As one of the most respected watch brands in the world, there aren’t many buyers who wouldn’t jump at the chance of owning an authentic Rolex.
But how do you choose between the different collections – specifically between two of Rolex’s most similar but most independently iconic models?
The Submariner and Yacht-Master were released in vastly different decades, with the former reaching the market in 1953, while the Yacht-Master wasn’t made available until 1992. However, the hallmarks of design remain very much the same. Both boast a waterproof structure, both are intrinsically utilitarian in their design, and both bridge style and functional purpose with effortless ease.
With all that in mind then, how can buyers make that purchase decision and ensure that they invest in the right timepiece for them?
Key Features of the Submariner
The Submariner is a cornerstone of Rolex’s history books, having been released in 1953 as the original diver’s watch and the first of its kind to reach depths of 100m and remain fully functional. Over time, the evolution of the Submariner model has meant that modern pieces can reach depths of up to 300m and still communicate the time efficiently – without ever losing the integral style and simple design at the heart of the Submariner.
Perhaps the most notable thing about the Rolex Submariner is what it brought to the luxury watch market. This is a professional watch that was made with a core and very specific function in mind, but which is equally popular as a dress watch and a sign of prestige and wealth.
Key Features of the Yacht-Master
The Yacht-Master was released in 1992 as an evolutionary model based on the success of the Submariner. In fact, the original aim was to simply elevate and enhance the former Submariner with an updated look – however, it was decided that buyers would not favour the changes under the Submariner label.
And so, the Yacht-Master was born, with its 100m of waterproofing and its variety of sizes that lend it to a wider audience. From the rugged 42mm to the sleek 37mm that is well suited to delicate wrists, the Yacht-Master is considered a more accessible watch in many ways – with additional features including the date window with cyclops lens, and the bidirectional rotating bezel.
Differences Between the Two Nautical Watches
Rolex’s tagline promises ‘A Crown for Every Achievement’. This tagline underpins the design of many of the professional watches, which span different activities and deliver integrated features and tools designed to optimise the user experience for these professionals.
Both the Submariner and Yacht-Master Rolex watches are built with nautical purpose in mind. However, the main difference lies in how they are used once on the water.
Everything about the Submariner watch is designed and made for the active participant in water-based activities and sports. It has luminescent hands and hour markers for quick reading underwater, while the rotating bezel allows divers in particular to calculate how long they have been underwater for. The waterproof case not only ensures that the Submariner can be used in and around water, but also gives the Submariner Rolex its prestige in the world of horological innovation.
Conversely, the Yacht-Master boasts many of the same features as the Submariner but with an air of elegance that makes it the go-to watch for the yacht owner rather than the hands-on diver. It is said that the Yacht-Master was never designed to be a standalone model; rather, it was always meant to be a step up from the Submariner, and an evolution of what buyers loved about the original. This explains many of the similarities in design and use, but can also highlight the things that are different about the two watches.
Aside from the underlying difference connected with each timepiece’s intended use, other things to note include the different dial sizes, materials, and the most up-to-date waterproofing. The Submariner, as the ultimate diving watch, has a far greater waterproofing capacity than the Yacht-Master, and is also more functional in terms of its material use. By this we mean that the Submariner uses stainless steel in its construction, while the Yacht-Master varies between Everose, Rolesor, Roselium, and stainless steel.
Finally, the Submariner comes in a 40mm size, while the Yacht-Master has a more diverse selection of sizes to grant buyers a tailored finish. This range in sizes means that buyers can choose between a sleek and elegant finish and more of a chunky, rugged look.
Which Is the Right Investment for You?
Armed with a thorough understanding of how both nautical Rolex watches operate and what makes them stand apart on the market, how do you decide which is the best option for you?
Typically, the Yacht-Master is a more expensive model to purchase new and at retail price, owing to its additional features and the pricier materials used in the design of each model. However, the history of the Submariner gives it a level of coveted status that means it is an investment option with lasting potential. Submariner watches that appear on the auction and second-hand markets are met with huge demand – enhanced by the limited supply of every Rolex collection and the simple fact that this is a brand that everyone has heard of and would love to own a piece of.
At the end of the day, choosing the right nautical timepiece for you will depend on your budget, your style preference, and whether you want to prioritise function or style. Both the Submariner and Yacht-Master collections are effortlessly elegant but with different features – making them close siblings but with different personalities.
Find your perfect nautical match at your local boutique reseller.
