Watch reference library
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226658
In production 2022 to present.
Specifications
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case material
- 18k yellow gold
- Bezel
- Bidirectional rotatable, black Cerachrom ceramic insert with raised numerals
- Dial
- Black
- Movement
- Rolex calibre 3235, automatic
- Power reserve
- About 70 hours
- Water resistance
- 100 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Bracelet
- Oysterflex bracelet with yellow gold buckle
The story
The Yacht-Master line was introduced in 1992 as a more luxury-oriented sibling to Rolex's sport watches, aimed at sailing rather than diving, and it has always leaned on precious metals and distinctive bezel treatments rather than the tool-watch styling of the Submariner or GMT-Master. The reference 226658 is not a steel or platinum model, despite sometimes being assumed to be one; it is a solid 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master 42, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2022 as the first time the 42mm Yacht-Master case had been offered in yellow gold. It followed the white gold 226659, which had launched the 42mm Yacht-Master case in 2019 with a black Cerachrom bezel and the Oysterflex bracelet, an elastomer strap built around a flexible titanium blade for comfort and durability. The 226658 uses the same architecture, adding a yellow gold case, bezel, and clasp to match. The Yacht-Master 42 collection expanded again in 2023 with a titanium version, reference 226627, giving the current lineup three metal options built on the same 42mm case and calibre 3235 movement. Because it sits within an already precious-metal-focused model line rather than replacing an existing steel or platinum reference, the 226658 does not have a single direct one-to-one predecessor; Rolex has continued selling smaller Yacht-Master references in other metals and sizes alongside it.
What to check before you buy
The most important thing to verify with this reference is the case material, since it is easy to assume from the model name alone that a Yacht-Master might be steel or a steel and platinum Rolesium combination, when the 226658 is specifically solid 18k yellow gold. Buyers should also distinguish it from the visually similar white gold 226659 and the newer titanium 226627, since all three share the same case shape and bezel style but differ in metal, weight, and price. Check the Oysterflex strap for signs of wear or stiffening at the point where it meets the case, since the elastomer core can degrade over many years, though Rolex designed it to be more resilient than typical rubber straps. Because this is a solid gold case rather than a gold-capped or two-tone piece, weigh the watch and compare it against known figures if authenticity is a concern, since gold cases are meaningfully heavier than steel equivalents. A full set with box and papers matters more for gold sport-dress models like this one, since the metal and low production volume mean resale relies heavily on documented provenance.
Buying or selling a 226658?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands. For live market pricing on this reference, Moda-lytics tracks real Rolex sales data.
Common questions
Is the Rolex 226658 made of platinum or steel?
Neither. The 226658 is a solid 18k yellow gold Yacht-Master 42, introduced in 2022. Platinum and steel Yacht-Master models exist in other references and sizes, but this specific reference is yellow gold.
What bracelet does the 226658 come on?
It comes on the Oysterflex bracelet, an elastomer strap built around a flexible metal blade, finished with a yellow gold buckle to match the case.
How is the 226658 different from the white gold 226659?
They share the same 42mm case, bezel style, and calibre 3235 movement, differing mainly in case metal, with the 226658 in yellow gold and the 226659 in white gold. Weight and color are the main practical differences.
Is the Yacht-Master 42 a dive watch?
It carries a rotatable bezel and 100 meters of water resistance, which is suitable for swimming and light water activity, but it is not built or rated for serious diving the way the Submariner or Sea-Dweller are.
When did Rolex add a titanium Yacht-Master 42 to the lineup?
Rolex introduced the RLX titanium Yacht-Master 42, reference 226627, in 2023, giving the current 42mm Yacht-Master collection three metal options alongside the white gold 226659 and yellow gold 226658.