Rolex is a universally desired brand, by watch fanatics, fledgling collectors and people who know nothing about 'movements' alike. Take a glance at the new Yacht-Master 42, and it's easy to understand why.
Unveiled at Baselworld 2019 (that's the big watch fair in which big brands launch their big pieces), the Yacht-Master 42 is a cut above the previous model - in every way. Now, the sizeable watch clocks in at 42mm - that's slightly larger than its predecessor - with a very serious-looking matte black bezel.
But the real standout? A lovely, 18-karat shiny, shiny white gold case. The precious metal, so often confused with stainless steel (reader: it is far from stainless steel) is a subtle way to flash without being flashy: quieter than yellow gold, and lighter than platinum.
Better yet, all the hallmarks that made the original Yacht-Master great remain intact. That means you've the iconic Oysterflex bracelet, a Cerachrom insert to the dial and indices finished with Chromalight: the Rolex-produced bright blue luminescent treatment that helps in darker settings.
It's a rare achievement that Rolex has got just right. But then again, they always do.
Available later this year, priced £21,400.
