yacht master 40 thickness

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HANDS-ON: Shades of grey – the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with dark rhodium dial (ref. 116622)

This cool, calm and collected new Yacht-Master almost slipped past me. I was too busy falling in love (again) with the gold and chocolate Rolesor Yacht-Master, which was distracting me and dazzling my senses, but then out of the corner of my eye I spotted a flash of almost-iridescent blue, and my curiosity was piqued.

I’m so glad it was, because this steel and platinum Yacht-Master with its dark rhodium dial and blue highlights is an absolute stunner, even though it’s a much more restrained affair than its Everose-embellished siblings (in both Rolesor and Oysterflex variants). This is partly down to the dark dial, but it’s also the bi-directional platinum bezel, which might sound weird given the material, but with a predominantly sand-blasted finish, it’s actually far less in-your-face than ceramic. Not that it’s plain, by any stretch. The shimmering dial, polished bezel elements and centre bracelet links mean it pops where it counts, and the overall effect of metallic grey on metallic grey adds up to a truly luxurious watch on the wrist.

Then there’s the blue. It’s funny how that single line of text and sweeping second hand – a comparatively small amount of real estate – can have such massive impact on the general feel of the watch. This bright slash of colour adds energy to the Yacht-Master, once again proving Rolex’s mastery of the minuscule.

Aside from that, it’s business as usual. You have the 40mm case, rated to 100m, robust 3135 calibre, with 49 hours of power reserve, and parachrom hairspring, all backed by the Superlative Chronometre standard which guarantees -2/+2 seconds of accuracy per day, after casing.

Rolex has spoiled us for choice this year, with the attention-grabbing Daytona, the youthful Air-King and numerous two-tone options. But if you prefer your Rolex to be more stealth than statement, you can’t go wrong with this excellent new steel and platinum Yacht-Master 40.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with dark rhodium dial (ref. 116622) Australian pricing

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 in steel and platinum, reference 116622, $14,600.

Images by Jason Reekie. 

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Owner Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622

What's it like to wear the rolex yacht-master.

| Wrist Size: 7 inch

Before we get to my Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 review, we need some background. In 1992 Rolex introduced a watch that shared the silhouette of their beloved Submariner but in solid 18k yellow gold, embossed YG bezel insert soldered to the bezel, funky white dial, and the unusual name “Yacht-Master” written where “Submariner” would normally live. People then and now still wonder.. “Why?”.

Rumor has it Rolex wanted to drastically update the Submariner but were scared that the changes were too extreme. The Submariner was essentially their poster child and arguably their most iconic watch. Fearing backlash, they created a whole new line. Rolex rarely creates completely new watches, the last time they made a new watch before the Rolex Yacht-Master was in 1964 when the Daytona was introduced. Luckily it paid off as the Yacht-Master was pretty well received!

Even though the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 at first glance looks very similar to the Submariner it’s a totally different wearing experience. The case shape is completely different from the Sub. Its case profile is composed of compound curves with the lugs swooping downwards very similar to a Daytona, the case is also fully polished. My particular Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 being Roleisum (Rolex’s term for the combination of Platinum and Steel which was first introduced in 1999 with the ref. 16622), in combination with the blue sunburst dial and red accents, gives it such a unique aesthetic it sets it apart in Rolex’s catalog. Rolex I think perfected their blue dials, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Pictures do not do it justice whatsoever. In person, it appears much darker, almost black however in direct light that’s when the striking blue hue pops. The date function is also very convenient!

What is it like to wear a Rolex Yacht-Master? I would describe it as the most comfortable and stressful watch I have ever worn and owned. What most people don’t realize is that it’s a thin watch and I mean THIN. At 11.5mm it’s just as thin or even thinner than a 34mm 114200 Air-King! Like what? The case hugs your wrist amazingly while the oyster bracelet seems to caress you. It makes you want to wear it every single day, I mean how could you not? Thin, sporty, beautiful, comfortable and low key a strap monster. Until you see a scratch or nick on the solid Platinum bezel insert, call up Rolex Service Center to see how much it would be to replace it and they slap you in the face with a $2500 (before taxes) quote for JUST the bezel/bezel insert assembly (they’re soldered together remember?). Then you think “Okay, okay which Seiko ’s do I sell to cover the cost of a freaking bezel”. Did I mention the case is fully polished?

