rolex yacht master 44 for sale

Pre-Owned Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

Rumoured to be a replacement for the Submariner that was considered too dramatic a change right at the last minute, the Yacht-Master was designed to be a more elegant imagining of the classic diver's watch. The sculpted cases and sparkling dials are the perfect combination for a summer trip to the Mediterranean.

Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

Since its introduction in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master series has become one of the most iconic collections within the luxury sports watch genre. Its blend of timeless design and rich history has elevated the Yacht-Master series to a symbol of sophistication and elegance.

The name Yacht-Master was actually first used on a Rolex watch in the 1960s but this was confined to several prototype chronograph models that closely resembled a Daytona. The name was abandoned, only to resurface decades later on a completely different watch.

Since its release, the Rolex Yacht-Master has undergone several evolutions, each showcasing Rolex's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. From the early models adorned with 18k yellow gold and platinum to the latest advancements in materials and technology, the Rolex Yacht-Master continues to redefine luxury watchmaking.

The Rolex Yacht-Master’s close association with the sea and yachting gives it a unique charm. Built to withstand the rigours of the ocean, the Yacht-Master, is the perfect companion for professional sailors and seafaring enthusiasts, offering them a reliable tool watch without compromising on style. Indeed, the watch was conceived as a more luxurious alternative to the trusty Submariner.

The Yacht-Master is a masterpiece that stands out with its unique features and exceptional craftsmanship. One such feature is its graduated bidirectional rotatable bezel, crafted from ceramic, platinum or gold. It enables the wearer to measure elapsed time with ease when navigating the world’s oceans. This not only ensures accurate timekeeping but also adds a touch of elegance to the watch.

Available in three case sizes—37, 40 and 42mm—and in various precious metals from18k yellow, white and Everose gold, to Everose Rolesor and Rolesium versions, the Yacht-Master is unique in the world of Rolex professional watches. An elegant watch with a sporty character, it was the first Rolex to be paired with a rubber Oysterflex bracelet in 2015.

In 2023, Rolex unveiled a new Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium. This marked the first time Rolex produced a Yacht-Master in this lightweight corrosion-resistant metal, making it a notable addition to the collection. It was even trialled on hugely successful British sailor and helmsman Sir Ben Ainslie before its release to ensure it was up to scratch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master, a symbol of luxury and sophistication, is a favourite among many celebrities. Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Mark Wahlberg are among many high-profile personalities who have been spotted wearing one.

At Watchfinder, we offer an extensive range of pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master models to suit every taste. Discover the perfect Rolex Yacht-Master that mirrors your unique style and personality in our selection today.

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Pre-Owned Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

Rumoured to be a replacement for the Submariner that was considered too dramatic a change right at the last minute, the Yacht-Master was designed to be a more elegant imagining of the classic diver's watch. The sculpted cases and sparkling dials are the perfect combination for a summer trip to the Mediterranean.

Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

Since its introduction in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master series has become one of the most iconic collections within the luxury sports watch genre. Its blend of timeless design and rich history has elevated the Yacht-Master series to a symbol of sophistication and elegance.

The name Yacht-Master was actually first used on a Rolex watch in the 1960s but this was confined to several prototype chronograph models that closely resembled a Daytona. The name was abandoned, only to resurface decades later on a completely different watch.

Since its release, the Rolex Yacht-Master has undergone several evolutions, each showcasing Rolex's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. From the early models adorned with 18k yellow gold and platinum to the latest advancements in materials and technology, the Rolex Yacht-Master continues to redefine luxury watchmaking.

The Rolex Yacht-Master’s close association with the sea and yachting gives it a unique charm. Built to withstand the rigours of the ocean, the Yacht-Master, is the perfect companion for professional sailors and seafaring enthusiasts, offering them a reliable tool watch without compromising on style. Indeed, the watch was conceived as a more luxurious alternative to the trusty Submariner.

The Yacht-Master is a masterpiece that stands out with its unique features and exceptional craftsmanship. One such feature is its graduated bidirectional rotatable bezel, crafted from ceramic, platinum or gold. It enables the wearer to measure elapsed time with ease when navigating the world’s oceans. This not only ensures accurate timekeeping but also adds a touch of elegance to the watch.

Available in three case sizes—37, 40 and 42mm—and in various precious metals from18k yellow, white and Everose gold, to Everose Rolesor and Rolesium versions, the Yacht-Master is unique in the world of Rolex professional watches. An elegant watch with a sporty character, it was the first Rolex to be paired with a rubber Oysterflex bracelet in 2015.

