Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master for people who preferred the deck to the boardroom. But like many of the brand’s best ideas, it ended up being worn everywhere else.

This reference 68628 from 1997 shows why. The 35 mm case, crafted entirely from 18 k yellow gold, strikes that rare equilibrium between substance and comfort. It has the heft you expect from solid gold, yet it wears with an ease that surprises most first-time owners.

The white dial gives the watch a clean, balanced look. The applied gold markers and hands catch light just enough to break the matte calm, while the red “Yacht-Master” text adds a quiet touch of color that ties the design back to sea and speed. The engraved bezel isn’t there for show (or is it? Yup, actually I’m pretty sure it is but whatever); it gives the case dimension, weight, and a sense of function.

Beating inside is the caliber 2135. Not the stuff of collector folklore, but it’s been doing exactly what it’s supposed to since 1997 and probably will long after the rest of us are out of warranty.

And if you agree that subtle gold happens to look even better in pairs, you’ll be pleased to know we’re also offering its 40 mm counterpart, the ref. 16628. So whether you’re into his & hers, his & his, or hers & hers; the sea doesn’t care.