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Rolex Yacht-Master II Ultimate Buying Guide

There are some Rolex watches that are more or less universally loved, with a simple and versatile aesthetic that leaves little room for any sort of animosity. However, there are others within the portfolio that almost seem to have been created specifically to invite controversy, taking the brand away from its traditional design base and into more contentious territories. The Rolex Yacht-Master II collection is one of those watches.

When it arrived in the mid-2000s, the Yachtmaster II was so far removed from anything Rolex had created before that nobody seemed to know quite what to make of it. The watch was a big, bold and extremely expensive addition to the catalog, and while it was obviously slotted into the brand’s Professional Collection, it stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb. However, that was back then. Looking at the brand’s catalog today, it seems that Rolex was simply ahead of the game.

The Yacht Master II’s once challenging looks have matured, and although it is still most definitely a visually striking watch, it is no longer considered completely over the top. Mechanically, it is also incredibly impressive. On its debut, it instantly became Rolex’s most complicated watch, with a one-of-a-kind functionality aimed at about as niche a group as you could imagine. Below we have laid out a complete guide to the Rolex Yacht-Master II with everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Yacht-Master II Key Features:

– Year Introduced: 2007

– Case Size: 44mm

– Materials: Oystersteel; Everose Rolesor; 18k Yellow Gold; 18k White Gold & Platinum

– Functions: Time w/Running Seconds, Programmable Regatta Timer w/ Mechanical Memory

– Dial: White w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Bezel: Ring Command, Blue Ceramic or Platinum Insert w/ 10-Minute Countdown Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 4161

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet

– Retail Price: $18,750 – $48,150 USD (Approx.)

For more info, visit our guide on how to use the regatta timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Rolex Yacht-Master II History

Launched in 2007, the Rolex Yacht Master II debuted some 15-years after its original Yachtmaster namesake. However, the similarities between this watch and the model that first carried the Yacht-Master name are pretty much zero.

Where the earlier model is essentially a more luxurious take on the Rolex Submariner, the Yacht-Master II is a fully-fledged item of luxury professional sailing equipment, designed from the outset to assist skippers keep track of time during the complicated starting sequence of a regatta. That technically leaves the Yacht-Master II in the tool watch category, but this is a long way from the likes of the more utilitarian Explorer II and evidence of that can be found in its release schedule.

The first versions of the Rolex Yacht Master II to be unveiled were the 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 and the even more opulent 18k white gold version fitted with a platinum bezel, the ref. 116689. Quite a bit removed from the brand’s usually conservative styling, this large, gleaming, in-your-face effort that shouted its own name across its bezel, was an immediate opinion splitter. Traditionalists were horrified, lamenting Rolex’s continued straying from its roots, while others who enjoy having their watches noticed, embraced it wholeheartedly.

The financial crash that followed in 2008 altered the landscape for watchmakers (along with everyone else) and called for more affordable pieces to come forward. 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 steel, which also introduced a new caliber, the Cal. 4161, replacing the former Cal. 4160.

The only other change the watch has undergone since then occurred on its 10th anniversary in 2017, when it was given a facelift so slight that Rolex didn’t even feel it warranted a new reference number. The square hour markers at the six and 12 o’clock were changed to a rectangle and inverted triangle respectively, and the simple stick handset was swapped for the Mercedes type to bring them in-line with much of the rest of the brand’s Professional Collection.

How Much Is A Rolex Yacht-Master II?

When the Rolex Yacht-Master II first arrived, the combination of its exclusively precious metal construction and the extraordinary engineering going on inside its movement meant that it was among the most expensive offerings in Rolex’s catalog . This left many admirers priced out of the picture, but the introduction of stainless steel and two-tone references would soon open the Yacht-Master II up to a much wider range of buyers.

The Rolesor model from 2011 sacrificed some of that wall-to-wall gold for 904L stainless steel and more or less cut the asking price in half, while the full steel version dropped the retail price even further. Today, brand-new examples vary from $18,750 for the full stainless steel model up to $48,150 for the white gold and platinum version. But what about pre-owned prices?

