yacht master 1 vs 2

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II.

A detailed comparison on these two luxurious Rolex sport watches.

The Yachtmaster II and Yachtmaster 40mm are both great sports watches especially with professional sailors and yacht racers. They both are classy and sporty at the same time. But what are the key differences and what makes these two watches special in their own way? Have a look below at a detailed description of the differences.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II

Let's take a look at one of the latest and most spoken about Rolex Yachtmaster watches, the 116655. This watch is a special watch for many reasons. Namely, this is a historical landmark for Rolex since it is the first Rolex watch to ever use a rubber strap. Most people wouldn't bat an eye at the idea of a Rolex with a rubber strap so why the fuss? This is not any typical rubber strap. Rolex has been raving about this new rubber Oysterflex bracelet which is not only very comfortable to wear, it is also hypoallergenic.

The research and development team at Rolex has engineered a bracelet that is as easy to wear as a rubber bracelet but also holds its shape like a metal bracelet. They do this by using nickel-and-titanium inserts inside the band. They also instituted a patented shape on the inside of the bracelet which has a cushioning system built-in to it which allows the bracelet to take the natural shape of a wrist making the Oysterflex possible the most comfortable rubber watch band. An Oysterlock safety clasp keeps the watch from opening and looks stunning in 18ct Everose gold. Everose gold is a patented 18kt pink gold alloy that is unique to Rolex watches and has been used with all their pink gold oyster cases since 2005.

You'll also find a black matte Cerachrom dial which is a hardened ceramic material that is a tough and highly scratch resistant material that has anticorrosive properties and is impervious to discoloration from exposure to Ultra Violet rays. Perfect for spending your days relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht.

The dial on the Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 with its cyclops date magnifier could be passed as that of a Submariner if it weren't for all the Everose gold used. You can find this material used on the rims of the index hour markers, the Rolex logo, and luminous filled hands. You won't find rose gold on the dial of any watch in the Submariner series (yet?). The combination of black and Everose gold is a real eye-grabber giving this the look of a really luxurious watch.

What's running inside this stunning watch? The Yacht-Master 40mm runs off an automatic Rolex perpetual movement, the Rolex caliber 3135. This 31 jewel movement beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of about 50 hours.

Rolex Yachtmaster II

At a glance, this watch is an impressive piece of eye-candy with a polished case and two-tone rose gold and stainless steel bracelet. The design used vibrant colors from the blue Cerachrom bezel to the rose gold pushers and patented Triplock crown. The white dial is equally full of harmonic colors with blue steel hour, minute and subdial seconds hands and rose gold and red chronograph hands. A rose gold rimmed sub-dial and applied rose gold rimmed index hour markers tie it all together.

A unique feature of the Yachtmaster II is the regatta chronograph and features the world's first mechanical programmable countdown with a memory. You can accurately sync the watch with the starting sequence of a yacht race.

Unlike most bezels which don't operate as a component of the movement, the easy-to-use and bi-directional Ring Command bezel on the Yachtmaster II operates in conjunction with the regatta chronograph as an integral component of the movement. This bezel is the method in which you can synchronize the countdown timer to the start times of a race. Each time you press the button you can adjust the timer by one-minute increments for up to a 10-minute countdown timer. When you adjust the rotating bezel back to its default middle position, it resets the chronograph back to its main function.

This COSC certified Swiss chronometer is the self-winding caliber 4161 automatic movement beats at 28,800 vph and is completely manufactured by Rolex. This movement features the Rolex antimagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. After receiving a COSC certified chronometer certification, the movement the goes through a thorough in-house chronometric testing once installed into a watch case. Once the watch achieves a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day in the case, it gets a Rolex Superlative Chronometer designation. Even with all these mechanical features, the 31 jewel caliber 4161 movement holds its power for 72 hours.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II - Side By Side Comparison

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Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II, What’s The Difference?

Starting with the Explorer II in the 1970s, Rolex has created a few model spin-offs over the years , where the second version is often larger or more technically advanced than the original. Aside from the Explorer II, there’s the GMT-Master II, the Datejust II, and more recently, the Yacht-Master II. But what exactly are the differences between the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II? Join us as we outline all the details as we compare the Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II.

Origins: Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II

Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992 as an ultra-luxe sports watch with a nautical flair. The first reference in the collection was the Yacht-Master ref. 16628–a solid gold watch to emphasize the luxuriousness of the then-new Rolex model.

From its 40mm Oyster case to its rotating timing bezel to its Oyster bracelet, Rolex opted for 18k yellow gold for the very first Yacht-Master. Over the course of its history, the Yacht-Master collection welcomed other sizes and materials and today, it is one of Rolex’s most varied sports watch models.

The Yacht-Master II is a much younger Rolex watch , having made its debut in 2007. Featuring a regatta chronograph inside its large 44mm Oyster case, Rolex positioned the Yacht-Master II as a tool watch for professional racing sailors.

