wartezeit yachtmaster 2

The fastest and most secure way to protect the watches you love.

We've minimized the paperwork and maximized protection, so you can stop worrying about your watches and focus on enjoying them.

In most cases, you'll get a personalized quote in seconds and your policy kicks in immediately.

Wherever you are on planet Earth, your watches are protected. Rest easy and travel safely.

If you suffer a covered loss, there's no deductible and no gimmicks. Ever.

Each of your watches is covered up to 150% of the insured value (up to the total value of the policy).

Chopard Knows How To Make Something Beautiful From Gold – The Proof Is In The Alpine Eagle

Our quotes are based on historical sales and real-time market data allowing us to give fair prices without all the hassle.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Popular Searches

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Hands-On Gold And Titanium Meet With The 38mm ‘The Citizen’ LE – A Most Surprising Watch

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

General Thomas Stafford – Gemini, Apollo, And Apollo-Soyuz Astronaut, Pilot, And Pioneer – Passes Away At 93

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Introducing The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph, Now In Titanium (Live Pics)

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Editors’ Picks

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

How To Wear It The Cartier Tank Cintrée

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

In-Depth Examining Value And Price Over Time With The ‘No Date’ Rolex Submariner

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Watches In The Wild The Road Through America, Episode 1: A Model Of Mass Production

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..

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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?

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

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 .

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Introducing The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master, In 18k Everose Gold On The New "Oysterflex" Bracelet

By Hodinkee

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Watching Movies Tom Selleck's Tiny Timex And Two-Tone Rolex In 'Three Men And A Baby'

By Danny milton

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Seven Of Our Favorite Watches To Engrave

By James stacey

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Sunday Rewind Take A Deep Dive With The Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Last Week’s Top Stories

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Introducing Rolex Quietly Announced A New Day-Date 40 In Everose Gold For The 2024 Academy Awards

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Introducing The Next Generation Of Seiko's Prospex '20MAS' – Now Smaller And With A New Movement (SPB453, SPB451 & SPB455)

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Hands-On The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar John Mayer Limited Edition (Live Pics)

By Mark kauzlarich

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Watch Spotting At The 96th Annual Academy Awards

By Malaika crawford

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Introducing Seiko Debuts The New Presage Classic Series With Softly Textured Dials

By Anthony traina

Shop New Arrivals

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Reference 116681

Rolex Yachtmaster II 116681

2007 was the year Rolex proved that it could only be taunted so much by detractors for the lack of complications in its lineup before it would come out swinging. It has long been the anti-Rolex league’s favorite go-to criticism, holding up the Swiss giant’s catalog of ruggedly simple, almost minimalist, three-hand watches and sneeringly comparing them to the overtly functional pieces from the likes of Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin. Did Rolex lack the imagination to compete with the sky charts and moonphases of other watchmakers? Or was it the technical prowess it was missing? Rolex took it with its usual granite stoicism for decades, with the modesty of the Day-Date’s dual calendar or the Daytona’s chronograph seemingly as extravagant as it was prepared to go. Then, the iconic Swiss watch manufacturer released the Rolex Yacht-Master II series.

Vastly different from the original and less complex Yacht-Master, the Rolex Yacht Master II is a vibrant behemoth that contains one of the most technically impressive complications ever made. As a product, it could also serve as the dictionary definition of the word “niche.” Powered by a new caliber that required more than 35,000 hours to devise, the result was a watch that’s sole purpose was to help yacht skippers coordinate the starting procedure of a sailing regatta. The first models of the collection were available in either yellow or white gold. Then In 2011, the Yacht master II ref. 116681 appeared, which is a striking Rolesor variant that blends tough 904L stainless steel with precious 18k Everose gold. If you’re into big watches that make a bold statement on the wrist, then keep reading for everything you need to know about the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 Everose Rolesor

Yacht-Master II Reference 116681 Key Features:

