It is quite safe to say that introducing a new model isn’t exactly something that Rolex does on the regular. When the Yacht-Master made its debut in 1992 it had been an astonishing 25 years since the watchmaker had offered a new design (1967’s Sea-Dweller).

The Yacht Master was introduced as part of the Oyster Perpetual range, the first reference showed off a Daytona-influenced aesthetic – 18k gold case, no numerals, large indices – powered by the same 3135 movement as the Submariner.

The model also offered equally sporty functions including a triple-bolt crown and 100 metre water-resistance. A slightly larger, more luxurious version of the nautical watches Rolex had offered to date, this was the timepiece that all the luxury yacht owners had been waiting for. This timepiece was instantly a success. The popularity of this watch was actually so impressive that Rolex took the decision to offer 29mm and 35mm sizes along with the original 40mm.

This watch  never lost its popularity and kept picking up admirers and collectors on its way. In 1999 the Platinum Yacht Master replaced the gold case with a new platinum and steel mix which went on to become Rolex’s signature Rolesium.

A variety of new dials were added, with a 2012 cobalt sunray dial. This change got some criticism from purists as they thought that this change ruined the Yacht-Master’s otherwise minimalist colour palette. Today the Yacht-Master is available in a huge number of variations. Rubber straps, rose gold cases, ceramic bezels, diamond embellishments and dials in deep black, bronze and slate grey. So everyone can get a model that fits their likes and needs.

As you can imagine the Yacht-Master’s movement has been upgraded quite a few times, most recently to in-house 2236 and 3235 self-winding calibres.

The design however has rarely been changed in the 27 years that the Yacht-Master has been in production. This timepiece remained clean, simple and elegant. The design changes only came with the release of the Yacht Master II.

It would take another 15 years for Rolex to introduce a long-awaited successor. In the year 2007, Rolex introduced the Yacht Master II. This watch sported a massive 44mm case, an all-new 4161 automatic movement, and 90 degree rotatable ceramic Ring Command bezel. The Yachtmaster II was designed specifically with the professional sailor in mind. To provide synchronization at the starting sequence of a yacht race, this new model is a regatta chronograph and features the first ever programmable countdown with a mechanical memory.

This watch loved by many and celebrity fans are said to include Brad Pitt (platinum and steel), Sylvester Stallone (rose gold and rubber) and Bruce Willis (yellow gold).

Which one would you get? Take a look at the models we have here.