Rolex Datejust 41 vs Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Ref. M126331-0016 vs Ref. M126622-0001
The Rolex Datejust 41 and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Datejust 41 as a dress watch and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 as a sport watch. At $15,150 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 41
Rolex
Yacht-Master 40
At retail, the Rolex Datejust 41 is listed at $15,150 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 comes in at $13,850. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 saves you $1,300 (9% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Datejust 41 trades around $15,500 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 around $13,500, a difference of $2,000 favoring the Rolex Yacht-Master 40. Trading at 2% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 shows a more modest 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 41 | Rolex Yacht-Master 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.9mm | 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 3235 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 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 | 20mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Datejust 41 uses Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 opts for Oystersteel and 950 platinum. With 4 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 41 costs $378 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 41 if you value better value retention. Go with the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 if you prioritize a lower entry price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Datejust 41 or the Rolex Yacht-Master 40?
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is more accessible, priced at $13,850 compared to $15,150.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Datejust 41 currently trades at 2.3% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Datejust 41 and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 compare in size?
The Rolex Datejust 41 measures 41mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is 40mm by 12.0mm.