  • Reference Number: 116681
  • Year of Introduction: 2011
  • Case Size: 44mm
  • Materials: Everose Rolesor (wo-tone stainless steel and Everose gold)
  • Functions: Time w/ running seconds, regatta chronograph featuring a programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization
  • Dial: White w/ Luminous Hour Markers
  • Hands: Straight or Mercedes
  • Luminous Material: Chromalight
  • Bezel: Ring Command Bezel; blue Cerachrom insert w/ 10-minute scale
  • Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
  • Movement: Rolex Cal. 4161 (automatic w/ 72-hour power reserve)
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
  • Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (two-tone stainless steel and Everose gold)
  • Clasp: Oysterlock with 5mm Easylink extension
  • Approx. Price (USD): $25,350 (Retail); $30,000 – $35,000 (Pre-Owned)

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Yacht-Master II

Rolex Yacht-Master II Everose Gold 116681

Everose Rolesor Yacht Master II Design

While the styles of the Yacht-Master II watches have split opinions and are a world away from the handsome elegance that has been the Rolex hallmark for over 100 years, this technical yet luxurious sports watch has won plenty of fans. Its concept and sheer audacity have also silenced many of the brand’s critics and Rolex has proved that, should it decide to mix it up in the world of complications, it can compete with the best of them.

As mentioned, the first two Rolex Yacht Master II models that debuted in 2007 were in yellow gold (ref. 116688) and white gold (ref. 116689, which was discontinued in 2022). Five years later, Rolex unveiled the Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 as the two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel variant. The combination of the two metals, the bright blue bezel (crafted from Rolex’s ceramic alloy, Cerachrom), and the flashy dial is certainly not the subtlest of Rolex watches, but somehow, the Yacht-Master II 116681 just works.

The Everose gold elements – on the bezel numerals, crown, pushers, snailing around the seconds sub-dial, and center links of the sporty Oyster bracelet – soften some of the brashness of the all-steel or yellow gold versions. As a variant, it’s a definite eye-catcher. It has retained its rather graceful proportions, especially for such a large piece and one that crams in so much functionality. The 44mm case (the biggest case size in the Rolex fleet that’s only shared by the Deepsea) affords a large surface area for the dial designers to play with. And it’s just as well. There is a lot of information displayed on the watch’s face, but the logical placement of each element gives it legible readability.

At the top is a horseshoe-shaped track numbered to ten. The starting gun in a regatta is preceded by a warning signal, often either five or ten minutes beforehand. It informs participants the countdown has begun, and the Yacht-Master II’s curved gauge is there to precisely time the flying start – the long dagger-like hand marks the countdown seconds while the small red arrow-tipped hand displays the countdown minutes.

However, the clever part comes should our yacht skipper need to reset the countdown for any reason. The watch is the first in the world to feature a mechanical memory with both flyback and fly-forward functionality, and it allows the regatta timer to reset to synchronize with the official race timer – either forwards or backwards to the nearest minute. Therefore, should the countdown have been triggered too early or too late, it’s a simple step to bring it back in line.

Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116681 Everose Gold Chromalight Lume

Rolex Yacht-Master II Dial Update

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Yacht-Master II, Rolex rolled out redesigned dials across the entire collection – including, of course, the Yacht-Master II ref. 116681. So what changed?

First, Rolex replaced the original straight hands with a Mercedes handset, which is much more common across the brand’s sports watches. Also, the hands of the Yacht Master II 116681 went from a dark blue to Everose gold – a nice touch to match the rest of the pink-toned details of the watch. Another dial update that occurred to bring the face of the Yacht-Master II more in line with Rolex’s other sports watches concerns the shape of the hour markers.

Earlier models featured square lume-filled indexes for each hour. However, after the 2017 dial redesign, Yacht-Master II watches now included an inverted triangle and a rectangle at 12 and 6, respectively. Naturally, since the Yacht-Master II 116681 is an Everose Rolesor edition, the hour markers feature Everose gold surrounds.

Two-Tone Rolex Everose Yacht-Master II 116681 Rolesor

Yacht-Master II Ring Command Bezel and In-House Caliber

The key to the impressive functionality of the Rolex Yachtmaster II lies in the model’s most conspicuous component: the bright blue Cerachrom bezel with its oversized, pink golden numerals. More than simply being the watch’s border, the bezel is central to its overall operation.

