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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium M226627-0001

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European Watch Company – Est. 1993

Terrific in Titanium: The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 

Published by samuel colchamiro.

View all posts by Samuel Colchamiro

Rolex doesn’t have much of a reputation for innovation. While many brands push modern designs and flashy novelties, the crown is the master of incremental changes, tweaking its designs every few years in a slow, continuous act of refinement. That said, when Rolex does do something out of the ordinary, as was the case with the new Yacht-Master 42 reference 226627 , it really makes a splash. At first glance just another run of the mill Rolex sport watch, this 42mm 2023 release added the second all- titanium model to the Rolex collection. Let’s take a closer look!

The Rolex Yacht-Master debuted in 1992 as something of a modernized Submariner. Believed to originally have been intended as merely an update to the Submariner, it quickly became clear that the Yacht-Master deserved to be its own model with its own distinct personality. A luxurious, precious metal variant of the classic Submariner tool watch, the Yacht-Master had a unique identity and quickly became a popular staple in the collection. The updated look featured an insert that was permanently affixed to the bezel (as opposed to the floating insert found on the Submariner), the handset was wider, the dial had maxi style indexes, and of course, precious metal was standard.

Since then, the Yacht-Master collection has expanded to include a number of additional references. In 1994, Rolex added a midsize 35mm variant as well as a lady’s 29mm piece. In 2015, Rolex added an Everose gold model paired with an Oysterflex rubber strap, and in 2019, Rolex debuted the modern Yacht-Master, resized to 42mm with an Oysterflex strap. However today, we are talking about the most recent news in the Yacht-Master department, the 42mm titanium Yacht-Master that made its debut in 2023. As its first mass-market titanium watch (yes the Deepsea Challenge came first, but that was a super limited niche piece), the watch was a real surprise coming from the normally conservative brand. 

Design Details

Beyond the case and bracelet material, this Yacht-Master was designed to remind you of the precious metal Yacht-Masters that Rolex has produced the last few years. This watch features the maxi dial, rounded edges, and overall luxurious feel that the model is known for, and yet, it is a very different animal. The matte look of the brushed titanium paired with a matte black ceramic bezel, black dial, and white lume plots fuse to create a stealth presence on the wrist. The more muted tones of the bezel compared with, say, a Submariner, really set this piece apart. 

While the aesthetics help set the stage for this watch, the feel on the wrist tells a slightly different story. Whereas a 42mm Rolex should be a substantial piece on the wrist, this titanium variant weighs a mere 100 grams – which is a blessing or a curse depending on who you ask. If you’re looking for the reassuring heft of a luxury sports watch, this may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you find a heavy watch imposing or uncomfortable, there is finally an option for you from a brand that hasn’t historically offered much in the way of lightweight pieces (sure, Rolex has the Deepsea Challenge, but few wrists are capable of wielding that thing). 

The bracelet on this watch is the classic Oyster style that we have come to know and love from Rolex, meaning that there’s nothing particularly aggressive or polarizing about the execution. If appreciate titanium, you are going to like this watch quite a bit.

Alongside the other recent releases from Rolex (a Daytona with an exhibition caseback, puzzle and emoji dial Day-Dates, bright colored OPs, etc), a titanium model actually seems fairly subdued. Maybe this is because, as an industry, we are adjusting to a more adventurous Rolex than we were historically used to. Interesting to imagine what else might be in the pipeline…

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Inner Workings

The ref. 226627 Yacht-Master is powered by Rolex’s automatic-winding caliber 3235 movement. The 3235 was introduced in 2015 as Rolex’s updated automatic winding movement with a date and came with an elongated 70-hour power reserve alongside other improvements including a longer mainspring and thinner barrel walls. The movement is accurate within +/- 2 seconds per day and is generally regarded as one of the most robust and easiest to service in the industry. The movement is much higher tech than previous calibers from Rolex and came as a welcome upgrade that brought Rolex watches in line with the standard longer power reserve that is now the norm in the industry. 

Versus the Competition 

There are a number of alternatives to the Titanium Yacht-Master that you should consider if you’re in the market. While the Yacht-Master was originally intended to be a more luxurious model from Rolex, in titanium, it has a much sportier presence. Those seeking the more luxurious feel would likely gravitate towards one of the precious metal variants, like any of the the yellow, rose, or white gold 42mm Yacht-Master’s Rolex offers. Additionally, the brand has a number of special exotic dial variants, including a tiger’s eye Yacht Master that is worth a look. 

If you are searching for a more affordable titanium diver, the Tudor Pelagos 39 is quite difficult to beat. For a fraction of the price, you gain access to the lightweight tool watch club. The Pelagos is one of Tudor’s most popular watches today and brings all the capabilities of a hardcore diver without breaking the bank. 

Finally, I’d recommend the hardest core diver that Rolex has produced in a long time, the Deepsea Challenge . Also fashioned from titanium, this monstrous piece supplies a depth rating of not one meter less than 11,000. There’s something reassuring about knowing that you will die long before your watch will. The Deepsea Challenge was Rolex’s first series-produced titanium watch and, coupled with its impressive specs, it makes for a really unique piece that pays tribute to the brand’s origins as a maker of bulletproof tool watches.

Personality

I picture the Ref. 226627 as a weekend warrior. Titanium is a relatively soft material, but the natural oxidation of the surface over time makes small scratches essentially disappear. This unique quality offers a degree of comfort that you don’t necessarily have with other, “shinier” Rolex models. Additionally, this piece has a casual, non-ostentatious appearance to it. The bezel is matte finished rather than high gloss ceramic; the titanium has a robust, utilitarian gray hue to it that stainless steel lacks; the maxi markers look stronger and less delicate. These aesthetic choices add up to a look and feel that is reassuring on the wrist. There’s little concern for how the piece will hold up and it’s clearly a watch that you can put on and forget about. 

Final Thoughts

The ref. 226627 Rolex Yacht-Master is many things. On the one hand, it’s part of the brand’s luxurious diver model family. On the other hand, it’s a titanium diver that packs a 100 meter water resistance and a James Bond, Jason Bourne-esque persona. Rolex as a brand is truly the master of logical paradoxes (luxury tool watches anyone?). A purpose built tool that is constructed with refinement and luxury as core priorities shouldn’t work. And yet, as Rolex has shown time and time again, it does, and effortlessly so. The Rolex Yacht-Master in titanium is just the latest in the brand’s longstanding tradition for crafting luxurious tool watches that deserve a place in your watch roll. 

See more of the Rolex Yacht Master 226627

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Rolex’s Titanium Yacht-Master 42 Review: The Game-Changer

Table of Contents

In the world of luxury watches , the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 is a study in contrasts—nautical yet luxurious, familiar yet distinct. Introduced as part of a line that has often lived in the shadow of the iconic Submariner , this particular model breaks the mold with its RLX Titanium build and unique features.

It’s a distinct shift that has long-time fans and new admirers debating its merits. Is this the watch that finally elevates the Yacht-Master collection to legendary status?

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the sporty appeal and luxury essence of Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 demands your attention. Dive into our in-depth Yatch Master 42 review to explore its unique features and find out if this timepiece ticks all the right boxes for you.

The Oyster case of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 stands out at 42mm, constructed entirely of RLX titanium. Notably, this isn’t any ordinary titanium. Rolex specifically opts for grade 5 titanium alloy for this model, prized for its extraordinary lightness paired with mechanical robustness and resistance to corrosion.

What sets RLX titanium apart further is its adaptability in the finish. Whether you’re looking at a polished gleam or a satin touch, it conforms to Rolex’s exacting standards. However, it’s worth noting that this high mechanical strength presents a challenge in crafting. To harness its qualities, Rolex had to innovate, integrating specialized production techniques tailored for RLX titanium.

Moreover, this monobloc middle case features a screw-down back and winding crown, embodying Rolex’s commitment to durability and precision engineering. The rotating bezel is bidirectional, complete with a Cerachrom insert matte black ceramic insert bezel, graced with a mirror polish, raised numerals and graduations. This perfectly complements the titanium case, making it an exemplar of maritime luxury.

Function meets form in its winding crown, equipped with Rolex’s Triplock triple waterproofness system. Coupled with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a Cyclops lens over the date, this Titanium YM is waterproof to 100 meters or 330 feet and with a power reserve of up to 70 hours. 

The Dial 

The dial of the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is more than a display, it’s a testament to horological engineering and aesthetic acumen. Enhanced with Chromalight technology, the matte black dial promises unimpeachable legibility even in the darkest marine abyss. Broad, polished numerals and geometrically distinct hands and markers comprising circles, rectangles, and triangles are filled with luminescent material that emits an enduring glow.

Such meticulous attention to detail reaffirms the watch’s utility, making it an indomitable tool for nocturnal navigation. Paired with its stunning deep black hue, this display adds a layer of mystique that’s equally at home on the high seas or at a black-tie affair.

The Strap/Bracelet

Adorning the new Yacht-Master 42 is an Oyster bracelet meticulously forged from RLX titanium, an alchemy of strength and refinement. A legacy creation tracing its roots to the late 1930s, this tri-link wonder stands as an iconic feature within Rolex’s revered Oyster Perpetual series.

The bracelet is enhanced with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, an ingenious feature that secures your timepiece against accidental openings. It is also equipped with Rolex’s Easylink comfort extension link, offering the wearer the luxury of micro-adjustments for an impeccable fit.

Not to be overlooked, patented ceramic inserts embellish the internal links of this RLX titanium composition. These delicate yet durable additions not only enhance the bracelet’s ergonomic comfort but also significantly elevate its lifespan, epitomizing enduring elegance in horological artistry.

The Movement

The movement within the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 is a perpetual, mechanical, self-winding system that utilizes Rolex’s own Calibre 3235. This isn’t just any in-house movement; it’s one that assures a precision rate of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing, a feat that outperforms many other luxury timepieces in the market.

When it comes to functionality, this watch features a straightforward, yet highly useful set of capabilities. The central hour, minute, and seconds hands are complemented by an instantaneous date display function with rapid setting and a stop-seconds mechanism for ultra-precise time adjustment.

Underpinning this all is the oscillator, which employs a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. These features enhance the watch’s durability and performance under different conditions. The bidirectional self-winding Perpetual rotor ensures that the watch remains operational and accurate, even when not manually wound for an extended period.

The Competitive Landscape

These watches are competitors primarily due to their shared characteristics and target market. While not all of them are made of titanium, they share key features such as high water resistance, durable sapphire crystals, and reliable movements:

• ORIS PROPILOT X CALIBRE 115: Crafted from both Grade 2 and 5 Titanium, this timepiece offers a commendable 100m water resistance and houses a mechanical movement. Its impeccable titanium construction and precision mechanics align harmoniously with the Yacht-Master’s ethos of opulence and artistry.
• OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300: While its case boasts Grade 2 Titanium, the Seamaster is celebrated for its extraordinary 300m water resistance, automatic movement, and the elegance of a sapphire crystal. It stands as a formidable choice for those who seek a timepiece of enduring strength and style.
• TUDOR PELAGOS 39: Enveloped in Grade 2 Titanium, this horological masterpiece showcases a robust 200m water resistance and houses an automatic movement. The Pelagos stands as a worthy contender in the realm of luxury sports watches, boasting durability and performance akin to the Yacht-Master.
• TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 300: Boasting a formidable 300m water-resistant case, automatic movement, and the refined allure of a sapphire crystal, the Aquaracer commands attention within the upper echelons of dive watches, despite the absence of titanium in its construction.
• VACHERON CONSTANTIN OVERSEAS TOURBILLON SKELETON: While featuring Grade 5 titanium, this watch stands out as a luxury option with a tourbillon movement. Its water resistance is lower at 50m, making it more of a statement piece than a diving watch , but it competes in the luxury segment.

Notable People Wearing Rolex Yacht Master 42

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm in RLX titanium has already made its way onto some high-profile wrists, creating buzz and drawing attention to this unique piece.

Sir Ben Ainslie

Image Source: Rolex Magazine

First seen sported by British competitive sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, the Yacht-Master 42’s maritime features and innovative titanium build found a perfect match. As a sailor with numerous accolades, Sir Ben Ainslie’s endorsement brings credibility to the Yacht-Master’s nautical roots and functionality.

Image Source: Time and Tide

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has also been spotted wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master 42. Known for his love of action and adventure, both on-screen and off, Cruise’s choice in wearing this Rolex model underscores its appeal to those who lead high-paced, adventurous lives.

The appearance of this Rolex timepiece on the wrists of individuals of such varied but high-profile backgrounds speaks to the universal appeal and versatility of the Yacht-Master 42. 

Why You Should Invest?

Priced at SGD 18,132.17, the Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 represents a new frontier for Rolex, which has historically been associated with weighty, robust deepsea challenge timepieces made from stainless steel or precious metals. When a prototype was seen on the wrist of British competitive sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, the notion of a titanium Rolex suddenly moved from fantasy to reality.

Despite its lighter weight, this doesn’t undermine the watch’s value; it enhances it. The use of grade 5 RLX titanium introduces a level of complexity and craftsmanship that justifies its price tag. Titanium is notoriously difficult to work with, and Rolex has managed to not only manufacture it but also perfect it, maintaining the watch’s renowned durability and resistance.

When looking at Rolex watches as an investment, consider their volatility. The Yacht-Master series exhibits lower volatility, with other Yacht masters like the Rolex 226659 at 7.2% and Rolex 226658 at 4.4%, suggesting more stable value retention. Given the groundbreaking nature of the Titanium Yacht-Master Ref. 226627, its value is likely to appreciate over time. Rolex’s commitment to innovation while maintaining quality will likely make this model a sought-after piece in the future.

Pricing and Availability

The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 is priced at SGD 18,132.17 . Given its high-quality craftsmanship, innovative use of RLX titanium, and the brand’s reputation for durability and luxury, this price point is aligned with what one would expect for a timepiece of this caliber.

As for availability, it’s advisable to consult authorized Rolex dealers or reputable online platforms for the most current information. Rolex watches, especially innovative or popular models like this one, can sometimes be difficult to find in stock due to high demand and limited releases.

If you’re considering this tool watch as an investment piece or a functional yet luxurious watch, it’s recommended to act promptly, given the notable personalities already spotted wearing it and its potential for future value appreciation.

The Rolex watch Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627 is a groundbreaking entry in Rolex’s esteemed line-up, blending innovation with classic craftsmanship. Its use of RLX titanium and a host of advanced features mark it as a pinnacle of both style and functionality. 

Key Takeaways

• Introduced as a trailblazing model featuring RLX Titanium, this watch has redefined what it means to be a Rolex Yacht-Master.
• Its unique material and craftsmanship not only justify its premium price but also suggest a strong potential for value appreciation.
• The likes of Sir Ben Ainslie and Tom Cruise being spotted with this timepiece not only elevates its status but also underscores its universal appeal and functionality.

Looking to buy or sell your luxury watches? Watch Exchange is your one-stop destination for trading Rolex , Patek Philippe , Tissot, Sinn, Zenith, and other luxury timepieces. Find your next watch today or list your item for free!

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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

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Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40

Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 ‘Blueberry’

Out of stock

Description

Maunder Watch Co are pleased to offer this Rolex GMT with a highly sought after all blue ‘Bluberry’ bezel.

This watch features a 40mm stainless-steel case with a blue aluminium insert. This watch is presented as watch only. The serial dates this watch to 1973.

