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The Rolex Yacht-Master II Reference 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
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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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.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} Yacht-Master 40 .css-1g7r01k{font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.9375rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-1g7r01k span{display:block;} Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold Reference 126621
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Staying on course
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in Oystersteel and Everose gold with an Oyster bracelet.
Bidirectional rotatable bezel, timing the distance.
The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.
This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.
Chocolate Dial
Exceptional legibility.
Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 40 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.
The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.
Everose Rolesor
A meeting of two metals.
Gold is coveted for its lustre and nobility. Steel reinforces strength and reliability. Together, they harmoniously combine the best of their properties.
A true Rolex signature, Rolesor has featured on Rolex models since the early 1930s, and was trademarked as a name in 1933. It is one of the prominent pillars of the Oyster collection.
The Oyster bracelet
Alchemy of form and function.
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.
More Yacht-Master technical details
Reference 126621
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Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold
Oyster architecture
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Everose Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and Everose gold
Everose gold bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated with raised numerals
Winding crown
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
Water resistance
Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet
Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
3235, Manufacture Rolex
-2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Power reserve
Approximately 70 hours
Oyster, three-piece solid links
Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.
Yacht-Master 40
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2015 MINT Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm Steel White Blue Ceramic 116680 Watch Box $ 15,492 + $299 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Oystersteel White Dial Men's Watch 116680-0002 $ 17,995. Free shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. 44mm in Stainless Steel on Black Rubber Strap with White Dial and Mercedes Hands
Rolex Yacht-Master II. MINT Rolex Yacht-Master 2 Yellow Gold 116688 Regatta 44mm Watch Box. $ 33,392. + $299 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Like NEW 2019 Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold White Dial Mercedez Hand 116688 COMPLETE SET. $ 42,495. + $99 for shipping.
Welche ist die teuerste Rolex Yacht-Master II? Die teuerste auf Chrono24 gehandelte Rolex Yacht-Master kostet Anfang 2024 durchschnittlich 44.500 EUR im ungetragenen Zustand. Die Uhr trägt die Referenznummer 116688. Armband und Gehäuse dieses Modells sind aus 18 Karat Gelbgold gefertigt.
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
Precious on land and at sea. Available in three diameters - 37, 40 and 42 mm - and in various precious versions - 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold - as well as in Everose Rolesor and Rolesium versions, the Yacht-Master is unique in the world of Rolex professional watches.
Rolex Yacht-Master II Listing: $17,255 Rolex Yacht-Master II Stahl 116680 - 2019, Reference number 116680; Steel; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 2019; Watch with original . Skip. Over 400,000 watches covered by Chrono24 Buyer Protection Search through 563,619 watches from 125 countries.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a sport watch made by Rolex, unveiled in 2007 and first introduced in March 2010 with the models 116688 (Yellow Gold) and 116689 (White Gold).One year later, in 2011, Rolex introduced the model 116681 which was made from steel and everose gold. [1] At Baselworld 2013, the watch was available for the first time in 904L steel, the model 116680, fitted with a ...
Rolex Yacht-Master II. 2016 MINT Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 Steel Everose Gold Blue hands 44mm Watch Box. Rs. 1,633,181. + Rs.25,712 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Oystersteel and Everose Gold white dial 90 degree blue rotatable bezel. Rs. 2,299,112. Excl. shipping.
The Yacht-Master II by Rolex beautifully respects the spirit of maritime pursuits; it is a durable racing tool and a bold accessory, waterproof and reliable to a fault. Entirely conceived and crafted by Rolex experts in Switzerland down to the manufacturing of its most minute, precise parts, the Yacht-Master II is a watch of exceptional quality and distinction.
HR. Rolex Yacht-Master II. Stainless Steel White Blue 44mm Watch 116680 Watch. AU$ 22,841. + AU$760 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master II. 116680 Yacht Master Ii White Dial Blue Ceramic Bezel Stainless Steel Box. AU$ 25,891.
Rolex Yacht-Master II. FULL SET 2013 - LC100 - Ref. 116680. £ 14,784. + £522 for shipping. DE. Rolex Yacht-Master II. 2015 MINT Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm Steel White Blue Ceramic 116680 Watch Box. £ 12,113. + £234 for shipping.
The Yacht-Master's bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.
29 Stahl / Gold Automatik Damenuhr Ref. 169623 Y-Serie B&P $ 6,220 + $183 for shipping. DE. Rolex Yacht-Master. Ladies 29 Two Tone Yellow Gold Rhodium Slate Grey Dial Original Box ... Ladies Rolex Yacht-Master Rhodium 29mm 169623 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Watch $ 5,993 + $175 for shipping. US. Rolex Yacht-Master.
A Rolex Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel and rose gold. Featuring a white dial with a 10-minute countdown and a small seconds display. The rose gold bidirectional rotatable ring command bezel features a blue ceramic insert with numerals coated in gold. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic regatta chronograph movement. The watch is also equipped with an ...
Rolex Yacht-Master II White Dial Men's Luxury Watch 116680-0001. 4 reviews. Was: $23,995.00. Sale Price: $ 17,495.00. Availability. In Stock - Flash Sale. Condition. Excellent Like New. Reference #: 116680-0001. Quantity: Add To Cart. Product Description Authenticity Guaranteed Product Reviews.
Shop the Rolex Yacht-Master II watch for $18241.357 on Winder. Buyer's Protection available. Buy Sell Winder App Boutiques Buyer Protection Service Centers. Login. Sign Up. EN. Report Listing. More About This Listing Buyer's Protection. 116680. Brand. Rolex. Model. Yacht-Master II. Reference No. 116680. Case Material ...
OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER IIDie Yacht-Master II ist ein auf der Welt einzigartiger Regatta-Chronograph für Segelbeg. isterte und routinierte Skipper. Sie verfügt über einen von eins bis zehn einstellbaren Countdown, der mit einem mechanischen Speicher ausgestattet ist und sich über die Flyback.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 watch is in stock at the Hour Pawnshop Vremya. Best price. Only original Swiss watches. Trade-In. Pawnshop. RUB +7 499 791 26 51. Address Moscow, st. 3rd Tverskaya-Yamskaya, 11/10, building 2. Mode Mon - Fri: from 12:00 to 20:00 Sat: from 12:00 to 17:00
Buy Rolex Yacht-Master 42 White Gold at the best price. Prices, photos, characteristics. Perspectiva pawnshop, call us: +7 (495) 959-99-99
The Yacht-Master has been sharing the stage with other popular Rolex models like the Submariner and Sea-Dweller since 1992. But unlike its deep-diving brethren, the Yacht-Master is the premier timepiece for skippers. Thanks to a wide range of available case sizes - from 37 to 42 mm - the Rolex Yacht-Master is a perfect fit for most wrists.
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Rolex Yacht-Master II Received: July 2, 2024 Shipped from: United States of America. The watch was in very very good condition. The whole experience was enjoyable. Easy with no stress. AB. Aleks B. United States of America. July 3, 2024. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ...