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In the past five years or so, Rolex has focused significantly on the Yacht-Master lineup. In 2015, we got the Everose Yacht-Master with a brand new Oysterflex bracelet. In 2016 we got the two-tone steel and Everose Yacht-Master. In 2017, we got the flashy sapphire-set bezel version of the Yacht-Master . And earlier this year, we got the biggest Yacht-Master to date with a 42mm case size.
On the other hand, the last update the Rolex Submariner collection got was the arrival of the Submariner 114060 in 2012 and before that, the introduction of the Submariner Date 116610LN in 2010. Yet, despite the changes to one collection and the lack of changes to another, one thing remains – the striking similarities between the Submariner Date and the Yacht-Master 40.
When the Yacht-Master first hit the market in 1992, dressed in its full 18k yellow gold glory, many observed that the then-new Rolex sports watch looked like a fancy version of the Submariner. Yes, there was a full yellow gold Submariner already available at the time, but the Yacht-Master offered even more gold thanks to its 18k bezel. It’s no secret that the Yacht-Master never achieved the status that the Submariner has enjoyed – but that’s not really fair to say since no other watch has either. Let’s dig into the details.
First things first, because there are several types of Submariner and Yacht-Master models, we selected two that are the most alike for this comparative review: the steel and ceramic Submariner Date ref. 116610LN and the steel and platinum Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116622.
Right off the bat, we see that both the Submariner and the Yacht-Master have 40mm Oyster cases fitted with Triplock screw-down winding crowns. However, the Submariner does have a water resistance rating of 300 meters while the Yacht-Master’s is 100 meters – after all, the first is a dive watch while the latter is a boating watch.
Both Rolex models have a rotating bezel, but the Submariner’s bezel only rotates in one direction as a fail-safe method so divers don’t accidentally underestimate how long they’ve been underwater. Furthermore, the Submariner 116610LN’s bezel is constructed from Cerachrom ceramic with engraved markings, while the Yacht-Master 116622’s bezel is fashioned from 950 platinum and features raised numerals.
Aside from color, the dials of the Submariner Date and Yacht-Master 40 are basically identical. There’s the familiar mix of round, rectangular, and triangular lume-filled and white gold framed hour markers, the Mercedes-style hands, and the date window plus Cyclops lens combo at 3 o’clock. Yet, it must be mentioned that all of the various dials of the Yacht-Master (blue, dark rhodium, and sand-blasted platinum) do indeed look a bit more luxurious than the utilitarian vibe of the black Submariner dial.
Moving onto the bracelet, both of these Rolex sports watches are fitted with the robust three-link Oyster bracelet. However, the Submariner bracelet does have the additional benefit of their Glidelock extension system, which allows the bracelet to extend/contract in 2mm increments for a total of 20mm. The Yacht-Master’s Oyster bracelet comes equipped with Rolex’s Easylink extension system, which increases the length of the bracelet by an additional 5mm.
Both the Submariner Date ref. 116610LN and the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116622 run on Rolex’s Caliber 3135 self-winding movement. The Caliber 3135 has been the company’s go-to time and date movement since 1988. It has the hacking feature (the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out) for precise time-setting, and a quickset date feature (the date is set independently from the timekeeping hands) for easy adjusting. The movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours, and since 2015, an accuracy rating of -2/+2 seconds per day.
It’s worth mentioning that Rolex no longer makes the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116622. It was replaced with the Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126622 just this year, which has the new-generation Caliber 3235 inside the watch.
Interestingly, if we look at the retail price of the Submariner Date vs. Yacht-Master 40, we see that the Yacht-Master is quite a bit more expensive at just under $12,000 while the Submariner is priced at just over $8,500. Yet, in the secondary market, these two models hover around a similar price point – currently around $9,000 (give or take a few hundred dollars depending on condition and age). More than anything, that speaks to the popularity and reselling value of the Rolex Sub.
All in all, the Yacht-Master and the Submariner are unquestionably similar in style and mechanics but with enough differences that allow them to each offer their own unique selling proposition.
What about you; are you team Submariner or team Yacht-Master?
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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Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Watch Review
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Movement and functionality: The Submariner is a dedicated diving watch, while the GMT-Master offers dual time zone functionality for travelers. When deciding between a vintage Rolex Submariner vs GMT-Master, consider your lifestyle, travel habits, and personal style.
List of Key Differences between the Rolex GMT Master II vs. Submariner. Bezel Design: The GMT Master II features a 24-hour scale, and the Submariner features a 60-minute scale. Hands: The GMT Master II features a fourthGMT hand to display the additional time zone, and the Submariner is a traditional three-hand watch.
Due to the wide range of materials and styles, we are going to compare two examples from each series that are as closely matched as possible; the ref. 116610LN Submariner Date and the ref. 126622 Yacht-Master 40. Prices: the base model Yacht-Master Reference 126622 has a current retail price of $11,800 USD and the base model Submariner 116610 ...
Prices: The Rolex Yacht-Master watch is more expensive than the Submariner, retailing at around $12,000 as opposed to the Submariner's $8000 price tag. On the preowned market, however, both watches sell for a similar price point since the Submariner holds its value better compared to the Yacht-Master.
The Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II also have slightly different case sizes. The Submariner has a larger case, measuring 41mm in diameter, while the GMT-Master II has a diameter of 40mm. The Submariner also has a slightly thicker case at 12.5mm compared to the GMT-Master II's 12.0mm.
