Whenever Baselworld beckons, one of the brands that get arguably the most attention is none other than Rolex. The fabled watchmaker is perhaps one of the most well-known, and also one of the most popular watchmakers in the world of horology.
The new Rolex Yachtmaster 40. This is a little different from the usual offerings.
As usual, there will be a rife of speculations before the launch. Many fans predicted the return of the “Coke” GMT, the Rolex GMT-Master II featuring a black and red bezel. Others had also hoped for a Daytona that features a ceramic bezel. But it seems as though Rolex had thoroughly surprised many people with one of their latest offerings instead: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yachtmaster.
The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yachtmaster 40 and 37 (the number is to signify the diameter of the watches, as it comes in both 40mm and 37mm cases) is a rather refreshing take on the current Rolex lineup. This is the first Rolex to officially feature the Oysterflex bracelet, or in simpler terms a rubber strap. The Oysterflex bracelet is an alternative to the usual metal bracelet, but of course it offers a much sportier look and a more robust feel. The Oysterflex bracelet works by attaching itself to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade. The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is both durable and comfortable. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist.
The underside of the Oysterflex bracelet, in which it is modified to bring comfort to the wearer.
The new Yachtmaster also features an 18k Everose gold case, as well as a rotatable bezel that is made from the black ceramic. The numerals on the bezel are raised, and they are highly polished as well. The contrast between the Everose gold case, the black ceramic bezel, as well as the black Oysterflex bracelet works rather well indeed.
The dial, on the other other hand, is subtly different as well. The Yachtmaster features a maxi dial, and its hour markers that are filled with Chromalight and pink gold luminescent inserts. The “Rolex” crown and brand name is in gilt, and this makes the Yachtmaster a little more special as well.
The Yachtmaster is a love-it-or-hate-it piece. Some like its sporty and bold looks, while others think it is a little deviant from the usual Rolex offerings.
The Rolex Yachtmaster 40 is powered by Caliber 3135, while the slightly smaller Yachtmaster 37 is powered by Rolex’s Caliber 2236. They are basically the same movements, with the exception of their size (and power reserve, surprisingly). Both are, as usual, COSC certified automatic movements which features a date display. The bigger Caliber 3135 features a power reserve of around 48 hours, while the smaller Caliber 2236 surprisingly has got a power reserve of around 55 hours. These two movements are the workhorses in the Rolex lineup, and they are more than capable of getting the job done precisely and reliably.
The Rolex Yachtmaster is capable of going down into 100 meters of water in depth, but is it able to capture your heart that deeply? Based on observations, there are two sides to the camp. Of course, there are people who viewed the new Yachtmaster as something that is rather sporty and refreshing. On the other hand, there are naysayers who think that the use of rubber straps lowers the value of the watch, and that is looks a little deviant and ridiculous. Having said, we believe that we should only pass judgement only when we managed to see the watch itself. But sure, this is definitely one of the more surprising and controversial piece that Rolex has got to offer.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yachtmaster 40 retails at around CHF23,800, while the smaller Yachtmaster 37 retails at CHF21,000.
Specifications from Press Kit
Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master 40
Reference (case – bracelet): 116655 – Oysterflex bracelet
CASE
Type: Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Diameter: 40 mm
Material: 18 ct Everose gold, polished finish
Bezel: Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations
Caseback: Screw-down with Rolex fluting
Winding Crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crown Guard: Integral part of the middle case
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire, cyclops lens over the date, double anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
MOVEMENT
Calibre: 3135, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Precision: Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC)
Functions: Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, instantaneous date at 3 o’clock with rapid setting, stop-seconds for precise time setting
Oscillator: Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz), Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, Breguet overcoil ,Large balance wheel with variable inertia, High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts, Traversing balance bridge
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
DIAL
Colour: Black, matt finish
Hour markers: Highly legible Chromalight appliques (long-lasting luminescence) in 18 ct pink gold
Hands: 18 ct pink gold, Chromalight
BRACELET
Type: Oysterflex
Material: Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer
Clasp: Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct Everose gold
Oyster Perpetual Yacht-master 37
Reference (case – bracelet): 268655 – Oysterflex bracelet
CASE
Type: Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Diameter: 37 mm
Material: 18 ct Everose gold, polished finish
Bezel: Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations
Caseback: Screw-down with Rolex fluting
Winding Crown: Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crown Guard: Integral part of the middle case
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire, cyclops lens over the date, double anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
MOVEMENT
Calibre: 2236, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Precision: Officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC)
Functions: Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, instantaneous date at 3 o’clock with rapid setting, stop-seconds for precise time setting
Oscillator: Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz), Syloxi hairspring in silicon with patented geometry, Balance wheel with variable inertia, High-precision regulating via two gold Microstella nuts, Traversing balance bridge, High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power Reserve: Approximately 55 hours
DIAL
Colour: Black, matt finish
Hour markers: Highly legible Chromalight appliques (long-lasting luminescence) in 18 ct pink gold
Hands: 18 ct pink gold, Chromalight
BRACELET
Type: Oysterflex
Material: Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer
Clasp: Oysterlock folding safety clasp in 18 ct Everose gold