The rather love-it-or-hate-it visuals of the Rolex Yacht Master II means that it doesn’t attract quite the same level of universal frenzy as the Daytona or Submariner. It is not completely out of the question for an authorized retailer to even have a model or two in stock, which isn’t something that can be said about the vast majority of the brand’s other sports watches. For that reason, pre-owned models do command a bit of a premium, but nowhere near as much as some of the other models in the brand’s catalog.

You can expect to pay a minimum of around $18,000 for an unworn steel piece on the secondary market, while the Everose Rolesor edition comes in closer to about $25,000. The 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 also holds pretty steady, with most examples falling somewhere in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, depending on age and overall condition. Finally, the ref. 116689 – the top-of-the-line model in white gold and platinum, is where the biggest discounts can be found. A brand-new example costs $48,150 at an authorized dealer, but an older example on the pre-owned market can often be found for just under $30,000.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Design

The Yacht-Master II is arguably the least “Rolex-looking” Rolex watch ever made, which is the core reason behind why it ruffled so many feathers among purist collectors upon its release. It’s arrival took the brand down previously unexplored experimental paths, a very far cry from the sort of discreetly restrained icons present throughout the rest of its portfolio.

The Yacht-Master II is a hard-working watch with a lot of information to present and as a result, it has what initially looks like somewhat of a cluttered dial. However, a lot of that is down to a trick of the eye concerning the bezel’s 1-10 numerals being mirrored exactly around the horseshoe-shaped track on the face. This is obviously the regatta countdown scale, designed to help yacht skippers synchronize their boats’ movements with the race’s starting gun (we’ll get onto this more a little later).

What it means for the overall styling is a lot of numbers on the watch that you will not be using for the vast majority of the time you are wearing it. But while it may come across as a little jam-packed – particularly when you add in the chronograph hand, arrowhead countdown pointer, and a small running seconds sub-dial at the bottom – once you get used to it, you can’t help but be impressed with how much Rolex’s technicians have achieved with so little. No, it isn’t exactly the Explorer’s 3/6/9 arrangement, but it is perfectly readable with a little familiarity and conveys the information it provides in a clean and legible manner.

Despite only containing four models (all of which have white dials), the series actually covers a good range of tastes. The ref. 116688 could be in the running for most showy standard-production Rolex currently available, its all-yellow gold case somehow making the bright blue bezel pop even more. At the other end, the white gold and platinum ref. 116689 is as low-key and reserved as a 44mm wide, 14mm thick, highly-complicated, solid-gold sports watch can be. The virtual monochrome is lifted only by the red chrono hand and arrowed pointer.

In-between, the stainless steel and Everose Rolesor models do the job of appealing to more middle-of-the-road palates. Their color combinations, along with the mix of brushed and polished elements on the watch itself, keep it all on the right side of overdone, and the two-tone model’s bezel numerals also being filled in Everose gold is a nice touch. Unlikely to ever be described as subtle, any version of the Rolex Yacht-Master II is guaranteed to receive some attention.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Functions

Looks aside, the big talking point around the Rolex Yacht Master II lies in what it can do. There is a strong argument against calling the watch a genuine chronograph as it doesn’t so much keep track of elapsed time in the traditional sense, as it does count backwards from a specific starting point, up to a maximum of 10-minutes.

How is that useful? It is all down to how a professional regatta gets underway. Due to the nature of wind and water, it simply isn’t possible to get a bunch of yachts all lined up at a particular spot in the ocean and have them set off at the same time. Instead, the start of a race goes in stages, with each one marked by a gunshot or other audible signal. The first is usually sounded 10-minutes before the start (although it can also be seven or even five), and the skippers must maneuver their boats back and forth in front of the line without crossing it, jockeying with the other competitors for prime position.

