysterflex for Daytona the same as Oysterflex for Yacht Master? thanks

Hi, Yes, the Oysterflex can fit essentially all Rolex watches with 20mm in lug width (like the 116610, not the latest generation Submariner with 21mm lug width). With that said, there will be a gap between the oysteflex and the case so it’s not the best option for a rubber strap. Yes, the Oysterflex is the same for Yacht-Master as Daytona.

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Why were so many metro stations in Moscow renamed?

Okhotny Ryad station in Soviet times and today.

The Moscow metro system has 275 stations, and 28 of them have been renamed at some point or other—and several times in some cases. Most of these are the oldest stations, which opened in 1935.

The politics of place names

The first station to change its name was Ulitsa Kominterna (Comintern Street). The Comintern was an international communist organization that ceased to exist in 1943, and after the war Moscow authorities decided to call the street named after it something else. In 1946, the station was renamed Kalininskaya. Then for several days in 1990, the station was called Vozdvizhenka, before eventually settling on Aleksandrovsky Sad, which is what it is called today.

The banner on the entraince reads: "Kalininskaya station." Now it's Alexandrovsky Sad.

Until 1957, Kropotkinskaya station was called Dvorets Sovetov ( Palace of Soviets ). There were plans to build a monumental Stalinist high-rise on the site of the nearby Cathedral of Christ the Saviour , which had been demolished. However, the project never got off the ground, and after Stalin's death the station was named after Kropotkinskaya Street, which passes above it.

Dvorets Sovetov station, 1935. Letters on the entrance: "Metro after Kaganovich."

Of course, politics was the main reason for changing station names. Initially, the Moscow Metro itself was named after Lazar Kaganovich, Joseph Stalin’s right-hand man. Kaganovich supervised the construction of the first metro line and was in charge of drawing up a master plan for reconstructing Moscow as the "capital of the proletariat."

In 1955, under Nikita Khrushchev's rule and during the denunciation of Stalin's personality cult, the Moscow Metro was named in honor of Vladimir Lenin.

Kropotkinskaya station, our days. Letters on the entrance: "Metropolitan after Lenin."

New Metro stations that have been opened since the collapse of the Soviet Union simply say "Moscow Metro," although the metro's affiliation with Vladimir Lenin has never officially been dropped.

Zyablikovo station. On the entrance, there are no more signs that the metro is named after Lenin.

Stations that bore the names of Stalin's associates were also renamed under Khrushchev. Additionally, some stations were named after a neighborhood or street and if these underwent name changes, the stations themselves had to be renamed as well.

Until 1961 the Moscow Metro had a Stalinskaya station that was adorned by a five-meter statue of the supreme leader. It is now called Semyonovskaya station.

Left: Stalinskaya station. Right: Now it's Semyonovskaya.

The biggest wholesale renaming of stations took place in 1990, when Moscow’s government decided to get rid of Soviet names. Overnight, 11 metro stations named after revolutionaries were given new names. Shcherbakovskaya became Alekseyevskaya, Gorkovskaya became Tverskaya, Ploshchad Nogina became Kitay-Gorod and Kirovskaya turned into Chistye Prudy. This seriously confused passengers, to put it mildly, and some older Muscovites still call Lubyanka station Dzerzhinskaya for old times' sake.

At the same time, certain stations have held onto their Soviet names. Marksistskaya and Kropotkinskaya, for instance, although there were plans to rename them too at one point.

"I still sometimes mix up Teatralnaya and Tverskaya stations,” one Moscow resident recalls .

 “Both have been renamed and both start with a ‘T.’ Vykhino still grates on the ear and, when in 1991 on the last day of my final year at school, we went to Kitay-Gorod to go on the river cruise boats, my classmates couldn’t believe that a station with that name existed."

The city government submitted a station name change for public discussion for the first time in 2015. The station in question was Voykovskaya, whose name derives from the revolutionary figure Pyotr Voykov. In the end, city residents voted against the name change, evidently not out of any affection for Voykov personally, but mainly because that was the name they were used to.

What stations changed their name most frequently?

Some stations have changed names three times. Apart from the above-mentioned Aleksandrovsky Sad (Ulitsa Kominterna->Kalininskaya->Vozdvizhenka->Aleksandrovsky Sad), a similar fate befell Partizanskaya station in the east of Moscow. Opened in 1944, it initially bore the ridiculously long name Izmaylovsky PKiO im. Stalina (Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest Named After Stalin). In 1947, the station was renamed and simplified for convenience to Izmaylovskaya. Then in 1963 it was renamed yet again—this time to Izmaylovsky Park, having "donated" its previous name to the next station on the line. And in 2005 it was rechristened Partizanskaya to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II. 

Partizanskaya metro station, nowadays.

Another interesting story involves Alekseyevskaya metro station. This name was originally proposed for the station, which opened in 1958, since a village with this name had been located here. It was then decided to call the station Shcherbakovskaya in honor of Aleksandr Shcherbakov, a politician who had been an associate of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev had strained relations with Shcherbakov, however, and when he got word of it literally a few days before the station opening the builders had to hastily change all the signs. It ended up with the concise and politically correct name of Mir (Peace).

The name Shcherbakovskaya was restored in 1966 after Khrushchev's fall from power. It then became Alekseyevskaya in 1990.

Alekseyevskaya metro station.

But the station that holds the record for the most name changes is Okhotny Ryad, which opened in 1935 on the site of a cluster of market shops. When the metro system was renamed in honor of Lenin in 1955, this station was renamed after Kaganovich by way of compensation. The name lasted just two years though because in 1957 Kaganovich fell out of favor with Khrushchev, and the previous name was returned. But in 1961 it was rechristened yet again, this time in honor of Prospekt Marksa, which had just been built nearby.

Okhotny Ryad station in 1954 and Prospekt Marksa in 1986.

In 1990, two historical street names—Teatralny Proyezd and Mokhovaya Street—were revived to replace Prospekt Marksa, and the station once again became Okhotny Ryad.

Okhotny Ryad in 2020.

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