Rolex shocked and surprised at Baselworld this year, which in itself is both shocking and surprising. Not only did the famed watch manufacture produce its own all-new calibre with new escapement and precision allegedly twice as great as that stipulated by COSC, the 3255, but it also broke with Rolex convention in producing the brand’s first watch on a rubber strap. Rolex is clearly tired of aftermarket companies reworking its watches and has widened its own design goalposts just enough to allow for a little variety. The Yacht-Master pairs a case in its Everose gold 18ct alloy with a matte black ceramic bezel, with the markers picked out in a gloss finish. The much-discussed Oysterflex strap is actually a titanium sub-bracelet coated in rubber with a cushion system on the underside to allow for a better fit and airflow to the skin at the same time. This is not like any Rolex that has come before and is perhaps the first truly contemporary, original watch the company has produced in decades.
