The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master 42 is proof that versatile tool watches do look handsome on the wrist.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master range, including the new Yacht-master 42, is proof that versatile tool watches do look handsome on one’s wrist
In the realm of professional sports watches, Rolex’s stable of iconic models, including the Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Submariner, are the most desired around the world. The brand set a high standard for functional watches in the 1950s and maintains that benchmark to this day.
When it comes to seafaring pieces, the watch connoisseur is spoilt for choice. Its most famous, the Submariner that was launched in 1954, was joined by the Oyster Perpetual Sea‑dweller in 1967, making Rolex the go-to brand for watches that could endure the rigours of diving and appeal to deep‑sea divers—both professional and recreational.
In 1992, Rolex unveiled what would become the third pillar in its nautical world. Unlike the aforementioned collections, and as its name suggests, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master was made for the stylish set traversing the open seas on a yacht deck rather than in a wetsuit. The first Yacht-master Ref 16628 resembled a Submariner. And although both were close in terms of design and sizing, there was one key difference—that Yacht-master had a yellow gold case with a matching bracelet.
While it might have seemed unconventional for one of the Rolex Professional watches—the brand’s range of functional watches designed for specific activities—to be
“THE OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 42 CERTAINLY FULFILS THE ESSENCE OF EVERY ROLEX PROFESSIONAL TIMEPIECE—A TOOL WATCH THAT GETS THE JOB DONE, EVEN WHEN DRESSED IN THE FINEST OF FINERY”
clad in gold, the idea itself was not necessarily new. Having released solid gold Submariners such as the Ref 1680 in 1969 and the blue-dialled variant in the 1970s, Rolex understood the demand for such “contradictory” tool watches with a luxury twist.
The Yacht-master range soon came to embody that style “contradiction” and served as a testing ground of sorts for some of Rolex’s most covetable innovations, both in materials or patents. For instance, Rolesium, its proprietary alloy of platinum and stainless steel, debuted on this very model in 1999. Then in 2007, the watchmaker introduced the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master II, boasting its patented programmable regatta countdown chronograph. Most recently in 2015, the Yacht-master became the first Rolex watch with the innovative Oysterflex bracelet, which attaches to the watch case and Oysterlock safety clasp with a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
The Oysterflex bracelet is now available for certain Yacht-master models, with this year’s Yacht‑master 42 being the latest. Eschewing an over-the-top look for something surprisingly staid, the new Yacht‑master 42 is the epitome of subtle luxury. Its monochromatic look—a white gold case with a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60min graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in matte black ceramic, and a black dial along with a black Oysterflex bracelet—is a first for the Yacht-master range.
Measuring 42mm wide, the watch is the largest Yacht-master yet, second only to the Yacht-master II that has always been at 44mm. Rolex has increased the Yacht‑master 42’s functionality, equipping it with the calibre 3235, one of the brand’s most current movements built for superlative performance, the new Chronergy escapement and the Parachrom hairspring.
With such stately and dignified aesthetics, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master 42 certainly fulfils the essence of every Rolex Professional timepiece—a tool watch that gets the job done, even when dressed in the finest of finery.