Like the original Yacht-Master, the first models of the Yacht-Master II were also 18k gold models but Rolex offered the choice of the white gold YM II ref. 116689 with a platinum bezel or the yellow gold YM II ref. 116688 with a blue ceramic bezel. Although the Yacht-Master II is still only available in one size, Rolex has added other metal options to the collection.

Design: Yacht-Master

Through the Yacht-Master is a varied collection , the defining traits of the watch include a water-resistant (to 100 meters) Oyster case, a Twinlock winding crown, a undirectional rotating bezel with raised numerals marked to 60 minutes, and the familiar Rolex sports watch dial layout with geometric lume-filled hour markers and Mercedes-style hands. The Yacht-Master is a time and date Rolex watch, therefore the dial is home to the date window at 3 o’clock accompanied by the customary Cyclops magnification lens protruding from the sapphire crystal.

Rolex has made the Yacht-Master in a number of case sizes throughout the decades: 29mm, 35mm, 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm. Rolex no longer makes 29mm or 35mm and currently only offers the latter three sizes.

Materials wise, Rolex originally made the Yacht-Master in yellow gold, stainless steel with a platinum bezel (dubbed Rolesium), and two-tone steel and yellow gold. These days however, Rolex no longer uses yellow gold in the Yacht-Master collection, opting for Everose gold (the brand’s proprietary rose gold alloy) instead. What’s more, Rolex recently added for the first time a Yacht-Master in white gold. Therefore, the Yacht-Master is now available in stainless steel with a platinum bezel, white gold, Everose gold with a black ceramic bezel, and two-tone steel and Everose gold.

While Rolex originally fitted the Yacht-Master exclusively with the three-link Oyster bracelet, in 2015, the brand debuted the black rubber Oysterflex bracelet. However, the Oysterflex bracelet is currently only available on the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Yacht-Master and the 42mm white gold Yacht-Master.

Design: Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is one of the brand’s largest watches with a 44mm Oyster case, fitted with a Triplock winding crown, a pair of chronograph pushers, a Ring Command bezel, and an Oyster bracelet. It is also one of Rolex’s most complicated modern watches, complete with an innovative regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown feature (1 to 10 minutes) and a mechanical memory. Interestingly, rather than just a decorative element, rotating the Ring Command bezel is how you program the countdown function of the Yacht-Master II, which can be synchronized to the sequence of race start times during a regatta.

One of the most striking design elements of the Yacht-Master II is its dial design, which is unlike any other Rolex watch. The hour and minute hands are at the center while accompanied by the running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Arching above the center hands, from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock, is the countdown display whereby the red arrow-tipped hand indicates how much time is left on the countdown. There’s also the central chronograph hand, which can flyback or fly-forward back to its starting position while in motion.

For the first decade of its production, the Yacht-Master II featured straight center hands and square lume-filled hour markers. However, as of 2017, Rolex switched to Mercedes-style hands and added a triangular hour marker at 12 and a rectangular hour marker at 6 to sit alongside the square ones.

The Yacht-Master II is available in a few different material versions: stainless steel with a blue Cerachrom bezel, yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel, two-tone stainless steel and Everose gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel, and white gold with a platinum bezel.

Yacht-Master & Yacht-Master II References

Below is a comprehensive list of Rolex references for both the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II collections.

Yacht-Master References

Yacht-Master II References

YM or YM II?

While they share the same name, it’s clear that the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are quite different. Yes, they’re both nautical-inspired Rolex sports watches, yet the first is smaller and more refined while the latter is larger, bolder, and more complex.

Whether you decide on the Rolex Yacht-Master or the Yacht-Master II depends largely on the size of what you’re looking for. If you want an oversized Rolex chronograph, then the Yacht-Master II may be right for you. If however, you are looking for a Rolex sports watch that is 40mm or smaller, then the Yacht-Master range is the better option.

Regardless of which model you pick, the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are fantastic Rolex watches inspired by a life at sea.

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Overview of the Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master range encapsulates luxury and precision in a line of nautically inspired timepieces. Introduced in 1992, this Rolex watch borrows heavily from the Submariner series. The original Yacht-Master- the ref. 16628 with a 40mm Yellow Gold case, Cyclops lens over the date, triple lock crown, and Oyster bracelet- was modeled after the first ever Submariner- ref. 16610- which has a 40mm stainless steel case.

They both used the Caliber 3135 movement!

The tool watch gained traction with time, coming in various case, material, and bracelet options, as we shall see shortly. It’s no wonder it’s among Rolex’s most varied pieces in the Professional series.

Meanwhile, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II more than a decade later in 2007. It’s a watch tailored to the needs of professional sailors with its innovative regatta chronograph. 

Housed in a more robust 44mm Oyster case, it leveraged Rolex’s expertise in precision and functionality, offering a programmable countdown with mechanical memory for yacht racing. Distinguishing itself from its predecessor, it brought a new level of technical sophistication to the yachting world.