In 2023, Rolex unveiled a new Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium. This marked the first time Rolex produced a Yacht-Master in this lightweight corrosion-resistant metal, making it a notable addition to the collection. It was even trialled on hugely successful British sailor and helmsman Sir Ben Ainslie before its release to ensure it was up to scratch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master, a symbol of luxury and sophistication, is a favourite among many celebrities. Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Mark Wahlberg are among many high-profile personalities who have been spotted wearing one.

At Watchfinder, we offer an extensive range of pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master models to suit every taste. Discover the perfect Rolex Yacht-Master that mirrors your unique style and personality in our selection today.

Please choose your region and preferred language.

We use cookies and similar technologies to help personalise content, tailor and measure ads, and provide a better experience. By clicking ‘Accept All’ or turning an option on in ‘Configure Settings’, you agree to this, as outlined in our Cookie Policy . To change preferences or withdraw consent, please configure your cookie settings.

Our Platform uses various types of cookies, each of which has a specific function. Below you can manage your preferences.

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These cookies are essential to provide you with services available through this Platform and to use some of its features, such as access to secure areas. Without these cookies, services you have asked for, like transactional pages and secure login accounts, would not be possible.

Functionality Cookies

These cookies serve a variety of purposes related to the presentation, performance and functionality of this Platform. Their overall purpose, however, is to enhance visitors’ experience and enjoyment of this Platform. For example, some of these cookies enable visitors to specify language, product or other platform preferences.

Analytical Cookies

These cookies, including those from third parties, are used to collect information about how visitors use our Platform. The information gathered does not identify any individual visitor and is aggregated. It includes the number of visitors to our Platform, the platforms that referred them to our Platform and the pages that they visited on our Platform. We use this information to help run our Platform more efficiently, to gather broad demographic information and to monitor the level of activity on our Platform.

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These cookies, including those from third parties, are aimed at creating profiles related to you and are used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests in line with your preferences expressed while surfing the web. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising and promotion. They are usually placed by advertising networks with our permission. They remember that you have visited a platform and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.

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Rolex Yacht-Master Watches

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Rolex Yacht Master 16622

Rolex Yacht Master 116622

Rolex Yacht Master 40 126622

Rolex Yacht Master 40 116655

Rolex Yacht Master 40 126655

Rolex Yacht Master 16623

Rolex Yacht Master 16628

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Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Platinum Bezel White Gold steel 40mm A Serial

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Introduction to the rolex yacht-master.

The Yacht-Master debuted in 1992 with a name that had been trialed and prototyped in the late 1960s. It was the first new model introduced by Rolex since the Daytona in 1964 and the nautical-inspired watch has since assumed a position among the world’s most luxurious timepieces.

The Yacht-Master frequently adorns the wrists of high-profile celebrities including Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Mark Wahlberg, David Beckham, Russell Crowe, Ellen DeGeneres, Sylvester Stallone, Charlie Sheen and golfer Lorena Ochoa.

A Brief History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Considerable attention was paid to the original Rolex Yacht-Master (ref. 16628) at launch as Rolex enthusiasts debated its similarities to the Submariner. The 40mm Rolex Yacht-Master gold case was outfitted with a gold Oyster bracelet and the line’s signature bezel – a brushed, bi-directional rotating ring carrying high-polish numbers and markings. It was water resistant to 100 meters despite the use of the same Triplock crown found on the Submariner.

While the Sub was ideal for underwater exploration at depths of 300 meters, the Yacht-Master was perfectly comfortable enjoying the view from the deck of a luxury yacht. Rolex’s automatic calibre 3135 movement powered the Mercedes hands and date. Gold 35mm and 29mm versions, including a blue-dial variant, were introduced in 1994.

In 1999, the 40mm Rolesium model (ref. 16622) combined a steel case with a platinum sandblast bezel, catapulting the Yacht-Master to the top of many Rolex enthusiasts' list of must-have watches. Its monochromatic palate served as a perfect canvas for the varied textures, polishes and lines carried through the bezel, case and Oyster bracelet. It was considered a more versatile design that contrasted well with the flashier yellow gold and two-tone Rolesor versions.

Rolex released several subsequent variations of the Yacht-Master featuring new dial colors and materials. Standouts include:

• The 2005 40mm Rolesor (ref. 16623) which complemented the existing 29mm and 35mm versions
• A blue dial Rolesium (ref.116622)
• Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

Rolex also reconfigured the Yacht-Master’s case sizes, which today include 42mm, 40mm and 37mm options. The current lineup of Yacht-Master sailing watches features a beautiful 42mm white gold version with a black dial and ref. 116655) ( ref.226659) and the dark rhodium dial with subtle blue highlights on the Rolesium (ref.126622). Also included is the 44mm Yacht-Master II, which debuted in 2007 as a professional sailor’s tool watch. The YM II features an innovative programmable countdown timer controlled by the Ring Command bezel. While it shares the collection’s name, its design and integrated technology differentiate the YM II Chronograph from all other Yacht-Masters.