There follows two further preparatory signals at precise intervals, and crews must coordinate their approach so they are as close to the start point as possible at the exact moment the race officially begins. It is that pair of additional signals that call into action one of the party tricks of the Yacht-Master II’s unique complication. Should the watch fall out of sync with the regatta reference clock for any reason, a press of the lower pusher activates the flyback (or fly-forward) function, snapping the chronograph hand to the nearest minute to allow the two timers to match up again. Even more notably, it is the only mechanical watch in the world with a programmable memory, meaning the wearer can reset back to the specified original countdown point at any time.

Giving access to all this engineering virtuosity is what Rolex has dubbed its Ring Command Bezel. This was the first appearance of the concept, with the second generation taking control of the Sky-Dweller’s myriad of functions a few years later. On both models, the bezel is directly linked to the internal movement, and on the Yacht-Master II, it acts as an analogue on/off switch. Rotating it 90° unlocks the functionality and allows for the countdown timer to be set with the crown. Turning it back again locks everything in place, and engages the memory. The watch is then operated as a standard chronograph, with the top pusher activating the starts and stops, and the bottom taking charge of the reset or flyback/fly-forward functions.

For a manufacturer not renowned for the complexity of its watches (quite the opposite, in fact) Rolex’s regatta timer is a seriously impressive performer. It may have been created for an especially select group, but it is truly surprising how useful it can be to count down accurately from 10-minutes, even for those of us who may not own a yacht – particularly if you like your pasta al dente.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Movement

The first run of the Rolex Yacht-Master II was powered by the in-house Caliber 4160. At the time, it was the most component-heavy movement the brand had ever created, but it was essentially a heavily reworked version of the Cal. 4130 from the Daytona. The column wheel, vertical clutch and ball-bearing rotor were all carried over from the brand’s legendary racing chronograph.

Obviously there is nothing wrong with that, and the Rolex Daytona’s movement remains one of the most reliable and accurate mass-produced chronograph calibers of the modern era. However, with the arrival of the long-awaited stainless steel Yacht-Master II in 2013, Rolex also unveiled a new mechanism, the Caliber 4161, the product of additional refinements and some 35,000 hours of development.

Made up of over 360 components, including those produced via a highly specialized fabrication process called UV-LiGA which uses ultraviolet light to build microstructures, this dedicated movement provided a crisper feel to the pushers and greater reliability. With that in mind, both the Cal. 4160 and the Cal. 4161 benefitted from Rolex advances such as the blue Parachrom hairspring, as well as providing users with a highly-respectable 72-hour power reserve and a 28,800vph balance frequency.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Bracelet

At the present time, all of the various Rolex Yacht-Master II models are fitted with the three-link Oyster bracelet, as befits a true sports watch. On each version, the inner links have been given a high polish to match the gleaming case, while the outer links receive a satin finish to provide a contrast against the lugs.

As for material, the bracelet is crafted from the same metal as the watch head: stainless steel, yellow gold or white gold. With the Rolesor example, the innermost links are forged from Everose gold, leaving the outer side links in 904L stainless Oystersteel. Tying it all together is the Oysterlock folding clasp, equipped with the brand’s Easylink extension system that allows for approximately 5mm of tool-free bracelet adjustment, completely on the fly and without the use of any tools.

The Yacht-Master II was something of a retaliation from Rolex against decades-worth of naysayers criticizing the brand for the lack of complicated watches in its lineup. Rolex’s rebuttal, while not the most all-encompassing in terms of looks or utility, still stands as a hugely significant piece of technical dexterity. Rolex has always produced tool watches, but as the company continues to make the transition towards being a true luxury manufacturer, the tool watches it produces also take on a more luxurious nature and the Yacht-Master II perfectly embodies this. Large and uncompromising, it is perhaps the most eccentric model Rolex has to offer – and it is always happy to take center stage.

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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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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The Rare and Collectible White Gold & Platinum Rolex Yacht Master II

Among the Rolex catalog, the Yacht Master II collection is a standout, and among the Yacht Master II’s, the white gold and platinum combination, reference 116689 , is quite possibly the most remarkable. One thing is for sure, the Yacht Master II ref 116689 is the rarest version, and because of its scarcity and immense desirability, it is arguably the one with the most potential to be a future collectible.