Design Characteristics

The Yacht-Master line portrays the typical design layout of Rolex sports watches, with an Oyster case (that’s water-resistant to 100m), a Twin-lock winding crown on the side of the case for setting the time and date and winding the movement manually, lume-filled Mercedes-style hands and hour markers, and a date function at three o’clock that’s amplified by a Cyclops magnifier lens on the crystal.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II takes on a more daring design, featuring a larger Oyster case (water-resistant to 100m) with a Triplock winding crown and chronograph pushers for operating the regatta chronograph, a busier dial with a programmable countdown feature (1 to 10 minutes), and a special Ring Command bezel that’s also present in Rolex’s Sky-Dweller collection .

Interestingly, the Yacht-Master II and Sky-Dweller are some of Rolex’s most complicated watches for now.

The Yacht-Master comes in various case options, namely 29mm (discontinued), 35mm (discontinued), 37mm (Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 268621), 40mm (Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 126622), and 42mm (Rolex Yacht-Master Oysterflex ref. 226659).

In terms of materials, Rolex has utilized several precious metals in the collection:

• Yellow Gold
• Stainless steel and Yellow Gold (Yellow Rolesor)
• Stainless steel with a Platinum bezel (Rolesium)
• Everose Gold (a patented proprietary Rose Gold alloy)
• Stainless steel and Everose Gold (Everose Rolesor)

In contrast, the Yacht-Master II is only available in a 44mm case size. It’s available in fewer material alternatives:

• Stainless steel with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel
• Stainless steel and Everose Gold with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel
• White Gold with a Platinum bezel (discontinued)
• Yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel

Bezels 

The two watches have a bidirectional rotatable bezel that’s integral for tracking sailing time intervals. The difference comes in their designs.

The Yacht-Master has a bezel crafted from gold or platinum. This rotating bezel has raised numerals and 60-minute graduations. Plus, it operates independently from the watch’s inner mechanism.

The Yacht-Master offers a more noticeable Ring Command bezel with the ‘YACHT-MASTER II’ inscription and molded 1-10 numerals in varying colors depending on the materials used. The Yacht-Master II’s bezel is connected to the movement, and its wearers use it to operate the regatta chronograph function.

The watches’ dials are well-suited for their respective purposes. 

The Yacht-Master has a simpler dial design, with Mercedes-style hands and round/triangle/rectangle or gem-set hour markers. Rolex has used several luminous materials on these excellent luxury watches over the years:

• SuperLumiNova
• Chromalight

The Yacht-Master II has a more detailed and functional dial with slimmer hands decorated with Chromalight lume, a red arrow-tipped hand, a central chronograph hand, square-shaped hour markers, a countdown function with mechanical memory that gracefully curves from 8 to 4 o’clock, and a running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.

The red arrow-tipped hand shows how much time is left in the countdown. Meanwhile, the central chronograph hand can fly back or fly forward to its starting position while in motion, and the countdown function allows skippers to sync it on the fly to match the official race countdown (it’s the first in the world, BTW).

Note: The Yacht-Master II had square hour markers and straight baton-shaped hands from 2007 to 2017. 

2017 welcomed several changes: an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock, a rectangular hour marker at six o’clock, and a Mercedes-style hour hand to offer more lume and enable easier differentiation from the minute hand.

Bracelets and Clasps

Rolex equips the Yacht-Master with Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets. The three-piece Oyster offers classic luxury and sturdy comfort and is finished with a high polish or brushed look. It also has a secure Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system that ensures the watch remains fastened around the wrist.

As for the Oysterflex bracelet , it’s a black strap crafted from a flexible Titanium and nickel alloy metal blade at its core and is clad in a high-density elastomer. It also boasts a tiered design that raises the timepiece away from the wrist and a Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system.

The YachtMaster II also features an Oyster bracelet, typically equipped with the Rolex Glidelock system, allowing fine adjustments and reflecting its more technical and sporty heritage.

Caliber Comparison

The Rolex Yacht-Master lineup features various movements, with the Yacht-Master 37mm housing a self-winding Caliber 2236 movement, the same movement used in Datejust 36 and Datejust 41 timepieces . It has 31 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency. 

Meanwhile, the 40mm and 42mm watches utilize the Caliber 3235, a well-respected automatic movement recognized for its reliability. This 31-jewel movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph) and offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. 

In contrast, the Yacht-Master II is equipped with the self-winding Caliber 4161, a chronograph movement specifically developed for this model’s unique regatta countdown function. It has 48 jewels, a 72-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency.

Technical Details at a Glance

The following table highlights the specifications of both watches discussed above and more:

When comparing the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II, consumers frequently have questions regarding their differences, pricing, availability, and rarity. The following subsections aim to address these common inquiries.

Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II: A Guide

SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:

Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II: What's the Difference? | SwissWatchExpo [Rolex Watches]

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Hands-On The Rolex Yachtmaster II Regatta Timer, Ref. 116680

The rolex yacht-master ii: for those who consider themselves rolex enthusiasts, it's one of the most polarizing watches the crown produces. and yet there is more – much more – to this relative behemoth than meets the eye. we wanted to see what would happen if we met this technically unique, programmable flyback yacht timer chronograph on its own terms – read on to join us in our journey into one of the most idiosyncratically styled and mechanically sophisticated rolexes ever made..