Rolex Yacht-Master Features

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master exemplifies Rolex luxury. It is the only Professional model available in three sizes. Each model is uniquely crafted through an alchemy of precious metals, Oystersteel and ceramic.

Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens

The water-resistant Oyster case is sealed by a Triplock crown and topped by a sapphire crystal with Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens over the date window positioned at 3 o’clock.

Oysterlock folding clasp and Easylink extension.

Most versions are equipped for comfort with an Oyster bracelet that secures and expands using the Oysterlock folding clasp and Easylink extension.

Large Luminous Geometric Markers on a Chromalite face

Rolex Yacht-Master dials feature large luminous geometric markers on a Chromalite face for outstanding legibility in all light conditions.

Diamond Paved Dials.

A wide range of display colors, materials and gemstone decorations are available from classic white and blue versions to mother of pearl and diamond paved dials.

Rolex uses in-house automatic movements in all Yacht-Masters. 40mm and 42mm models are powered by the calibre 3235 while the 2236 beats inside the 37mm Yacht-Master. Earlier versions were loaded with calibre 3135 and 2135 movements.

Yacht-Master Value and Collectability

When the Yacht-Master debuted, Rolex enthusiasts endured lengthy wait lists and paid premium prices to acquire the watch. Since its introduction, retail prices for new Rolex Yacht-Masters have more than doubled. The market for pre-owned Yacht-Masters has followed suit as these watches continue to hold their value.

While some collectors prefer the more moderately priced non-precious Subs, the Yacht-Master is an investment-grade timepiece with lasting appeal and a fervent base of enthusiastic collectors. Used Rolex Yacht-Masters to consider include the series hallmark steel/platinum Rolesium, the cobalt blue sunray dial edition (ref.116622), both early- and later-edition two-tone Rolesor versions and the Rolex Yacht Master rose gold variants. The original ref. 16628 Rolex Yacht-Master gold case is rare and highly desirable.

Expect pre-owned Yacht-Masters to show signs of wear on the bezel, case and bracelet; some may carry a desirable patina as well. Yacht-Master prices will vary based on model and materials, but always look for pre-owned watches that include original boxes, papers and bracelets.

Watchmaker’s Perspective

Throughout its history, a large number of Rolex Yacht-Master watches used the reliable Caliber 3135 movement. Watchmakers agree that the Caliber 3135 is one of the most successful movements Rolex has ever produced. That success was not just luck—Rolex made many innovations with this movement that led to its widespread popularity.

One of those innovations was the use of screw-nuts on the balance bridge for adjusting endshake of the balance wheel. Endshake is a watchmaking-specific term that relates to the vertical freedom that a wheel has between its jewel bearings. Too little endshake and the wheel will be held too tightly, increasing friction. Too much endshake and the wheel may lose engagement or malfunction in other ways.

Adjusting the endshake of a balance wheel is especially difficult, as the balance wheel is a much more complex component than a simple wheel (gear). This usually involves completely removing the balance wheel from its bridge and using a micrometric tool to make the adjustment—time consuming, to say the least. Getting the perfect amount of endshake will result in better iscochronal performance of the watch, and the screw-nuts in Caliber 3135 make it straightforward to make that adjustment. These screw-nuts on the Caliber 3135 used inside the Rolex Yacht-Master are a welcome improvement for all watchmakers.

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Best 44mm Rolex Watches For Your Collection

It wasn’t all that long ago that most Rolex watches generally fell into two main size categories: 36mm to 40mm for sports watches and 36mm or less for non-sport models. Things have certainly changed at Rolex since then; browse the brand’s present catalog and you’ll spot plenty of watches with larger-than-40mm cases.

The biggest Rolex case size you’ll find right now is 44mm, which would have seemed implausible twenty years ago. However, as we’ve seen watches (in general) grow bigger and bigger, we’ve settled on the fact that the once “oversized” 44mm watch is now just a standard, large watch. And even Rolex joined the 44mm watch club with not one, but two collections: the Yacht-Master II and the Deepsea Sea-Dweller.

Some may balk at the idea of a 44mm watch, particularly one made by Rolex. However, that’s the beauty of offering variety – there’s something for everyone. Remember, Rolex currently makes watches that range from a petite 28mm to a generous 44mm and so much more in between. If the larger end of the case size spectrum piques your interest and you’re curious about 44mm Rolex watches, then keep reading for all the details.