Has this ever happened to me? No, because I’m extremely OCD, however I was curious and called RSC, I also used to own the 16622 and was trained to wear long sleeves only, only wear it sparingly, cover my wrist when walking through doorways, never let it touch denim (yes, denim will scratch it apparently), and for all I know never sneeze near it or even look at it too long because for all I know that could probably scratch it too. To top it all off, of COURSE the bracelet and clasp has Polished Center Links! While I am exaggerating the fragility of the Rolex Yacht-Master, the stress of potentially scuffing it is real.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 is arguably one of my favorite watches ever made. I never thought I’d ever get to own one. It’s beautiful, ridiculously comfortable, relatively uncommon, however so stressful to wear. I have owned it for almost exactly one year and I personally try to enjoy every second I wear it; I even strap changed it with zero scuffs! I have and I do but my OCD and extreme caution lends itself to be a difficult one to fully appreciate without worry. I’ve debated if this watch was right for me all the time. However, I would recommend this watch to anyone minutely interested. I have no regrets having owned two of them like an insane person, but who in the watch collecting world isn’t insane?

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622

• Very comfortable to wear.
• Beautiful aesthetics.
• Has many color ways.
• Stressful to wear.
• Scratches relatively easily.
• Difficult to even buy.

Review Breakdown

• Wearability 0%

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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40

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Rolex watches thickness - complete resource guide.

We have earlier discussed the lug-to-lug of Rolex watches, but another important measurement about Rolex watches (and any other watch for that matter) is its thickness.

The thickness of a watch greatly affects how it feels on the wrist and how well it sits. With that said, the thickness is something you want to take into consideration when buying your next Rolex watch. Some watches are thicker, making it rather difficult to slide them under a cuff, whilst others are extremely slim which means you barely feel them on the wrist.

Most people only look at the diameter of a watch when deciding its size, but there are more factors that need to be taken into consideration in order to decide how a watch sits on the wrist. Two of those are lug-to-lug and thickness. The latter is what we are going to look closer at in this article.

In this resource guide, we have compiled the thickness of the most common Rolex watches which you can use as a reference guide. Worth noting is that watches that have different versions but are the same model, for example, the stainless steel Datejust 36 or the same model in yellow gold and steel, naturally have the same thickness. What may vary, however, is if the models are from different eras and generations, as Rolex is constantly making small tweaks and upgrades to its models. So, for example, if you have a Rolex Submariner gold and steel reference 116613, it will have the same thickness as a full steel version from the same era, reference 116610LN - this is why not all models are included in this list.

Also, worth noting is that the measurements may vary slightly since the thickness is actually not a dimension that Rolex specifies in its product specifications, hence variations such as how it is measured and what tool is used may have slight variations.

Rolex Watches thickness

Rolex submariner thickness:.

• Rolex Submariner 124060 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126610LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126613LB thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126613LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126618LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 126619LB thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 116610LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 114060 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Submariner 16610 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Submariner 5513 thickness: 13mm
• Rolex Submariner 5512 thickness: 15mm

Rolex Daytona thickness:

• Rolex Daytona 116500LN thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Daytona 116518LN thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 116515LN thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 16520 thickness: 12.2mm
• Rolex Daytona 116520 thickness: 12.2mm

Rolex Explorer thickness:

• Rolex Explorer 214270 thickness: 11mm
• Rolex Explorer 124270 thickness: 11.6mm
• Rolex Explorer 114270 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Explorer 14270 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Explorer II 16570 thickness: 12.3mm
• Rolex Explorer II 216570 thickness: 12.5mm
• Rolex Explorer II 226570 thickness: 12.5mm

