Editor’s note: Like you, we are also excited for the Watches & Wonders 2022 novelties. Before we get to dive deep into them, here’s our preview & Gut Reaction Review (Grr…) of the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection. For our detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here. This is NOT a sponsored post.
The New Rolex Yacht-Master Collection In A Nutshell
In the last few years, the brand that wears the crown has further upscaled — the already upscale version of the Submariner — its Rolex Yacht-Master Collection. In addition to the steel and two-tone Rolex Yacht-Master models, their catalogue until now included:
- The reference 126655 in two variations, Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Intense Black (RRP 39’450 AUD) and Diamond Paved (Price on request)
- The reference 268655 in two variations, Rolex Yacht-Master 37 Intense Black (RRP 33’900 AUD) and Diamond Paved (RRP 57’500 AUD)
- The reference 226659, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42, with a white gold body and black dial (RRP 41’750 AUD)
The new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection for 2022 adds three more variations to this, two in the 42mm diameter family and one in the 40.
- The reference 226658 with a 18 ct yellow gold case and black dial, the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 (RRP 39’950 AUD)
- The reference 226659 with the added new Falcon’s Eye dial to the existing white gold case Rolex Yacht-Master 42 (RRP 45’450 AUD)
- The reference 126679 SABR Rolex Yacht-Master 40 with a black dial, white gold case with diamonds and sapphires
My first reaction to the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection additions was to have a sigh of relief; I am in the market for the Yacht-Master 126622 and was happy to note tat Rolex hadn’t discontinued the steel version. Otherwise there went that dream to ever acquiring it at retail. My next reaction was to genuinely appreciate the reference 126679 SABR Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – here was a new sports Rolex that both women and flamboyant men could gracefully flaunt. But the biggest enthusiasm was perhaps reserved for the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Falcon’s Eye. Hot damn. That’s the stuff that makes watch enthusiasts weak in the knees.
Basic Specifications
Both the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection references 226658 and 226659 feature a 100m water-resistant 42mm diameter and 11.5mm thick 18 kt yellow (and white gold respectively) case with a lug-to-lug spacing of 50mm, interhorn spacing of 21mm, and a monobloc middle case with a screw-down case back and winding crown. Both feature a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, with polished raised numerals and graduations and a screw-down crown with Triplock triple waterproofness system.
Inside them ticks the calibre 3235 which is an automatic-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured in-house measuring 28.5mm in diameter. This COSC-certified movement comprises of 31 jewels, beats at the frequency of 4Hz, offers decent 70-hour power reserve, and a precision of -2/+2 sec/day (after casing). The movement also features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers and allows for instantaneous date with rapid setting and stop-seconds function for precise time setting.
And the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection reference 126679 SABR features a 100m water-resistant 40mm diameter and 11.5mm thick 18 ct white gold case with a 48mm lug-to-lug spacing. The watch’s 18 ct white gold monobloc middle case on its lugs and crown guard features 46 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.89 ct).
Complementing these are the 8 trapeze-cut diamonds (approx. 0.92 ct), 32 trapeze-cut sapphires — 8 pink, 8 light blue, 8 purple and 8 dark blue — (approx. 4.27 ct) and one triangular diamond (approx. 0.15 ct) on the 18 ct white gold bidirectional rotatable bezel.
Inside this beauty ticks the same calibre 3235 as above. These non-limited edition new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection models were first announced yesterday on 30 March 2022 as part of the Watches & Wonders 2022 March 30 to April 5 (both online and at the Salon).
Parting Thoughts On The New Rolex Yacht-Master Collection
When the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in whole gold was first released, it made a huge impact. The brand’s Yacht-Master family didn’t get as much love as their other Professional Sports models, and the ref. 226659 changed that.
So it comes as no surprise that the brand will want to explore more avenues and give collectors more of what they desire. Enter the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection models, in both 40 and 42mm diameters.
My pick out of the three new for 2022 versions is obviously the Falcon’s Eye version, given that is unique unique. Of course the gem-set version is very rad too, but for my tastes, the Falcon’s Eye takes the cake.
Both the gem-set and Falcon’s Eye models are stunning in their own rights and we highly look forward to seeing them in the metal and photographing. Stay tuned!
To find out more about the new Rolex Yacht-Master Collection models for 2022 and their other watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy are ©Rolex. Make sure to check out our reviews of other Watches & Wonders 2022 novelties here.