I’m going to be completely honest: I was thoroughly prepared to have a negative reaction to this watch. Let’s face it; it’s a head-scratcher for the average Rolex/Submariner/GMT Master/Day-Date lover. First of all it’s pretty damned big. This is a 44 mm watch; it was born a 44 mm watch and it’ll die a 44 mm watch and that is nothing you or anybody else can do about it. You can have it in four different metals, and therefore, weights, ranging from steel (heavy) to gold/steel (heavier) to solid yellow gold (even heavier) to  platinum and white gold combined (Schwarzeneggerian). It has a Cerachrom bezel in an absolutely screaming shade of blue, and it says YACHT-MASTER in giant letters right across the bottom third or so just to remove any lingering shade of doubt in the minds of any small-craft skipper for leagues around that they are in the presence of, well, the Master of a Yacht; it is not an introverted watch by any stretch of the imagination.

On top of everything else, the Yacht-Master II has a complication that pretty much no watch guy or gal ever can remember what do with, or has a perceived need for: it is a regatta timer, which is about as niche a complication as you can imagine. If you get a bunch of watch nuts together there is an excellent chance that you can get a more lucid explanation out of somebody for the Equation of Time than you can for a regatta timer (which is saying something) and it says something about the relative obscurity of the complication in general, and the relative niche-ness of the Yacht-Master II in particular, that when we got it into the office we had five people who live and breathe watches sitting around scratching our heads because no one could quite remember how the darned thing works. You put all those things together and you should have a watch that a dyed-in-the-wool horological classicist should thoroughly disdain. Right?

Actually, wrong. But let’s back up a bit.

First of all this is technically a very interesting watch and it’s worth your attention just on the level of interesting horological problem solving alone. A regatta timer is used by the skipper of a yacht to determine when their vessel is allowed to cross the starting line. Sailboats can’t just hover at the starting line of a yacht race, so what happens is that the racing committee establishes a countdown period during which the boats have to tack back and forth at the starting line without actually crossing; if you cross early, there is a penalty and if you are too cautious and cross late you will probably cross the finish line behind the boats that made it over the start line ahead of you. The countdown can be anywhere from five to ten minutes depending on the rules and race.

The Yacht-Master II is a programmable, flyback regatta timer that allows you to select a countdown interval of anything from one to ten minutes; in addition if you have started the countdown early or late, you can synchronize your watch “on the fly” when you hear the second of the two audible signals which are usually given at the start of a race (the signal to start the countdown comes first, and is usually followed by a warning signal closer to the start). Here’s how it works.

To set the countdown timer, you turn the bezel (Rolex calls it the "Command Bezel") a quarter turn to the left. This locks the lower chrono pusher and engages the setting mechanism for the triangular red countdown hand. You then unscrew the crown to its first position, and set the countdown hand – setting is one-way only but at 10 minutes, if you continue to turn the crown, the countdown hand will fly back to 1 and you can continue until you reach the desired number of minutes. When you’re done, you screw the crown back down, and turn the bezel back to its starting position, and you’re ready to regatta.

When the first gun (or other audible signal) is heard, you start the countdown . . . and that’s it. Now a really neat trick here is that you may, for some reason, have started your countdown too early, or too late. If that’s the case, all you have to do is wait for the second gun/signal, and hit the re-set button – the seconds hand will fly back to the zero mark and begin running again immediately; and the minute countdown hand will fly back to the nearest minute and likewise start counting down again. It’s the fact that the flyback is to the nearest minute, not to zero, that allows you to re-synch your countdown with the official countdown time, that gives the Yacht-Master II much of its utility, and much of its technical interest.

Okay, sure it’s technically interesting – but what about the aesthetics? All I can tell you is that, much to my very pleasant surprise, it was colossally fun to wear in every sense of the word. The fact that it is so unapologetically extroverted is actually the secret to its appeal.  The weight isn't a problem (at least, not for me, and not in steel) and I found I could wear it all day without discomfort despite the overall size – partly thanks to the downward curvature of the lugs, which ensured a comfortable fit on my 7 inch wrist.  The sharply contrasting deep blued hands, white dial, and red countdown hand – and, yes, that bright blue bezel – give the whole watch a suitably jaunty, nautical feel and make it a pleasure to look at (and at night visibility is very good; the lume on the hands and dial is almost startlingly bright).

Yes, this is an extroverted watch, but the quality of execution is very clean and very high (as is usually the case with Rolex) and it’s so much the opposite of what I’d ordinarily wear that having it on gave a feeling almost like a Walter Mitty fantasy coming to life. I felt like a guy who’s worn a blue suit and rep tie and driven a four door Merc his whole life, who somehow one day finds himself in a pair of ripped jeans and a beat up flight jacket, cruising down some winding secondary road on an old shovelhead Harley, and suddenly catches himself thinking, My god, all the wasted years. Ultimately I started to feel that objecting to the over-the-top-ness  of the Yacht-Master II was silly, even narcissistic – if you go into a Joss Whedon actioner expecting a Lars Von Trier art-house tearjerker to unspool, you probably have only yourself to blame.