Directly linked to the internal movement, the Ring Command Bezel, to give it its proper title, unlocks the programmable actions of the watch by rotating it counter-clockwise through 90 degrees. With the bezel activated, the crown can be used to set the countdown duration and the two pushers at the two and four o’clock positions start and stop the chronograph and work the flyback function. It sounds like a convoluted affair, but in reality, there is a beautifully designed intuitiveness to getting the most out of the Yacht-Master II.

The Rolex engineers have pared down the process as much as possible, while still retaining all the necessary performance. Underneath everything lies the movement. The original references were released with the Cal. 4160, a heavily reworked version of the Daytona’s Cal. 4130, complete with the vertical clutch that eliminates backlash on the chronograph seconds hand.

By 2013, Rolex had perfected the purpose-built Cal. 4161 specifically for the Yacht-Master II. At the time, it was the company’s most component-heavy movement to date, and the Caliber 4161 is constructed from 360 separate parts. As well as the improved accuracy and shock resistance provided by including Rolex’s proprietary Parachrom hairspring, the 31-jewel, high-beat movement also has a power reserve of 72 hours.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 Two-Tone Everose Regatta Timer

Over A Decade of the Rolex 116681 Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 has been a part of the brand’s catalog for over a decade now. Despite the movement update in 2013 to the Caliber 4131 and the dial update that occurred in 2017, Rolex has retained the same reference number since this two-tone variant’s release in 2011. And that’s quite curious given that Rolex has allocated new reference numbers to other watch models that have undergone much more subtle updates. Rolex truly works in mysterious ways!

It’s also interesting to note that in 2022, Rolex discontinued the white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II ref. 116689, which brings the Yacht-Master II lineup down from four references to only three. Perhaps the end of the Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 is near? Though we don’t wish for that to happen, it’s not uncommon for the modern-day Rolex to replace models after about a decade (or less) of production.

While the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 has an undeniable heft and is ultra-luxurious, it can easily be worn all day. Its watertight Oyster case ensures it’s more than a match for the rigors of life on the ocean and its robust self-winding movement is top-notch. As a skipper’s watch, this Rolex Yacht-Master II is in a class all its own. But even if you don’t sail competitively and only ever use the watch’s innovative timing function in the kitchen (if at all,) the steel and Everose gold Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 is a head-turning luxury sports watch that’s unlike any other in Rolex’s lineup.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 Everose Two-Tone Countdown Timer

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.

Homepage subscribe image

Bob's Watches Blog Updates

Sign up and be the first to read exclusive articles and the latest horological news.

Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Rolex Info

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Recommended Articles

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Vintage Watch Reviews Under $30k: The Rolex Explorer Reference 1016

Rolex 1675 GMT-Master Co-Branded Dials

Rolex 1675 GMT-Master Co-Branded Dials

rolex-6694

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Ultimate Buying Guide

You may also like.

Vintage Omega Speedmaster Black

Omega Speedmaster

Vintage Omega Speedmaster Black

Vintage Rolex Explorer 1016 Glossy Gilt Dial

Rolex Explorer

Vintage Rolex Explorer 1016 Glossy Gilt Dial

Cartier Cougar

Cartier Cougar

facebook pixel

  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer

New watches 2023

  • Français

Yacht-Master II

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

THE SKIPPERS’ WATCH

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both experienced sailors and yachting enthusiasts.

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

A PROFESSIONAL REGATTA CHRONOGRAPH

As in any contest of speed, precision and synchronization are of the essence in a regatta. The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a countdown that can be programmed from 10 to 1 minutes, allowing the wearer to precisely time and follow each race’s specific official starting procedure, which generally unfolds in three stages, marked by sound and visual signals. This flexibility is one of the major assets of the Yacht-Master II; its development was a considerable mechanical challenge. Furthermore, the programming can be mechanically memorized, which makes it possible to start a new countdown without having to reprogramme the watch, for example in the next leg or a subsequent regatta with identical countdown duration.

Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official countdown via the ‘fly-back’ reset function of the seconds hand and adjustment of the countdown minute hand to the nearest minute.

