Rolex Explorer II vs Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Ref. M226570-0002 vs Ref. M126621-0002
The Rolex Explorer II and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Explorer II as a field watch and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 as a sport watch. At $10,750 and $17,550 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Explorer II
Rolex
Yacht-Master 40
At retail, the Rolex Explorer II is listed at $10,750 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 comes in at $17,550. At $6,800 less (63% savings), the Rolex Explorer II offers a substantially lower entry point. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Explorer II trades around $12,000 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 around $18,428, a difference of $6,428 favoring the Rolex Explorer II. Trading at 12% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 also shows a healthy market premium of +5.0%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 5/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Explorer II | Rolex Yacht-Master 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 42mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.0mm | 12.0mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold |
| Bezel | Oystersteel, fixed 24-hour graduated bezel | 18ct Everose gold, bidirectional rotatable, sandblasted |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3285 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links in Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold |
| Clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Explorer II uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 opts for Oystersteel and 18ct Everose gold. With 5 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 Explorer II costs $286 versus $461 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 40. For water resistance, the Rolex Explorer II delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Explorer II offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Explorer II if you value a lower entry price, better value retention. Go with the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 if you prioritize the Rolex heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Explorer II or the Rolex Yacht-Master 40?
The Rolex Explorer II is more accessible, priced at $10,750 compared to $17,550.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Explorer II currently trades at 11.6% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Explorer II and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 compare in size?
The Rolex Explorer II measures 42mm in diameter and 13.0mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is 40mm by 12.0mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Explorer II uses the Rolex calibre 3285 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.