However, Rolex also realized that there was a demand for a more elegant and refined version of the Sea-Dweller, which could appeal to the leisure divers and the yacht owners, who did not need such a high level of performance, but still wanted a reliable and stylish watch. Therefore, Rolex created a prototype of a new model, which was based on the Sea-Dweller, but had a slimmer case, a date window, and a bi-directional bezel with 15-minute graduations. The prototype was named the Yacht-Master, and was intended to be launched in 1967, but it never made it to the market, as Rolex decided to focus on the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller instead.
The Yacht-Master prototype remained a secret for many years, until it was revealed to the public in 1992, when Rolex finally launched the Yacht-Master as a new model, with a case diameter of 40 mm. The Yacht-Master was the first Professional-category watch to be offered in three sizes: 29, 35, and 40 mm. It was also the first Rolex watch to feature the Rolesium concept, which is a combination of Oystersteel and platinum.
The Yacht-Master was well received by the sailing enthusiasts, as it offered a perfect balance between functionality and elegance, and a distinctive nautical style. The Yacht-Master also became the official watch of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one of the most prestigious and challenging sailing events in the world.
In 2007, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II, which was a revolutionary watch that featured a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory, which could be synchronized on the fly. The Yacht-Master II was designed for yacht racing, and was the result of more than 35,000 hours of development. The Yacht-Master II was also the first Rolex watch to have a case diameter of 44 mm, and to be crafted in 18 ct white gold .
In 2019, Rolex added a new model to the Yacht-Master range, the Yacht-Master 42, which was the first Yacht-Master to have a case diameter of 42 mm, and to be crafted in 18 ct white gold. The Yacht-Master 42 had a striking contrast between the black ceramic bezel and the white gold case and bracelet, and a new-generation movement that increased the power reserve and the precision.
