Rolex watches are hard to come by. Waiting lists of years are not uncommon, and some models disappear completely from the market. The Yacht-Master II is one of those exclusive timepieces that are only sporadically available. Now it is available again. The watch is aimed at sailors with high standards and a corresponding budget. It is not a simple three-hand model, but a highly functional regatta chronograph with a patented Ring Command bezel. Rolex presented the Yacht-Master II for the first time in 2007 and positioned it as a technical tool for ambitious regatta sailors. Since then, the watch has changed very little.
Ring command bezel controls the movement
The special feature of the Yacht-Master II is the mechanical connection between the bezel and the movement. The so-called Ring Command bezel is not just a decoration, but a control element. The countdown function is unlocked or locked by turning it 90 degrees. This mechanical link is technically complex and unique to Rolex. Rolex only uses a similar solution in the Sky-Dweller.
Inside is the Calibre 4161, a mechanical chronograph movement with a programmed timer. The countdown can be set for up to ten minutes. The countdown is programmed before the official start signal and starts when the signal is given. The red countdown hand shows the time remaining until the start. If the wearer has started the countdown too early or too late, it can be readjusted. By pressing the start/stop button at two o'clock and the reset button at four o'clock, the minute hand jumps to the next full minute.
The calibre 4161 offers a 72-hour power reserve. It works with a Glucydur balance that oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The technology is complex - alongside the Sky-Dweller, the Yacht-Master II is the most complicated movement currently produced by Rolex.
Four variants: From stainless steel to yellow gold
The Yacht-Master II is available in four versions. The entry-level model in stainless steel costs around 18,500 euros. The bicolour version in stainless steel and Everose gold costs around 25,700 euros. The white gold version costs around 38,900 euros, while the all-gold version in yellow gold comes in at 44,500 euros.
All four models have a 44 millimetre case - large, eye-catching and unmissable. The stainless steel, yellow gold and Everose gold models have a blue ring command bezel made of Cerachrom ceramic. The white gold version has a platinum bezel. The timer numbers from one to ten and the words "Yacht-Master II" appear on the bezel.
The dial is white on all versions. Twelve applied indices mark the hours, filled with blue luminescent Chromalight luminous material. The index at twelve o'clock is designed as a triangle, at six o'clock as a rectangle, a change that Rolex made in 2017 to mark the tenth anniversary of the watch. Previously, all indices were square. The countdown scale with Arabic numerals runs below the hour markers. A small second is located above the six o'clock position.
The hands follow the classic Rolex design: Mercedes-style hour and minute hands, a slim stop hand and a red triangular countdown hand. All models have a screw-down Triplock crown, sapphire crystal and are water-resistant to 100 metres. The bracelet on all variants is the three-row Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock safety folding clasp and Easylink extension.
Luxury with function or function with luxury?
The Yacht-Master II is a border crosser. On the one hand, it is a highly functional tool for regatta sailors who need precise start times. On the other hand, it is a status symbol with weight, gold and presence on the wrist. The question is: who buys such a watch? Professional sailors usually use robust, lightweight sports watches without a gold case. The Yacht-Master II weighs considerably more, is more susceptible to scratches and costs many times more. Rolex itself advertises the watch as a tool for the discerning sailor. The Yacht-Master II is less a pragmatic instrument than a luxurious tribute to the sport of sailing.
Technical data:
Rolex Yacht-Master II (all models):
Housing:
- Diameter: 44 mm
- Material: Stainless steel (116680), stainless steel/everose gold (116681), white gold (116689), yellow gold (116688)
- Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Crown: Triplock (screw-down)
Movement:
- Calibre: 4161 (mechanical, automatic winding)
- Chronometer-certified
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 A/h
- Parachrom-Breguet spiral
- Glucydur balance
Functions:
- Hours, minutes, small second
- Chronograph
- Programmable race countdown (1-10 minutes)
- Ring command bezel (mechanically connected to the movement)
- Readjustment possible during the countdown
Dial:
- Colour: White
- 12 applied indices (Chromalight luminous material)
- Countdown scale (1-10)
- Small second at 6 o'clock
- Mercedes hand, red countdown hand
Bezel:
- Material: Cerachrom ceramic (Ref. 116680, 116681, 116688), platinum (Ref. 116689)
- Colour: Blue (except white gold model)
- Labelling: Timer numbers 1-10, "Yacht-Master II"
Bracelet:
- Type: Oyster band (three rows)
- Clasp: Oysterlock safety folding clasp
- Easylink extension (approx. 5 mm)
Prices (approx.; new goods):
- Ref. 116680 (stainless steel): 18,500 EUR
- Ref. 116681 (stainless steel/verose): EUR 25,700
- Ref. 116689 (white gold): EUR 38,900
- Ref. 116688 (yellow gold): EUR 44,500
Availability:
- Currently available again
- Waiting lists likely
- About authorised Rolex dealers
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
