Is Rolex Releasing Their First Ever Titanium Watch?

Last week, an article popped up on RolexMagazine.com that peaked my interest, however I considered it largely rumor, and arguably some enthusiast well-wishing on the part of a die-hard Rolex enthusiast. The long and short of it, is author of the piece, Danny Crivello noticed a peculiar sport watch on the wrist of Olympic Sailor Ben Ainslie. The watch appeared to be a new Yacht-Master in Titanium - which begged the question - Is Rolex releasing a Yacht-Master in Titanium soon?

I’ve heard industry whispers since early 2021 when the watch was originally photographed on Ben’s wrist - however, itr’s largely flown under the radar, and easily dismissed - deserved or not. And since we are seeing so many big brands start moving forward with Titanium (looking at you Nautilus rumors), the move doesn’t surprise me in the least.

I linked the article above because I feel that Danny has done some fantastic reporting - Even if I was a bit apprehensive about it at first. He’s even reached out to Rolex directly, and actually recieved a response - Something I covered last week as very, VERY rare. This also gave me confidence in the idea that Danny’s reporting is accurate. Rolex sent him the following response:

"We do not wish to communicate more about this model than what we already have."

Which, is fairly standard fare from Rolex. It’s a non-answer, that I feel speaks louder in what ISN’T said, than what is. A sentiment that I seem to share with the original author.

Photo courtesy of SkySports.

So let’s talk about the watch. The watch appears to be Rolex’s standard 42mm Yacht-Master, albeit in a much more reserved, toned-down look. If you’ll notice, the watch itself also doesn’t feature a date window like the Yacht-Master in White Gold (ref. 226659). This gives the watch a cleaner, more deliberate aesthetic. Since the watch is designed around, well, yachting, I personally prefer the cleaner more tool-ey vibes of the Yacht-Master in titanium as apposed to the precious metals the rest of the models come in.

Additionally, the photographs that I have found have the watch on a black NATO strap - something Rolex is notoriously omitting from any of their standard models. Does that mean - should Rolex release the Titanium Yacht-Master - we will see Rolex’s first NATO?

Do we think Rolex will actually release a Titanium Yacht-Master?

Personally, I’m 50/50 on it. The recent interest in Rolex being a tool watch brand originally, has me thinking this might be a logical next step in Rolex more-or-less releasing something closer to it’s roots in tool watches. We’ve seen tons of interest drummed up in the Rolex Deep Sea Special Auction, and this really hearkens back to a time when Rolex tested their watches in the field. Strapped to the front of a dive-craft, strapped to the wrist of a competitive Regatta racer… I would like to believe that we’re seeing some old-school Rolex test scenarios in the works. I’m not going to lie here, I’m actually getting some COMEX vibes from this whole scenario.

Rolex has always prided themselves as a luxury brand. Watches were a part of an overall luxury brand aesthetic. So it begs the question whether or not Titanium is actually in the brands future. We joke as enthusiasts about not scratching a Rolex, but truly, looking back at the past, this is exactly what Rolex watches were designed for. And with this version of the Titanium Yacht-Master sans-date window, it’s hard not see the Mil-Sub - A (or maybe the) most notoriously tool-y watch the brand has ever released.

So whether or not Rolex actually releases this model or not, I speak for many enthusiasts that are excited about the prospect of not only a titanium offering from the brand, but also the way in which that Titanium model is being tested. I can get down with a Rolex that tests their watches in real world enviroments. It presents a little easter egg hunt for what could be coming next - and that’s a game I’m ready and waiting to play.