Rolex Sea-Dweller thickness:

• Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 thickness: 15mm
• Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 126660 thickness: 17.7mm
• Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600 thickness: 15mm
• Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 thickness: 14.5mm

Rolex Milgauss & Air-King thickness:

• Rolex Milgauss 116400 thickness: 13mm
• Rolex Air-King 116900 thickness: 13mm

Rolex Datejust thickness:

• Rolex Datejust 41 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Datejust 36 (1262XX) thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Datejust 36 1601 thickness: 12mm

Rolex GMT-Master thickness:

• Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master 116710 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 thickness: 12mm

Rolex Sky-Dweller thickness:

• Rolex Sky-Dweller thickness: 14.1mm

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Thickness:

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 114300 thickness: 11mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 124300 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 126000 thickness: 11.8mm
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 116000 thickness: 12mm

Rolex Yacht-Master thickness:

• Rolex Yacht-Master 1166655 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 thickness: 11.5mm
• Rolex Yacht-Master II thickness: 14mm

Rolex Day-Date thickness:

• Rolex Day-Date 40 228238 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 40 228239 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 40 228235 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128238 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128239 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 128235 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 1803 thickness: 12mm
• Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 thickness: 12mm

About Rolex thickness

A word about Rolex thickness: Most manufacturers specify only the diameter when it comes to the dimensions of their timepieces. This is actually quite strange considering the fact that, as mentioned, there are other factors that affect how a watch wears, including the lug-to-lug and the thickness. Why Rolex (and other brands) do not specify the thickness of their timepieces in their product specifications still remains a mystery to us and is something that all manufacturers should present, in our opinion to help guide customers and give them a better understanding of the product sizings. But for now, many manufacturers neglect this, but we hope that this list can be helpful in regards to the thickness of the most common Rolex watches.

Also, thickness plays an important part in the nature of a watch. Thinner/slimmer does not always mean better. For dress watches where you want the watch to slide under a cuff and sit slim and discreet on the wrist, a low thickness is suitable. However, for sports watches, it is more appropriate with a thicker size due to the nature of the timepieces and the increased ruggedness and robustness it offers. With that said, always consider the purpose of the watch you are buying and how you will wear it.

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• Rolex collection
• The Yacht-Master collection Rolex Yacht-Master
• Yacht-Master 40

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and platinum M126622-0001

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 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.

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 40 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.

Many Rolex watches are available with the now-legendary combination of yellow, white or Everose gold and steel known as Rolesor, but Rolesium is a creation specific to the Yacht-Master. While the case and bracelet are in rugged Oystersteel, the bezel of the Rolesium versions is made of platinum, imparting a silvery whiteness and vibrant luminosity for an unmistakable sense of luxury.

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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Introducing The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 With Multi-Color Gem-Set Bezel

We have seen several iterations of this sporty watch in various sizes, such as 40mm, 37mm, and 35mm, along with the yacht-master ii, but this is the first time we have seen the yacht-master 40 set with rolex’s famous gemstones..

The Yacht-Master has been a consistent part of the Oyster Perpetual collection since its debut in 1992 . We have seen several iterations of this sporty watch in various sizes, such as 40mm, 37mm, and 35mm, along with the Yacht-Master II, but this is the first time we have seen the Yacht-Master 40 set with Rolex’s famous gemstones. And boy is this one set with gemstones. 

The new Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with gem-set bezel.

The latest Yacht-Master 40 is pretty much the same watch we know from 2015 , with the addition of a bright gem-set bezel. The watch still features a 40mm 18k Everose gold case (in case you forgot, Everose is Rolex’s special rose gold alloy) and has the rich glossy black dial with oversized white lume plots (Chromalight to be exact) and Everose surrounds. The movement is still the same trusty automatic caliber 3135 movement and the watch can still boast 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance. 

