Rolex Datejust 31 vs Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Ref. M278271-0006 vs Ref. M126622-0001
The Rolex Datejust 31 and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Datejust 31 as a dress watch and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 as a sport watch. At $14,300 and $13,850 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Datejust 31
Rolex
Yacht-Master 40
At retail, the Rolex Datejust 31 is listed at $14,300 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 comes in at $13,850. The two watches are priced within $450 of each other, making this a near-even matchup in terms of cost. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Datejust 31 trades around $13,585 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 around $13,500, a difference of $85 favoring the Rolex Yacht-Master 40. Currently holding steady at just 5% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 commands an even stronger market premium of -2.5%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 4/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Datejust 31 | Rolex Yacht-Master 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 31mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.3mm | 12.0mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold | Oystersteel and 950 platinum |
| Bezel | 18ct Everose gold, fluted | 950 platinum, bidirectional rotatable, sandblasted |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 2236 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Jubilee, five-piece links in Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 16mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Datejust 31 uses Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 opts for Oystersteel and 950 platinum. With 6 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Datejust 31 costs $438 versus $338 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 40. For water resistance, the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 if you value the Rolex heritage. Go with the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 if you prioritize a lower entry price, better value retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Datejust 31 or the Rolex Yacht-Master 40?
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is more accessible, priced at $13,850 compared to $14,300.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 currently trades at 2.5% below retail, indicating moderate value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Datejust 31 and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 compare in size?
The Rolex Datejust 31 measures 31mm in diameter and 11.3mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is 40mm by 12.0mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Datejust 31 uses the Rolex calibre 2236 with 55 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.