Rolex
Yatch-Master 42 Oysterflex - Grey Gold- Full-set box & Papers

Rolex Yacht-Master — Ref. 226659 — Oyster, 42 mm, 18 ct white gold — Calibre 3235 — Oysterflex — Pre-owned Full Set 2019

On the water as in the city, precision is not a luxury: it is a lifeline.

In the morning, the 226659 catches the light on a boat’s deck, the bezel timing a tack and the dial readable at a glance. In the afternoon, it moves from pontoon to office without changing pace: the Oysterflex keeps the ease of a sport strap, white gold the discretion of a metal that plays nuance rather than shine. In the evening, one Glidelock click of adjustment and the wrist finds the right tension. A Yacht-Master is that highly functional kind of luxury: real practical solutions, in the service of controlled elegance. Born for yachting and life by the sea, the Yacht-Master transposes the DNA of professional Oysters to a sport-luxury register. The Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659 was unveiled in 2019: 42 mm case in 18 ct white gold, Oysterflex as standard and the latest generation 3235 movement. It stands in the line of the Submariner and Sea-Dweller for maritime spirit, but assumes its own language: Cerachrom bezel with polished numerals in relief and everyday comfort enhanced by the Oysterflex. Initial market launch of this model in the Rolex range in 2019.

The Oyster case features a monobloc middle case with screw-down back and crown: a compact architecture water-resistant to 100 metres that withstands salt spray and everyday swimming. The bidirectional 60-minute bezel receives a matte black Cerachrom insert that is virtually scratchproof; the polished numerals and graduations in relief catch the light and remain legible in all situations. The sapphire protects a black dial with Chromalight treatment: hands and hour markers emit a steady, long-lasting blue luminescence. The Triplock crown multiplies the water-resistance barriers; the Cyclops at 3 o’clock enlarges the date without sacrificing the dial’s balance.

On the wrist, the Oysterflex combines flexible metal blades overmoulded with a high-performance elastomer: stability, resistance to UV and salt, comfort whatever the temperature and humidity. Under the clasp, the Glidelock system allows fine micro-adjustment in a few seconds, very useful when heat makes the wrist expand. The Oysterlock safety clasp locks the whole, preventing any accidental opening.

The Calibre 3235 powering this watch is a latest-generation manufacture movement, designed for precision, robustness and autonomy. Its Chronergy escapement (nickel-phosphorus alloy, optimised geometry) increases energy efficiency and stability while being insensitive to common magnetic fields. The blue Parachrom hairspring in a paramagnetic alloy remains stable in the face of temperature variations and proves markedly more shock-resistant than a traditional hairspring. Paraflex shock absorbers protect the balance staff from everyday impacts. The optimised barrel and gear train bring the power reserve to approx. 70 hours: the watch can be set down all weekend without stopping. Bidirectional automatic winding by Perpetual rotor ensures steady supply, stop seconds makes to-the-second setting easier, and the quickset date secures corrections. Each 3235 is adjusted to Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification (internal tolerance −2/+2 s/d after casing), synonymous with real-world precision on the wrist. In use, this translates to: less drift, less maintenance related to everyday shocks and magnetism, and a “weekend-proof” autonomy.

On a jetty, a deck or a terrace, the 226659 keeps the same measure. The 18 ct white gold favours muted sheen and a dense touch; the black of the dial and bezel brings legibility, the Oysterflex freedom of movement. It goes with a light blazer, a nautical polo or a white shirt, and readily leaves the sea for the city. For water use, Mostra recommends respecting periodic pressure tests: 100 m water-resistance is suitable for swimming and calm water sports, excluding scuba diving.

Full Set (2019) example: original box and papers, Oysterflex bracelet with Oysterlock + Glidelock, full check by the Mostra Workshop (rate, amplitude, deviation, water-resistance). Watch ready to wear, delivered with Mostra Certificate of Authenticity and sized to your wrist on request.

Each watch is authenticated, checked and prepared by our in-house watchmaking workshop, then covered by the Mostra 3-year warranty with personalised follow-up (usage advice, service reminders, water-resistance testing). In the boutique at 3 Place Forbin or remotely, we offer presentation in natural light, photos, verification of the numbers and insured delivery. Our demand for transparency and service is praised by clients: our excellent scores on Avis Vérifiés reflect a clear, reassuring experience from the first exchange to the wrist. Mostra, renowned for its service and customer experience, has been designated in the specialist press as one of the best the pre-owned specialist in the south of France.