Rolex Submariner Date vs Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Ref. M126613LB-0002 vs Ref. M136668LB-0001
Comparing the Rolex Submariner Date to the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At $17,550 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
Submariner Date
Rolex
Yacht-Master 42
At retail, the Rolex Submariner Date is listed at $17,550 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 comes in at $36,500. The Rolex Submariner Date comes in at $18,950 less — more than half the price difference — making it a significantly more accessible option. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Submariner Date trades around $18,500 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 around $38,325, a difference of $19,825 favoring the Rolex Submariner Date. Trading at 5% 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 Submariner Date | Rolex Yacht-Master 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.5mm | 12.1mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold | 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue, bidirectional rotatable |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1000ft | 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 in Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold | Oysterflex (elastomer with metal blade) |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system | Oysterlock safety clasp |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Submariner Date uses Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 opts for 18ct yellow 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 Submariner Date costs $451 versus $913 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 42. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner Date delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Submariner Date offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 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 Submariner Date or the Rolex Yacht-Master 42?
The Rolex Submariner Date is more accessible, priced at $17,550 compared to $36,500.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner Date currently trades at 5.4% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Submariner Date and Rolex Yacht-Master 42 compare in size?
The Rolex Submariner Date measures 41mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is 42mm by 12.1mm. Water resistance differs too: 300m / 1000ft versus 100m / 330ft.