HISTORY OF THE YACHT MASTER II

The Yacht Master II is a collection based on the successful Yacht Master. It was first introduced to the world in 2007, 15 years after the original Yacht Master debuted, but the collection wasn’t put on the market until 2010. When they finally did, the Yacht Master II instantly became a huge success.

Like all Rolex sports watches, the Yacht Master II was designed for a specific profession, sailing…and more specifically, regatta racing. This is an honest professional yachting watch, with its flyback chronograph and programmable countdown timer. 

Upon its official release, Rolex gave the world the yellow gold Yacht Master II reference 116688 and the white gold and platinum Yacht Master II reference 116689. One year later, Rolex introduced a two tone steel and Everose gold version. 

The price point for the precious Yacht Master II’s put them among Rolex’s most expensive sports watches. 

In 2013, the entry point into the Yacht Master II club dropped with the release of the fully stainless steel Yacht Master II. This made the collection more accessible, at least to those who could get their hands on one brand new. The steel version was and still is hard to get new at an authorized dealer, and it often sells for a premium on the secondary market. It was also during this time that all of the Yacht Master II’s got an engine upgrade. The watch remained the same, but the movement changed. They received the more advanced calibre 4161 that we still get with new Yacht Master II’s today. 

The most recent update to the Yacht Master II collection came in 2017. The updates were not exactly significant, mainly dial aesthetics, which included larger hands, a Mercedes style hour hand, a skeletonize minute hand, and an inverted triangle at the 12 o’clock and a rectangular hour marker at the 6 o’clock. 

As you can see, the white gold Yacht Master II 116689 that we are selling at Diamonds By Raymond Lee is a pre-2017 model. 

No changes to reference numbers  

Interestingly, Rolex decided not to change the reference numbers with the updates in 2013 and 2017. The Yacht Master II’s all have the same reference numbers as when they were first released. So, the only way you can tell what version a Yacht Master II is by looking at the paperwork or the dial aesthetics for post 2017 models. 

ONE OF ROLEX’S MOST COMPLICATED WATCHES

Before the Yacht Master II collection, Rolex’s emphasis on complications were pretty vapid. You had the chronograph on the Daytona, the second timezone on the GMT, and a day and date complication on the Day-Date. Nothing too fancy. With the Yacht Master II’s programmable flyback regatta chronograph, that all changed. When the Yacht Master II was unveiled in 2007, it instantly became Rolex’s most complicated watch.

It is possibly the most useful chronograph Rolex has ever created. It’s not just for boat racing! It has a 10 minute countdown to zero, it counts down backwards. This can be used for any purpose. What’s more, we find that timing intervals of 10 minutes or less on a very legible chronograph is far more useful than the almost indecipherable and hard to read subdials on a Daytona. This is just very clean and easy to use.

Note: Rolex’s newest collection, the Sky-Dweller , is now Rolex’s most complicated watch, putting the Yacht Master II collection in second place. Nevertheless, the Yacht Master II is a highly complex watch (yet easy to use), so let’s discuss its functionality in more depth.

REGATTA TIMER COMPLICATION

First, let’s explain the point of a regatta chronograph. Its purpose is to track both racing time and the count down of the very important minutes that occur before the racers cross the starting line. 

The former point is critical as yachts obviously can’t do a standing start like a race car. 

The Fleet Race takes place on a course marked by buoys and it starts with a five, seven or ten minute countdown at which time the yachts begin sailing the course. The countdown is decided by race officials prior to the start of the race. Regatta racers need to strategically order themselves on the starting line, taking in factors like wind and other competitors. The goal is to cross the line as close as they can to the starting signal, but never before as that will cause penalty points.  

The skipper of the yacht is in charge of this timing. So, the skipper is the one who needs a watch like the Yacht Master II. 

All in all, it is a very prestigious kind of race, worthy of a watch like the Rolex Yacht Master II.

How does the Yacht Master II Regatta Countdown work?

We should first note that the subdial above the 6 o’clock is the running seconds. It has nothing to do with the regatta chronograph. The long red hand is part of the chronograph.

