Rolex Yachtmaster White Gold Guide | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

In its relatively short history, the Rolex Yacht-Master has become one of the most varied collections among Rolex sport watches. With a mix of metal configurations, a myriad of dial designs, and sizes made for men and women, the nautical luxury watch has collectors spoilt for choice.

The range expanded further in 2019 with the introduction of the Rolex Yacht-Master ref 226659. The 42 millimeter, 18k white gold model may have added to the array of already wide choices for the Yachtmaster, but it is at the same time the purest expression of the model.

Here are three great reasons to add the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 to your collection.

1. It features a couple of firsts for the Yacht-Master.

Rolex Yachtmaster 42 White Gold ref 226659

At first glance, the Yacht-Master 42 may not look like a new addition to the line, given its close resemblance to 2015’s Everose Yacht-Master. However, it actually introduced several firsts for the Yacht-Master line.

It’s the first time-and-date Yacht-Master to come in 42mm, thus offering a larger option for those who still find the 40mm too conservative. This also makes it the largest model of the Yacht-Master yet.

Also for the first time in the Rolex Yacht-Master’s history, the case is made in solid 18k white gold straight out of Rolex’s foundry. One can assume that this is a move to further separate it from its other look-alike, the Rolex Submariner.

2. It’s the epitome of understated luxury.

Rolex Yachtmaster 42 White Gold (right) with Rolex Yachtmaster 40 Everose Gold

When the Yacht-Master was launched in 1992, it was regarded as a luxurious nautical watch — a statement piece meant to be worn while sailing, yachting or lounging on the decks of yachts. Unlike Rolex’s dive watches, the focus was not on its usability as a tool (although it comes in the robust Oyster case), but rather on its luxury and aesthetics.

Its first model was done in solid 18k yellow gold, with more refined and rounded aesthetics than the Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller; and with opulent touches like large raised mirror-polished numerals on the bezel and gold surrounds on the hour markers.

Rolex Yachtmaster 42 White Gold with Rolex Yachtmaster 40 Everose Gold

In 2015, the Everose Yacht-Master introduced major aesthetic updates: a black ceramic bezel insert and the rubber ‘Oysterflex’ strap. The rose gold version was more dramatic with its contrasting rich red gold case and matte black features.

The texture play that we saw in the Everose Yacht-Master continues with the Yacht-Master 42, but in a more subdued color scheme. The white gold case is luxurious, substantial and yet robust; the matte black ceramic bezel feels very contemporary, and the Oysterflex bracelet is comfortable and versatile. All these make it the perfect “stealth wealth” watch — the choice of someone who wants a versatile and low-key Rolex.

3. It has Rolex’s best time-and-date movement yet.

Rolex Calibre 3235

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is powered by the new generation automatic movement developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex: the Calibre 3235. This replaced the long serving Calibre 3135 as Rolex’s flagship date feature movement and is protected by no less than 14 patents.

With the Calibre 3235 in place, the Yacht-Master 42 has a beefy 70-hour power reserve that is attributed to the movement’s new Chronergy escapement. It also has the Parachrom hairspring that offers 10 times more precision than the traditional hairspring. Calibre 3235 was also the first movement to receive Rolex’s certification as a Superlative Chronometer, and is regulated to a precision of an astounding -2/+2 seconds a day.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 not only answers the call for larger watches, it also makes for a comfortable and robust tool watch that’s sleek enough to wear for formal events. With its versatility and elegance, the Yacht-Master 42 is flying off the shelves fast. Get yours today at SwissWatchExpo.

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