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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

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Could The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Yellow Gold 226658 Be the Best of the Collection?

The luxurious high-end nautical spirit of the 42mm yacht-master shines through in solid yellow gold and sleek black matte touches..

Any Rolex fan worth his or her salt knows that the Submariner is the champion of the dive watch category , a lifelong companion for underwater adventures and your go-to model if you want to hint at a sporty, active lifestyle. However, what if you are looking for a Rolex that can handle more than a splash but hint at the luxury sailing yacht you’ve got docked in the marina? In this case, the Yacht-Master has got you covered, a tooled-down and dressed-up nautical sports watch that has finally detached itself from the sporty Submariner. Marking a first for the 42mm edition of the Yacht-Master, the latest reference introduced at Watches and Wonders 2022 now comes in a yellow gold case. Combined with the black Oysterflex bracelet and the sleek black ceramic insert on the bezel, the elegant Yacht-Master 42 reference 226658 is more in line with the high-end nautical spirit of the collection.

A “Class A” Yacht

Since Hans Wilsdorf introduced the Oyster in 1926, Rolex and waterproof watches have been synonymous. From the iconic Submariner  to professional deep-sea divers like the  Sea-Dweller , the sea and all things maritime are a natural habitat for Rolex’s robust tool watches. Rolex also enjoys a long-standing relationship with the world of sailing and has partnered with select yacht clubs around the world since the early 1950s. As the sponsor of prestigious regattas like the exciting Rolex Fastnet Race, the Crown even developed a watch, the Yacht-Master II, with a specific regatta countdown function for competitive sailors.

The introduction of the Yacht-Master in 1992 surprised and then failed to engage Rolex fans. It certainly looked like a Submariner, but it had been tooled down and dressed up in a solid gold case, characteristics that seemed at odds with the professional dive watch vocation of the Submariner. Although the similarities with the Submariner were evident, the water-resistance of the Yacht-Master was reduced from 300 to 100 metres and the luminous dot was removed from the bezel.

Without the useful regatta countdown function of the Yacht-Master II and its lower water-resistance, the Yacht-Master was positioned as a luxurious nautical watch – and the lifestyle associated with high-end nautical sports – designed to catch the eye of yacht owners, not deckhands or divers.

what’s in a name?

Obviously, the name chosen for the Yacht-Master wasn’t a random choice – nothing is random at Rolex – and clearly speaks to the potential profile of a yacht owner, not a deckhand.

Over the years the Yacht-Master has appeared in a mid-size 35mm men’s version and even a 29mm ladies’ model (1994). Today it exists in three sizes: 42, 40 and 37mm. However, it wasn’t until 1999 that the Yacht-Master really got the wind in its sails with a more contemporary monochrome colour scheme provided by a steel case and platinum Rolesium bezel (ref. 16622) and Oyster bracelet. Then in 2015, the Everose (ref.116655) introduced two major aesthetic updates: the bezel featuring a black ceramic insert and an unexpected black rubber Oysterflex strap introduced on board the Yacht-Master and now used on the Sky-Dweller and Cosmograph Daytona.

The contemporary black rubber strap and the matte ceramic insert were a winning move and clearly demarcated the Yacht-Master as a separate collection. Overnight, the 2015 Yacht-Master looked radically different from its full-metal counterparts, imparting a sleeker, more stylish and more modern vibe. In 2019, the standard 40mm case size for men was joined by a larger 42mm case in white gold , a diameter that differentiated it one step more from the 41mm Submariner Date. The handsome black-tie combination of white gold and matte black Yacht-Master worked well but we think that the latest mix of yellow gold and matte black details works even better.

The reason is simple: white gold can be confused with stainless steel and although the crisp contrast of the white and black is handsome, the yellow gold case broadcasts ‘luxury nautical watch’ with even more conviction.

Yellow gold case

Sharing the same specifications as the white gold model, the latest ref. 226658 differs in just one aspect: its solid 18k yellow gold case. Crafted from a solid block of 18k gold, the middle case is polished and the overall impression is one of elegance. Despite being the largest Yacht-Master, its tapered lugs and relatively slim height mean the watch sits broad and flat on the wrist and works well on smaller wrists (photographed here on Brice’s 16.5mm wrist).