All our watches have undergone a thorough inspection of water resistance, accuracy, functionality and are authenticated by our specialist watch makers.

The images provided on our website are taken in-house and are of the watch we have in stock.

This watch is now available to view at our shop located in the Burlington Arcade, Mayfair.

Telephone : 020 3831 3399

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.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} Yacht-Master 40 .css-1g7r01k{font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.9375rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-1g7r01k span{display:block;} Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold Reference 126655

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in 18 ct Everose gold with an Oysterflex bracelet.

The oysterflex bracelet, highly resistant and durable.

The Yacht-Master’s new Oysterflex bracelet, developed by Rolex and patented, offers a sporty alternative to metal bracelets. The bracelet attaches to the watch case and the Oysterlock safety clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade.

The blade is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer which is particularly resistant to environmental effects, very durable and perfectly inert for the wearer of the watch. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and fitted with an 18 ct Everose gold Oysterlock safety clasp. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed by the brand and patented. This inventive toothed mechanism, integrated beneath the clasp, allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by some 15 mm in increments of approximately 2.5 mm, without the use of tools.

18 ct Everose gold

An exclusive patent

To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold.

Introduced in 2005, 18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex Oyster models in pink gold.

Bidirectional Rotatable Bezel

Timing the distance.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.

This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Intense black dial

Exceptional legibility.

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 40 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   126655

Model case .css-plfq1t{--iconSize:12px;--iconStrokeWidth:2px;height:var(--iconSize);position:relative;width:var(--iconSize);}.css-plfq1t::before,.css-plfq1t::after{background:currentColor;content:"";display:block;height:var(--iconStrokeWidth);left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:50%;-webkit-transition:-webkit-transform 0.6s;transition:transform 0.6s;will-change:transform;}html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::before,html.prefers-reduced-motion .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}.css-160voq8 .css-plfq1t::after{-webkit-transform:rotate(90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(90deg);transform:rotate(90deg);}.no-js .css-plfq1t{display:none;}

Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

Intense black

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master 40

Contact an Official Rolex Retailer

Only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch. With the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment, they guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of your Rolex and help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

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Veliky Novgorod Region: Why you need to see the jewel in Russia’s ‘Silver Necklace’

Valday Iversky Monastery

For those of you making the trip to Veliky Novgorod Region, here is a list of unmissable activities and places of interest to really get you acquainted with the area and its history.

1.    Learn the history of the Russian state in Veliky Novgorod

Of course, this city is unmissable; being the historical center of Russian statehood with the most ancient cathedral in the country, Sophia Cathedral, erected more than one thousand years ago, is a place of power for the whole of Russia. The city was the first-ever Russian settlement straddling both sides of a river (Volkhov), with the imposing Kremlin on one side, and medieval churches and buildings in the historic market district on the other.

Veliky Novgorod Kremlin

You can spice up the historical tour with various custom ones available, including the ancient cemetery at night or an alco-tour of the city (where you get to try local food and drink). For more information on the city excursions, you can go here .

2.  Explore traditional folk craft at the workshop in Kresttsy settlement

Krestetsky stitching is a traditional Russian pattern - a folk craft that was born and developed in this area since the 1860-s. In Soviet times a small factory producing original unique linen products was built here. During Perestroika it was nearly closed due to the catastrophic economic crisis in the country. The risk for the Krestetsky stitch being completely forgotten was quite real. It is now a private factory and shop with guided tours.

NOVGOROD REGION, RUSSIA - JANUARY 24, 2019: Linen products of the Kresttsy Stitch clothing factory reviving and implementing the Kresttsy stitchery, a traditional local embroidery technique dating from the 1860s, in the village of Kresttsy, Novgorod Region

The pattern is very beautiful and difficult to master, so the possibility to observe the birth of a masterpiece is quite unique. Head over to the factory website for more details.