Regatta Timer & Ring Command Bezel

The bezel is not just beautiful, it is part of what controls the programming of the regatta timer. 

As you can see on the dial within the blue section, there is 10-0. That is the countdown. 10 minutes to zero minutes (it counts down). 

You can set the regatta timer to any number 0-10 (no half-numbers). The large red arrow indicates the countdown time. 

To program the timer, rotate the bezel from its standard position (the one you see in the featured pics), counter-clockwise, to position two. You will hear it click. 

Then, push the bottom pusher in. It will lock in place. After that, you can unscrew the watertight crown counter-clockwise, and once it is unscrewed, you rotate it clockwise to move the short red arrow. You will see it jump from 0 to 1 to 2 with each turn. Once you set the minute you want to countdown from, you rotate the bezel back to position one (you will hear the bottom pusher pop back out). Remember to screw in your crown. 

When you are ready to start the timer, you push the top pusher. The large red second hand will start to rotate. As the long red seconds hand rotates (60 seconds is a full rotation), the short red and white arrow will move as well. 

If you want to stop and start at any point, you simply press the top pusher. You can also reset it back to the original programming by pressing the bottom pusher. You will see both arrows flyback to their starting position. 

From there, if you want to set the watch to a different time or back to 0, you use the same process of rotating the bezel to position two and so on. 

Now, let’s talk more about the aesthetics and wearability. 

YACHT MASTER II 116689

It’s not so uncommon to see a steel, yellow gold, or two-tone Yacht Master II, but the white gold and platinum version is a model that you will not see on the streets very often. In fact, it is quite a rare site to see. This is probably because it costs a lot more than the other Yacht Master II models and Rolex produces less of them. 

The white gold and platinum combination doesn’t just change the cost of the Yacht Master II, but it also dramatically alters its appearance. This is because all of the other versions have colored bezels with ceramic inserts. The white gold Yacht Master II’s bezel is entirely made from the noble metal, platinum. 

While Rolex’s ceramic bezels are extremely durable, they aren’t really worth anything. There’s no intrinsic value to them. Platinum, on the other hand,  is the most valuable metal of them all and the ultimate symbol of prestige. 

18K WHITE GOLD

Besides the platinum bezel and the white dial, the watch is entirely white gold. The case, caseback, bracelet and clasp are finely crafted from 18k white gold. And not just any white gold, this is Rolex’s very own white gold. 

Rolex’s white gold is made from the purest metals and it is scrupulously inspected at their in-house lab using state-of-the-art equipment before it is structured, shaped, and finished with the same meticulous care into the watch you see here. It should also be noted that Rolex’s white gold is not plated with rhodium like many white gold jewelry, so it will not tarnish or need to be re-plated. 

CASE, BRACELET & DIAL

The case is a standard Rolex Oyster case, yet much larger at 44mm in diameter. With the Tripock crown, it has 100 meters (or 330 feet) of water resistance. 

The bracelet integrates seamlessly with the case. It is the iconic, sporty and durable Oyster bracelet. It features an Oysterlock clasp as well, which has 5mm of easy extension built in. 

As for the dial, it’s a pearly white backdrop with platinum hands and hour markers, as well as a platinum sub-chapter ring. The hour markers and hands have lume so the watch is easily legible at night. Inside the blue lines, you have the regatta countdown timer, which we’ve already discussed, as well as the red arrow, red regatta chrono seconds hand and running seconds sub-dial. All in all, the dial is so perfectly laid out and the colors make separating the main time from the regatta chronograph effortless.

ON THE WRIST

With the white gold case, the platinum bezel and the white dial, the impression of the Yacht Master II 116689 on the wrist is even bigger than the already sizable 44mm case that it is. 

While the colored bezel Yacht Master II’s look on par with a Royal Oak Offshore in terms of wrist presence, the white gold and platinum model appears almost similar to Hublot King Power in that regard, and that’s a 48mm watch. 

Now, when talking about wrist presence, we don’t exactly mean size, as this watch doesn’t span the wrist in the same manner as the aforementioned watches. It just has that same commanding noticeability. 