RING COMMAND SYSTEM

The countdown’s sophisticated functions were designed to be easily set and operated. The preliminary programming of up to 10 minutes is accessed, and then locked, via the rotatable bezel thanks to Ring Command, a system of interaction between the bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed by Rolex. Its development, a feat of technical prowess, was made possible by the brand’s complete in-house mastery over the design and manufacturing processes, from the case and bracelet to the movement with its many components.

BEZEL WITH CERACHROM INSERT

The bidirectional rotatable bezel on the Yacht-Master II is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. This patented insert is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The numerals and inscriptions are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with gold or platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.

CHROMALIGHT DISPLAY

The Yacht-Master II is an extremely legible watch in all circumstances and even in the dark thanks to the Chromalight display; the hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow – for up to two times longer than traditional phosphorescent materials.

THE YACHT-MASTER II, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests are carried out on the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria for precision that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive protocol that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing upstream during development and production, in order to ensure the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to strong magnetic fields and to shocks.

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster case, 44 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only certified Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. It is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses .

PERPETUAL CALIBRE 4161

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 4161 is based on the 4130 chronograph movement, which equipped the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona until 2022. It is fitted with a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch for an instantaneous and extremely precise chronograph start.

The movement incorporates the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

The oscillator of calibre 4161 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance.

Calibre 4161 is fitted with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

The Yacht-Master II’s movement will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.

BRACELET AND CLASP, SECURE AND COMFORTABLE

The Yacht-Master II is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet that is equipped with a Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The bracelet is additionally fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand. This system allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.

Related content

Yacht-Master

Yacht-Master

  

Submariner

Sea-Dweller

  • How it works
  • We are Wristler

Follow wristler on:

  • Audemars Piguet
  • Patek Philippe
  • Modern watches
  • Vintage watches
  • Ladies watches

Our collection

Rumor has it.. Discontinued Rolex Models 2024

Yes, we’re back again with another update on one of the most famous brands in the luxury watch market: Rolex. We’ve seen some insight information about the models or dials that will be discontinued in 2024. What’s coming up? We will tell you all about it, to share the latest updates with you.

Kas Klerx

Chief Content

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

The Rolex Yacht-Master II: Leaving the catalogue?

Some say it’s probably one of the coolest watches around, some say it’s one of the ugliest watches within the Rolex catalog: the Yacht-Master II . The Yacht-Master II has been in production since 2009 and is still in production in steel, two-tone gold or solid white gold. The steel version is the most affordable Yacht-Master II and will set you back around €15.000 for the 116680. The yellow gold or white gold version will cost you around €35.000, which is some serious money to be fair. On a personal note, I’m not a big fan of the Yacht-Master II since it’s too bulky and shiny, I’d prefer the Yacht-Master on the Oysterflex strap. Reason we’re naming the Yacht-Master II is the fact that rumor has it that Rolex will discontinue this model in 2024. Will there be a successor for the Yacht-Master II or is the fun over? 

Watches & Wonders

Watches & Wonders

15/03/2024 — Kas Klerx

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Discontinued Dial: No more Motifs?

One of the least popular models within the Rolex Datejust collection is probably the Palm-Dial, which is a dial with a palm motif. It’s available in 36mm and comes as a green version, a champagne palm dial or silver. Starting in 2021, Rolex introduced the palm dial on the 36mm Datejust for the first time. These palm dials can be found on the smooth and fluted bezel Datejusts, and can be found with Rolesor version, steel and white gold piece or the rose gold one. Prices of these watches vary from €12.000 up to €18.000 for the 126284RBR. Rumor has it that Rolex will discontinue the palm dial. What’s your thought on these dials?

New GMT-Master II watches: Coke and Sprite with a twist!?

When taking a look at the Rolex GMT-Master II models, there are some rumors going around town aswell. First and foremost, there is being speculated that the GMT Master 16710 ‘Coke’ is getting a re-edition. This would most likely be a 6-digit GMT master II ending with NRRO (Noir/Rouge). While the neo-vintage 16710 Coke sells for something around €14.000 in like-new condition, the list price for a new GMT-Master II Coke will be somewhere around €13.000. 

