Yacht-Master 42 Fast

An emblematic watch in RLX titanium

The emblematic watch of the sailing world, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 is now available in RLX titanium. More than a simple variation, the use of this new, robust and light material required the development of particular industrial techniques, allowing the metal to be manipulated with the utmost care. Advantages proven by Sir Ben Ainslie, renowned skipper and luminary of the SailGP, who tested a Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium exclusively created for him, enabling the development of the new version presented in 2023.

RLX titanium is a grade 5 alloy that is lighter than steel and denser than aluminium.

Sail GP ambiance
Triplock windiong crown
Yacht-Master 42

Mastering lightness

Titanium is a surprising metal. The titanium selected by Rolex to manufacture its watches is a grade 5 alloy named RLX titanium. It is both lighter than steel and denser than aluminium, yet harder and more resistant than either of these metals. Its characteristics are so unique that its processing and finishing – particularly the technical satin finish specially developed by Rolex and specific to watches in RLX titanium – required the development of a dedicated industrial process. Using RLX titanium to create the case and bracelet also reduces the weight of the watch by about one-third compared with the same watch in Oystersteel. A major watchmaking feat, marked by the distinctive symbol on the winding crown: a dash surrounded by two dots.

Sail Gp

Unprecedented aesthetic balance

The new Yacht-Master 42 stands out with its finishes, a combination of technical satin, high-sheen and polished, proof of Rolex’s know-how in machining and finishing. The three finishes delight the eye with their subtle play on textures and light, contrasting the gleaming polished surface of the crown guard, the lustrous high-sheen on the top edges of the case lugs, and the matt of the technical satin finishing – with its pronounced grain – visible on the case and bracelet. An unprecedented aesthetic balance reinforced by the combination of the RLX titanium’s anthracite grey colour and the matt black colour of the Cerachrom bezel insert in ceramic.

Cerachrom bezel

Unparalleled comfort

The new Yacht-Master 42’s Oyster bracelet is also made of RLX titanium. Sporting a technical satin finish extending to the edge of its links and to the sides of the Oysterlock safety clasp’s cover, it is equipped with an Easylink comfort extension link that allows its length to be easily adjusted by about 5 mm. It also includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

Oyster bracelet
Sir Ben Ainslie

This Yacht-Master 42, which is an outstanding nautical watch, is also proof of Rolex’s firm commitment to yachting.

Sir Ben Ainslie

Tested against the elements

In 2021, Sir Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic sailing champion, was chosen to test a Yacht-Master 42 specially designed for him. This gentleman skipper competed in the SailGP championship with the only watch of its kind in the world: a Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium. By exposing its watches to extreme conditions, Rolex perpetuates the vision of its founder Hans Wilsdorf, who saw the world as a living laboratory in which only extreme testing could provide evidence of a watch’s reliability. A chronometer with superlative precision, made of a material used in high-technology industries, the watch proved to be the perfect ally for the driver of the Great Britain team. Ultralight, robust and extremely corrosion-resistant, it accompanies him on board without hindering any of his movements.

Sir Ben Ainslie

Sailing is such a fascinating sport. I love the diversity.

Sir Ben Ainslie
Sail GP

A breath of fresh air for sailing

It is a competition unlike any other in the world. With its multihulls travelling at more than 50 knots – almost 100 km/h – and comprising multiple events across the world, the SailGP series showcases the most innovative technologies in water sport. Rolex has been Presenting Partner and Official Timepiece of SailGP since the competition was inaugurated in 2019. A veritable ballet of the seas, SailGP is a spectacle like no other. Aboard their catamarans flying across the water, team members grapple with the elements, each playing a precise role.

Faced with the unexpected, they must band together to withstand stress and make instantaneous decisions. To sense the direction of the wind before the others and gain the best trajectory to win. Among these outstanding athletes is Rolex Testimonee Sir Ben Ainslie, who tested a Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium during races. With incomparable lightness, this watch offers unparalleled liberty of movement, as much on land as at sea. It allows the wearer to lead their life with a masterful hand, in the perpetual quest to balance speed and staying the course.

  • Yacht-Master 42
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  • Yacht-Master 42
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