Rolex GMT-Master II vs Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features
Key Differences
Price Comparison
| Specification | Rolex GMT-Master II | Rolex Yacht-Master 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $10,750 | $12,400 |
| New Price | $21,000 | $17,613 |
| Used Price (Low) | $16,800 | $12,704 |
| Used Price (High) | $23,340 | $17,245 |
| 30-Day Trend | ↑ +3.3% | ↓ -1.3% |
| Used Price Range | $16,800 - $23,340 | $12,704 - $17,245 |
| Identity | ||
| Reference | 126710BLNR | 126622 |
| Nickname | N/A | N/A |
| Style | Sports, Luxury | Sports, Luxury |
| Release Era | 2010s | 2010s |
| Dimensions | ||
| Diameter | 40mm | 40mm |
| Thickness | 12.1mm | 11.5mm |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm | 47.5mm |
| Movement | ||
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve / Battery | N/A | N/A |
| Accuracy | N/A | N/A |
| Case | ||
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance | 100m (recreational diving) | 100m (recreational diving) |
| Bezel | Bidirectional 24-hour | bidirectional rotating |
| Dial | ||
| Dial Color | Black | slate |
| Luminous | Yes | Yes |
| Community | ||
| Review Rating | N/A | N/A |
| In Collections | N/A | N/A |
| On Wishlists | N/A | N/A |
| Forum Threads | N/A | N/A |
Quick Summary
Rolex GMT-Master II and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 can look close on a spec sheet, yet the tradeoffs that matter most are usually fit, features, and current pricing. They both touch the sports and luxury use case, so smaller spec differences can matter more than brand preference.
How to choose
The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.
Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex GMT-Master II is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, sports styling.
Rolex Yacht-Master 40
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, sports styling.
Key Differences
Movement and upkeep
Rolex GMT-Master II: automatic movement
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: automatic movement
Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.
Size and wearability
Rolex GMT-Master II: 40mm · L2L 48mm
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: 40mm · L2L 47.5mm
Their size profiles are relatively close, so fit comes down to shape, weight, and how each watch sits on your wrist.
Water resistance
Rolex GMT-Master II: 100m
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: 100m
Water resistance is similar on paper, so focus on fit, features, and price instead.
Price and value
Rolex GMT-Master II: $10,750
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: $12,400
These two often land in a similar price band — which usually means fit, features, and current deal quality matter more than the sticker price.
Style and use case
Rolex GMT-Master II: sports
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: sports
Both lean into a similar sports use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.
Crystal and materials
Rolex GMT-Master II: sapphire crystal · steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40: sapphire crystal · steel
Materials are broadly similar, so finish, fit, and price will matter more than the materials list alone.
Choose Rolex GMT-Master II If...
- Its fit, feature mix, and price align better with your daily use.
Choose Rolex Yacht-Master 40 If...
- Its fit, feature mix, and price align better with your daily use.
Price and Value Notes
Rolex GMT-Master II usually offers the lower entry price — confirm current listings because marketplace pricing can move quickly.
These two often land in a similar price band — which usually means fit, features, and current deal quality matter more than the sticker price.
Where to Check Deals
Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.
Check current deals on Amazon and eBay
Prices change often, so compare the latest listings and condition options before you buy.
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Rolex GMT-Master II
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Rolex Yacht-Master 40
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Comparison FAQ
Which one is better for smaller wrists?
Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.
Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?
Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.
Should I choose based on price alone?
Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.
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Rolex GMT-Master II
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Rolex Yacht-Master 40
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