W&W 2022 Rolex Oyster Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226658

A new jewel shines on the surface of the sea: for the first time, the Yacht-Master 42 is available in yellow gold – an inspired and original refinement to the emblematic sailing timepiece that in no way alters its course. Rolex is presenting a new version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42. 

From now on, the nautical watch is also available in 18 ct yellow gold, after having been offered uniquely in 18 ct white gold. The new version, which, like the original model, includes a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a Cerachrom insert with a raised graduation as well as the innovative Oysterflex bracelet, benefits from an optimized Chromalight display. The hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a new luminescent material, exclusive to Rolex, that guarantees a longer-lasting intense glow. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.

The new version of the Yacht-Master 42 is equipped with calibre 3235, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

The CALL of the open seas

Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers. Embodying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s, this Professional-category watch provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water. An emblematic nautical timepiece, it is easily recognized by its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic.

High-technology ceramic

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the hightech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.

On the new version of the Yacht-Master 42, the bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic. Its raised graduations and numerals are first moulded into the ceramic and then polished. The first 15 minutes are graduated minute-by-minute to allow time intervals to be read with great precision. The bezel can also be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.

The Oyster case, symbol of waterproofness

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 42 mm Oyster case of the new Yacht-Master 42 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case.

The crystal, which is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an antireflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.

Perpetual calibre 3235

The new version of the Yacht-Master 42 is equipped with calibre 3235, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2015 and has been fitted on this model since its launch in 2019. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 3235 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.

Oysterflex bracelet and Oysterlock safety clasp

The new 18 ct yellow gold Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, which singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. Developed by Rolex and patented, this innovative bracelet is made up of flexible, curved metal blades overmoulded with highperformance black elastomer, a material that is particularly resistant to environmental effects and very durable. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions.

The Oysterflex bracelet on this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 is equipped with the Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct yellow gold, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, which was designed by the brand and patented. This particularly inventive mechanism comprises a rack located under the clasp cover and a toothed sliding link that locks into the chosen notch. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the length of the bracelet to be adjusted easily, and without tools, up to some 15 mm.

Technical specifications

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

Reference: 226658

Case

• Material: 18 ct yellow gold
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Bezel: 18 ct yellow gold, bidirectional rotatable
• 60-minute graduated monobloc Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic; polished, raised graduations and numerals, first 15 minutes graduated minute-by-minute
• Glass: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating
• Winding crown: Triplock in 18 ct yellow gold, screw-down, triple waterproofness system
• Caseback: 18 ct yellow gold, solid, screw-down with fine fluting
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• Black lacquer
• Hour markers in 18 ct yellow gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
• Hands in 18 ct yellow gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)

Movement

• Calibre 3235, Manufacture Rolex
• Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring.
• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
• Number of jewels: 31 
• Frequency: 28,000 vph (4Hz)
• Power reserve of 70 hours

Functions/Indications

• Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
• Instantaneous date at 3 o’clock with secure rapid-setting
• Stop-seconds for exact time setting

Strap and buckle

• Oysterflex
• Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer
• Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct yellow gold
• Rolex Glidelock extension system (approx. 15 mm in increments of approx. 2.5 mm)

MSRP: EUR 26'700

For more information, please visit rolex.com