[Rolex] A thorough comparison of the new Yacht-Master 42 model "Ref. 226627" and the older model "Ref. 226658"!

Good evening everyone.

The Yachtmaster is a high-end model targeted at people who enjoy marine sports such as yacht cruising . With its elegant design using high-quality materials such as platinum and gold, it has continued to gain popularity both in Japan and overseas since its introduction in 1992. In recent years, perhaps with the intention of making it more accessible to a wider range of people, its popularity has been increasing year by year, with the release of combination models with SS (stainless steel) materials while maintaining the luxurious atmosphere.

So this time, we will be thoroughly comparing the new Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226627, released in 2023, with the old Ref. 226658, released in 2022, in a comparison of the old and new! If you are interested in the new model, we hope you will do your research before it hits the market and fully understand what has changed. Please enjoy reading until the end.

First, let's briefly introduce each of the Yacht-Master 42s we will be comparing.

Old model Ref.226658

Specifications

Case diameter	42mm	Bezel	ceramic
Dial	black	Luminous	Chromalight
material	18KYG	bracelet	Oysterflex
Waterproof	100m	Drive system	Automatic
Cal	3235	Power reserve	Approximately 70 hours

The Ref. 226658 was released as a new model in 2022. This is the first 18KYG (yellow gold) model in the Yacht-Master 42, and is equipped with the Cal. 3235, which was also used in the Ref. 226659, an 18KWG (white gold) model released in 2019. Equipped with an Oysterflex (bracelet) that combines robustness and flexibility, it has a luxurious and sporty design.

New model, ref. 226627

Specifications

Case diameter	42mm	Bezel	ceramic
Dial	black	Luminous	Chromalight
material	RLX Titanium	bracelet	RLX Titanium
Waterproof	100m	Drive system	Automatic
Cal	3235	Power reserve	Approximately 70 hours

New for 2023: Ref. 226627. Previously, the Yachtmaster was made only of platinum and gold, but now a new model has been released that uses Rolex's proprietary titanium material, called RLX Titanium, throughout. The finishing method makes the most of the material, giving the design a more masculine impression than ever before.

Next, let's compare the old model, Ref. 226658 , with the new model, Ref. 226627 .
The main specifications are as follows:

Reference 226658

Reference 226627

42mm	Case diameter	42mm
ceramic	Bezel	ceramic
black	Dial	black
Chromalight	Luminous	Chromalight
18KYG	material	RLX Titanium
Oysterflex	bracelet	RLX Titanium
100m	Waterproof	100m
Automatic	Drive system	Automatic
Cal.3235	Cal	Cal.3235
Approximately 70 hours	Power reserve	Approximately 70 hours

❶【 Case 】

The exterior, which was previously based on a polished finish, has been changed to a satin finish for the "Ref. 226627" to take advantage of the RLX titanium material. As a result, it has been transformed into a sporty atmosphere like a diver's watch.

By the way, RXL Titanium is Rolex's Grade 5 titanium alloy, and genuine titanium is classified as Grade 2. Titanium itself is difficult to process, and it is said to be particularly difficult to finish, which is essential for luxury watches, but Grade 5 titanium overcomes this weakness by incorporating other metals into the alloy.

❷ [ Bracelet/Buckle ]

The "Ref. 226658" was fitted with an Oysterflex strap, but the "Ref. 226627" is fitted with an "RLX Titanium" bracelet. This is great news for those who like bracelets but are not comfortable with stainless steel, as it is lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion, and less likely to induce metal allergies.

The "Ref. 226658" is equipped with a Glidelock extension system that allows for length adjustment up to approximately 15 mm in 2.5 mm increments, while the "Ref. 226627" is equipped with an Easylink system that allows for length adjustment up to approximately 5 mm. Both allow for fine adjustment of the length, making them equally easy to use.

❸【 List price 】

The "Ref. 226658" is made of 18KYG (yellow gold), so it is priced at about 3.8 million yen, but the "Ref. 226627" is about half that price at about 1.8 million yen. There is a big difference in ease of purchase.

What did you think.

The materials used are different, so the appearance may have been different, but the matte black Cerachrom bezel, which is a feature of the Yacht-Master, and the latest technology, the Cal.3235 movement, have been inherited. Many people may have trouble choosing, but there is no difference in functionality, so it is best to choose the one that suits your design preferences and the situation in which you will be using it.

In addition, the new model "Ref. 226627" is gradually appearing on the secondary market, but as there are still only a few available, it is fetching a premium price. It may be wise to carefully consider the time and place of purchase according to your own needs before purchasing.