Rolex returns to one of their most ingenious collections! After a two-year hiatus, the Yacht-Master II is back in the catalogue – and better than ever.
Perhaps no brand is as mum as Rolex when it comes to what their next move will be. While everyone is onto the “game” that the Crown plays with its distribution channels, few have been able to take even the slightest peek behind the curtain. But given how ubiquitous the brand is within horology, the tales of Rolex have been told ad nauseam.
That being said, Rolex has been known to indulge in the unconventional from time to time. From outlandish designs like the recently released Oyster Perpetual 36 Celebration Dial to the clever mechanics of the Sky-Dweller, sometimes the odd ones out attract the most fervent fanbases. That is certainly the case with the Yacht-Master II, introduced to the Rolex roster in 2007.
Further intertwining the worlds of sailing and watchmaking, the Yacht-Master II is perhaps Rolex’s most specialised collection, and its most distinctive. Outfitted with a regatta chronograph and the unique bezel-set Ring Command system, it proved Rolex’s commitment to creating purpose-built watches, regardless of the purpose.
Though it was discontinued in April 2024, Rolex has elected to bring it back after a two-year hiatus. With it comes a host of aesthetic and mechanical changes that make the Yacht-Master II more accessible, usable and legible.
Bold & Brash
Though the new Yacht-Master II models differ significantly from their predecessors, they remain as big and bold as ever. The two new watches are housed in a 44mm case, compounded by a 13.9mm thickness. Yes, it’s certainly a big boy, but like most Rolex watches, it still possesses that signature Oyster case. The rounded case flanks flow seamlessly into the lugs, allowing for a true-to-size wearing experience.
Prospective customers, whenever they receive “the call”, are presented with either an Oystersteel or 18k yellow gold reference. Of the two, the Oystersteel is obviously the more practical. A special compound of 904L stainless steel, it offers significantly higher scratch and corrosion resistance than standard 316L.
That’s not to minimise the impact of the yellow gold version, though. Goodness knows what kind of splash that will make at any occasion. But speaking of splashes, Rolex has you covered. Both watches are rated to 100m of water resistance, meaning you can take them almost anywhere other than deep diving. That’s what the Submariner is for.
The new Yacht-Master II models are worn on the classic three-link Oyster bracelet, tapering elegantly down to an Oysterlock folding clasp. Within, an Easylink micro-adjustment allows for an extra 5mm of tolerance, ensuring an easier fit as the wrist fluctuates. While the Easylink is serviceable, I still lament the absence of Rolex’s Glidelock micro-adjustment system. I suppose the reasoning is that it’s not a diver’s watch.
So Fresh, So Clean
With changes to its ergonomics, Rolex has also fully redesigned the Yacht-Master II’s dial. Addressing the original version’s pain point of visual excess, the matte white dial has been cleaned up significantly.
The regatta timer, now relocated to the outer rim of the watch, is far more legible compared to the central arc of the original. Additionally, the indices have been converted from all circles to a mix of rectangles and circles, bringing the new Yacht-Master II more in line with Rolex’s broader design language.
The colour scheme of both models has also been refined. The Oystersteel reference still uses a palette of red, white and blue, but the gold version has forgone the red entirely to place more emphasis on the gold.
Regardless of material, both come with a blue Cerachrom bidirectional bezel. That does mean the Ring Command system is gone entirely, but I never really got the hang of it, so personally I won’t miss it. If you do, though, the Sky-Dweller can still serve as your sanctuary.
Compelling Complexity
Speaking of mechanics, Rolex has introduced a brand-new movement in these Yacht-Master II models. The Calibre 4162, based on the original Calibre 4161, has undergone several changes that streamline the watch’s operation. For starters, it’s a countdown chronograph, so when you start the watch, the seconds hand moves anticlockwise. That large triangular hand that looks like a GMT? That’s also part of the countdown function. Confusing, perhaps, so here’s a quick breakdown.
To operate the Yacht-Master II, the first thing you do is use the bottom pusher to set where your timer will start, from 0 to 10 minutes in accordance with the peripheral numerals. Usually, yacht races have a 10 to 15 minute preparation period before the official start, but if you’re not a seasoned sailor, you can set the timer however you like.
Then, like any chronograph, you press the top pusher to start or stop it. If you press the bottom pusher while the chronograph is running, the seconds hand snaps back to zero and the minute pointer moves forward to the next minute. For example, when your timer is reading four minutes and thirty seconds to go, press that bottom pusher and it will reset to four minutes flat.
It’s not so much a flyback chronograph as it is a fly-forward. It’s a tough concept to explain in text, so if you can, head to your nearest Rolex retailer and try it yourself. They don’t bite… usually.
In any case, the Calibre 4162 is one of, if not the most complex movement Rolex has to offer. However, its complexity isn’t just for show. A 72-hour power reserve, 4Hz (28,800VpH) beat rate, and both COSC and Rolex Superlative Chronometer certifications ensure it meets the same standards you’d expect from the brand.
Initial Thoughts
To be honest, I didn’t quite know what to think about the new Yacht-Master II release. Of all the Rolex references lost to time, it wasn’t at the top of my list for a revival. Other models, like the King Midas and the Milgauss, are more compelling to my personal tastes. Still, the Yacht-Master II represents a wildly experimental side of Rolex, which I can’t help but appreciate.
The reintroduction, as you may have heard, has come at a cost. The “Cookie Monster”, “Azzurro”, Day-Date stone dials, and the ever-popular “Pepsi” series have all been discontinued. While I do think they’ll return at some point, I wouldn’t be holding my breath.
But while the Yacht-Master II’s return was a surprise, amidst all the discontinuations, it wasn’t an unwelcome one. Unapologetically niche, complex, and now as sharp as it’s ever been, it shows that the Crown’s capacity for serious watchmaking doesn’t come at the expense of its spirit of innovation.
Reference: M126680-0001 (Oystersteel) / M126688-0001 (Yellow Gold)
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 44mm case diameter x 13.9mm thickness |
| Case | Oystersteel / 18k yellow gold with blue Cerachrom bidirectional bezel |
| Dial | White with blue & red accents / with blue & gold accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 4162 with COSC/Superlative Chronometer certifications, countdown flyback chronograph with programmable timer (max. 10 min), & small seconds complications |
| Power Reserve | 72h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800 VpH |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 10bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Oystersteel / yellow gold Oyster bracelet with folding clasp & EasyLink micro-adjustment |