From the very beginning in 1905, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf set out to make wristwatches that would carry the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing. Rolex naturally became associated with activities that shared its excellence, precision and team spirit. The brand formed its first alliance with the world of yachting in the late 1950s with the New York Yacht Club, founder of the America’s Cup and a creative influence on the sport of yachting and its rules. 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master range was launched in 1992, with a first model designed specifically for intrepid navigators and professionnal race skippers. This year, Rolex is extending its Yacht-Master range with a new 42 mm model, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42. Yacht-Master sailing watches are recognisable 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 watches, the Yacht-Master 42 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015 and is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, which singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions that stabilize the watch on the wrist.

Yachting is steeped in tradition, nurtures a spirit of fair play and thrives on a congenial atmosphere. And for six decades, Rolex has harnessed the passion for yachting and its popularity by establishing deep-rooted ties with influential yacht clubs across the globe.