two tone rolex yacht master

Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Two-Tone Everose Gold/Steel and Brown Dial – Hands-On

The big novelty from Rolex at Baselworld 2016 was… you guessed it: the Daytona Ceramic Bezel 116500LN  – a very nice watch sure, but still just a simple cosmetic evolution of an existing model. However, there were of course some other watches to discover. One of these models in particular has always managed to stay a bit under the radar, the Yacht-Master, a watch that has never really found favor with Rolex purists. Last year, it was revamped by the Crown, with the introduction of an Everose / Ceramic version . While we were expecting it to be introduced in steel in 2016 , Rolex decided differently and instead unveiled the new Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Two-Tone Everose Gold / Steel and Chocolate Dial.

What is the Rolex Yacht-Master? A bit of history

In 1992, at Baselworld, Rolex introduced a brand new model named the Yacht-Master. Now, if you know anything about Rolex, you know that the introduction of an entirely new model is not something that occurs very often. Rolex has a collection of iconic and purpose-built watches and, mostly, they improve and redesign these existing watches. In fact, a new model is so rare that, when this Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, it was the first real novelty (and here I mean “entirely new watch”) since 1964, when the Daytona made its debut. It took Rolex 28 years to create a new model… or at least one with a new name, because, objectively, this Yacht-Master felt (and still feels) quite familiar.

This wasn’t the first time the name Yacht-Master was mentioned at Rolex however. In the late 1960s, the brand developed a nautical-inspired Daytona, with regatta counter, also named Yacht-Master – a chronograph that however remained at the prototype stage and was never commercialized. A sort of tribute to this rare bird can be seen in the current Yacht-Master II, also a nautical-inspired chronograph with regatta complication.

The first execution (1992) Rolex yacht-Master 16628 Yellow Gold

The modern-day version of the Yacht-Master made its first appearance with the ref. 16628, an 18k yellow gold version with white dial and black hour indexes. The design of this watch feels quite familiar, so it’s easy to speculate about the inspiration and the positioning of this Yacht-Master in the collection. Some stories ( and keep in mind that there’s nothing official here ) say that Rolex, during the 1980’s, experimented with tons of different options to revamp the iconic Submariner. Several attempts later, something close to the Yacht-Master appeared, however, Rolex felt that redesigning the Sub was probably not the right move. When you have an icon, you don’t want to kill it. However, the design proposed was pleasing to Rolex and they looked at options to commercialize it. It had to be slightly different from a Sub of course, so as not to cannibalize it. The decision was made therefore that this watch should be positioned as a sort of luxurious nautical watch, mixing attributes of a dive watch with the ability to be used at the yacht-club or on the deck of a super-yacht.

The distinction was simple: steel case water-resistant to 300m, black bezel, black dial and tool-ish characteristics for the Submariner. Gold case water-resistant to 100m, bright dial, solid gold bezel and luxurious characteristics (mainly due to more rounded shapes) for the Yacht-Master. For the rest, both watches were rather close: the same 3135 movement, the same dial layout, the same hands, the same 60-minute bezel (but here, bidirectional). It’s possible this close resemblance to the Submariner might be the reason why the Yacht-Master was so unpopular in comparison. This is why, over the years, it has evolved with different materials and more colors (two-tone Rolesor, blue dial, ladies’ and mid-size versions… things that the Submariner does not have).

The latest evolution of the Yacht-Master, the 116655 with ceramic bezel and Oysterflex strap

The most famous version of the Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced in 1999, under the reference 16622: steel case, steel bracelet, solid platinum bezel and platinum dial with sparkling finish. At Baselworld 2012, the brand came with a refreshed version, with maxi-dial and maxi-case, as well as a cobalt-blue dial option. Finally, a major evolution came in 2015, with the introduction of the Everose version , with black dial, black ceramic bezel insert and Oysterflex (rubber) bracelet – a new design that dramatically changed the perception of this watch.