The hallmark bidirectional rotating bezel has a matte black Cerachrom insert with raised and mirror-polished graduations and numerals. Cerachrom, a proprietary material developed and patented by Rolex, is a hard ceramic material that is virtually scratch-proof, corrosion-resistant and impervious to ultraviolet rays meaning it won’t fade over time. The ceramic is sandblasted to give it an attractive grainy texture and a more technical, contemporary finish.

The knurled yellow gold edge means the bezel has a good grip, and the hermetically screwed-down caseback with its fine fluting ensures that only Rolex watchmakers can access the movement. Like all Yacht-Masters, the case is endowed with a Triplock winding crown and the dial protected by a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock to consult the date.

The black lacquered dial, which reinforces the slick aesthetics of this Rolex Yacht-Master 42, features applied yellow gold hour markers (triangular, round and rectangular) that are treated with Rolex’s own luminescent material known as Chromalight that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark. The hallmark Mercedes hour hand, the minute and the central seconds hand with its round counterweight are also crafted in gold with the same luminescent treatment as the hour markers.

Calibre 3235

First introduced in 2015 to replace the long-serving calibre 3135, calibre 3235 is now Rolex’s flagship date-function movement and is protected by no fewer than 14 patents. The most significant innovation is the new Chronergy escapement. Made from anti-magnetic nickel-phosphorous, about half of the robust 70-hour power reserve can be attributed to the newly designed escapement. A Parachrom hairspring fitted on Paraflex shock absorbers, also insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature variations, offers ten times more precision than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. Calibre 3235 was the first movement to receive Rolex’s own certification as a Superlative Chronometer with a tolerance of just -2/+2 seconds a day (more stringent than COSC).

ThE Great Oysterflex Bracelet

The matte black elastomer strap that has become a distinctive feature of the Yacht-Master replicates the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with its hidden infrastructure of flexible and curved metal blades. It is, in our opinion, one of the most comfortable straps on the market today. The Oysterlock folding clasp in 18k yellow gold is fitted with a Glidelock extension system allowing for adjustments of 15mm without tools.

Some identities take longer to forge than others and Rolex is not exactly known for overnight makeovers. After thirty years, the Yacht-Master has finally consolidated its identity and is practically impossible to confuse with a Submariner today. Without a doubt, the black bezel and Oysterflex models create a slicker, smoother and more sophisticated character than the opulent two-tone Oystersteel and Everose gold . And although many will be attracted to the understated black-tie appeal of the white gold ref. 226659, the more dynamic combination of yellow gold and black captures the luxurious nautical spirit of the Yacht-Master perfectly. While I doubt that Rolex is a slave to fashion trends, the rise of yellow gold is undeniable along with the return of the hedonistic fashion and style that ruled the 1980s and 1990s. However, combined with the sandblasted black matte ceramic and the rubber bracelet, the potential for bling is contained and this 226658 conveys a sexy, contemporary attitude.

Availability & Price

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226658 in yellow gold retails for  EUR 26,700 . Availability is, as always with the brand, limited. More information at Rolex.com .

Technical specifications – Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Yellow Gold 226658

5 responses.

Thanks for the great in depth article. When it was first released in 2015 I loved it and if I had the funds back then would have bought it. There was a wait list of about 6-12 months which I put my name down and was offered one but still just couldn’t justify the expenditure. It’s still my favourite sports Rolex. I agree with you that if your spending that much the yellow or rose gold version is my preference and prefer 40mm size but to be fair haven’t tried on the 42mm. However It wouldn’t be my daily wear as it’s a bit bold but not as bling as other gold Rolexes due to the matt bezel and rubber strap. Now if only they released a steel version 🙂 but that would be more impossible to get on a wait list. Regards alternatives as all gold Yatchmasters are not obtainable from your AD. These are available and arguably much better made. First the Blancpain Bathyscape at 43mm a tad larger and thicker though. Then there is the superb Glashautte Original SeaQ. I have admired them for sometime but hesitated between the 39.5mm with the not great 40 hr power reserve and a solid back or the larger 43.2 mm which has an exhibition case back and 100 hour power reserve but quite thick. One day a preowned steel 39.5 mm SeaQ became available for a great savings. It took me 5 mins to pull the trigger. I currently own and have owned a lot of sports dive/skin watches and this is my favourite daily wear for som time now. The 39.5 x 12.15 thickness is perfect on my wrist and the finish is just superb. The power reserve is no big deal as it’s worn continuously. PS they have just released a 39.5 mm rose gold version with an exhibition case back. Glashutte also offer excellent strap options.