About 44mm Rolex Watches

There are only two Rolex watch models that currently sport 44mm cases: the Yacht-Master II and the Deepsea Sea-Dweller.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Quick Specs

• Year of Introduction:  2007
• References:  116689, 116688, 116681, 116680
• Case Materials:  White Gold, Yellow Gold, Everose Rolesor (Oystersteel/Everose Gold), or Oystersteel
• Bezel:  Bidirectional Rotating Ring Command Bezel; Blue Ceramic or Platinum
• Dial:  White
• Bracelet:  Oyster
• Functions:  Programmable Regatta chronograph Countdown (0-10 minutes) with Mechanical Memory and On-The-Fly Synchronization, Center Hours and Minutes, Small Seconds
• Crystal:  Sapphire (Flat)
• Lume:  Chromalight
• Movement: Caliber 4160 or Caliber 4161 (Self-Winding)
• Water-Resistance:  100 meters (330 feet)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller Quick Specs

• Year of Introduction:  2008
• References:  116660, 126660, 136660
• Case Materials: Oystersteel
• Bezel:  Unidirectional Black Cerachrom, 60-Minute Graduations
• Dial:  Black or D-Blue
• Functions:  Center Hours, Minutes, and Seconds, Date, 60-Minute Timing Bezel, Helium Escape Valve
• Crystal:  Sapphire (Domed)
• Movement:  Caliber 3135 or Caliber 3235 (Self-Winding)
• Water-Resistance:  3,900 meters (12,800 feet)

Click here to learn more about the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller.

What is the Biggest Rolex Watch Size?

The largest case size Rolex currently offers is 44mm, which, as previously mentioned, is only found in the Yacht-Master II and Deepsea collections. This large case size is a relatively recent addition to Rolex’s lineup, as it began with the 2007 release of the Yacht-Master II. Before that, the largest Rolex case size was 40mm; so the increase to 44mm was quite a jump!

Today, the next largest size after 44mm in Rolex’s catalog is 43mm, which is exclusively found in the newest versions of the Sea-Dweller watches. Additionally, there are also 42mm Rolex watches in the form of the Sky-Dweller and Explorer II, while a number of other models such as the Submariner, Datejust, and Oyster Perpetual all have 41mm cases.

44mm Rolex Yacht-Master II

It’s not often that Rolex introduces an entirely new watch model. But in 2007, Rolex did just that with the introduction of the oversized Yacht-Master II. While it shares an almost-identical name as the Yacht-Master (which was originally launched in 1992), the style and functionality of the Yacht-Master II couldn’t be any more different.

The 44mm Yacht-Master II is not only big in terms of size but also in terms of its complication. Rolex developed the Yacht-Master II for competitive sailors; therefore the watch is equipped with a regatta chronograph, which allows the wearer to sync up with the official race start times to know exactly when to begin. Additionally, the countdown feature boasts a mechanical memory that’s programmable from 1 to 10 minutes, and it can be synchronized on the fly. While this regatta-ready function is ultra-niche, to say the least, the cutting-edge mechanical capability of the Yacht-Master II (which is a world ‘first”) is impressive, nonetheless.

Rolex has made four references of the Yacht-Master II so far, each with 44mm cases, bidirectional rotating Ring Command bezels, and three-link Oyster bracelets.

• Yacht-Master II ref. 116689: White gold case, platinum bezel (discontinued in 2022)
• Yacht-Master II ref. 116688: Yellow gold case, blue Cerachrom bezel
• Yacht-Master II ref. 116681: Everose gold and Oystersteel case, blue Cerachrom bezel
• Y acht-Master II ref. 116680: Oystersteel case, blue Cerachrom bezel

It’s also worth mentioning that those striking bezels emblazoned with “Yacht-Master II” on them aren’t just decorative; they’re Ring Command bezels that interact with the movement inside the watch. In short, the wearer turns the bezel to set the programmable countdown timer on the Yacht-Master II.

Rolex initially equipped early Yacht-Master II watches with the in-house Caliber 4160 automatic movement, but switched all models over to Caliber 4161 with the 2013 release of the steel Yacht-Master II. According to Rolex, the development of Caliber 4160/4161, which has 360 parts, took over 35,000 hours.

In 2017, Rolex gave all the Yacht-Master dials a refresh by replacing the original straight hands with the Mercedes hands that are customary to Rolex sports watches. The square lume-filled hour markers at 12 and 6 o’clock were also replaced by triangular and rectangular ones, respectively. Despite these dial updates, Rolex kept the same Yacht-Master II references.

