Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226658
Dive Watch (Luxury Sports) · Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier, renowned for unmatched precision, durability, and prestige in the luxury watch market
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present)
Type
Dive Watch (Luxury Sports)
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier, renowned for unmatched precision, durability, and prestige in the luxury watch market
Movement
Automatic/self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3235, 28,800 vph (4Hz), approximately 70 hours power reserve, 31 jewels
Dimensions
42mm case diameter, 11.6mm thickness, 50mm lug-to-lug, 22mm lug width
Description
The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in 18k Everose gold represents the pinnacle of modern luxury sports watchmaking, seamlessly blending rugged maritime utility with high-end precious metal elegance. Introduced to bridge the gap between traditional tool watches and sophisticated dress pieces, this striking reference features a bold 42mm Everose gold case, a contrasting matte black Cerachrom bezel, and the innovative Oysterflex rubber strap. Its clean black lacquered dial offers exceptional legibility, highlighted by contrasting luminescent hour markers and signature Mercedes hands. Elegant yet robust, it offers an imposing wrist presence that commands attention while remaining supremely comfortable for daily wear.
Key Features
18k proprietary Everose gold case, matte black ceramic Cerachrom bezel with raised polished numerals, innovative Oysterflex rubber strap with metal blade core, Glidelock extension clasp, and the high-performance Calibre 3235 movement with 70-hour power reserve
Dial Description
Matte black lacquered dial, applied 18k yellow or rose gold-rimmed circular and geometric hour markers with Chromalight luminescent material, Mercedes hands, date window at 3 o'clock with Cyclops lens
Case Material
18k Everose gold, polished and satin-brushed finishing
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens over the date and anti-reflective coating
Bezel Details
Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with a matte black Cerachrom insert in ceramic and polished raised numerals
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Triplock winding crown in 18k Everose gold with triple waterproofness system and Rolex coronet branding
Bracelet or Strap
Black Oysterflex strap composed of high-performance elastomer over flexible titanium-nickel alloy metal blades, equipped with an 18k Everose gold Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension system
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down flat case back in 18k Everose gold with traditional Rolex fluting and brushed center finish
Movement Type
Automatic/self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3235, 28,800 vph (4Hz), approximately 70 hours power reserve, 31 jewels
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet / 10 ATM), suitable for swimming, recreational surfing, and yachting, though not intended for professional saturation diving
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, utilizing an in-house developed and produced mechanical movement
Age Estimate
Circa 2019-present
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes modern luxury, maritime adventure, and understated prestige, frequently favored by athletes, celebrities, and watch collectors who prefer precious metal sports watches over traditional steel tool watches
Condition Notes
Excellent overall condition with minimal signs of wear; the polished and brushed 18k Everose gold surfaces show faint hairline scratches consistent with light handling, while the crystal, ceramic bezel, and Oysterflex strap remain pristine and fully intact
Value Estimate
Retail price (MSRP) is approximately $31,000 USD, with secondary market and premium dealer pricing fluctuating between $28,000 and $34,000 USD depending on condition, year, and inclusion of original box and papers
Care & Maintenance
Recommend professional servicing every 5 to 10 years by an authorized Rolex service center, regular fresh water rinsing after exposure to saltwater, avoiding strong magnetic fields, and ensuring the Triplock crown is tightly screwed down before water contact
Similar Watches
Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN (more traditional dive focus in solid gold), Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Gold (alternative luxury dive watch), Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore (bolder rubber-strapped luxury sports alternative)
Interesting Facts
The Yacht-Master line was originally introduced in 1992 as Rolex's ultimate luxury sailing watch. The introduction of the 42mm size in Everose gold marked a significant modern expansion of the collection, and the Oysterflex strap utilizes an inner titanium-nickel skeleton that gives it the comfort of rubber with the durability of a metal bracelet