It is a rationally appealing uitlitarian tool watch? I'm not the one to ask. There is no way for me to evaluate what someone who actually owns a ’36 Herreshoff classic yacht and takes it on the regatta circuit would actually think of the Yacht-Master II, or whether they would find it useful. But I can tell you that it is actually a ton of fun to wear, and a big part of the reason is the very thing many object to at first – that this is a watch that pulls no punches when it comes to being larger than life.

It has that one most essential element for something to be a successful style exercise: the courage of its convictions, and if you think of yourself resolutely as a smaller-than-forty millimeter, tasteful restraint kinda guy, get one on your wrist for a surprisingly refreshing change of pace, and you can feel larger than life too.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 as shown, $18,750, 44 mm diameter case in 904L stainless steel. Bidirectional rotatable "Command Bezel" with blue Cerachrom insert; water resistance 100 meters/10 bar.

Movement, Rolex 4161 self-winding programmable flyback regatta timer with mechanical memory and "on-the-fly" synchronization; Parachrom blue antimagnetic balance spring.  

Bracelet, Oyster, flat three piece links with Oysterlock safety clasp.

More info, of course, on Rolex.com .

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Rolex Yacht-Master Vs. Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex model Yacht-Master is one of the most well-known sport watches in the world. Not so long ago Rolex introduced their new adaptation of the Rolex Yacht-Master. Even though both watches are similar in some way , there are certain characteristics that differentiate them. The material available, some features, and gender have changed to make the Yacht-master II one of a kind.

The Yacht-Master is available in Stainless Steel, Two Tone, and Yellow Gold ; the newer model comes only in White Gold or Yellow Gold. Both of the watches come with bezels in Platinum and Yellow Gold bidirectional. Yet the Gold bezel on the Yacht-Master II comes with a ceramic insert instead of the gold insert that comes with the Yacht-Master.

The Yacht-Master II has all the features the older model has plus a few additional features. One of the great features is the Easylink patented system created by Rolex. It facilitates to extend the size of the bracelet of up to 5mm with great comfort. The most exceptional of the features is the programmable 10 minute countdown timer that is intended for Regattas. . Also with the new technology called Triplock system there is no need to worry about water leaking inside the watch . It completely seals the watch creating a new layer of protection. The Triplock is displayed on the crown by three dots below the Rolex symbol on the crown. The Yacht-Master II comes with the Blue Parachrom Hairspring, which is an oscillator hairspring made of ferromagnetic alloys and makes this watch more resistant to impacts and magnetic fields.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is available only for Men’s at a size of 44 mm while the Yacht- Master is available at Men’s , Midsize, and Ladies at sizes of 40 mm , 35mm, and 29mm respectively . This increase in size is due to the new trend of bigger watches, making the latest Yacht-Master II a heavier watch.

Both models are for sure stunning timepieces, and both are presently being fabricated by Rolex. It is a hard choice between the classic look and more conservative size, or the oversized and more updated model. There is another decisive factor that may contribute to the decision since the Yacht-Master II is higher priced than the Yacht-Master. For instance the Yellow Gold Men’s Yacht-Master Approximate Retail value is $25,000 while the Yacht-Master II Men’s 18k is priced at $33,650 .

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Almost Obscure: The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689

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Rolex does not simply release watches on a whim. New models are rare, and updates to existing models are often minor, sometimes not even warranting an announcement. Regardless of timing or subtlety, everything The Crown does is met with scrutiny and drama. So, too, it was when the Yacht-Master II was released in 2007. The watch was met with mixed reactions: With an obscure complication that no one really asked for and the largest case in Rolex’s catalog, some thought it sullied the robust elegance of its forebear. Others rightfully praised its technical innovations. Fast forward more than a decade and the model seems to have won out: the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 seen here (and its sister references) remains in the Rolex catalog and is a favorite among those seeking a Rolex with a bit more panache and functionality than the standard Submariner.

When the original Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, it was Rolex’s first entirely new model since the Sea-Dweller in 1967. The watch was an immediate hit with the seagoing elite, and has remained incredibly popular, with a variety of colorways and sizes released to satisfy demand.  Then, in 2007, the Yacht-Master II was released. Rolex spent over 35,000 hours designing the movement for the watch, which was designed to aid skippers in tracking the starting sequence of a regatta, including a novel integrated bezel and programmable countdown timer with memory function. Two models were part of the original release: the 116688 in solid 18kt gold with a blue ceramic bezel and the 116689 in 18kt white gold with an embossed platinum bezel.  

