Rolex Yacht-Master 68628 18kt

Rolex Yacht-Master 68628 - 18k Yellow Gold (1995)
A rare opportunity to acquire the original Yacht-Master reference in full 18k yellow gold.
 
Reference 68628: The First Yacht-Master
 
When Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master collection in 1995, they made a bold statement with the 68628 - a 35mm case available exclusively in 18k yellow gold. This was Rolex's vision for a luxury sports watch that bridged the gap between tool watch functionality and precious metal elegance.
The 68628 represents a brief moment in Rolex history before market demand led to the introduction of larger case sizes. Today, it stands as the purest expression of the Yacht-Master concept - refined, wearable, and unapologetically luxurious.
 
Specifications:
Reference: 68628
Year: 1995
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Diameter: 35mm
Dial: Anthracite grey with red "YACHT-MASTER" text
Bezel: 18k yellow gold bidirectional rotating bezel with raised polished numerals
Bracelet: 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock safety clasp
Movement: Caliber 2135 automatic
Condition: Watch only
 
Condition Notes:
 
This example is in excellent condition, having been recently professionally polished. The case shows strong definition with proper brushed and polished surfaces throughout. Minor scratches are present between the lugs from strap changes, otherwise the watch presents beautifully with minimal wear.
Performance:
Recently timegraphed showing excellent performance:
Amplitude: 273
Beat Error: 0.1ms
Rate: 0 seconds per day
Fits wrists up to 6.6 inches (168mm).
 
Historical Context:
The Yacht-Master 68628 was among the first Rolex references to feature solid end links - a detail that would later become standard across the professional collection. This approach of introducing innovations on precious metal models before wider adoption has remained part of Rolex's development strategy.
Given the limited production window and the specific positioning of this reference, the 68628 remains considerably rarer than its 40mm successor.