The 2016 Rolex Yacht-Master 116621

What Rolex introduced this year is the Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Everose Rolesor Chocolate dial. What does it mean, in ‘Rolex’ language? It means that we have a two-tone version ( Rolesor ) combining stainless steel and Everose Gold ( Rolex’s own rose gold alloy ) with a dark brown dial – a combination often used by the brand. It is not the first time that Rolex has used this Rolesor design on the Yacht-Master, as versions combining steel and yellow gold, with a white, grey, blue or gold dial, already exist. However, with this Rolex Yacht-Master 116621, it is the first time that Rolex offers a Rolesor Everose version of the model.

At Rolex, Rolesor means two-tone watches, described as such: “ Rolesor is the auspicious meeting of two metals on a single Rolex watch: gold and steel (…) The concept is simple: the bezel, the winding crown and the centre bracelet links are made of 18 ct yellow or Everose gold (Rolex’s exclusive pink gold alloy); the middle case and the outer links of the bracelet are made of 904L stainless steel. ” Thus, you would expect that this Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 follows those rules… Of course, it features a central case and a bracelet with satined outer links in steel. It also features Everose polished central links and bezel. However, the crown remains steel (which was the case already on the previous two-tone version ref. 16623). Look at all Rolesor watches by Rolex and you’ll see that the Yacht-Master, including this ref. 116621, is the exception. Nevertheless, I have to admit that, personally, I prefer the crown to be steel instead of gold, as I always felt this gold touch to be quite awkward.

The case is the usual Yacht-Master design, with a 40mm diameter and rather rounded lugs (while modern Submariners or GMT-Masters have bulky, squarish lugs) positioning this watch in the more luxurious category, strong crown protection guards – also rounded – and an abundance of polished surfaces (only the bracelet features satined surfaces). The bezel is the most striking design touch of this watch. It is now machined from a solid block of Everose gold but still with the same style as before: large, raised numerals, their polished surfaces contrasting nicely against the sand-blasted background. This has always been a distinctive point of this watch, compared to the Submariner – and the main aspect that made this watch more elegant and dressier than the Subs. Nevertheless, the bezel is bidirectional but, with its 60-minute scale, allows for recreational diving sessions.

With this Rolex Yacht-Master 116621, the brand opted for a safe combination, with a dark brown “chocolate” toned dial. This combination of Rose gold and brown dial has been widely used by the Crown. It gives the watch a warm aspect and a luxurious touch. The dial is finished with a sun-ray pattern, which affords gorgeous reflections in natural light conditions. The indexes, hands and Rolex logo are gold, allowing for great contrast and legibility. Traditional for this watch, the name of the model is printed in red, making it rather discreet. The date is displayed at 3 and, as always with the Crown, placed under a cyclops.

On the wrist, the Yacht-Master is very comfortable (thanks to the rounded lugs and crown guard) and offers a great combination of sports and luxury, which makes it a quite interesting weekend watch. Perfect for those who are not actively using their timepieces (for that, go for a Submariner) but who still want to be safe in case of an impromptu jump in the harbor. In fact, in this chocolate / Everose Rolesor combination, the watch gains a certain elegance and refinement, clearly setting it apart from the Submariner – and thus, making highly desirable. It perfectly deserves its name as a nautical-inspired watch that was not designed to be a tool watch.

As part of the new collection, this Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 also benefits from the latest technological features of the brand, including of course the blue Parachrom spiral as well as the new Superlative Chronometer certification (guaranteeing that the watch runs in the -2/+2 s/day range) and the 5-year warranty.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Two-Tone Everose Gold / Steel with Chocolate Dial can only be ordered in 40mm and for a price of 12,900 Euros or 13,400 CHF . Rolex.com .

Specifications of the Rolex Yacht-Master 116621

• Case : 40mm Oyster case – Rolesor Everose (combination of rose gold and steel) – bidirectional 60-minute bezel in rose gold – sapphire crystal on the front, plain caseback – 100m water resistant
• Movement : Calibre 3135, in-house – Superlative Chronometer certification – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 48h power reserve – hours, minutes, second and date
• Bracelet : two-tone (steel and rose gold) Oyster bracelet, with Osyterlock clasp and Easylink quite extension

2 responses

Lovely watches. Amazing price differences. The 116655 in 40mm is over £18,000 (uk) yet the 116621 in 40mm is a much lower £10,300 (uk).

