The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126679SABR-0001 takes the unmistakable character of the Yacht-Master and elevates it into the realm of high jewelry. First introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master was conceived as Rolex’s luxurious nautical-inspired professional watch, and this exceptional gem-set creation pushes that concept to an entirely different level. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the 40mm timepiece combines Rolex’s renowned sporting heritage with an exuberant palette of precious stones. Collectors have affectionately nicknamed this rare configuration the “Cotton Candy”, reflecting its playful combination of pink and blue sapphires.

The centerpiece of the watch is its spectacular gem-set bezel, which transforms the traditional Yacht-Master aesthetic into a vibrant jewelry statement. The rotatable bezel is set with alternating square-cut pink and blue sapphires and diamonds, creating a distinctive candy-colored effect. The 40mm white-gold case is complemented by diamond-set lugs and crown guards, adding further brilliance to the design. In contrast, the glossy black lacquer dial maintains a more restrained appearance, featuring applied hour markers, a triangular marker at 12 o’clock and Rolex’s signature Mercedes-style hands. Luminous details enhance readability, while the date display at 3 o’clock is magnified by the familiar Cyclops lens over the sapphire crystal.

Completing the luxurious yet sporty design is Rolex’s black Oysterflex strap, combining the flexibility and comfort of high-performance rubber with the sophisticated character expected from a Yacht-Master. The strap wraps comfortably around the wrist and is secured by a folding Oysterlock safety clasp, providing a reliable and secure fit. Its understated black finish also creates a deliberate contrast with the colorful gemstone bezel and brilliant white-gold case, allowing the stones to remain the visual focus of the watch.

Inside the closed case back beats Rolex’s self-winding Caliber 3235, a modern automatic movement engineered for precision, reliability, and everyday performance. The movement provides hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, reflecting Rolex’s stringent standards for accuracy. The screw-down crown and robust construction contribute to the watch’s 100-meter water resistance, preserving its connection to the Yacht-Master’s nautical heritage despite its high-jewelry character. The result is a timepiece that combines sophisticated mechanics with the practicality expected from a Rolex sports watch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126679SABR-0001 “Cotton Candy” is ultimately a striking expression of Rolex’s ability to merge technical watchmaking with extravagant gem-setting. Its 18-karat white-gold case, colorful sapphire-and-diamond bezel, understated black dial, and Oysterflex strap create a balance between playfulness and sophistication. Rare, distinctive, and unmistakably luxurious, this Yacht-Master stands apart as a high-jewelry interpretation of one of Rolex’s most recognizable nautical watches.

 

Reference No. 126679SABR