Rolex Rolex Deepsea vs Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Ref. M136660-0005 vs Ref. M136668LB-0001
Comparing the Rolex Rolex Deepsea to the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At $15,200 versus $36,500, these two watches serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up on specifications, value retention, and investment potential.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Rolex Deepsea
Rolex
Yacht-Master 42
At retail, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea is listed at $15,200 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 comes in at $36,500. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea comes in at $21,300 less — more than half the price difference — making it a significantly more accessible option. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Rolex Deepsea trades around $16,500 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 around $38,325, a difference of $21,825 favoring the Rolex Rolex Deepsea. Trading at 9% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 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 Rolex Deepsea | Rolex Yacht-Master 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 44mm | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 17.7mm | 12.1mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue, bidirectional rotatable |
| Crystal | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 3900m / 12800ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3235 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oysterflex (elastomer with metal blade) |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock extension system | Oysterlock safety clasp |
| Lug Width | 22mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Rolex Deepsea leads in water resistance (3900m / 12800ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 opts for 18ct yellow gold. 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 Rolex Deepsea costs $375 versus $913 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 42. For water resistance, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Rolex Deepsea if you value a lower entry price, better value retention, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 if you prioritize the Rolex heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea or the Rolex Yacht-Master 42?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea is more accessible, priced at $15,200 compared to $36,500.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea currently trades at 8.6% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Rolex Yacht-Master 42 compare in size?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea measures 44mm in diameter and 17.7mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is 42mm by 12.1mm. Water resistance differs too: 3900m / 12800ft versus 100m / 330ft.