44mm Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller

If onlookers thought that the 44mm case size was one-and-done with the Yacht-Master II, Rolex surprised us yet again with the introduction of the Deepsea the following year. Rolex was already the master of high-end divers with the Submariner and Sea-Dweller collections but the mega Deepsea saturation diving watch took things to a whole new level.

The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller is rated to withstand the crushing pressures at 12,800 feet (3,900 meters) below sea level, and much of the capability has to do with the Ringlock architecture of its 44mm case. The Ringlock includes three main components: a titanium caseback secured with a steel screw-down ring, a 5.5mm thick domed sapphire crystal (with no Cyclops over the date), and a nitrogen-alloyed steel ring wedged between the caseback and the crystal. There’s also a helium escape valve to release any built-up gasses in the watch, a unidirectional 0-60 timing bezel in black Cerachrom, and a robust Oyster bracelet with a Glidelock clasp extension system.

The first Deepsea Sea-Dweller watch included a customary black Rolex sports dial, complete with Mercedes hands and lume-filled plots for hour markers. However, Rolex introduced a special D-Blue dial variant in 2014, as a tribute to James Cameron’s record-breaking dive deep into the Mariana Trench. Since then, Rolex has been offering both black and D-Blue dial versions of the Deepsea.

Rolex has made three Deepsea generations since the watch debuted in 2008, each with 44mm cases and all in 904L stainless steel:

• Deepsea ref. 116660 (2008 – 2018): Caliber 3135
• Deepsea ref. 126660 (2018 – 2022): Caliber 3235, redesigned lugs, and wider bracelet
• Deepsea ref. 136660 (2022 – present): Caliber 3235, small updates, no more Fliplock extension

At Watches & Wonders 2022, Rolex unveiled a new Deepsea reference with subtle updates. However, as it’s been said countless times before, Rolex is all about obsessing over tiny details. The new Deepsea Sea-Dweller ref. 136660 includes a slightly slimmer bezel, which means the sapphire crystal now has chamfered edges to accommodate the lower bezel height. Furthermore, the date window is a touch larger (8%) and Rolex has eliminated the additional Fliplock clasp extension.

Is 44mm Too Big for a Rolex Watch?

Generally conservative in its practices, Rolex has historically stuck to 40mm and below for most of its watches. However, the brand has been increasing case sizes across several models; the Submariner went up to 41mm, the Yacht-Master collection now includes a 42mm variant, the Sea-Dweller grew to 43mm, and even the understated Oyster Perpetual lineup has expanded to include a larger 41mm case option. Yet, 44mm is Rolex’s biggest case dimension, which begs the question – is 44mm too big for a Rolex watch?

The simple answer is if it fits your wrist well, then no, it’s not too big. Not everyone can pull off a 44mm watch, Rolex or otherwise, but there’s no denying that they look truly fantastic on some wrists.

It’s also important to keep in mind that on-paper measurements don’t always tell the whole story. For instance, while the Yacht-Master II and the Deepsea both have 44mm cases, the Deepsea wears larger thanks to its thicker (17.7mm) profile.

In short, regardless of case size, it’s always a good idea to try on a watch to see how it fits your particular wrist before deciding what’s actually too small or too big. Sometimes on-paper case dimensions can be misleading, and nothing can quite offer the same experience as handling a watch in the metal and having the opportunity to try it on your wrist.

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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Rolex Certified Pre-Owned

The Rolex Certification

Because they are built to last, Rolex watches often live several lives. Rolex offers the opportunity to purchase previously worn timepieces that are certified as authentic and guaranteed by the brand.

Authenticity Guaranteed

The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme vouches for the authenticity of second-hand Rolex watches at their time of resale by an Official Jeweler displaying the special Rolex Certified Pre-Owned plaque. It guarantees that these watches benefit from the quality criteria inherent to all Rolex products and from the full know-how and professionalism of the brand’s worldwide network of experts.

A symbol of excellence

The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned seal that comes with your watch symbolizes its status as a certified second-hand Rolex watch. This exclusive title attests to its authenticity on the date of purchase and proper functioning, and is accompanied by an international two-year guarantee.

The Two-Year International Rolex guarantee

Delivered at the time of sale, the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned guarantee card officially confirms that the watch is genuine on the date of purchase and guarantees its proper functioning for a period of two years from this date in accordance with the guarantee manual.

Buying a Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watch

Each Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watch is presented in a distinctive pouch. The timepiece comes with the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned seal, a two-year international guarantee card, a service booklet and a guarantee booklet.

Because they are built to last, Rolex watches often live several lives.