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

The GMT-Master II series has an other piece with some rumors surrounding the watch. This watch is the 126720VTNR , or better known as the Rolex ‘Sprite’ or ‘Lefty’. It is said that this piece wil also be seen with a bezel covered in diamonds. If we are going to see a GMT-Master II lefty covered in stones, it might be a 126720SANR with sapphires and black diamonds. List prices of these watches would probably be close to €80.000. The marketprice of similar pieces like the 126755SARU is upwards of €120.000! Can you believe that?

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Rolex Expanding their Catalogue: New models to be added?

There are some rumors going around in the United States about some new models that Rolex will be launching this year. There are sources that tell us that Rolex has registered some new US-Trademark names. These names are the following: Rolex Land-Dweller, Rolex Coast-Dweller, Rolex Oystermatic. This makes it seem like Rolex is exploring the options with retiring the Yacht-Master II, but expanding their Sea-Dweller range. Is this going to be an even more sporty variant of the Sea-Dweller ? Only time will tell!

wartezeit yachtmaster 2

Rolex in 2024: The Salvation will be Watches & Wonders

The world of luxury watches is buzzing with anticipation and speculation as we delve into the rumors surrounding Rolex's plans for 2024. The possibility of the iconic Yacht-Master II being discontinued raises questions about its future, leaving enthusiasts to ponder if a successor will emerge. Meanwhile, the rumored discontinuation of the Palm-Dial in the Datejust collection adds an element of uncertainty for those who appreciate its distinctive motifs. On the flip side, exciting prospects emerge with potential re-editions of the GMT-Master II 'Coke' and 'Sprite' models, featuring unique twists that could captivate collectors. Additionally, the prospect of Rolex expanding their catalogue with names like Land-Dweller, Coast-Dweller, and Oystermatic sparks curiosity about what new adventures the brand may embark upon. As we eagerly await the official announcements that will probably come at the start of Watches & Wonders 2024, one thing is certain – Rolex continues to stir the horological world with its intriguing moves, leaving enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the brand's storied history.

Related articles

New Rolex model predictions 2023

New Rolex model predictions 2023

22/12/2023 — Timo Klinge

AlphaTauri Partners With Tudor 2024

AlphaTauri Partners With Tudor 2024

05/03/2024 — Kas Klerx

Latest insights

Investing in Luxury Watches

Investing in Luxury Watches

20/03/2024 — Timo Klinge

Investing in Rolex Watches

18/03/2024 — Timo Klinge

Investing in Rolex Watches

Which watches increase in value

Which watches increase in value

Copy the link below or click one of the platforms below.

Yacht-Master II

Created for competition

The Yacht-Master II is the only chronograph in the world featuring a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory. An essential tool for skippers to gauge their best course of action.

Ring Command system

Rolex achieved perfection when it turned its attention to redefining the purpose and functionality of the bezel. Typically, a bezel operates independently from the internal mechanism; however, the Ring Command bezel in the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with it.

As a mechanical component linked to the movement, the bezel literally acts as the key to the programmable countdown, allowing it to be set and synchronised to the sequence of race start times. Complex in design, but simple in use, it is functionally beautiful.

The countdown’s sophisticated functions were designed to be easily set and operated. The preliminary programming of up to 10 minutes is accessed, and then locked, via the rotatable bezel thanks to Ring Command, a patented system of interaction between the bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed by Rolex. A technical feat made possible by the brand’s in-house mastery of the entire watch design and manufacturing process, from the case to the movement.

A distinctive aesthetic

The Yacht-Master II’s countdown can be programmed for a duration of between 1 and 10 minutes. The programming is memorized by the mechanism so that at a reset it returns to the previous setting. Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official race countdown.

On the right-hand side of the middle case, the Yacht-Master II sports two countdown pushers, specially designed to suggest winches, the manual winding gear on a sail boat. The Yacht-Master II is always fitted on an Oyster bracelet with a Oysterlock safety clasp, equipped with an Easylink comfort extension link.

