Ah, the open waves! The endless possibility, the broadening horizon, the salt-speckled spray, the faint air of danger, the distinct whiff of adventure — as the world gets smaller and smaller, our love of the ocean seems to grow and grow.
It’s that romanticism that the Swiss master Rolex taps into with every iteration of its iconic Yacht-Master range. Unveiled at Baselworld earlier this year, the new 42mm version spoke instantly of the sea, like a beachside shell held to the ear (only this shell comes with a patented nickel-phosphorus escapement, of course.)
It’s not quite your professional sailing watch (for that Rolex has the Yacht-Master II with its regatta timer), but there’s an admirable level of technical detail on show here.
The elegant execution of the new Yacht-Master means it’s really happy at home with other objects of beauty and opulence — it is very easy to picture yourself, with this number on your wrist, aboard the deck of a superyacht, for example, moored up at Monaco as the Grand Prix roars past.
This may not be your lifestyle just yet, but with this calibre of white gold against your skin, anything will feel imminently possible. The Oysterflex bracelet fits to the wrist like it was made for you, while the Cerachrom bezel gleams like the marina at high noon. Make no mistake: this is a watch for sailors — even those who have never set foot on a boat.
Check out our previous watch of the week: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra Thin…
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