Design Details

At 44mm wide and 14mm thick, the Yacht-Master II features the largest production case Rolex offers. Despite its size, the watch is good to just 100m of water resistance—certainly sufficient for most aquatic adventures, but a subtle hint that Yacht-Master II is aimed at those who plan to remain aboard. The solid 18k white gold case and bracelet of the 116689 remain classic Rolex: polished throughout, with gentle curves, it gives way to the dual-finished Oyster bracelet, which features an Oysterlock clasp and Easylink 5mm extension for fine-tuned sizing. The patented Triplock crown and its guards maintain the aesthetic, with ringed chronograph pushers at its flanks. A white gold bezel—dubbed the Ring Command bezel for its added functionality—features a frosted platinum insert with embossed, polished numerals and model name. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. 

Despite the watch’s functionality, Rolex has kept things extremely legible with a clean white dial. Square hour markers are applied and filled with the brand’s proprietary Chromalight lume. At 9 o’clock, the Crown logo is accompanied by the traditional Rolex dial text. At 6 o’clock, a running seconds subdial features a radial finished ring. The hands are all blued, with the hour and minute featuring lume; the minute hand has a cutout to allow for better timing legibility. In a large arc bounded by bright blue, the 10-minute regatta scale lines up perfectly with both the applied markers and the bezel. The countdown time is displayed by a bright red chronograph sweep hand and a lumed triangle minute hand.

To set the countdown timer, turn the Ring Command bezel 90 degrees counterclockwise, press the 4 o’clock pusher, and use the crown to set the desired interval (the triangle hand will snap back to 0 if pushed past 10). After rotating the bezel back, the watch’s pushers operate similarly to a normal chronograph. But Rolex has added two unique functions. When the timer is set, the initial countdown time is memorized: if the countdown is 7 minutes and needs to be restarted, stopping and resetting the timer will return it to 7 minutes. Equally impressive, the watch can be resynchronized to the official race countdown if necessary: pressing the reset pusher without stopping the timer will jump the timing hand to the nearest minute. 

Inner Workings

Powering the Rolex Yacht-Master II is the automatic Rolex 4161 caliber, based on the 4130 chronograph movement (seen in the Daytona). Comprising over 360 components, including 44 jewels, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a robust 72 hours of power (a number of the constituent parts are so small, they require specialized micromanufacturing mastered in-house by Rolex). The watch is further equipped with Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock system, together delivering exceptional antimagnetism and shock resistance. As with all modern Rolex movements, the 4161 is certified to their Superlative Chronometer standards, accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day. 

Instead of the traditional chronograph functions of its base movement, the 4161 has been retooled to allow for use as a countdown timer. In conjunction with a vertical clutch, a column wheel extends through the main plate, allowing for the programmable countdown. Additional reworking has added instantaneous re-synchronization functionality and countdown memory; and as discussed above, the bezel is coupled to the movement to allow its use as a locking mechanism for the timer (though considering the bezel part of the movement might be a stretch). All of these decidedly niche features make for one of the most complicated Rolex calibers ever made. 

Versus the Competition

Watches and regattas have been linked for quite some time, and indeed many brands sponsor teams, races, or entire series. Omega and TAG Heuer have both released limited edition America’s Cup watches featuring countdown mechanisms. Panerai makes the Luminor 1950 Regatta Chrono Flyback and Ulysse Nardin has its Marine Regatta model. Of course, sometimes only a Rolex will do, in which case one can opt for the timing function of the Daytona, the Ring Command bezel of the Sky-Dweller, or the nouveau riche appeal of the original Yacht-Master. 

Personality

While the original Yacht-Master appealed to the owners of superyachts by providing a higher-end alternative to the Submariner, the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 builds on that appeal with the added bona fides of regatta timing functionalities. In the white gold execution, it’s perhaps best suited to the sailing enthusiast with who enjoys the occasional regatta and may even partake in one from time to time, but also likes a splash of luxury on the wrist and isn’t afraid to let others know.  

Final Thoughts

Be it as it may an undeniable piece of luxury sailing kit, the Yacht-Master II does what only a few Rolexes do: provides both the exceptional quality the brand is known for and unique functionality. For that alone, the model is well worth a look.

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Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 Two-Tone Watch Review

First introduced in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master is one of the newer addition to the brand’s catalog and was developed to be a somewhat flashier and more luxurious cousin to the iconic Submariner dive watch. While the Submariner is better suited for adventures below the surface of the ocean, the Yacht-Master excels when worn on the decks of a boat or even on land. Over the past several decades, the Rolex Yacht-Master has maintained its notoriously luxurious aesthetic, which we will examine further with this review of the two-tone Everose Rolesor Rolex 116621.

The Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 was introduced at Baselworld 2016 – the same year that Rolex unveiled the Oystersteel and ceramic Daytona. At the time of its release, the reference 116621 was the first Everose Rolesor edition of the Yacht-Master, which pairs Oystersteel with the brand’s proprietary 18kt rose gold alloy. Its release was overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the new Daytona, and now that the dust has settled, the ref. 116621 garnering a bit more attention among collectors in-the-know.

