For the first time ever, Rolex introduces a new version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 made in RLX titanium and fitted on an Oyster bracelet
Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master 42 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 recognised by its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made entirely from precious metal or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic.
The new Yacht-Master 42 continues its legacy as a true ally of those seeking freedom of movement, highlighting the importance of lightweight materials in watchmaking. Especially suited to the demands and pressures of competitive sailing, it puts watchmaking excellence at the service of sporting performance.
RLX titanium, a particularly lightweight alloy with excellent corrosion-resistance properties and high mechanical strength, is used to make the Oyster case and bracelet on the Yacht-Master 42. The combination of polished, high-sheen and technical satin finishes illustrates the brand’s excellence in finishing techniques and is a feature of Rolex watches in RLX titanium. This extends to the middle case sides, the edges of the bracelet links and the sides of the clasp cover.
Together, they produce a subtle play of texture and light between the gleam of the polished crown guard, the high-sheen lustre on the top edges of the lugs, and the matt grain of the technical satin finish.
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On the new version of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium, the combination of polished and technical satin finishes produce a subtle blend of textures that capture light
The chamfered top edges of the middle case lugs sport a high-sheen finish, while the crown guard is polished. With its 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 white gold model that was unveiled in 2019.
The ceramic, in particular, is not just virtually scratchproof, it is also resistant to environmental effects. In addition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode, thanks to its chemical composition.
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The timepiece is graced with an intense black dial in a fine satin finish. It also offers the familiar aesthetics of the previous Yacht-Master collections. It also features the Chromalight display, an innovative and exclusive luminescent material with which they are filled or coated into the hour markers and hands that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions.
The new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium features a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic
Meanwhile, the Oyster bracelet has a technical satin finish carried over to the sides of the links and to the edges of the cover of the Oysterlock folding safety clasp. It is equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link that allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The bracelet also includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.
The Oyster bracelet features the Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension links
Similar to all Yacht-Master models since 2019, this new version is also equipped with calibre 3235, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2015.
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Calibre 3235 is a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the date as well as the hours, minutes and seconds. Calibre 3235 incorporates Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields.
Calibre 3235 is fitted in the Yacht-Master 42, providing unparalleled timekeeping
Calibre 3235 is also fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring offers stability when faced with temperature variations, as well as high resistance to shocks. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, adding on to the movement’s shock resistance.
With its barrel architecture and superior efficiency of the escapement, the power reserve for this timepiece extends to about 70 hours. The Yacht-Master carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures a time precision in the order of -2/+2 seconds a day, as well as being waterproof to a depth of about 100 metres.
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