The new thing about this watch is the rainbow-colored rotating bezel. I have talked about Rolex’s impeccable gem-setting technique before, and while it is clearly not for everyone, it deserves your respect. Here the bezel is set with 32 sapphires, eight tsavorites, and one diamond, fitted perfectly together, creating a vibrant look on an otherwise sporty timepiece. 

The new Rolex Yacht-Master has the Oysterflex strap featured on the previous iteration.

Finally, this watch is finished with a black Oysterflex rubber strap (which was developed and patented by Rolex) and 18k Everose Oysterlock clasp. There's no news yet on pricing for this watch, but we will update this story as soon as it becomes available. Be sure to check back soon for live photographs too. 

You can read more about the new Yacht-master 40 on the Rolex website . 

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Yacht-Master

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• diameter-44

Yacht-Master 42

Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

Yacht-Master 40

Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold

Rolex and yachting

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 42 mm, white gold

Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold

Unyielding performance

Yacht-Master 37

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Oyster, 37 mm, Everose gold

Yacht-Master II

Oyster, 44 mm, yellow gold

Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel

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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ultimate Buying Guide

First released at Baselworld 2019, the Yacht-Master 42 is the newest and largest addition to the Rolex Yacht-Master lineup. Historically, the Yacht Master collection has been the only Rolex sports model available in multiple sizes; however, until the release of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659, 40mm was the largest case size available. Despite the fact that the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 introduced a new and larger 42mm case to the collection, at the time of writing, the model is only offered in a single configuration: a 42mm white gold case fitted with a black dial, black ceramic bezel, and matching black Oysterflex bracelet.

At first glance, the Rolex Yacht Master 42 reference 226659 appears very similar to the 40mm Everose gold model that is also fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Both watches feature black dials, matte black ceramic bezels with raised polished numerals, black Oysterflex bracelets, and Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3235 movement. However, while the core design of the Yacht-Master 42 is shared with the other Oysterflex Yacht-Master watches, the larger case paired with its toned-down monochromatic color profile makes it immediately distinct, and these small changes come together to make the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 the perfect poster child for the modern Rolex brand.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Reference 226659

Yacht-Master 226659 Key Features:

– Reference Number: 226659

– Production Years: 2019 – Present

– Case Size: 42mm

– Materials: 18k White Gold

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds; Date Display

– Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Luminescence: Chromalight

– Bezel: Bidirectional, Black Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3235

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oysterflex Bracelet

– Clasp: Oysterlock Safety Clasp w/ Glidelock Extension System

– Approx. Price: $28,900 (Retail); $33,500 (Pre-Owned)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master.

The History of the Rolex Yacht Master 42

Compared to many of Rolex’s other lines of watches, the Yacht-Master is a fairly young collection, having only just joined the brand’s catalog in 1992. While Rolex originally built much of its reputation by producing tough-as-nails tool watches, the brand had already started to make its transition towards becoming an all-out luxury manufacturer by the 1980s, and the Yacht-Master was created as an unapologetically luxurious take on the brand’s classic sports watch.

The Rolex Yacht-Master largely follows the same overall design as the Submariner, but leans more towards the opulent and luxurious side of things, rather than being a purpose-built underwater timing tool. Both the Submariner and the Yacht-Master feature rotating timing bezels, but while the Submariner’s bezel rotates unidirectionally and features a luminous dot at the zero-marker, the Yacht-Master’s moves bi-directionally and omits the luminous dot in favor of an insert crafted from either solid gold, platinum, or black ceramic. Similarly, all Rolex Yacht-Master watches feature precious metals somewhere in their construction. Even the most humble models that are largely crafted from stainless steel feature solid platinum bezels, and while the bezel insert on the reference 226659 is built from black ceramic, the watch itself is crafted from solid 18k white gold.