Rolex Yacht-Master Movement

Powering the Yacht-Master 116621 is Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3135 movement. Rolex has used the Cal 3135 in many of its date-displaying watches for decades now due to its precision, reliability, and ease of use. In addition to being self-winding and beating at a standard frequency of 28,800bph, the Cal. 3135 also features an automatically changing date mechanism and a 48-hour power reserve. Newer editions of the movement are also equipped with Rolex’s patented paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which allows the Yacht-Master 116621 to be accurate to within -2/+2 seconds per day.

In addition to being COSC-certified, which means that the movement meets the strict standards set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, the Cal. 3135 in the Yacht-Master ref. 116621 also features Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification, which adheres to even more stringent timekeeping and performance standards than what is required for traditional chronometer-rated movements.

The Case and Bracelet

Regarding size, the Rolex Yacht-Master 116621 remains the same as its predecessors with a 40mm Oyster case. The case is equipped with the collection’s signature sand-blasted rotating 60-minute timing bezel (which is crafted from solid 18k Everose gold on the ref. 116621) and Rolex’s Triplock crown, which is screwed into the Monobloc middle case and promises water-resistance up to 100 meters. The Rolex Yacht-Master also notably features lugs that are more curved and tapered than other sports models currently in production, which makes for a more dressy and refined appearance on the wrist.

The original ref. 116621 paired the warm hue of the Everose Rolesor finish with a stunning chocolate sunburst dial, which included matching rose gold accents on the hour markers, hands, and Rolex logo. The option of a black dial was added later; however, both brown and black dial versions remain incredibly popular among collectors on the pre-owned market.

As a reference to Rolex’s original professional tool watches, the ‘Yacht-Master’ name on the ref. 116621 is presented in a sporty red hue. The mesmerizing sunburst finish of the brown dial mirrors the luster of the bezel, creating a cohesive design that is more than deserving of the prestigious Yacht-Master name. It’s also worth noting that the Yacht-Master was the first Rolex sports watches to feature the brand’s modern Maxi dial, which would later make appearances on the beloved Kermit Submariner 16610LV and then the rest of the 6-digit series Rolex watches .

Rolex currently produces the Yacht-Master 40 on both a three-link Oyster and a rubber Oysterflex bracelet. However, the ref. 116621 was only ever offered with an Oyster bracelet, while the Oysterflex bracelet remains reserved for the full gold references. Solid end-links, a sturdy machined clasp, and solid center links in Everose gold give the bracelet substantial weight on the wrist while mirroring the elevated two-tone style of the case, making this edition of the Yacht-Master an intriguing watch to wear. The clasp also includes Rolex’s convenient Easylink extension that allows users to increase or decrease the length of the bracelet by 5mm without the use of tools, allowing for a perfect fit as an individual’s wrist fluctuates throughout the day.

The Yacht-Master Origin Story and its Resemblance to the Submariner

Some consider the Rolex Yacht-Master to be a fancier edition of the iconic Submariner dive watch. It features a similar overall design with a 60-minute rotating timing bezel, a 40mm case diameter, and a sporty luminous display on the dial, complete with the same Mercedes hands. However, what sets the Yacht-Master apart from the Submariner, and what makes it a bit more luxurious, is the addition of a sand-blasted bezel crafted entirely from either solid gold or platinum along with more refined and curved lugs.

While the Yacht-Master and the Submariner are similar in appearance and both feature Rolex’s Triplock winding crown, the two watches offer significantly different water resistance ratings. As it was not designed for scuba diving, the Rolex Yacht-Master doesn’t offer the same water-resistance as the Submariner, with an official depth rating of 100 meters, compared to the 300 meters offered by the Submariner.

Additionally, the rotating bezel on the Yacht-Master moves bidirectionally (rather than being unidirectional) and is always crafted from precious metals. Additionally, the Yacht-Master’s bezel features raised and polished graduations against its sandblasted surface, while the Submariner’s bezel exclusively moves unidirectionally (on modern watches) and features an insert with either printed or engraved numerals.

It’s rumored that the design for the Rolex Yacht-Master was initially developed as the evolution of the Submariner, embracing a more luxurious and refined overall aesthetic. According to the rumors, the actual design of the Yacht-Master was created many years before its release, but Rolex supposedly decided that it was too much of an aesthetic departure and shelved the design for years before releasing it under its own model name in 1992.

The Rolex Yacht-Master Price

The Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116621 is no longer in production. The model was discontinued last year at Baselworld 2019 in favor of the current Everose Rolesor ref. 126621, which boasts a brand new Caliber 3235 movement. If you’re interested in adding the ref. 116621 to your watch box, your best bet is to shop the used Rolex market, where examples in good condition are still relatively attainable.

