The Vault › All references › Yacht-Master
Yacht-Master · 1999 to 2012
“Platinum Bezel YM”
Grade C · 69/100Today's call: Watch
C: wear it, don't flip it. Ranked #94 of 129 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (2008) | $8,950 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $9,000 – $10,500 |
| Vs original retail | +9% |
| 1-year trend | +3% |
A solid platinum bezel on a steel sports watch, discontinued in 2012. The 'Rolesium' idea never repeated at this price point.
Finally trading above its original retail after a decade flat.
The original platinum-bezel Yacht-Master, 1999: sandblasted platinum with polished raised markers, a finish Rolex has never used anywhere else. Early 'sand dial' examples have a grainy platinum-dust dial that collectors specifically hunt.
It was Rolex's flagship steel-adjacent sports watch before the ceramic era and now trades at Submariner-minus money. The spread between it and its 126622 successor is wider than the differences justify.
Our verdict: Late-blooming oddball. Platinum content and a dead reference, slowly getting rediscovered.
| Sizes | 40mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel, 950 platinum bezel (Rolesium) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Solid platinum bidirectional |
| Notable dials | Platinum sand-blast; Blue (later) |
| Caliber | 3135 |
| Production | 1999 to 2012 (discontinued) |
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