I am not sure if Baselworld is Rolex's muse, but certainly the Crown prepares their newest lineup of timepieces to release and be announced at this annual event each year.  Each year Rolex stuns us with new pieces that are stunning, and sometimes they make slight changes to existing lines that enhance their artform.  This year is no different.  I will discuss each new timepiece in separate posts.

Today I want to focus on the most exciting new timepiece - the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42.  The 42mm diameter is a new size for Yacht-Master which falls between the 35 -44mm range.  It has a bigger feel without adding too much weight or feeling too excessive on most wrists.



The Yacht-Master 42 has a reference number of 226659.  The 42 mm case is made from 18 ct white gold.  The large luminescent hour markers and large luminescent hour, minute and seconds hands provide stunning visibility at night and readability during the day.  The date window at 3 o'clock with cyclops lens provides excellent date readability.  The bezel is bidirectionally rotatable utilizing raised polished numerals which not only provide excellent functionality and visibility but a tactile ability to distinguish calculation times between two buoys.

The timepiece is protected by a screw-down triplock waterproofness system which protects the reference 226659 to 330 feet.  Rolex certifies the Yacht-Master 42 with the Superlative Chronometer seal of approval.

My favorite part of the Yacht-Master 42 is the combined look and feel.  It is comfortable to wear and yet has a look of luxury that could both be utilized in the sea, sailing and at sport, and look just as luxurious while wearing a gown or tuxedo.  The raised middle layer of the Oysterflex gives a tuxedo look to it, making it a very versatile sports watch that can be ready for anything.