Initially, the Rolex Yacht-Master was exclusively offered in solid yellow gold and with a 40mm case. However, over the years, the collection expanded to include other case sizes and materials including both two-tone and Rolesium (a combination of stainless steel and platinum) references. Both a 29mm Lady Yacht-Master and 35mm Midsize Yacht-Master were previously offered alongside the standard 40mm model, but these two smaller versions were ultimately discontinued in favor of the Midsize Yacht-Master 37.

With that in mind, Baselworld 2019 marked the arrival of both an all-new Yacht-Master size and a new material option for the collection. With the launch of the reference 226659, not only was the Rolex Yacht-Master now available with a 42mm case diameter for the first time in its history but it was also offered with a solid 18k white gold case – something that was previously not an option within the standard Yacht-Master collection. While the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 marked a major step forward for the collection, the new 42mm case size is exclusively available for the ref. 226659, and the watch is only available in one single configuration. Given that the Yacht-Master 42 has only been on the market for a couple of years, many collectors speculate that the solid 18k white gold ref. 226659 is just the first of many 42mm Rolex Yacht-Master watches.

Rolex Yacht Master 42 Defining Elements

For the most part, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is a larger, white gold version of the Everose Yacht-Master 40 that is also on an Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 226659 does possess a number of unique traits that make it immediately identifiable and separate it from all other Rolex watches.

42mm White Gold Case

Probably the single most defining feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is its 42mm case crafted from solid 18k white gold. Not only is this unique because the ref. 226659 is the only 42mm Yacht-Master model, but it also holds the distinction of being the only one that has ever been constructed from white gold. Over the course of the Yacht-Master’s history, it has been created in full 18k yellow gold, Yellow Rolesor (stainless steel and yellow gold), Rolesium (stainless steel and platinum), full 18k Everose gold, and Everose Rolesor (stainless steel and Everose gold). Additionally, there is even a version of the 44mm Yacht-Master II regatta timer that is built from white gold with a platinum bezel, but the reference 226659 is the only iteration of the classic Yacht-Master to be offered in full 18k white gold.

Black Cerachrom Bezel

Just like the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Rolex Yacht-Master models that are also fitted with Oysterflex bracelets, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 receives a bidirectional timing bezel with an insert that is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic material. The black ceramic insert is given a matte-sandblasted texture, with raised graduations that feature a high-polish finish for improved contrast. Despite having both a different case size and being made from different materials, the matte black ceramic insert on the Yacht-Master 42 instantly unites it with the rest of the Oysterflex bracelets Yacht-Master watches in Rolex’s portfolio.

Oysterflex Bracelet

The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is quite possibly the most over-engineered rubber strap in the world – however, to call it a “rubber strap” is a bit misleading. Rolex specifically refers to it as a bracelet within its catalog because the elastomer strap features a flexible metal core for optimum durability and longevity. Additionally, the underside of the strap features a comfort pad that elevates the strap slightly off the wrist, better distributing the weight of the watch and promoting airflow and breathability.

One of the more interesting details about how Rolex has chosen to structure its catalog is that the Oysterflex bracelet (seemingly the most sporty and least formal option) is exclusively equipped to the brand’s solid gold models. Whether fitted to a Daytona, Sky-Dweller, or Yacht-Master watch, all of the Oysterflex-equipped models are crafted from solid 18k gold (either yellow, white, or Everose). At the time of writing, the Oysterflex bracelet is only found on the full 18k Everose gold Yachtmaster 40 and Yacht-Master 37 watches, along with the 18k white gold Yacht-Master 42.

Rolex Caliber 3235 Movement

Despite being 2mm larger than the current Yacht-Master 40, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is powered by the exact same Caliber 3235 movement. Designed and manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex, the Cal. 3235 represents the brand’s latest generation of date-displaying mechanical movements and can be found in a number of other date-displaying Rolex watches, including all-time classics like the Datejust and the Submariner.