The Yacht Master II is undoubtedly a large watch, at 44mm in size. However, it has a nice compact lug to lug measurement of 53mm, which means it spans the wrist like that of a 42mm Royal Oak Offshore . 

What’s more, this watch is heavy. It feels like a million bucks on the wrist. 

All in all, this means you get that powerful wrist prescience and feel but you don’t need such a huge wrist to pull it off, like you would if you want to wear a King Power or even a Hublot Big Bang or a 44mm Royal Oak.

RARITY & COLLECTIBILITY 

When the Rolex Yacht Master II 116689 was released, everyone wanted it. The marriage of white gold and platinum is simply stunning, there’s no denying that. However, the price point simply put it out of reach for most Rolex customers. 

Then, three years later, in 2010, Rolex put out the steel version of the Yacht Master II, which made the vast majority of buyers who were finally about to pony up for the white gold and platinum reconsider and get the steel instead. Of course, it’s not exactly a substitution, as the Yacht Master II in steel has a strong blue aesthetic and the white gold has that as cool as ice look, but it was a much more reasonable option and it looks really great too. 

Because of this, the steel Yacht Master II went on to be the most iconic Yacht Master of all (even one of the most iconic watches in the entire industry). However, this also meant it was a lot more common. You’d see a hundred steel Yacht Master II’s before you see a white gold and platinum one. 

In regards to collectibility, it is almost impossible to guarantee what models will be collectible in the future. After all, Rolex makes a million watches a year! 

However, we can gain some insight by looking to the past. If we look to the 50s and 60s, which is when Rolex put out certain watches that would go on to be the most collectible of the modern day, we can see that the rarest watches were the ones that became collectible. Watches like the Paul Newman Daytona , the Double Red Sea-Dwellers , early Milgauss references, and other scarce watches of the time are now the timepieces that are the most collectible, and thus, valuable. 

Today, it is hard to find a watch that is as rare as those classics, as Rolex produces way more watches now. There simply are no modern Rolex watches that exist in only a couple thousand copies. However, the one outlier may be the white gold and platinum Yacht Master II reference 116689. 

So, for every steel, yellow gold and two-tone Yacht Master II that Rolex produces to keep up with the demand, it is only furthering the promise of the collectibility of the much less produced white gold Yacht Master II. 

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY THE WHITE GOLD YACHT MASTER II SECOND HAND?

Like the vast majority of Rolex precious metal watches, you will be getting a way better deal for the watch on the secondary market. As long as the watch is in good condition and it has its original box and papers, it is a no-brainer. You will not lose any value upon buying the watch, like you would when buying it brand new at an authorized Rolex dealer. This makes a pre-owned white gold and platinum Yacht Master II a great investment, especially with its potential for collectibility someday. 

WHITE GOLD YACHTMASTER II 116689 FOR SALE AT DIAMONDS IN BOCA RATON

We are offering a huge discount on this watch. The original MSRP was over $50k and we have this pre-owned white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II 116689 listed at $27,495.

See full sales listing

Final Thoughts

The Yacht Master II has value on so many fronts. It’s beautiful, unique and clean (with the last point being important for those who don’t like the in your face appearance of the blue bezel standard Yacht Master II’s). The watch is functional and useful as well. Moreover, it is rare and collectible, with a heft and wrist presence that justifies the heavy price tag. 

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• 116689-0002 : Yacht-Master 2 White Gold

Rolex - 116689-0002 Yacht-Master 2 White Gold

Rolex Yacht-Master II Introduction

The Yacht-Master II was released in 2007 with its signature regatta timer complication. It is the younger, bolder sibling of Rolex’s Yacht-Master that debuted in 1992. While the original Yacht-Master displays similarities to the ever-popular Rolex Submariner , the Yacht-Master II is in a class of its own, both visually and mechanically.

Rolex Yacht-Master II History

The Yacht-Master II was purpose-built for competitive sailors. The tool watch’s boldly designed case houses a programmable countdown timer that is controlled by rotating the bezel. Large and attention-grabbing, the Yacht-Master II presents a design aesthetic that pushes the boundaries of what a Rolex can be.