The Yacht-Master II measures 44 mm in diameter, its large size contributing to the optimal legibility of the dial in all conditions.

Cerachrom bezel insert

The blue monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert of the Yacht-Master II is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The numerals and inscriptions are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with gold or platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.

Oyster bracelet

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening and the Easylink comfort extension link, also exclusive to Rolex. This ingenious system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

Complex in design, but simple in use, the Ring Command bezel is functionally beautiful.

Calibre 4161 Superlative movement

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its architecture, manufacturing quality and innovative features make it exceptionally precise and reliable. This abundance of Rolex technology includes a patented function – a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory – and comprises some 360 components. Some of them are made by UV-LiGA, a micromanufacturing technology entirely mastered in-house by Rolex.

VIDEO

  1. Motor Boat & Yachting's Yachtmaster training

  2. Bavaria 37 yachtmaster prep sail in English Channel VG

  3. ROLEX unter LISTENPREIS: Rolex Yachtmaster II Everrose

  4. Yachtmaster Fatrack March 2022

  5. TRADE WARS🥊

  6. Unboxing Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch

COMMENTS

  1. Rolex Yacht-Master II watch: Oystersteel

    -2/+2 sec/day, after casing. Functions. Centre hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. Programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. Stop-seconds for precise time setting. Oscillator. Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. Winding. Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor. Power reserve ...

  2. Rolex Yacht-Master II

    As for any voyage at sea, time management is vital in a regatta. At its launch in 2007, the Yacht-Master II features an unprecedented mechanical function: a programmable countdown with mechanical memory, synchronizable on the fly. A function that responds ideally to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta.

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

    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 ...

  4. Rolex Yacht-Master II

    116688 Yachtmaster II 18K Yellow Gold $ 38,875 + $50 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Blue Hands Mint Condition Full Set (2013) Old Style Warranty Card $ 19,950 ... Like New 2019 Yacht-Master II 2-Tone Rose Gold White Dial 116681 COMPLETE $ 23,495 + $99 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II.

  5. Hands-On Rolex Yacht-Master II Review

    In fact, my Omega Planet Ocean is only 42mm x 15.7mm, and feels much bulkier and heavier than the Yacht-Master II. The case is alternating with polished and satin-finished and features a nautical blue ceramic bezel. The pushers are, as is Rolex's MO, a perfect length. Even though I'm left handed, and therefore wear my watch on my right ...

  6. Rolex Yacht-Master II Ultimate Buying Guide

    The Yachtmaster II collection expanded in 2011 with the unveiling of the ref. 116681, an Everose Rolesor model with a stainless steel case and outer bracelet links paired with a winding crown, pushers, and central links in Everose gold. That was followed by the version everyone was clamoring for in 2013 - the ref. 116680 in full stainless ...

  7. Complication By Name: The Rolex Yachtmaster 2

    New for the 2017 Version of the Yacht-Master II 116680. Perhaps the only subtle thing about the Rolex Yachtmaster 2 is the facelift it enjoyed on its 10 th anniversary this year. All the delicate upgrades were confined to the dial, with the inner workings being left well alone. The 12 and 6 markers were changed from the squares shared by the ...

  8. Rolex Yacht-Master II

    The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a sport watch made by Rolex, unveiled in 2007 and first introduced in March 2010 with the models 116688 (Yellow Gold) and 116689 (White Gold). One year later, in 2011, Rolex introduced the model 116681 which was made from steel and everose gold. [1] At Baselworld 2013, the watch was available for the first time in ...

  9. The Rolex Yacht-Master II: How does it work, and why is it so

    Before we dive into the depths of this model, let's take a quick look at the dial layout and how it works. In contrast to a conventional chronograph, the Rolex Yacht-Master II features an arc with the numerals 10 to 0 running clockwise. This is joined by a short hand with a triangular tip. The bezel has the same sequence of numbers, as well ...

  10. The Rolex Yacht-Master II Reference 116681

    Five years later, Rolex unveiled the Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 as the two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel variant. The combination of the two metals, the bright blue bezel (crafted from Rolex's ceramic alloy, Cerachrom), and the flashy dial is certainly not the subtlest of Rolex watches, but somehow, the Yacht-Master II 116681 just works.

