2019 Rolex Yachtmaster 42 Review | The future of Rolex? | 226659

Today I'm discussing the 2019 Rolex Yachtmaster 42mm in white gold (ref. 226659) on the Oysterflex bracelet. In many ways, the Yacht-Master represents a blend of the Submariner & the Daytona - with the Oysterflex bracelet and curvaceous case design found on the Daytona, but with the maxi dial, date and physical presence of the Submariner.
This latest addition to the Rolex collection was released at Baselworld 2019, and features a size increase to 42mm, an Oysterflex bracelet with the Glidelock clasp and a switch to the new calibre 3235. The 3235 features a 70-hour power reserve, as well as the chronergy escapement and parachrom hairspring.
0:00 Intro
1:08 Design & History of the Yacht-Master
2:19 On the wrist
3:05 Movement & Functions
4:10 Finish & Details
6:00 3 Positives
8:37 3 Negatives
11:28 Price & Value
You can see the Rolex Yachtmaster 42 (ref. 226659) in White Gold featured in this video for sale on Timepiece 360:
bit.ly/RlxYM42
The Yachtmaster also has a history of showcasing future traits that show up on other Rolex models - in 1992 it was the first to feature the maxi dial, which wouldn't show up on the Submariner until the 16610LV Kermit. The Yacht Master also was the testbed for Rolesium - essentially a steel case and bracelet combined with a Platinum bezel, this same approach would show up with the steel Datejust & Skydwellers with their fluted white gold bezels. Could it be that this increase to 42mm is a sign of the future of the Submariner?
What do you think of the Yachtmaster 42? Do you think the Rolex Yacht Master is showing us what the future of the Submariner is? Do you prefer that Rolex stay traditional or continue to experiment as they did with this Yachtmaster? Let me know in the comments section!
Special thanks to Timepiece 360, Dubai for lending in this watch. View their selection of luxury watches in Dubai:
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#rolex #yachtmaster #timepiece360

[@gmshadowtraders]

The ONLY Rolex that interests me. Great video.

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! Its one of my favorites so I had a lot of fun making it & glad you liked watching it :)

[@WatchUnwind]

I think its one of the best looking and most interesting Rolex watches as well.

[@BB-gl7zt]

Very incisive review as always. I don't see this kind of analysis on any other watch channel on KZbin. Keep it up, hope to see your channel continue to grow!

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! I always try to give as much insight as possible, and finding out that info and doing the research is one of the parts i enjoy the most about making these watch reviews. Thanks for the support & feel free to share the videos with anyone you think might be interested, the more shares the faster the channel can grow :)

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks :)

[@ernestogarcia7931]

I subscribed to you yesterday I really like your insight and you seem like a very pure an honest person I am really enjoying your videos thank you for everything

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks for subscribing! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos and if you have any questions or requests for future videos just leave a comment or shoot me a message on IG :) welcome to the channel

[@WatchUnwind]

Great video and great looking watch ! Always have great details and information in your videos such as the glide lock that I feel many others may have skipped out when speaking about this watch.

[@ShahLusso]

Yeah, most reviews write it off as just a bigger variant in white gold and call it a day, but I think it's a pretty big deal that they're putting the Glidelock on the Oysterflex, my guess is it'll soon start showing up on future new models on Oysteerflex and possibly even replacing the Easylink on bracelets too.

[@pwhs8]

42, WG, comfortable oyster flex, oh and it’s a Rolex. Sold. This is my grail. Subtle stunner.

[@ShahLusso]

💯

[@ernestogarcia7931]

Amazing review thank you so much for sharing

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks for watching & glad you liked the video :)

[@scottt.4596]

Great review! Thanks!

[@ShahLusso]

You're welcome, thanks for watching & commenting! :)

[@joelopic]

I muzt say that i love your videos. The way you present. The content and your honest and subjective views and conclusions. Great job and i look forward to more videos. Thank you

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! It’s always so nice seeing comments like this 🙏🏼 New videos coming out every week 😀

[@briantanchinyeam9589]

Great in depth review. Yacht master 42 definitely a huge leap forward from rolex orthodox way of designing their watches. It's absolutely simple and clean finishing suitable for younger generation.

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! The YM really has been a vehicle for Rolex to showcase its vision for the future right from the beginning, and hopefully it stays that way especially since the Submariner tends to favor a much slower design evolution. Thanks for watching & commenting :)

[@kostasp1137]

I like the curves of the YM case. Great review and happy to see that you gave your honest opinion on it

[@ShahLusso]

I agree, the curves of the Yacht Master/Daytona/Day-Date cases look much nicer and even in the larger size it still looks elegant, fingers crossed they bring it back on the next Submariner. Thanks for watching & commenting :)

[@God_of_Three_Pointer]

Great review. This watch is going to fly high. Love it so much!