First introduced in 2007, the Yacht-Master II was offered in yellow and white gold variations under references 116688 and 116689, respectively. An Everose gold/steel two-tone Rolesor version (ref. 116681) was added in 2011, followed by the stainless steel reference 116680 two years later. With a case size of 44mm that rises 13.9mm on the wrist, the Yacht-Master II commands attention on the wrist both from owners and observers. The bold bezel houses a platinum- or gold-filled blue Cerachrom ceramic insert with a 10-minute scale above the words “Yacht-Master II.” This was no ordinary bezel, however.

Deemed the “Ring Command” bezel by Rolex, it is directly connected to the watch’s mechanism to program the Yacht-Master II’s 10-minute countdown timer. During the 10-minute interval leading up to the start of a regatta, sailors jockey to position their crafts as close to the starting line as possible. Precision is key since crossing the line early results in a penalty and being too far out puts the boat at an immediate disadvantage. The exclusive Yacht-Master II complication allows a sailor to program the countdown, store it in the mechanism and synchronize to the official race countdown on-the-fly

The Yacht-Master II’s characteristics have been relatively stable since the watch debuted. Its case is free of sharp edges and perfectly cradles the Triplock crown and subtly detailed pushers. The matte white dial offers outstanding legibility for contrasting elements. Hours are marked by luminous rectangular shapes with a triangle marker at 12 o’clock on models produced after 2017. With that refresh, Rolex also updated the straight hour hand with the familiar Mercedes style that appears on other Rolex Professional watches. A small second register at 6 o’clock and the countdown timer indices that arc gracefully from approximately 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock complete the look.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Features

The Yacht-Master II’s power is produced by Rolex’s in-house designed and manufactured calibre 4161 COSC-certified automatic movement. Comprised of roughly 360 individual components, the Cal. 4161 features a 70-hour power reserve, flyback and fly-forward chronograph functionality, anti-magnetism and shock-resistance and, of course, Rolex’s patented 10-minute countdown timer.

The watch is unapologetically large with a 44mm case that measures a massive 57.4mm end-link to end-link. Details include a screw-down case back and protected Triplock crown flanked by delicately etched pushers. The Oyster case is water resistant to 100 meters. The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster bracelet is a classic Rolex three-piece design with polished center links, satin sides and Oysterlock safety clasp. An Easylink extension allows a rapid 5mm adjustment to the bracelet length without the need for tools.

Yellow Gold

White gold + platinum, two-tone rolesor (everose gold + steel).

The Yacht-Master II’s color palate and design evoke nautical themes that are inspired by the presence of red and blue accents. In the dark, luminescent Chromalight hands and markers glow with a vibrant blue that lasts up to eight hours. The timer markings, however, do not have lume.

The Yacht-Master II is available in four materials: yellow gold, white gold + platinum, two-tone Rolesor (Everose gold + steel) and steel. All are topped by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is surrounded by the Yacht-Master II’s Ring Command bezel in solid platinum or with a blue ceramic insert.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Value and Collectability

The Yacht-Master II is a bit of an outlier in the Rolex family. It is visually imposing and technologically advanced, but Rolex purists opine that it does not deliver the classic Rolex experience of more traditional sports models like the Submariner, Sea-Dweller or Explorer. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a rare timepiece that stands out from all other Rolex designs, the Yacht-Master II is an excellent choice. Retail prices for new Yacht-Master II models range from approximately $19,000 for steel to nearly $50,000 for the luxe white gold/platinum edition.

Pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master IIs in gold or platinum with original papers and boxes typically sell well below retail, though prices on used steel versions trend just slightly below new. Many Rolex aficionados consider the Yacht-Master II to be undervalued in the used Rolex marketplace and firmly expect that it will emerge as a highly prized collectors watch.

Watchmaker’s Perspective

The regatta countdown timer function on the Rolex Yacht-Master II is a fascinating feature that gets a lot of attention. And the Caliber 4161 movement used to power the Yacht-Master II is extremely complex, with over 360 parts. But how are those parts made? From the watchmaker's perspective, the manufacturing technology used to create such a complicated movement is especially intriguing.

