BASELWORLD 2019: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

Rolex is extending its ‘Yacht-Master’ range with a new 42 mm model in 18 ct white gold, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 (Ref. M226659). 

‘Yacht-Master’ sailing watches are recognizable thanks to their distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised 60-minute graduation. They offer legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display. The broad hands and hour markers are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

And even more: This new model is equipped with calibre 3235 for the very first time.

High-technology ceramic

Rolex has specialized in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these new materials extremely corrosion-resistant and virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and unaffected by ultraviolet rays. On the Yacht-Master 42, the bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom bezel insert in matt black ceramic. Its raised graduations and numerals are first moulded into the ceramic and then polished.

The Oyster case

The middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case and is protected by an integral crown guard. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The up to a depth of 100 metres waterproof Oyster case provides protection for the high-precision movement.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 Ref. M226659

Perpetual calibre 3235

Calibre 3235 incorporates the chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 Ref. M226659

Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.

This calibre equips a ‘Yacht-Master’ watch for the first time. 

Oysterflex bracelet and Oysterlock safety clasp

The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, which combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. Developed and patented by Rolex, this bracelet is made up of flexible metal blades manufactured from a titanium and nickel alloy. The blades are overmoulded with black high-performance elastomer, a material that is particularly resistant to environmental effects and very durable.

The Oysterflex bracelet on this new model is equipped with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct white gold, which prevents accidental opening. 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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226659

Like all Rolex watches, the new Yacht-Master 42 version carries the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ certification, a special quality standard that Rolex offers. The ‘Superlative Chronometer’ status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

www.rolex.com

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