Baselworld 2019: Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

A lot of people were expecting some type of update to the Yacht-Master collection, but not necessarily this. New for Baselworld 2019, Rolex has unveiled a larger version of the Yacht-Master – exclusively offered in white gold, and fitted with a black ceramic bezel insert and a black Oysterflex bracelet. There’s quite a bit to look at here, so let’s jump on in and take a closer look at the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659.

Another Yacht-Master on an Oysterflex Bracelet

This is the watch that Rolex had teased in that super short video that showed three angles of a watch. Given the success of the Everose Yacht-Master with the ceramic bezel and Oysterflex strap that was released several years ago, it only made sense for Rolex to release one in a different metal option. However rather than just offering the same watch with a different case material, Rolex has redesigned the entire watch, while still adhering to a very similar overall aesthetic.

The new reference 226659 Yacht-Master 42 very much resembles the Everose Yacht-Master on the Oysterflex bracelet; however the larger case and the absence of the warm pink tones of the Everose gold give it a bolder and more masculine overall appearance. The Yacht-Master 42 is essentially the bigger, slightly more understated version of the Oysterflex Yacht-Master that a lot of people have been asking for since the Everose version was first unveiled several years ago.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

The same Yacht-Master case shape and all-black Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert are still present, but rather than being 40mm and craft from Everose pink gold, the new reference 226659 Rolex Yacht-Master 42 has a case that measures 42mm in diameter (as its name might suggest); however this time, the case is craft from 18k white gold for a much colder and more subtle overall aesthetic.

To match its white gold case, the dial on the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 has white gold surrounds for its hour markers, and features all-white text. The 40mm Everose version of the Yacht-Master on the Oysterflex bracelet has dial printing done in three different colors (red, white, and rose gold), so this is certainly one of those small details that ends up having a significant impact on the overall appearance of the watch.

Specifications:

• Reference Number: 226659


• Diameter: 42mm


• Case Material: 18k white gold


• Dial Color: Black


• Indexes: Luminous dots with white gold surrounds


• Lume: Chromalight on hour markers and hands


• Water Resistance: 100 meters


• Strap/Bracelet: Oysterflex bracelet with 18k white gold Oysterlock safety clasp, Glidelock extension system.


• Movement: Caliber 3235


• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date


• Power Reserve: 70 hours


• Winding: Automatic


• Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)


• Jewels: 31


• COSC Chronometer Certified


• Additional Details: Regulated to +2/-2 seconds per day, utilizes Chronergy escapement

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