The watch industry has dramatically evolved over the years and will continue to change according to the world’s priorities and conditions. However, few things seem everlasting and immune to weakness. And one of them is the elite Swiss watchmaker, Rolex. Rolex watches have today become one of the most coveted items in the world.
And one of the watch collections that are among the most recognisable is the Rolex Yacht-Master. Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master is one of the youngest sports watches from Rolex. However, this collection may be pretty confusing to many, including those who are well-familiar to all Yacht-Master references.
Like the Explorer line, the Yacht-Master lineup also includes a standard Yacht-Master watch and a Yacht-Master II that features a 44mm case diameter and a regatta timer complication.
However, when it comes to simple time-and-date versions, the watch is today available in three case sizes – 42mm, 40mm, and 37mm. Rolex offered the Yacht-Master in different metal configurations like platinum and steel, all Everose gold, and Everose gold and steel. Last year at Baselworld 2019, the brand unveiled a completely white gold Yacht-Master 42 version as the Reference 226659.
Continue reading to explore five facts that you should know about the latest Rolex Yacht-Master 42 watch.
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- It features an extra-large case size
Rolex introduced the latest Yacht-Master 42 edition, offering a 42mm case. And it is the biggest Yacht-Master ever produced.
However, it is significant to keep note that the Rolex Yacht-Master II indeed features a 44mm case. But it is an entirely different timepiece.
Nevertheless, the largest case size in the Yacht-Master collection before the debut of Reference 226659 was 40mm.
However, Rolex offered the Yacht-Master initially in 29mm and 35mm editions; although the 37mm version replaced them after a few years.
Thus, the current Rolex Yacht-Master collection includes a medium 37mm model, a big 40mm version and a bigger 42mm model.
- It is exclusively made of white gold
The Reference 226659 is the ever first Yacht-Master model to be made in white gold. The more interesting fact is that this Yacht-Master 42 watch is available only in that metal case (to date).
- The watch sports a screw-down winding crown and a screw-down case-back, thereby making it water-resistant up to 100m (330ft).
- In the Yacht-Master’s history, the brand has offered the model in other gold editions too such as in Everose gold and yellow gold.
However, it is the first time that Rolex forged out its signature luxurious sailing timepiece in 18ct white gold.
- It flaunts a black ceramic bezel
The current Rolex Yacht-Master 42 features a contrasting black ceramic bezel, framing the white gold case.
- However, the bezel comes in different finishes like other Yacht-Master watch bezels.
- This ceramic bezel flaunts polished raised graduations and numerals on a matte black background.
Moreover, like other Yacht-Master bezels, it is also rotatable and marked up to 60minutes that helps to track elapsed times.
- It is available in only one bracelet option
Rolex equipped the Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659 with a black Oysterflex rubber strap, and it is the only bracelet option for this version (for now).
The Oysterflex bracelet made its debut in 2015 with the then-new Yacht-Master in Everose gold. However, this bracelet is not like any other ordinary rubber strap.
- The Rolex’s signature Oysterflex bracelet comes with a metal blade at its core that offers better shape withholding.
- It is coated in the black elastomer.
- Now, this is the reason that the watchmaker insists on referring the Oysterflex to as a bracelet rather than a strap.
- Furthermore, the bracelet is fitted with a deployment clasp in white gold.
Thus, together with a black dial, black bezel, black bracelet and contrasting white gold case, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 looks exceptionally appealing.
- The Calibre 3235 movement powers it
The current Rolex Yacht-Master 42 watch houses the brand’s newest generation Calibre 3235 movement. The watch features the customary date aperture at 3 o’clock with Cyclops lens for magnifying the date by 2.5times.
However, this automatic movement offers power reserve up to 70hours. The Calibre 3235 is a COSC-certified movement that boasts a frequency of -2/+2 seconds/day.
Overall, the 42mm white gold case, black ceramic bezel along with a black rubber bracelet make the Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659 watch a quintessential Rolex with a sporty and ultra-luxurious appeal.