For the Caliber 4161, Rolex made extensive use of LIGA technology. LIGA is a German acronym meaning Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung (Lithography, Electroplating and Molding). The LIGA process allows parts to be manufactured that would have been nearly impossible with traditional methods, due to their shapes.

The LIGA process is closely related to semiconductor manufacturing and uses similar tools. A patterned mask is used to project UV light onto photosensitive resin at a very high resolution. This creates a micro-mold, which is then used to grow parts inside of. When the metal parts are completely grown, an acid strips away the photosensitive resin, leaving the finished part. This technology is opening up new avenues to watchmakers—one example is the fantastically complex Caliber 4161 in the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Rolex.

Rolex Yacht Master II White Gold 116689

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Product Information

[[Case:18k White Gold Case]][[Bezel:Rotatable Platinum]][[Movement:Automatic ]][[Crystal:Sapphire Crystal]][[Bracelet :Oysterlock Bracelet]][[Clasp:]][[Dial:White Dial]][[Features:]][[Certificate :Certificate of Authenticity]][[Warranty:5 Year Warranty]][[Resistance:]][[Size:44 mm]]

Introduced in 2007, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is a testament to Rolex’s maritime legacy . Designed specifically for professional sailors, its main feature is a regatta countdown for yacht racing starts. The watch symbolizes luxury and prestige, further emphasized by Rolex’s sponsorship of elite sailing events like the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Its connection to these events highlights its technical excellence and lasting popularity.

The Rolex Yacht-Master White Gold 116689 elegantly combines luxury with functionality. Crafted from 18K white gold, the 44mm case provides a durable yet sophisticated aesthetic. 

Under a resilient sapphire crystal, the white dial is the epitome of classic style and displays the innovative regatta chronograph, which is crucial for yachting competitions. The dial doesn’t just tell time; it also glows with an exceptional, long-lasting blue luminance thanks to the advanced Chromalight technology on the hour markers and hands. This maximizes readability even in low-light conditions. 

The bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel, crafted from platinum, adds a layer of functionality and opulence, ensuring the timepiece is as practical as it is visually striking.

Inside the case of the Yacht-Master 2 , you’ll find the Perpetual calibre 4161. This in-house mechanical chronograph movement features a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch. This ensures an instantaneous and accurate start to the chronograph.

The movement’s oscillator is a marvel, featuring a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated by gold Microstella nuts. This design and an adjustable traversing bridge provide exceptional shock protection. The blue Parachrom hairspring, crafted from a paramagnetic alloy, guarantees stability against temperature fluctuations, ensuring the watch’s impeccable timekeeping.

With over 360 parts, 44 jewels, and a vibration rate of 28,800 per hour, the calibre 4161 is a masterpiece of horological engineering. Its power reserve of 72 hours ensures the Yacht-Master White Gold remains operational during prolonged journeys. 

When you invest in Rolex Yacht-Master II , you’re not just buying a watch; you’re acquiring a legacy. At Luxury of Watches, we ensure that legacy is genuine. Every Rolex Yacht-Master II comes with a 5-year warranty and a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its pedigree and your peace of mind.

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Rolex Yacht-Master White Gold 42mm 226659

Clocks Rolex 42 White Gold 226659-0002

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in 18 ct white gold with a black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet.

The oysterflex bracelet, highly resistant and durable.

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

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

18 ct white gold

Commitment to excellence

By operating its own exclusive foundry, Rolex has the unrivalled ability to cast the highest quality 18 ct gold alloys. According to the proportion of silver, copper, platinum or palladium added, different types of 18 ct gold are obtained: yellow, pink or white.

They are made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, before the gold is formed and shaped with the same painstaking attention to quality. Rolex's commitment to excellence begins at the source.

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.

Exceptional legibility

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

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

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   226659

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Oyster, 42 mm, white gold

Oyster architecture

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

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

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

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

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

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 42

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

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