One-of-One Emerald-Clad Platinum Rolex Yacht-Master Shared Online
Although Rolex isn’t known for advanced complications or exquisite hand-finishing of their movements, they’ve been taking their lineup more upscale in recent years with an interesting strategy: more gem-set precious metal models, many of which are ultra-rare off-catalog pieces. While Rolex has been making iced-out off-catalog models since at least the 1980’s, the frequency and decadency of these releases seem to be increasing. One of the latest “secret” exotic Rolexes to circulate on the internet is (apparently) a one-of-one platinum Yacht-Master completely covered in diamonds, plus a dozen emeralds on the bezel.
When people talk about a “platinum Yacht-Master” they’re usually referring to a stainless steel model with a platinum bezel (Rolex calls that “Rolesium” for some reason). But this is an actual solid platinum Yacht-Master (pics were shared on @santa_laura‘s Instagram). Rolex has only ever made a solid platinum Yacht-Master once before, and that was also a piece unique–a special order for then-CEO Patrick Heineger to celebrate Rolex’s 10,000,000th chronometer certification. It sold for about $2.57 million at auction in 2023.
Natural High-Grade Gems
Rolex uses diamonds with a clarity of IF (internally flawless) and a color rating of either D (colorless, the best rating) or G (the second-best rating), as per their press releases. They use natural gemstones, which are hand-selected and hand-set. Rolex’s team of gem-setters is legitimately among the best in the world. “The gem-setter places the stones one by one into position, to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter” according to the note from Rolex that apparently accompanies this emerald-clad platinum Yacht-Master.
Does the Emerald Platinum Yacht-Master Come With Cufflinks?
Yes, like a handful of other recent off-catalog Rolex releases, this emerald platinum Yacht-Master comes with cufflinks. The Patek Philippe Cubitus isn’t the only watch with its own cufflinks!
Specs
You can expect the same basic specs for this unique Yacht-Master 40 as a typical 126622 model–except for being made out of solid platinum and covered in gems. It still has a standard Rolex 3235 movement, which indicates that it does not have an exhibition caseback. At least with the Rolex Daytona, they do extra finishing of the movement for display-back models, which results in a different caliber designation. And despite all the jewels, it should still have the typical 100m depth rating.
| Model | Yacht-Master 40 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Case Height | 11.7mm |
| Case Material | Platinum set with round brilliant diamonds |
| Bracelet | Platinum Oyster bracelet set with round brilliant diamonds plus 4 baguette diamonds in each center link |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating bezel set with 12 emeralds and 36 diamonds (trapezoidal cut except for triangle at 12 o’clock) |
| Movement | Caliber 3235 (8 beats per second, automatic) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 70 hours |
| Depth Rating | 100m |
| Market Price | (not for sale) |
Emerald Platinum Yacht-Master Price and Availability
Our best guess is that list price is in the $650,000 ballpark (including cufflinks). It’s probably not the most expensive Rolex ever released, but it’s up there. If this truly ends up being a one-of-one piece, its market value will likely be even higher. Hyper-exclusive pieces like this are a clever way for Rolex to entice VVIP’s that might otherwise be thinking about the most expensive watch brands in the world, like Richard Mille or De Bethune etc. There’s something cool about a watch so rare that the internet doesn’t even know about it.
Emerald bezel Rolex models rarely appear in the lineup. Even ruby-set models aren’t quite as rare. Naturally, many watch enthusiasts have expressed their distaste for this watch, viewing it as vulgar and over-the-top. But, well, it’s jewelry. And Rolex works with jewels as well as anyone.
More on Off-Catalog Rolex Watches:
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