Thanks to the use of precious metal and its association with the Rolex brand itself, the Yacht-Master 116621 stands to hold its value quite well. Additionally, its Everose Rolesor construction helps set it apart from the various other two-tone Rolex watches that have been produced over the years, which primarily feature stainless steel paired with a more traditional yellow gold.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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Explorer II Polar (16570) VS Yacht Master Platinum (16622)

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I have an Explorer II Polar, I don't have a Yacht Master, IMO the Explorer II is way more bang for the buck. GMT hand, same water resistance, and almost $4K less expensive.  

What if price wasn’t an object ? I feel like sometimes the explorer II is thought of as a stepping stone to a sub or a Daytona, but rarely to a yachtmaster, which kind of leaves the yacht master in an awkward place.  

I personally am not a fan of the yacht master, I own a sub, and love dive watches, but the Yacht master bezel is a little too blingy, and again (in my opinion) the watch has an almost feminine look to it. I think the yacht master is just a little too “dressed up” for a daily wear watch. I really like the 40mm Explorer, both for the GMT complication, as well as the overall design. For my money the explorer II is a hands down winner in this comparison. I also prefer the polar explorer lol to the black dial version.  

I think the Yacht-Master is the more unique watch with the platinum dial and bezel. However the Explorer II has more history and an added complication with the GMT hand. I bought a 16570 because I wanted the GMT and a more tool watch appearance (SS bezel, non polished center links). I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice and OP if money is not a concern I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a 16570 to add to your collection. As everyone likes to say buy what you like and enjoy it.  

It does seem like the explorer II is the popular choice over the yacht master. I guess the yacht master isn’t quite as versatile as a explorer II and may only appeal to a certain crowd  

Acey said: It does seem like the explorer II is the popular choice over the yacht master. I guess the yacht master isn't quite as versatile as a explorer II and may only appeal to a certain crowd Click to expand...

Brand new yes there is a pretty big price discrepancy but on the 2nd hand market that price gap narrows quite a bit . The yacht master is still more expensive but I haven’t yet seen anyone wanting to trade up to a yacht master , though I have seen a fair amount wanting to trade up to a sub . Considering the yacht master was thought of as the luxurious sub, it’s interesting that it hasn’t had much appeal even to the fanciest crowds  

Acey said: Brand new yes there is a pretty big price discrepancy but on the 2nd hand market that price gap narrows quite a bit . The yacht master is still more expensive but I haven't yet seen anyone wanting to trade up to a yacht master , though I have seen a fair amount wanting to trade up to a sub . Considering the yacht master was thought of as the luxurious sub, it's interesting that it hasn't had much appeal even to the fanciest crowds Click to expand...

Acey said: <snip> ...there's something special about owning something that you so rarely see being worn out in the wild. Between these two white face dials which would you choose and why? :: I own the yacht master 16622 but the Explorer II Polor was what I was eyeing from the beginning and I can't help but think of what could have been. So what do you guys think? Which is better? Click to expand...

Dogbert_is_fat said: Personally, I would take the Yacht Master anytime. My view is that the YM is a luxurious watch with a tinge of sportiness. The Explorer II is a sports watch, period. You can have that YM on your wrist and it will be at home in the marina or you can be out and about on the waters, sailing. The classy or some say "blingy" look of the YM will also do well in a smart casual, office environment setting without looking over done. Click to expand...

I love both of those watches. I would take either over a sub and I know im in the minority. I had a YM lined up last year. Had a deal set to go but I tried it on in the daylight and it was too sparkly for me. I dont want to consider which watch to wear when I go out so any of my watches are fine wherever I go. I felt the YM would attract unwanted attention in "more lively" areas so I passed on it. I felt it was a watch that was dependent on what you are wearing ie shorts and a t-shirt would make it look even more glitzy and incongruous so it needed to be worn with smarter clothing which im not a great fan of as im a scruff bag. I was gutted to be honest as I think its a beautiful watch in all versions but I just know it wouldnt get the wrist time it deserved. Thats where the Explorer is such a cool watch. It can go anwhere, looks smart with a shirt and wont attract the wrong sort of attention from people that can only spot 2 types of Rolex.  

It boils down to whether you prefer the rotating bezel or the GMT complication. Or perhaps whether you prefer the EXP II's glossy white dial. The EXP II would be killer if it had a rotating bezel.  

Polar 16570 without a doubt. PS: Did you read my review about the 5-digits? Maybe you'll find some useful tips here. Cheers. https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.com/2019/08/02/which-5-digit-rolex-to-get/  

I think Rolex designed and marketed both watches just right: Explorer II is just a tough looking watch for exploration. As for the Sub, it's a classic looking diver and plays its part extremely well. The YM? A perfect watch, with stunning colors, while you sip champagne on the a boat, luxury watch for luxury activities.  

Duplicate  

clearly having trouble.  

Got it today 🙂  

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Acey said: Got it today &#55357;&#56898; Click to expand...

I’m struck by how simple the dial is. I can’t think of another watch I’ve owned that is so uncomplicated, and the white dial compounds this. So gorgeous  

Saw your Exp II on the sales forum as a catch & release...what didn't you like about it?  

OP is banned now.  

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