The Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II have some of the best bezels in the brand’s entire collection. Sporty yet elegant and undeniably bold, these bezels aren’t for the understated or the subdued. Here, we’re taking a dive into a few of our favorite Rolex Yacht-Master bezels – from the colorful to the rare and contemporary.
Platinum Bezel – Rolex Yacht-Master 116622
Despite being a sports watch, this timepiece oozes with luxury, thanks to its solid 950 platinum bezel. We don’t see this alloy used very often by Rolex, but we love that they have opted to feature it on this watch. The sand-blasted platinum keeps the watch feeling utilitarian, while the raised and glossy, high-polished numerals make it both easy to read and wonderfully elevated. Although the color of platinum isn’t radically much different than the color of the 904L stainless steel case and Oyster bracelet, it is enough to add distinct flair, and perfectly represents the whole ‘stealth wealth’ concept. Plus, you can also find older examples of this Rolesium Yacht-Master that are fitted with matching sandblasted platinum dials that really brings the watch full circle.
Blue Cerachrom Bezel – Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680
Rolex only started using ceramic – aka Cerachrom – bezels in their watches in 2005. So, the contemporary and bright-blue ceramic bezel on the Yacht-Master II 116680 is a wonderful example of modern watchmaking from Rolex. Plus, regardless of whether the blue ceramic bezel is inserted on the extra-large 44mm stainless steel, yellow gold, or Everose two-tone model, it completely steals the show with bold size and color. Anyone who glances at your wrist is going to notice this watch, and you’re going to have plenty to talk about – like how to use the Ring Command bezel to set the programmable countdown timer with flyback and fly-forward functionality.
Black Cerachrom Bezel – Rolex Yacht-Master 116655
This might be one of our favorite Rolex bezels, period. Like other Rolex Yacht-Master bezels, the bezel fitted to the Everose Rolex Yacht-Master with Oysterflex bracelet features a two-texture finish with raised, high-polished numerals against a sandblasted surface; however the matte black ceramic is unlike anything Rolex has ever used before. It is masculine yet elegant, sexy yet refined, sporty yet stylish. These contrasting aesthetic traits allow it to be effortlessly worn by both men and women alike. Comprised of a black Cerachrom insert set into an Everose pink gold serrated ring, the bezel on the Yacht-Master 116655 perfectly matches the rose gold case, flat black dial, and black rubber strap.
Runner-Up: Yellow Gold Bezel – Rolex Yacht-Master 16623
Similar to the platinum bezel on the ref. 116622, the 18k yellow gold bezel here on the Yacht-Master 16623 takes a precious metal and makes it feel entirely sporty. Unlike the bezels on gold Submariner and GMT-Master II watches that feature ceramic inserts, the solid gold bezel on the Yacht-Master 16623 is entirely crafted from 18k yellow gold and features raised, high-polished numerals against a matte sandblasted finish.
