The long-awaited Rolex Yacht-Master in RLX Titanium
Borna Bošnjak- After much anticipation, Rolex releases the first production Yacht-Master in RLX titanium
- The 42mm case is totally brushed, save for some wide, polished lug chamfers
- Powered by the 3235 calibre, the Yacht-Master RLX Titanium has a power reserve of 70 hours
First spotted on the wrist of Sir Ben Ainslie, Rolex has finally released the Yacht-Master 42mm in RLX titanium. This was almost confirmed when the Crown presented their Deepsea Challenge last year, and is certainly a release that will please many.
The new Yacht-Master 42 features a brushed finish throughout its RLX titanium construction, and this matte vibe continues to the Cerachrom bezel insert, too. To stand out from the non-reflective backdrop, the raised markers and numerals are highly polished, somewhat helping the legibility. Furthermore, the dial is completely matte too, while the signature Mercedes hands and mix of circular, rectangular and triangular indices are all in 18k white gold.
Even though the finish of the case is uniform, Rolex don’t fail to spice it up a little. The tops of the lugs have sharp chamfers, while the crown guards, crown and bezel sport the only polished finishes found anywhere in the watch. Another rarity for Rolex’s sports models is the new crystal. Its sapphire construction and presence of a cyclops won’t be a surprise, but it now also features anti-reflective coating.
While Sir Ainslie’s Yacht-Master sported a strap, the production RLX titanium model has a matching titanium Oyster bracelet, complete with an Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension system. A new feature for this bracelet is the inclusion of ceramic inserts inside the links, enhancing its flexibility and longevity.
The screw-down crown helps the Yacht-Master reach 100 metres of water resistance. It operates the calibre 3235, released in 2015 and first seen in the Yacht-Master in 2019, featuring all the Rolex bells and whistles you’d expect – a Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers and Parachrom hairspring. The automatic calibre is not extensively decorated, and will beat for up to 70 hours hidden behind the closed caseback.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 pricing and availability:
The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium is available now. Price: A$19,850
| Brand | Rolex |
| Model | Yacht-Master 42 |
| Reference Number | 226627 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 11.6mm (T) |
| Case Material | RLX titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | Matte black |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | RLX titanium Oyster bracelet |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Movement | Calibre 3235 |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$19,850 |