Reference:226659

Yacht-Master → 226659

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659

Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in 2019 as a 42 mm white-gold version of the Yacht-Master. Reference 226659 pairs a black dial and black Cerachrom bezel insert with an Oysterflex bracelet. Rolex still lists the reference; the records cited here do not give a production end date.

Core facts

• Reference: 226659
• Model: Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
• Introduced: 2019
• Case: 42 mm, 18 ct white gold
• Dial: black, with Chromalight display
• Bezel: bidirectional 60-minute scale; matt black Cerachrom insert with polished raised numerals and graduations
• Movement: calibre 3235, automatic, date
• Bracelet: Oysterflex, with Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension system
• Water resistance: 100 m

Where it sits in the line

The Yacht-Master 42 enlarged the standard Yacht-Master case from 40 to 42 mm. It retained the model's bidirectional timing bezel and date display, but used an 18 ct white-gold case rather than the Everose gold used by the 40 mm ref. 116655, introduced in 2015. The two watches share a dark dial-and-bezel palette, though their case size and gold alloy distinguish them.

Production outline

Rolex presented ref. 226659 at Baselworld in March 2019. SJX's launch-day report described the 42 mm case as the largest standard Yacht-Master then offered. On 14 May 2019, a Rolex Forums member reported collecting one, confirming a delivered example by that date.

Rolex's current product page still lists ref. 226659. Its 2019 presentation and current listing both show a white-gold case, black dial, and Oysterflex. The source record here does not establish whether other market or short-run configurations existed, or when production will end.

Movement notes

Rolex specified calibre 3235 at launch, and its current product record continues to list it. The automatic movement has a date with rapid setting and stop-seconds; Rolex gives an approximately 70-hour power reserve. SJX noted that this was the first Yacht-Master to use calibre 3235 when the watch appeared in 2019.

Dial map

The documented configuration has a black dial with broad hands and applied geometric hour markers. Rolex describes the luminous display as Chromalight. SJX called the larger markers and hands a “Maxi” dial; the term describes their proportions, not a separate reference. In a May 2019 Rolex Forums thread, the owner called the dial glossy. That is one owner's observation, not evidence of a finish change or a separate dial run.

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes

The case is 42 mm and made from 18 ct white gold. Rolex describes a monobloc middle case, screw-down caseback, Triplock winding crown, sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date, and water resistance to 100 m. The bezel rotates in both directions and carries a matt black Cerachrom insert. Its raised numerals and graduations are polished.

Oysterflex and clasp

Rolex describes the Oysterflex as flexible titanium-nickel alloy blades overmoulded with elastomer, with longitudinal cushions on the underside. It closes with an 18 ct white-gold Oysterlock clasp and includes the Glidelock extension system.

Historical market and auction record

Phillips catalogued a circa-2020 example in its Hong Kong Watch Auction XV. The lot listing gives case 3'H084'843, calibre 3235, a 42 mm white-gold case, and a dated guarantee. Its catalogue essay uses “Oysterflex” and adds sales language; the structured lot details call the strap rubber.

Sale	Lot details	Result
Phillips, The Hong Kong Watch Auction XV, lot 945	Circa 2020; case 3'H084'843; 42 mm white gold; calibre 3235; guarantee dated 21 July 2020	HK$226,800

Sources

• "Rolex, Yacht-Master 42 presentation, Baselworld 2019", Rolex, 2019
• "Rolex Yacht-Master 42, reference 226659, current product page and brochure", Rolex
• "Introducing the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in White Gold and Ceramic", SJX Watches, 2019-03-20
• "Rolex Introduces the Yacht-Master Everose With Oysterflex", SJX Watches, 2015-03-19
• "Collection Day Yacht Master 226659", Rolex Forums, 2019-05-14
• "Phillips, The Hong Kong Watch Auction XV, lot 945 — ref. 226659", Phillips