3.  Meet the old believers in the village of Lyakova

Russia’s so-called ‘old believers’ did not accept the reformation of Orthodox Christianity in Russia in the 17th century, choosing instead to keep the old traditions in church services and rites, in defiance of the state’s persecution, lasting centuries. Old believers are divided into two groups, those who accept the church hierarchy and those who do not accept priests at all, pray in their own houses, and are governed by the community leaders. At this time there are about one million old believers scattered around the country with no official statistics to confirm that figure.    

The old believers of Lyakova village will gladly welcome you in the old traditional peasant’s house, explaining how it was organized, and how life, in general, looked in the distant peasant past.  This immersion is accompanied by a traditional dinner with borsch, salo (pork scratchings) and tea brewed in a traditional samovar. Book your ticket here .

4.  Take the eco-trail at the Valdai national park 

This national park is one of the largest specially protected natural areas in the European part of Russia. Russian president Vladimir Putin has one of his ‘datchas’ here. The territory of the park that covers an area of 159 thousand hectares includes several lakes (Borovno, Valdai, Velje, Seliger) as well as rare animals and plants.

Many nature lovers come here to hike, swim in the lakes and camp. This year the big eco-trail was opened. If you enjoy hiking, you can walk all 59 kilometers in five days, starting from the town of Valdai and covering around 12 kilometers a day. On the way, you will have all the facilities needed for camping and spending time in nature, from toilets to camping equipment and various amenities. Visit the park’s website for more info.

5.   Visit the Valday Iversky Monastery

Located on an island 10 kilometers from the town of Valday, this monastery appears to be floating on the lake, when you look at it from a distance.

This is a male Orthodox monastery established in 1653. It was one of the three monasteries founded by the Patriarch Nikon (his reformation of the Orthodox Church in Russia and its unification with the Greek Orthodox church caused the split between ‘old’ and ‘new’ believers). The icon of the Mother of God – Iverskaya – is the treasure of the monastery and the reason for the active pilgrimage to this place.

6. Ring the bells at the Valday Museum of Bells

The region of Novgorod was the center of Russian statehood under the rule of the Rurikovich dynasty. After the collapse of Kievan Rus’, the region was an autonomous Russian state with a republican form of government, the symbol of which was a big Bell that every citizen could ring in order to gather the townspeople for a vote or resolve a community issue. So it is not by accident that the first-ever Museum of Bells in Russia was opened here.

Valday Museum of Bells

If you manage to get Nadezhda Yakovleva for a guide, you are guaranteed a one-person performance along with your historical facts, it’s fascinating and great fun as well.

 7.   Immerse yourself in 10th-century life at the settlement in Lyubytino village

This village of ancient Slavs has been restored in order to give tourists the impression of life centuries ago. Different types of Russian wooden cottages (izba) are represented here, as well as utility buildings and the ancient burial mounds, used by Slavs for burial rites.

Lyubytino is an urban locality (a work settlement) and the administrative center of Lyubytinsky District of Novgorod Oblast, Russia, located on the Msta River. Municipally, it serves as the administrative center of Lyubytinskoye Urban Settlement

For those seeking total immersion, there is the possibility of getting dressed in the traditional clothing of the time and have a photo session.

 8.   Visit the museum of local lore in the town of Borovichi

This is one of the oldest museums in the region, established in 1918, and located in a 19th century stone house with a mezzanine. It is devoted to the history of the region from the Stone Age to the Revolution of 1917.

By the end of the 19th century, Borovichi became an industrial city that attained fame in Europe due to the first international agricultural handicraft and industrial exhibition held here, which was established under the auspices of the Prince of Oldenburg, who underlined the importance of this region between the two Russian capitals. France then presented half of the items at the exhibition.

The region is also known for a unique material produced here: Franco-Russian pyro-granite plants of Prince Golitsyn were located in Borovichi, and the recipe for producing it remains secret to this day. This material got a large silver medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889.

We highly recommend that you take a guide here, as there are many activities including role play and various fun games, as well as just beautiful stories told during it. Find out more here .

If you need some guidance in the area, feel free to address the Rus Novgorodskaya touristic center.

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