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! It's an amazing watch and finally it's giving the Yacht-Master line the attention it deserves :)

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

Great video bud!

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! :)

[@fbernacke]

What a great job on the video, outstanding! I love the watch but dislike the overhang on lugs.

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks, glad you liked the video! Yeah I do wish the lugs were a bit shorter but i can only assume it was done to maintain the same proportions as the 40 & 37mm versions 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dl5066]

Great video and I had a quick question regarding the price. What are you thoughts on it given retail for the Yacht-Master-42 is still higher than the grey market price for a white-dial Daytona.

[@ShahLusso]

My main thought would be that as the Yacht Master 42 is still somewhat available at retail it's a much better buy compared to a white dial steel daytona at gray market prices mostly based on these reasons: 1. You're getting precious metal vs steel so there's a material added value 2. Buying a precious metal watch at a Rolex AD will elevate your standing with them and improve your chances of being offered a steel sports watch at retail 3. For the $24,500 - $35,000 (at current chrono24 prices) that a white dial 116500LN daytona goes for there are so many other steel chronos that offer better value in terms of exclusivity & finishing whereas at the pricing for the YM42 it's priced quite competitively for a precious metal sports watch (for example a White Gold aquanaut is over 10k more and near impossible to get at retail anyway) So if I was in the position to buy one or the other I'd go for the Yachtmaster 42 instead of a white dial steel Daytona. Also as a middle ground, there's quite a lot of 116519 white gold Daytonas available within that 20-30k range including some on full white gold bracelets & with a variety of different & distinctive dials (including white variants). That being said - bear in mind I don't look at watches for their resale value/value retention so my opinions are all based on getting the best watch for your money with the intention of keeping it & wearing it. I'm also slightly biased because I prefer the look of the Yachtmaster vs the Daytona in general. Hope all that helps :)

[@dl5066]

@@ShahLusso Thank you for your insights, very helpful indeed. I approach watch buying from a similar viewpoint and have largely given up on getting any popular SS from AD given I don't have an appetite for other models from a purely aesthetic point of view. Although now that I have the 1-2 watch I like from a number of brands (mostly from grey markets), I wonder if it would have been better off buying them all from the same AD to elevate my status. Again appreciate your sharing, your channel deserve a lot more subs =) Have a great day.

[@olanification]

You said this watch is substantial in it’s weight do you know how much it weighs?

[@augustuspatrone6790]

Usually forward all watch talk on other videos but enjoyed this review.

[@ShahLusso]

I appreciate that! Thanks for powering through & watching the whole video, glad it was worth it :)

[@augustuspatrone6790]

@@ShahLusso what is the 126655 like for future investments?

[@realslimshaco8550]

I got myself the watch and i'm so happy withit honestly it's a pleasure

[@ShahLusso]

Nice! It's a great watch & I hope you enjoy it for a long time to come :)

[@nipunsharma5351]

This is the only Rolex that catches my eye. None of the other offerings like the Sub or Daytona interest me. The Explorer is the most boring. It’s the grandfather watch. In fact all other rolexes are pretty uninspiring in design. The YM is big and bold, without feeling overbearing on the wrist. I love the striking white gold. The contrast is probably the best among all watches. I’d consider between this and the Omega Seamaster 300.

[@ShahLusso]

I agree, the Yacht Master really is one of the more distinctive Rolex sport watches & its proportions are just more elegant than the supercase Subs & GMTS while being less busy than a Daytona. Interesting you bring up the Seamaster 300M - there's actually a really good video on Watchfinder comparing the two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vNn3aDfKqWpqs

[@nipunsharma5351]

@@ShahLusso I watched that video. It really brought out the beauty of the watch. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@weijiemak7088]

Bought this the other day - I've got a smaller wrist so the length did put me off slightly, but this was easily resolved by purchasing a shorter (official) strap!

[@ShahLusso]

Nice! And congratulations on the new purchase, hope you enjoy it for years to come :)

[@andrewbrown5636]

Love this watch, it’s perfect for my 7.5” wrist. I don’t think they will ever put an Oysterflex on a steel model as it will confuse the market

[@ShahLusso]

True, they have spent quite some time on creating the distinction that Oysterflex is only on precious metals (just like they only do fluted bezels with gold), but i'm still optimistic that eventually they'll cave and to a steel oysterflex (like when they went steel with the Pepsi)..but you never know with Rolex!

[@steffenkruck2803]

Great Video 👍

[@ShahLusso]

Thanks! Glad you liked it :)

[@sbcchartering4764]

This must be the new star of Rolex. Unique quality

[@ShahLusso]

💯 couldn't agree more, one of their best recent releases and really breathed a lot of new life into Yacht-Master line

[@joelopic]

Good job. Nice watch. Still the fifty fathoms for me but this one is in the conversation for sure.

