The new Yacht-Master

Rolex introduced a new Yacht-Master in Everose gold at Baselworld in March. This new Yacht-Master is offered in two sizes: 40 mm and a new 37 mm diameter, and it comes with a new bi-directional rotating bezel with a matte black Cerachrom (ceramic) insert. Also, there is a new patented Oysterflex bracelet, which Rolex says, “offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets without compromising robustness, waterproofness or reliability.”

Calibers 3135 and 2236

The 40 mm model is powered by caliber 3135 and the 37 mm model is powered by caliber 2236.

Both movements beat at 4Hz, have stop seconds, instantaneous date with rapid setting, variable inertia balance wheels, 31 jewels and traversing balance bridges. There are, however, a few notable differences. While caliber 3135 is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring (alloy), caliber 2236 is fitted with the newer Syloxi hairspring (silicon). They are both insensitive to magnetic interference and offer excellent stability in variable temperatures and remain up to 10 times more precise than traditional hairsprings in the case of shocks, according to Rolex.

Also worth noting, the newer 2236 has a 55-hour power reserve whereas the 3135 has 48-hours. And the 2236 has high-performance Parallax shock absorbers.

Dial, bezel and case

A first for the Yacht-Master is the matte black dial, which contrasts with the rose gold Chromolight hands and hour markers which are filled with a luminescent material that emits a blue glow. The flange is in brushed rose gold, with the word “Rolex” engraved around the entire ring. The word “Rolex” and the crown logo are stamped at 12 o’clock in gold. The minute scale and additional dial markings are printed in white, with the exception of the words “Yacht-Master” which are in red.

A rose gold bezel with an ultra scratch resistant matte black ceramic (Cerachrom) insert, and polished raised numerals that make up the 60-minute graduated scale for calculating elapsed times – marks the first ceramic bezel on a Yacht-Master. The outer edge of the bezel is notched, making it easy to grip when rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

Both the caseback and crown are fluted. The caseback screws down to the case and the crown features the screw-down Triplock system for water-resistance to 300 meters.

New patented Oysterflex bracelet

All new is the Oysterflex bracelet that offers the robustness of a metal bracelet, without sacrificing the comfort and flexibility of rubber strap. At its cores is a superelastic metal blade over molded with high performance rubber. The bracelet connects to the case and claps by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy blade. Further, the bracelet has a patented “longitudinal cushion system” that stabilizes the watch on the wrist for enhanced comfort.

Final Thoughts

We spoke with Rolex Watch USA Inc, Vice President of Communications, Mounia Mechbal, and she aptly pointed out that the new Yacht-Master is the closet thing to an all black watch that Rolex has ever produced. And we here at PROFESSIONAL WATCHES hope it’s a sign of what’s to come.

The contrast between the polished rose gold, matte be black bezel and polished numerals make for a very pleasing combination. And the Oysterflex bracelet is something you never knew you needed, but once you try one, you will never want any other rubber bracelet.

Finally, the option to choose between a 37 mm or 40 mm case is something we hope to see more of at Rolex, and across the industry as it offers consumers with different wrist sizes the ability to select a watch that is more precisely proportioned to their wrist.

The Yacht-Master 37 (Ref. 268655) will be priced at $22,000; the Yacht-Master 40 (Ref. 116655), at $24,950. Both should be on the market, Rolex says, by Summer 2015.