Rolex is extending its Yacht-Master range with a new 42 mm model, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42. Yacht-Master sailing watches are recognizable thanks to their distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised 60-minute graduation.

The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with a Cerachrom insert in matt black ceramic that perfectly complements its black lacquer dial. Created from 18 ct white gold, this new watch heralds the arrival of this precious metal on a Yacht-Master model. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the profile of the Oyster case.

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional 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.

This new model is equipped with calibre 3235 – at the forefront of watchmaking technology – a first for the Yacht-Master range. Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master 42 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
Photo courtesy Rolex

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for 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. The brand has developed exclusive expertise and innovative high-technology manufacturing methods that allow it to produce these ceramic components completely independently.

On the Oyster Perpetual 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 first 15 minutes are graduated minute-by-minute to allow time intervals to be read with great precision. The bezel can also be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.

The Yacht-Master 42’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid piece of 18 ct white gold. 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 waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Yacht-Master 42’s high-precision movement.