Rolex Yachtmaster bezel is BIDIRECTIONAL ROTATABLE !!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Top stories.

First Look The Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80, now with Gradient Dials or…

First Look The Blancpain Air Command 42mm and 36mm, now available in Green

First Look Grand Seiko Recreates the Hi-Beat 45GS with the new SLGW004 and SLGW005

Subscribe to our newsletter, subscribe to our newsletter.

Oyster Perpetual

Deep confidence

Beneath the surface.

Launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner is the first divers’ wristwatch to be waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) – now 300 metres (1,000 feet). Its major features, such as the graduated rotatable bezel, the luminescent display, the large hands and hour markers, have been a driving force in the creation of the long line of Rolex divers’ watches which followed.

The Submariner is an iconic timepiece whose renown now extends beyond the professional world it was first designed for. The Submariner, the ultimate standard.

A true divers’ watch by design

As an underwater survival tool, this watch’s design has been entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers. Since 1953, the Submariner has evolved technically and aesthetically as it has been endowed with features to improve overall functionality. The first watch was a pioneer and its subsequent versions have continued to set the benchmark for divers’ watches.

Monitor diving time

The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel has knurled edges that offer excellent grip when setting the dive time, even when wearing gloves. It rotates notch by notch, accompanied by distinctive clicks. Its engraved 60-minute graduation allows divers to monitor their time underwater. Manufactured by Rolex from a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratchproof and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.

The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel is key to the functionality of the watch.

Triple waterproofness system

The Submariner’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet), provides the movement with optimal protection from water and dust. The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case, ensuring watertight security.

Chromalight display

The Chromalight display is an innovation that improves visibility in dark environments, an essential feature for divers. An innovative luminescent material emitting a blue glow is applied to the hands, hour markers and the capsule on the bezel.

Hour markers in simple shapes – triangle, circle, rectangle – and broad hour and minute hands enable instant and reliable reading to prevent any risk of confusion underwater.

.css-1afbye{font-family:var(--quote-font-family);font-style:var(--quote-font-style);font-weight:var(--quote-font-weight);font-size:clamp(1.5rem, 0.6875rem + 2.0313vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.3;}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .css-1afbye::before,figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .css-1afbye::after{display:inline;}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .css-1afbye::before{content:var(--quote-opening);}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .css-1afbye::after{content:var(--quote-closing);}@media (max-width: 30rem){.css-1afbye{line-height:1.4;}}.short-quote .css-1afbye{font-family:var(--quote-font-family);font-style:var(--quote-font-style);font-weight:var(--quote-font-weight);font-size:clamp(1.875rem, 0.6250rem + 3.1250vw, 4.375rem);line-height:1.3;}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .short-quote .css-1afbye::before,figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .short-quote .css-1afbye::after{display:inline;}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .short-quote .css-1afbye::before{content:var(--quote-opening);}figure:not(.removem1epbs8d) .short-quote .css-1afbye::after{content:var(--quote-closing);}@media (max-width: 30rem){.short-quote .css-1afbye{line-height:1.4;}} I was wearing a Submariner the first time I saw the Titanic for real through the porthole of a submersible, and I was wearing the same watch in my black tie when I went up on the stage to get the Oscar for directing Titanic .

Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel

rolex yacht master 2 2 tone

Shop New Arrivals

Watches and Drinks: Three Perfect Pairs

With autumn in full swing and Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re here once again to inspire you to pair your watch with a delicious and festive drink. To continue our ongoing series, we’re highlighting the last of our favorite autumnal drinks alongside some killer watches that are in the Bob’s vault right now. Enjoy perusing and as always, drink responsibly!

And if you happen to whip up a drink to match your drink, upload it to Instagram and tag us in it — we’d love to see it.

