Rolex - Yacht-Master - Ref. 168623 - Men - 2000-2010

Welcome to my Top Swiss Wrist Watches Boutique.

Rolex is a Swiss watch brand and manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1905 as Wilsdorf and Davis by German businessman Hans Wilsdorf and his eventual brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London, the company registered Rolex as the brand name of its watches in 1908 and became Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915.
The production of luxury-oriented dress watches may sound like an unusual move for a brand that built its reputation by building highly reliable tool watches; however, it was the clever work of Mr. Rene-Paul Jeanneret that led to this new shift in direction for the brand. As Director of Marketing for Rolex, it was Jeanneret that spearheaded the efforts to craft the narrative of the Rolex collector, creating the premise of owning several Rolex watches for different uses and occasions – the “tool watch” concept, rather than just one watch that would be worn throughout all of life’s activities.
This mantra of owning multiple watches became a part of Rolex’s marketing language by the early 1960s, and it didn’t take long before the public’s buying perspective had shifted.
The Rolex Yacht-Master, a luxury sports watch manufactured by Rolex, was first introduced in 1992 as Reference 16628 in 18-karat yellow gold. In 1994, Rolex released a lady's model (69628) and a mid-size model (68628) at 35mm, marking the first time in Rolex history that a professional series watch was available in smaller than the standard size case. In 1996, Rolex introduced two-tone (stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold) to the lady's and mid-size line.
In 1997, Rolex released a Yacht-Master made of stainless steel and platinum, wherein the bezel and dial are made from 950 platinum while the case, bracelet and crown, are in stainless steel.
However, by 1999 Rolex had discontinued their two-tone stainless steel and 18K gold reference 68623 and replaced it in 2000 with a new two-tone model: Reference 168623. The difference between the two models being the new movement found in reference 168623, and the new solid 18K gold center links found on the new, heavier bracelet (the reference 68623 bracelet having hollow center links.)
In 2015, Rolex launched the 18K Everose gold Yacht-Master, the first Rolex watch to come on a rubberized bracelet, known now as the Oysterflex. The Everose Yacht-Master is available in two sizes - 37mm (268655) and 40mm (126655).
In 2019, Rolex introduced the Rolex Yacht-Master 42, the first Yacht-Master with 42mm case size to feature a date complication. The case, bezel, and Oysterlock clasp are made of 18K white gold, while the bezel contains a matte black and polished Cerachrom material insert.
As of 2021 the Rolex Yacht-Master is still offered in 37mm, 40mm and 42mm case sizes. All Rolex Yacht-master models have a water resistance rating of 100 metres [330 ft]. and a triple-locking winding crown system taken from Rolex’s famous family of saturation diving watches.
While appearing visually similar to the Rolex Submariner, the Rolex Yacht-Master has a different case shape which is also much thinner.
From a collector's perspective, the offered Yach-Master is interesting because:
- It is a true Rolex sports model, but much less common than the 40 mm Yacht-Master.
- The 35 mm case wears surprisingly well, especially for people with wrists up to about 17 cm.
- The Cal. 2235 is regarded as one of Rolex's most reliable smaller automatic movements.
- Production numbers were considerably lower than those of the men's 40 mm models.

Movement:
- Rolex self winding 2235 caliber
- 31 jewels
- 48 hours power-reserve
- frequency: 28,800 A/h

Case:
- 316L stainless steel
- polished
- diameter: 35mm excl. crown, 37,2mm incl.
- length: 43,5mm lug to lug
- 15,5mm thick only
Bezel:
- 750 yellow gold
- polished/brushed
- diver's 0 - 60 convex marks
- fluted on the sides
Case-back:
- 316L stainless steel
- polished/brushed
Crown:
- 316L stainless steel
- push/pull
- screwed down
- polished with Rolex crown logo
Dial:
- noble white
- contrasts beautifully with the black hour batons in the gold frames
- golden polished luminescent hands
- minutes markers round the outer rim
- date with magnifier at 03:00 o'clock
Watch unique No. G*****4 (for buyer only), best proof of authenticity
Crystal:
- flat sapphire with magnifying glass
Bracelet:
- oyster
- 750 yellow gold/316L stainless steel
- polished gold/brushed steel
- length: ca. 18cm
- width: 17mm/14mm
Weight: 100 grams
This 100% authentic, original Rolex watch comes in green watch box (ain't sure it is original box).
General professional pre-sale service was made in July 2026: the watch is keeping good time and working perfectly.
Excellent condition, never worn: the wristwatch comes from luxury watch-shop showcase.
My personal authenticity and quality warranty: you will get warranty card (as pictured), fully completed, stamped and signed.
Insured, registered shipping worldwide with DHL Express: it’s not cheap but fast and reliable, two days in Europe, three days for the rest of this world.

In the times of former Millenia, Rolex considered watches with a diameter of 35mm to be men's watches. However, these days, these magnificent watches can easily decorate the wrist of any stylish lady.

What you see is what you get. These are my own photos of the actual watch up for auction.

NO EXTRA COSTS for EU Buyers.

Every Rolex, expecially golden one, in excellent condition, is the most reliable investment in our rapidly changing world.