  11. The Rolex Yacht-Master II Models

    Presented in 2007, the Yacht-Master II is a unique high-precision chronograph. It features an exclusive function, developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory that can be synchronized on the fly. A function that responds ideally to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta.

  12. Rolex Yacht-Master II watch: Oystersteel and Everose gold

    -2/+2 sec/day, after casing. Functions. Centre hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. Programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. Stop-seconds for precise time setting. Oscillator. Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. Winding. Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor. Power reserve ...

  13. Rolex Yacht-Master II

    Rolex Yacht-Master II. 2022 Yacht-Master II Mercedes Hands Stainless Steel Blue Ceramic Bezel 116680. £ 14,604. + £201 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. 44mm Stainless Steel White Dial Blue Ceramic Bezel Complete Set 2021. £ 15,166. + £120 for shipping.

  14. PDF OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II

    Die Yacht-Master II ist eine einzigartige Rolex Armbanduhr, die speziell für Segelregatten entwickelt wurde. Sie verfügt über eine programmierbare Countdown-Funktion mit mechanischem Gedächtnis, die es dem Skipper ermöglicht, den Start perfekt zu synchronisieren. Erfahren Sie mehr über diese technische Meisterleistung in der offiziellen Bedienungsanleitung.

  15. Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II

    The Yacht-Master II though started it all. An incredibly impressive performer with an unmistakable look, it is not only a world away from its namesake, it is in a league of its own. The Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II difference shows two very fascinating and completely contrasting models. Possibly the biggest disparity between two ...

  16. Prices for New Rolex Yacht-Master II

    Rolex Yacht-Master II. 2023 UNWORN Yacht-Master II 116680 44mm Stainless Steel Blue Bezel Oyster Bracelet. $ 21,625. Free shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. NEW 2023 Two Tone Rose Gold Blue Ceramic Bezel 44MM Oyster Bracelet. $ 27,995. Free shipping.

  17. Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

    The watch of the open seas. The Yacht-Master is easily recognizable for its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel. This characteristic and functional bezel - which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys - plays a full part in creating the unique visual identity of the watch.

  18. PDF OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER

    Datumskorrektur (Position 2) Die Aufzugskrone ist aufgeschraubt und bis zur Rastposition 1 herausgezogen. Um das Datum einzustellen, drehen Sie - je nach Modell - die Krone entweder im Uhrzeigersinn oder gegen den Uhrzeigersinn. Dabei ist die jeweils entgegengesetzte Drehfunktion entweder inaktiv oder für das manuelle Aufziehen bestimmt.

  19. Pre-Owned Rolex Yacht-Master II Watches for Sale on Chrono24

    116688 Yachtmaster II 18K Yellow Gold $ 38,875 + $50 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Blue Hands Mint Condition Full Set (2013) Old Style Warranty Card $ 19,950 ... 2022 MINT Rolex Yacht-Master 2 MERC HANDS Steel Blue 116680 Watch Box $ 16,192 + $199 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Rose Gold/Stainless Steel 116681 Mint $ 21,500 ...

  20. Rolex 2024 Rumors: Discontinued Models, New Releases & Updates

    Safe delivery or pick-up. Warranty & easy returns. Explore the latest Rolex rumors for 2024, from potential discontinuations of Yacht-Master II and Palm-Dial to exciting GMT-Master II re-editions. Discover the buzz about new models like Land-Dweller and Coast-Dweller. Stay tuned for Watches & Wonders 2024 reveals!

  21. Rolex Yacht-Master II watch: 18 ct yellow gold

    Oyster architecture. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown. Diameter. 44 mm. Material. 18 ct yellow gold. Bezel. Rolex Ring Command (bidirectional 90° rotatable interacting with the movement) in 18 ct gold with blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic and numerals coated in gold. Winding crown.

  22. Yacht-Master II

    Cerachrom bezel insert. The blue monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert of the Yacht-Master II is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.