Also constructed from Oystersteel, the GMT Master II is engineered to endure extreme conditions. Its bidirectional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour Cerachrom insert, enabling the wearer to track a third time zone when needed. The movement, the Caliber 3285, offers the same 70-hour power reserve and COSC certification as the Submariner.
The superlative chronometer. Engineered specifically for underwater diving and exploration, the Rolex Submariner has come a far way since 1953. Waterproofing, durability, and overall performance. It was tailored to the needs of diving and underwater exploration, but since then it has become a versatile and all-round watch.
Rolex Submariner Black Dial 40mm Steel and 18kt Gold Men's Watch. The Rolex Submariner is renowned for its exceptional build quality, featuring a robust Oyster case crafted from 904L stainless steel or precious metals like gold. The unidirectional rotating bezel, made of Cerachrom ceramic, ensures precise timekeeping during dives, while the ...
The Rolex GMT-Master II and Submariner share a similar design, but there are differences in their dimensions. The GMT-Master II is indeed slightly thinner than the Submariner. The GMT-Master II measures approximately 12mm in thickness, while the Submariner has a 12.3 to 12.7mm thickness.
The Yacht-Master, with cases available in 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm, offers a water resistance of 100m, suitable for occasional aquatic activities. Conversely, the Submariner, available in 37mm, 40mm, and 41mm sizes, boasts a 300m water resistance, ideal for divers and water sports aficionados. Ultimately, the decision between the Rolex Yacht-Master ...
The Rolex Yacht-Master offers more size variety, with models available in 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences. The Submariner is traditionally available in a 40mm size, although Rolex has introduced a 41mm model in recent years. This difference allows the Yacht-Master to offer more versatility in terms of ...
The Yacht-Master is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for sailing and other water-related activities. However, the Submariner is water-resistant up to 300 meters (1,000 feet), making it the ideal choice for professional divers and those who require a watch that can withstand extreme underwater conditions.
Both watches have Rolex's Super Case, launched on the GMT in 2005 and the Submariner in 2008. These cases have a larger silhouette than the classic cases thanks to broader lugs, a wider Cerachrom bezel, and a thicker profile. The Submariner was updated in 2020 with a new case size of 41mm vs. 40mm found on the GMT.
Which Rolex Is Right For You? The Rolex Submariner is a classic and highly desirable watch and was even James Bond's gadget of choice. However, the Rolex Yacht-Master offers a more rugged and sportier aesthetic compared to the more casual look of the Rolex Submariner. With both watches available in 18k white gold, yellow gold, stainless steel, as well as a multitude of different coloured ...
Yes, if it's Rolex Submariner or GMT Master II, one can actually consider four watches in total because there are two stainless GMT's on offer. At Baselworld 2018, Rolex served up the hit of the show with the return of the blue and red "Pepsi" bezel on a stainless piece in the form of the ref.126710BLRO. Only available on a Jubilee ...
The Rolex Submariner is a classic dive watch that was first introduced in 1953. It's known for its durability, functionality, and timeless design. The Submariner features a 40mm case and a unidirectional bezel that allows divers to track their dive time. The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters, and it's powered by Rolex's in-house caliber ...
This is likely going to be the most important aspects of your decision. Let's begin with the size. Both watches have 40mm cases. Keep in mind the BLNR will wear more like a 41-42mm while the Yachtmaster is a bit more true to 40mm. If you have a big wrist and stature you might lean more towards the BLNR.
A brief history. Released only a year apart (The original Submariner in 1953 and the GMT Master in 1954) the two timepieces were made for different purposes. The Submariner - as worn by James Bond - was designed as a dive watch and created with a water resistance of 300m. The GMT was originally designed for pilots, hence the 100m water ...
GMT Master II vs. Submariner Date. I know this comparison has been up a lot before, but I have some specific questions about them. I was just about to purchase a Sub C, but then I discovered the GMT Master II 116710. I actually would have a real need for the GMT functionality as I live in different time zones and fly on a weekly basis.
The Submariner has a slightly thicker caseback due to that additional 100m water resistance. That slight thickness makes it slightly float above my particular wrist compared to the GMT so the GMT is more comfortable for me and I'm eyeing the black Explorer II instead of the Submariner. Reply. Award.
Price and Value: Submariner Date vs. Yacht-Master 40. Interestingly, if we look at the retail price of the Submariner Date vs. Yacht-Master 40, we see that the Yacht-Master is quite a bit more expensive at just under $12,000 while the Submariner is priced at just over $8,500. Yet, in the secondary market, these two models hover around a similar ...
Rolex Datejust Vs Rolex GMT Master II: our Complete Guide - Jomashop. Talya Belson, Sep 13, 2024 • 6 mins read. Rolex. ... The Submariner is equipped with the Rolex Calibre 3235 (for the date version) or Calibre 3130 (for the no-date version), both movements offering a 70-hour power reserve and state-of-the-art Chronergy escapement. ...
GMT-Master vs. Yacht-Master vs. Submariner . I'm a little lady who wants a big watch, and these are my top 3. Looking for technical answers: features you like about one over the other, etc. Also not sure if one is harder to find than another. ... I've tried all the gmt ii on, and honestly, NOTHING beats the root beer in real life.
Hey Guys, I am a first time rolex purchaser and had a quick question before pulling the trigger. I want to purchase a nice tool watch and have narrowed it down to three choices (Happy to hear suggestion however) My first choice is the Yacht-Master ref 116622. Second choice being the classic black submariner and third choice being the black GMT ...