There are few sports as visually arresting - or as technologically advanced - as SailGP.
The global sailing league pits national teams against one another in cutting-edge F50 foiling catamarans, capable of reaching speeds over 60 km/h as they seemingly fly above the water. It’s Formula 1 on the ocean, and like any elite sport where victory is measured in fractions of a second, precision timing is essential.
That’s where Rolex comes in. As a long-standing patron of the sailing world, Rolex’s involvement with SailGP isn’t just about brand visibility - it’s a continuation of a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, innovation, and adventure.
Rolex’s connection to the sailing world is as deep as the oceans the brand’s watches were built to conquer. With a history stretching back to the 1950s, Rolex has partnered with some of the most prestigious regattas globally - the Rolex Fastnet Race, Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, among others.
But Rolex isn’t just present at the finish line. It’s on the wrists of the sailors, in the start box countdowns, and in the DNA of the sport. Why? Because when precision and reliability matter, Rolex is the name professionals trust.
In the Rolex lineup, two watches in particular speak directly to the world of competitive sailing: the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II.
Rolex Yacht-Master
Originally launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master blends luxury and utility. Its bi-directional rotatable bezel, highly legible Chromalight display, and robust Oyster case make it as suitable for sea spray as it is for the clubhouse. Available in Rolesor (steel and gold), Everose, and platinum variants, it’s become a go-to choice for those who want nautical flair without sacrificing elegance.
Sizes: 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm
Water resistance: 100 metres
Movements: Caliber 2236 or 3235 depending on the size
The Yacht-Master isn’t a tool watch in the strictest sense - but it’s certainly a sailor’s watch.
Rolex Yacht-Master II
This is where Rolex’s horological innovation meets real-world racing. The Yacht-Master II features a programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory - specifically designed for regatta start sequences. The Ring Command bezel interacts directly with the movement, allowing skippers to sync their countdown to the official race start - something absolutely vital in high-stakes sailing events like SailGP.
Size: 44mm
Movement: Caliber 4161
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water resistance: 100 metres
While the watch might appear complex, it’s intuitive once mastered - like the best racing tech.
SailGP races are often decided by margins of seconds or even milliseconds. Skippers must know when to accelerate, when to gybe, and when to hit the start line - all without being a second early or late. Rolex’s reputation for chronometric precision aligns perfectly with this need.
Though SailGP uses advanced digital timekeeping systems, the symbolism of Rolex’s precision remains powerful. For many in the sport, wearing a Rolex Yacht-Master or Submariner isn’t just about status - it’s about a connection to tradition, precision, and performance.
While the Yacht-Master is the brand’s most sailing-specific watch, several other Rolex models are often seen on the wrists of skippers and crew alike:
Submariner – Originally made for diving, the Submariner’s robustness and waterproofness make it a reliable companion for seafarers.
Sea-Dweller – With its deeper water resistance and tool-watch design, it’s often worn by sailors who like their watches a bit more rugged.
Explorer II – For sailors involved in long-distance races across time zones, the GMT-style functionality offers a practical benefit.
Many SailGP team members - past and present - have been spotted wearing these models during training sessions, press events, or celebrations.
Both SailGP and Rolex share a commitment to pushing boundaries. SailGP is a carbon-neutral competition, backed by the Impact League, which rewards teams for sustainability efforts. Rolex, too, has committed itself to environmental stewardship through its Perpetual Planet initiative, partnering with marine scientists and explorers to protect the oceans.
From a technological perspective, SailGP’s data-driven racing experience mirrors Rolex’s own pursuit of mechanical innovation - from the Parachrom hairspring to the Chronergy escapement.
Whether you're standing at the helm of an F50 or timing the tides from a regatta club, the importance of accuracy and reliability can't be overstated. That’s what makes Rolex and SailGP such a natural pairing. Both represent the pinnacle of human ingenuity - where sport meets science, and tradition meets tomorrow.
So the next time you see a foiling catamaran streak across a harbor with split-second precision, think of the movement that might be ticking on the wrist of its skipper. More often than not, it’s a Rolex - a name that has mastered both land and sea.
If you’re searching for the perfect sailing watch, let BQ Watches steer you toward a luxury pre-owned Rolex. From the Yacht-Master to the Sea-Dweller, we’ve got every model worth dropping anchor for.
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