[@ShahLusso]

FF is a beautiful watch too :)

[@skuznetsov7068]

Awesome video, you deserve many more views than this. I found it after watching Marc Goldbergs prediction that there will be a steel version of this watch in the next few years. I agree and very much hope so. Rolex doesn’t have much in 42mm+ for those like me with larger wrists - in the dive watch style, bar the seadweller which is quite extreme. I would expect this in steel on oyster flex to cost the same as a sub date with full bracelet, which would make it the perfect watch for me, what do you think? Im also in dubai btw and have the channel (watchSK)!

[@ShahLusso]

Very true, Rolex has only a few options in 42+ - this, the Yacht Master II, Explorer II, Sky Dweller and then the Sea Dwellers which i agree are pretty extreme except for maybe the SD43. I'm not sure whether they'll do an Oysterflex on a steel watch, but if they do it on anything I think it'd be the Yactht Master since they've demonstrated already that they don't mind using it as a testbed for new variations/ideas. Thanks for commenting & I'll check out your channel too :)

[@ernestogarcia7931]

I just got mine today this is a different echelon and the weight perfect I also have a yachtmaster 40 chocolate dial and also Submariner date 40mm seems I love the ocean

[@ShahLusso]

Congrats on the new purchase! The YM42 really is something quite unique within the Rolex lineup, hope you enjoy it for years to come :) also love the chocolate dial Yachtmaster 40, don't see too many of those in the wild but great watch :D

[@gavinsverdloff4291]

I own & wear the Yachtmaster Everose Oysterflex bracelet in 37 MM, I am 5’ 5” tall, so happy with the Unisex size, & price. 😁🙏😎

[@ShahLusso]

Nice! If you've got the wrist for it then the 37mm YM is an amazing option, especially since they're not as ludicrously overhyped as the 40 or 42mm versions

[@paulosullivan3991]

Top class

[@Chris09978]

I wonder if they made a platinum version of it cause I do like the look of the particular Rolex in general along side with the Batman those are the only two Rolex that interests me

[@ShahLusso]

That would be interesting, especially if they use the ice blue dial like on the platinum day-dates and Daytona, or if they bring back the platinum dial from the 16622

[@gavinsverdloff4291]

I love it especially in Everose

[@ShahLusso]

Ohh yes it does look good in the Everose too :D

[@lorenzomanolo7723]

Is there a yacht master black bezel 42 with stainless steel band

[@ShahLusso]

Closest to that would be the titanium Yachtmaster 42 (ref 226627)

[@TimG--]

It’s now my fav Rolex. Have had many Rolexes. There overrated! PP, VC, AP better. Could be a one and done to compete against these! Nice video mate.

[@ShahLusso]

Glad you liked it! The Yachtmaster line is definitely one of the best & most underrated collections in the Rolex lineup IMO - I agree most of the others are hyped way beyond their original merit. For now I'd agree that PP/VC/AP will still feel better & more special than any Rolex, but this new YM42 seems like Rolex taking a serious crack at things like the Offshore and maybe even the Aquanaut - time will tell whether it pays off though! Thanks for watching & commenting :)

[@Anselmo279]

I love it and bought it 😍

[@ShahLusso]

Nice! It's a great watch, hope you enjoy it for years to come :)

[@TheDubaiExpat]

It looks very weird on your wrist, like having a way too big overhang. I would prefer a submariner on a rubber strap.

[@ShahLusso]

Yeah, thats why i had to flag that extra lug length as a negative, if they'd have kept it at the 48mm length of the 40mm version it'd look better - though i'm not sure what that would have done for the overall proportions. I do still prefer the shape of the Yachtmaster case but the 40mm size & proportions suit my wrist better, but it would be nice to see them add an oysterflex option for the Submariner, it seems like a natural choice.

[@TheDubaiExpat]

Shah Lusso exactly

[@streetglidesteve7315]

My dream Rolex

[@ShahLusso]

Hope you can get one soon :)

[@noeliepollie1973]

This is a good video. It did help me to make up my mind to go to try one on. I really liked this when it was first launched. It is a lot of watch I tried one on last week and i am going to collect it tomorrow. It has taken me a few weeks to find one to try on but i was not disappointed. It is not a stand out obvious watch from Rolex. Goes under the precious metal radar which i really love. It also break from their usual look on sports models to. I do like it in rose gold but i prefered this one much more and it is 42mm. The bezel on the matt black with high polish effect is stunning and it sits well balanced on my 7.5inch wrist. It is weighty which i like. I can't wait to collect this tomorrow 😎😁

[@ShahLusso]

Oh nice! Congratulations on the new purchase & I'm glad the video helped :) Without a doubt the weight of the gold is a nice counterbalance to the strap, sometimes steel on a strap just feels a bit too light on the wrist, so this is a great way to still get the weight of a bracelet without it being there - and the way the oysterflex is designed you don't get too much wobble or motion from the weight of the case either. Really good pick & hope you enjoy it for years to come! :)

[@noeliepollie1973]

@@ShahLusso Thank you it's a beautiful piece. Really nice on the wrist. The weight is very noticeable and feels very well balanced. For me it's more comfortable on the rubber oysterflex bracelet than a metal bracelet on other pieces I have owned previously. I had my eye on this since it's launch in 2019 and I'm so lucky to now own it.

[@racecrashrepeat]

Hey Buddy, Im oing to give you some critisism. But..its not what you think. Yoour video content is great Love it. the b roll it is an non issue, well executed and matched well to every frame. Exposure is good too. But you video quality is actually quite poor. Your frame rate is bad you maybe you are outputting at the wrong setting but its coming out jittery. The lighting you are using is also very cold. But in the way you made the video i see basically zero problem content and creativity wise. I actually think this is a very rare case of you need a better camera. Its not often said as its always its what you do with it that counts. Yes but here you have alot of noise and cold exposure so better dynamic range will help you with the scene setting and then the imporved noise wil give us better detail in the video overall. otherwise i enjoy the content alot. Thank you

[@ShahLusso]

Hey man, thanks for the feedback :) This video is pretty old, so quite a few things have changed since this one (new camera, new lenses, shoots happening in a more controlled environment too), would love to hear your thoughts on some of my newer videos, these two would be good examples: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XcnqV4hr6nrZo kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqqUdIiGjtaXoMk Admittedly the camera work is the hardest part of making these videos but hopefully there’s some improvement now :)

[@racecrashrepeat]

@@ShahLusso Hi Bud, So sorry first time i came across your channel. As i said this was just to help. Very happy and interested in watching the other videos. Will surely let you know but im confident its going to be an imrovement not a step backwards. Thanks again for the entertainement. People dont replaise and always comment about this and that they dont like, but in reality it is us who should be thank you for creating contnet that we get to sit and enjoy. Speak soon. thanks again,

[@ShahLusso]

Much appreciated 🙏🏼 and it’s always good receiving constructive feedback because I do try to keep improving as I go :) Hope you enjoy the other videos on the channel & I look forward to seeing you in the comments :)

[@pukenanginang]

I like the sub bcoz its an icon but I also like the luxury side of YM so I bought both f#c#it 😁

[@ShahLusso]

If you can then why not :) #yolo Out of the two which one are you wearing more often?

[@racecrashrepeat]

Aquanaut 42mm for $27k used? not sure about that.

[@ShahLusso]

Definitely not at that anymore 😅 but 2 years ago when I made the video there were a few listed for it, but this also why I’ve phased out the pricing part in my videos, more often than not it doesn’t age well 😂

[@Anselmo279]

👌

[@ShahLusso]

🙏🏼

[@closer71]

I want one.

[@ShahLusso]

I don't blame you, its a very cool watch :D

[@kevalagravat739]

i want oysterflex strip belt any one help me

[@ShahLusso]

Now that would be cool 😎

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

My favorite watch ...my daily

[@ShahLusso]

Amazingly versatile watch 💯

[@jchong416]

Make this 40mm and steel and I'm there

[@watchwarrior8597]

Yacht master 42 should come out with a white gold oyster bracelet, the other thing is that if they would have polished the numbers on the black bezel where the numbers were in white gold would have looked really good.

[@ShahLusso]

This would be interesting, especially with the polished white gold numbers in the bezel - it'd be interesting to see how they mount those whether they use a two piece stenciled bezel or if they machined and applied individual ones - either way though it'd add both the light-dark contrast as well as the depth that's already a great feature of the Yactht Master. Great idea!

[@closer71]

I’m glad Rolex didn’t take your advice. It’s Uber cool the way it is. WG bezel numbers would look hideous.

[@hairyfishcakes]

You in the ‘90 man…. Come back to us

[@sbcchartering4764]

Believe titanium is coming out

[@ShahLusso]

If they did titanium on oysterflex that would be next level light 🤯

[@philipmcritchie7309]

i would sell my grandmother for this watch

[@ShahLusso]

does she have original box and papers?

[@philipmcritchie7309]

@@ShahLusso comedy gold lolz !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnjohns2193]

Beautiful watch BUT all watches are going to be a thing of the past in the near future.

[@ShahLusso]

💯 on the first point, though curious to what you mean by they’ll be a thing of the past in the near future? Arguably they already have been since the quartz crisis but somehow they’re still here 😅