It wouldn’t be Watches & Wonders without some new Rolexes. The Geneva trade show has been the host for new releases from the Swiss watchmaker for some time now, including the Explorer II back in 2021 and even the now-retired Milgauss in 2007 (when the convention was still called Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie).
For this year’s event, Rolex has introduced a handful of new timepieces already, including a 60th-anniversary Cosmograph Daytona and a brand-new Perpetual 1908 dress watch line to replace the deceased Cellini. However, our favorite announcement is the introduction of the Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium. A few months back, the company unveiled its first-ever all-titanium case and bracelet in the way of the massive 50mm Deepsea Challenge — essentially an extra-large version of the Oyster Perpetual, and with a relatively-unnecessary 11,000m of water resistance. However, enthusiasts waiting for years for a titanium Rolex weren’t exactly pleased with this debut.
The industry has seen a preponderance of titanium timepieces in recent vintage, which makes Rolex relatively late to the party. Now, fans of both the material and the watchmaker can experience titanium’s benefits in a much more wearable 42mm case with a much more accessible and versatile aesthetic. Previously used as a material for the brand’s casebacks, RLX Titanium has now been given to the case and bracelet. It uses grade 5 titanium that’s been specifically selected by the watchmaker, similar to the steel used for its Oystersteel. Titanium in general is lighter than steel and more resistant to corrosion and this Yacht-Master is no different.
A titanium Yacht-Master 42 was first seen in prototype form back in 2021 when famous sailor Ben Ainslie donned a watch given to him by Rolex. Now, that piece has come to fruition and is actually for sale. Head over to Rolex’s website to purchase your own for $14,050.
