Premiered in 1992, the Yacht-Master then, as now, is Rolex’s vision of a nautical watch. The last addition was introduced in 2019 in a new 42mm white gold case. The fleet is now joined by a yellow gold execution.
The new version, like the original model, is distinguished by a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in matte black ceramic. Its raised graduations and numerals are molded into the ceramic and then polished. The crucial first 15 minutes are graduated individually to allow time intervals to be read with great precision.
The dial benefits from an optimized Chromalight display. The hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a new luminescent material that guarantees a longer-lasting intense glow. In daylight, these elements also have a brighter white hue. The new version of the Yacht-Master 42 sets sail in a 42mm Oyster case that is water-resistant to 100 meters. Its middle part is crafted from a solid block of 18k yellow gold.
Inside ticks the self-winding caliber 3235 that was introduced in 2015. It features all the noble elements, fans of the brand appreciate, such as the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability, and the highly shock resistant blue Parachrom hairspring. It goes without saying that the movement bears the Superlative Chronometer certification defined by Rolex in 2015 in addition to a C.O.S.C. chronometer certificate.
The new 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex, it is made up of flexible, curved metal blades over-molded with high-performance black elastomer, a material that is particularly resistant to environmental effects and very durable.
The Oysterflex bracelet comes with a Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18k yellow gold and the Rolex Glidelock extension system that allows to adjust the length up to 15 mm without the use of any tools.
The new Yacht-Master 42 retails for $28,300.
To learn more, visit Rolex, here.