The Caliber 3235 movement is based around Rolex’s new Chronergy escapement, which features a skeletonized structure for improved efficiency. When combined with Rolex’s proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring and a redesigned gear train and mainspring barrel, the Caliber 3235 offers users an increased power reserve of 70 hours, which represents a significant step up from the 48-hour reserve offered by its predecessor. Additionally, despite its improved efficiency, the Rolex Cal. 3235 movement adheres to the same incredibly stringent ‘Superlative Chronometer’ precision standards, which permit a maximum timekeeping deviation of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Price and Availability

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 has only been around for a couple of years, so it is still in production and available for purchase from retailers and boutiques. However, as anyone who is familiar with Rolex watches will tell you, finding the model you want brand-new and available for immediate sale is virtually impossible and for many highly popular references, there is no way to buy a brand-new Rolex without spending a significant amount of time on a waiting list. As a result of this lack of availability on a retail level, many buyers turn to the secondary market, where they can add a Rolex Yachtmaster 42 ref. 226659 to their collections without the wait.

How Much is a Rolex Yacht-Master 42?

As of 2021, the retail price for a brand-new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is $28,900, which represents a $1,600 premium compared to its 40mm Everose gold counterpart. However, due to the fact that the white gold Yacht-Master 42 cannot be purchased at a retail level without being on a waiting list, pre-owned prices exceed their brand-new values and you can expect to pay a premium of several thousand dollars if you wish to skip the line and add one to your collection today.

Where to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master 42

Since the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is still in production, you can technically still buy it brand-new from Rolex retailers and boutiques – just as long as you are willing to wait out the cue. A similar story exists for most of the popular modern Rolex models; however, compared to the steep premiums that many of the brand’s stainless steel sports watches trade hands for on the open market (which can frequently reach values in excess of 100% above their brand-new retail prices), the comparatively reasonable premium of a few thousand dollars to skip the line for a reference 226659 Yachtmaster 42 means that buyers often opt for a pre-owned example, where availability is immediate and guaranteed.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42: A Modern Luxury Sports Watch

Rolex may have originally built much of its legendary reputation by building tough and reliable sport and tool watches, but the brand’s days as a manufacturer of utilitarian timekeeping devices have long since passed. These days, Rolex is an all-out luxury brand and it is arguably the single most famous luxury label in the entire world. The thought of a military branch supplying its troops with Rolex Submariner watches has become almost comical given that countless people all around the globe are unable to buy a Submariner, despite being more than willing to pay full retail price for one. In fact, the Rolex Submariner is so in-demand that most people are willing to pay far more than the brand-new retail price, just to skip the multi-year waiting list and add one to their collections.

Despite Rolex’s transition towards becoming a luxury manufacturer, it has never stopped producing reliable and finely crafted sports watches. However, the nature of its sports watches has certainly evolved to take on a more luxury-oriented approach, just like the brand’s positioning within the greater watch market. Rolex was producing sports watches back in the 1950s and 1960s and although its products were always considered to be premium timepieces, they were hardly regarded as luxury items, let alone status symbols.

These days, Rolex sports watches are some of the most iconic and desirable luxury timepieces in existence, and wearing one has become a universally recognized symbol of success and personal accomplishment. As a result of the implicit connotations that they carry, modern Rolex sports watches need to do more than just be tough and reliable; they also need to offer a bit of flash and match the opulent and exclusive image of Rolex itself.

The Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand. Its monochromatic color profile paired with its matte black ceramic bezel and black Oysterflex bracelet makes the watch inherently casual and sporty, and at first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a humble stainless steel model. However, at its core, the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 is a $30k solid gold Rolex. Wearing a Rolex watch has become a universally recognized status symbol, but Rolex is not a brand known for making over-the-top, statement pieces. The white gold Yacht-Master 42 is the perfect statement piece for those that do not want to make a statement, and that is precisely why the reference 226659 is the perfect poster-child for the modern Rolex brand.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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