When I bought a Yacht-Master (40 mm, with a platinum white dial) around 2009, I was still trying out the Daytona and Submariner with a green bezel. Finally, the choice fell on a watch with platinum. Those were beautiful times!

I really like the look, but I can’t mentally justify the increased price over other rolex watches, like the 126622 at $12k. Over $14k more for a more expensive gold case, but cheaper rubber strap and ceramic bezel?

I think people should stop reviewing Rolex watches since these are available for public anymore.

My grandpa would like it.

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• Yacht-Master 42

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold M226658-0001

All prices are Rolex’s suggested retail price before applicable taxes. The suggested price can be modified at any time without notice.

All prices are Rolex's suggested retail prices inclusive of V.A.T. Prices can be modified at any time without notice.

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Please contact us or visit your nearest Tourneau location for information and pricing of this timepiece.

Prices can be modified at any time without notice.

Model availability

The Yacht-Master’s new Oysterflex bracelet, developed and patented by Rolex, offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets. The bracelet attaches to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade. The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is particularly resistant to environmental effects, very durable and perfectly inert for the wearer of the watch. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and fitted with an 18 kt yellow gold Oysterlock safety clasp. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed and patented by the brand. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm, without the use of tools.

By operating its own exclusive foundry, Rolex has the unrivalled ability to cast the highest quality 18 kt gold alloys. According to the proportion of silver, copper, platinum or palladium added, different types of 18 kt gold are obtained: yellow, pink or white. They are made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, before the gold is formed and shaped with the same painstaking attention to quality. Rolex's commitment to excellence begins at the source.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background. This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

All Rolex watches are assembled by hand with the utmost care to ensure exceptional quality. Such high standards naturally restrict Rolex production capacity and, at times, the demand for Rolex watches outpaces this capacity.

Therefore, the availability of certain models may be limited. New Rolex watches are exclusively sold by Official Rolex Jewelers, who receive regular deliveries and independently manage the allocation and sales of watches to customers.

Tourneau I Bucherer is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers and can provide information on the availability of Rolex watches.

Light and robust, the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is the ally of those seeking freedom of movement. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.

The Yacht-Master 42 is the second watch in RLX titanium released by Rolex after the Oyster Per-petual Deepsea Challenge, confirming that light-ness is a quality to be taken seriously.

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.css-1obzumv{font-weight:700;font-size:clamp(1.875rem, 1.25rem + 1.5625vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:1.1;}.css-1obzumv:lang(th){line-height:1.5;} Yacht-Master 42 .css-18uwo57{font-size:clamp(1.125rem, 1.0625rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.6;font-weight:300;line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-18uwo57 span{display:block;} Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold Reference 226658

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Stay the course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in 18 kt yellow gold with a black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet.

The oysterflex bracelet, highly resistant and durable.

The Yacht-Master’s new Oysterflex bracelet, developed by Rolex and patented, offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets. The bracelet attaches to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade.

The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is particularly resistant to environmental effects, very durable and perfectly inert for the wearer of the watch. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and fitted with an 18 kt Yellow gold Oysterlock safety clasp. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm, without the use of tools.

18 kt yellow gold

Commitment to excellence.

By operating its own exclusive foundry, Rolex has the unrivalled ability to cast the highest quality 18 kt gold alloys. According to the proportion of silver, copper, platinum or palladium added, different types of 18 kt gold are obtained: yellow, pink or white.

They are made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, before the gold is formed and shaped with the same painstaking attention to quality. Rolex's commitment to excellence begins at the source.

Bidirectional Rotatable Bezel

Timing the distance.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.

This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Exceptional legibility

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   226658

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Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

18 kt Yellow gold

Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master 42

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