The moment we all waited for: This year's Rolex innovations are official. With the Yacht-Master 42, Rolex has not only succeeded in providing the element of surprise, but also in creating a big hit. We have already witnessed the watch in person and gained some first live impressions!
Baselworld 2019: Rolex Yacht-Master 42 - The fair highlight?
The new Face of the Yacht Master Collection
Traditionally, Rolex innovations are awaited with the greatest excitement. Wednesday at 12 PM CET, it was finally time for Rolex to lift the curtain. While some new releases are already in the pipeline, the new Yacht-Master 42 (reference 226659) is a successful surprise.
The case of the model has grown by two millimetres to 42 millimetres. In contrast to the previous Yacht-Master models, which mainly have metal wristbands, the new Yacht-Master 42 has an Oysterflex rubber wristband. As with the Yacht-Master in Everose-Gold, the strap extends all the way to the case. Since the strap has a light reinforcement on the lower side, it is extremely comfortable to wear. Due to the slightly larger diameter, the maxi dots on the dial have also grown.
The bezel is typical of the Yacht Master, rotatable in both directions and made of matt black ceramic. The dark grey colouring of the bezel ensures a harmonious interplay between the gleaming black dial and the characteristic shimmering white gold case. While the other watches in the Yacht-Master collection have coloured highlights - either in red or blue – on the dial, Rolex has kept the appearance of the new Yacht-Master 42 simple and elegant – with white writing on the glossy black dial.
18 Carat White Gold and new Calibre
The case and buckle of the new Yacht-Master 42 are made of 18-carat white gold. Despite the rubber strap, the heavy material gives the watch a pleasant haptic that looks high-quality. Speaking of clasp: the watch is equipped with a Glidelock clasp that allows comfortable fine adjustment in 2.5 millimetre increments.
As with all other Rolex innovations, the Yacht-Master 42 also features a new-generation calibre - the crown between the Swiss Made lettering at six o'clock indicates this. Calibre 3235 has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, a blue parachrom spiral and the new chronergy escapement.
Conclusion: The new Classic?
With the Yacht-Master 42, Rolex presented a grandiose innovation in Basel. It's simple yet characteristic appearance lends the watch what it takes to become a classic. Available now in our shop!
