As per usual, every year speculation is rife about what Rolex will introduce and this year was no different. The Yacht-Master has always been the more versatile sibling of the Submariner, in my humble opinion, and has never been a piece of interest to me – until a few years ago when Rolex introduced the new 37mm and 40mm models on an Oysterflex bracelet. That said, the latest addition to the Yacht-Master line-up has been welcomed with open arms. This year Rolex introduced the new 42mm Yacht-Master in RLX titanium, though at first glance when I first saw it at Watches and Wonders this year, I wasn’t overly impressed but after seeing and holding it in the metal, it brought about a modest smile across my face.
This is the first time this nautical timepiece is being introduced in RLX titanium – a particularly strong, yet lightweight alloy, which has been fitted to an Oyster bracelet. The new version stands out for its technical satin finish – a satin finish with a visible grain, a feature of Rolex watches in RLX titanium – which extends to the middle case sides, the edges of the bracelet links and the sides of the clasp cover, giving it a military look. However, the chamfered top edges of the middle case lugs have a high-sheen finish, while the crown guard is polished.
The new RLX titanium Yacht-Master features a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic featuring raised and polished numerals and graduations, the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium remains faithful to the aesthetics of the original model, unveiled in 2019. It is graced with an intense black dial in a fine satin finish, and its Oyster bracelet is equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link. The 42 mm Oyster case of the new Yacht-Master 42 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case is crafted from a solid block of RLX titanium and features a Triplock winding crown, providing extra waterproofness.
Because it is Rolex, everything must be done the “Rolex Way” and so the titanium used is no ordinary titanium. RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy specially selected by Rolex. Like all titanium alloys, it is especially lightweight and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Another characteristic of RLX titanium is the possibility of working it to give a polished or satin finish according to the brand’s specifications. Its high mechanical strength makes it complex to work with, and the decision to use it has required the introduction of special production processes.
The 42mm Yacht-Master is equipped with the in-house self-winding calibre 3235 and like all of Rolex movements, is chronometer certified and boast a power reserve of 70 hours. The calibre 3235 makes use of a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy, as well as a Chronergy escapement, which offers greater resistance to magnetic fields, inherently making it more accurate. As you may be well aware by now, all current Rolex movements are COSC certified but Rolex themselves carry out further testing with the movements cased and simulate daily wear, with even stricter tolerances, making sure deviation is no more than +/- 2 seconds per day. I must say, it would be interesting to see if Rolex ever develop their own certification as other watch brands have done over the years?
The new 42mm Titanium Yacht-Master, will retail for £11,800. For more information on the new Yacht-Master, visit rolex.com.
You might also like