Honey Pear Margarita x Vintage Yellow Gold GMT with Rootbeer Bezel

When you think or margaritas you usually think of hot summer nights and long days on the beach, by the pool or on the boat. But this recipe for a honey pear margarita pulls the warmth and depth out of the tequila to make it the perfect autumn adult beverage. When this drink is made up it comes out the most wonderful golden color, for this reason, we’d pair it with a gold case and gold bracelet watch like the this vintage Rolex GMT Master from the 1970’s.  

This watch has an unexpected root beer bezel and brown nipple dial, reminiscent of the dusty-brown cinnamon stick in your drink. But what we love about this watch is, like the drink, it’s a bit unexpected. This otherwise sporty pilots watch has been given a wonderful upgrade with a gold case and elegant matching 18k gold Jubilee bracelet. Recipe

4 cups pear juice 2 shots tequila 1 shot triple sec 2 tbsp honey 1 rosemary sprig Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon Add to a jug or pitcher, stir, chill and serve in a glass with ice, a rosemary sprig and cinnamon stick.

Apple Pie Moscow Mule x Two Toned Cartier Ballon Bleu

What’s better than apple pie? An apple pie Moscow mule, of course. Fair warning, though, these are just like apple pie in that you’ll keep hearing yourself say, ‘okay, just one more.’ What keeps this drink nice and fresh is pairing the thick, milly apple cider alongside the crispness of the ginger beer. It’s delicious. And for purely aesthetic purposes, we’d pair your apple pie Moscow mule — in that awesome copper cup with a stainless steel handle — alongside a two-toned watch like the Cartier Ballon Bleu W2BB003 .

This watch is classic like apple pie but has a little bit of a twist like the drink. It’s got that wonderful Cartier look with the roman numerals, but their oversized look as well as the wonky three where the crown playfully pushes into the bezel and face add a really fun element. We also love that this is a two-toned 36mm watch as it makes it super versatile for dressing up and down — plus, it’s going to essentially match your Moscow Mule mug. Recipe 4 ounces apple cider 4 ounces apple pie vodka or caramel vodka 1 bottle ginger beer Shake apple cider and vodka together, pour over ice into copper Moscow Mule mugs. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

Cranberry Whiskey Sour x Everose Datejust 116261 Thunderbird

If you’re the type of person who takes the cranberry sauce very seriously at Thanksgiving, this is going to be your drink. It’s simple, delicious and totally satisfying — just like a regular whiskey sour but with a bit of an autumnal twist. It goes best paired with a hot fire, a turkey sandwich with stuffing and is great to serve company since it’s so easy to whip up. It also pairs perfectly alongside an Everose Datejust Thunderbird.

Rolex’s version of rose gold, called everose gold, will look perfect on your wrist while sipping this drink. We love this two-toned Datejust Thunderbird because of this, as well as the cranberry-red second hand which spins around the black dial. The 36mm Datejust is a staple piece, just like this classic drink, but as a Thunderbird reference, it’s totally fitting that this sporty piece has been accented with Everose — like on the famous Turn-o-Graph bezel and elegant Jubilee bracelet.  Recipe 1 1/2 Ounces Whiskey 3 Ounces Cranberry Juice 3/4  Ounce Lemon Juice Large Pinch Sugar

Fill cocktail shaker 2/3 full of ice. Add whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon juice and sugar to shaker and shake for 30-seconds. Place a large ice cube in your glass and pour your drink over it. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig. Get more details on the Cranberry Whiskey Sour .

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.

Bob's Watches Blog Updates

Sign up and be the first to read exclusive articles and the latest horological news.

Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Just Because

Recommended Articles

10 Things You Did Not Know About Rolex

Summer Cocktail Series: Low ABV Drinks To Cool You Off

OMEGA Watches Spotted at 2021 MTV Awards

You may also like.

Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust 41 Ref 126333 Champagne Dial

Patek Philippe Gondolo

Patek Philippe Gondolo 18k Yellow Gold on Leather Strap

Rolex GMT-Master

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126718 18k Yellow Gold Jubilee