With Rolex a renowned name in the luxury sector, you won’t be surprised to learn it’s a favourite among the rich and famous. From red-carpet sightings to the odd Rolex appearing in a movie, not only do these watches speak of wealth and sophistication, but they also tie their owners into an exclusive club of those who can actually get their hands on an authentic Rolex.
A huge amount of the brand’s charm and status lies in the simple fact that not everyone can buy an authentic Rolex, owing largely to a lack of supply. Rolex commands a high level of demand through the limited nature of every collection release, and the subsequent high price tag attached to each and every piece.
With that said, there are a number of celebrities who are known for their Rolex collections – spanning everything from the classic Oyster Perpetual to the professional models that include Submariner and Yacht-Master models.
Let’s take a closer look at celebrity ownership across one of the most coveted Rolex professional collections: the Yacht-Master.
Introducing the Yacht-Master Rolex
The Yacht-Master is one of Rolex’s professional watches, released in 1992 as the second watch to fall under a nautical theme – following the Submariner, which is iconic for its waterproof design.
It is believed that the Yacht-Master was not only inspired by the Submariner but was uniquely designed to continue its incredible success. So much so that some of the earliest Yacht-Master timepieces look nearly identical to Submariner models but with some subtle differences. These include the etched bezel and the smooth edge, juxtaposed with the previously very angular design.
Despite the differences, it is worth noting that the Yacht-Master epitomises the underlying principle of Rolex being so attached to its past and tradition that every new design and collection is intrinsically connected with old models. Rolex is a brand built on evolution rather than change. It remains committed to the things it has done right and that have performed well, and seeks to develop them further.
If you need more proof of this, you need only remember the commonly repeated phrase that, while the Submariner was made for the Captain of a superyacht, the Yacht-Master was made for the millionaire owner of the yacht.
Key Features of the Yacht-Master
With that in mind, the key features of the Yacht-Master are very similar to those of the Submariner but with some added luxury. This is a watch that was designed to be worn at sea, and so the Oyster case is waterproof to a depth of 100m as well as being dustproof.
Its core materials are high in value and ensure that the collection remains as committed to aesthetic style as it is to functional use. As well as the ability to tell the time, the Yacht-Master has the popular Rolex date window, which automatically changes at midnight, with a cyclops lens set over the top of the date for easy access and visibility.
The final thing to note about the Yacht-Master is that, after its release to market in 1992, Rolex followed the original launch with a couple of variations on the standard watch. A smaller watch for more delicate wrists was launched a couple of years later and was then followed by a women’s version. This speaks to both the demand and popularity of the Yacht-Master, which has all the hallmarks of the iconic Submariner but in an even more polished design.
Which Celebrities Favour the Yacht-Master?
Now that we know a bit more about the Rolex Yacht-Master and what makes it so special, it’s time to dive into those A-list owners who favour the Yacht-Master model.
Some of the earliest advertising used the likes of Brad Pitt and Charlie Sheen to showcase the watches. Over time, the Yacht-Master has continued to attract attention from all corners of the celebrity market.
Rolex superfan Mark Wahlberg is a known owner of countless models, including his own Yacht-Master watch – with the Everose Rolesor colouring that combines a rose-gold finish with the Oystersteel structure and a brown watch face.
Roger Federer is another celebrity who we already knew was a fan of Rolex, with his own Yacht-Master II in white gold with platinum bezel. Other names include David Beckham, who has a mother-of-pearl Yacht-Master; Bruce Willis, and Ellen DeGeneres.
The diversity in celebrity ownership and in the way that different individuals wear and showcase their watches is testament to the versatility of every model. Suffice to say, whether you opt for a professional Rolex or one of the more stylish everyday models, a Rolex will always help you to look the part.
Is a Rolex Yacht-Master a Good Investment?
When it comes to buying a Rolex timepiece, there are several things to take note of.
The first and most important is where and who you buy from. The popularity and high value of an authentic Rolex is such that counterfeit goods exist across the market. As a buyer, you need to be cautious and always look for signs of proper authentication – in the form of purchase receipts and certificates. These will protect your investment and help you to sell your Rolex on, as and when you want to.
The second thing to note is the model of Rolex you are buying, its history, and its style. Every Rolex tells a story and is part of the history of one of the world’s most compelling brands. To own a Rolex is to own a slice of horological history, and to become a part of an exclusive club.
To help find your perfect Rolex, our advice is to visit a reputable boutique reseller in your local area, browsing their collection and benefitting from their advice and valuation expertise.
