The RLX Titanium Yacht-Master 42 Might Be Rolex’s Best Modern Watch

Since its release in 2023, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in RLX Titanium has stood out to me as the most appealing modern Rolex. But until yesterday, I’d never actually worn one. If you’ve ever bought a watch without seeing it in person, you’ll know that images only tell part of the story. To properly understand a watch, you need to wear it. Unfortunately, getting your hands on this particular Yacht-Master is a serious challenge. It’s one of the hardest current-production Rolexes to buy at retail, and secondary market prices hover around double its £12,000 RRP.

Luckily, yesterday I finally had the chance to try on the elusive titanium Yacht-Master at an authorised dealer in central Geneva. And from the moment it hit my wrist, every suspicion about the watch was instantly confirmed.

First Impressions: Even Better Than Expected

As soon as I picked it up, I knew this was the most impressively executed titanium watch I’d ever handled. And I don’t just mean the design—though that’s excellent too—I’m talking specifically about how it feels. Solid. Balanced. Precise.

Anyone familiar with titanium watches—the usual suspects; I won’t name names—knows the usual drawbacks. Even well-made titanium bracelets can feel a bit tinny or loose, beyond just being lighter. The RLX Yacht-Master 42 avoids all of that. The bracelet has zero play—no rattles, no wiggles—and the whole watch feels like a cohesive, premium object.

Comfort & Fit: Specs Aren’t Everything

Before trying it on, I had some concerns about the Yacht-Master’s 50.3mm lug-to-lug measurement. For reference, my wrist is 17cm in circumference, and 50mm is often the upper limit of wearability. But the Yacht-Master’s curved lugs and excellent ergonomics eliminate any issues. On-wrist, it wears flat and secure, with no overhang.

A Personal Favourite: The Ceramic Bezel

Rolex’s ceramic bezels are consistently well-executed, but this one is the best in the current lineup. It features a matte black ceramic insert with a sandblasted background and raised, polished numerals. The dimensional contrast is striking in person—and it works beautifully with the matte dial and dark sheen of the titanium case.

Why Titanium Finishing Matters

Image Source: Monochrome Watches

Titanium is notoriously difficult to work with. It’s harder and lighter than steel, but far trickier to machine. It’s reactive, prone to discolouration from polishing heat, and becomes more brittle as it’s worked. That’s why truly well-finished titanium watches are rare—and usually expensive. Think of the titanium Lange Odysseus, which sells for over £44,000.

The fact that Rolex has achieved this level of finish—at scale, no less—is incredibly impressive.

Why Is It So Hard to Buy?

If it’s so well received, why don’t more people own one?

I asked the Rolex rep. No real answer.

The reality is: titanium is more complex to produce, and Rolex doesn’t rush things. They scale with intention. Could they make more? Absolutely. But scarcity fuels desire—especially with a model this cool. Just like the “Pepsi” GMT, this is a watch they could ramp up production for, but probably won’t.

I visited with our CEO, someone with a deep client history at that very Geneva boutique. Even for him, the idea of walking out with one wasn’t entertained for a second. It’s just that hard to get.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

Completely. Trying it on confirmed what I’d long suspected—this isn’t just another steel sports Rolex in disguise. It’s a standout. Yes, the difficulty in obtaining one adds to its mystique. But the reason to want it isn’t the hype. It’s the execution.

Walking out of the shop, I felt even more confident calling the RLX Yacht-Master 42 my favourite modern Rolex. Here’s hoping they make more titanium models—or at least make this one slightly less mythical.

Have you tried on the titanium Yacht-Master? I’d love to hear if it lived up to your expectations.