Rolex Yacht-Master II Buying Guide
A guide to the discontinued 44 mm Rolex Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph, including steel 116680, Everose Rolesor 116681, yellow-gold 116688 and white-gold 116689, calibre 4161, programmable countdown, Ring Command bezel, fit, service, condition and value.
How the Yacht-Master II countdown works
The complication is designed around a programmable countdown for yacht-race starting sequences. The countdown can be set from one to ten minutes and uses mechanical memory so the programmed duration can be reset. The Ring Command bezel acts as part of the setting interface, working with the crown and pushers.
This is not a conventional elapsed-time chronograph like Daytona. A buyer should learn the setting sequence and test the countdown, flyback/reset behavior, pushers, bezel and crown before purchase.
Steel, two-tone and gold references
| Reference | Material and character | Buyer focus |
|---|---|---|
| 116680 | Oystersteel and the most broadly wearable version. | Function, bezel, bracelet, case condition and service history. |
| 116681 | Oystersteel and Everose gold with strong two-tone contrast. | Gold center links, bezel details and polishing. |
| 116688 | Full yellow gold and maximum visual/physical presence. | Weight, bracelet completeness, case geometry and surface condition. |
| 116689 | Full white gold with more discreet appearance and substantial weight. | Material verification, bracelet, dial, bezel and premium pricing. |
Dial and hand executions changed during the model’s production. Later examples use Mercedes-style hour hand and updated markers, while earlier watches have a different visual presentation. Confirm exact generation rather than relying only on reference number.
Fit and daily wear
The 44 mm case, wide bezel, long visual dial and substantial bracelet make Yacht-Master II a large watch even by modern standards. Steel is already heavy; full gold dramatically increases weight. Correct bracelet sizing is essential to keep the watch stable.
The bezel text and countdown scale are visually dominant. Buyers who want a discreet complication will usually prefer Sky-Dweller or a different brand. Yacht-Master II is best when its unusual scale and design are central to the appeal.
Yacht-Master II vs. Yacht-Master, Sky-Dweller and Daytona
| Model | Choose it when | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht-Master II | You want the programmable regatta countdown and 44 mm scale. | Most specialized setting system and discontinued status. |
| Yacht-Master | You want a conventional rotating-bezel sport-luxury watch in multiple sizes. | No regatta countdown. |
| Sky-Dweller | You want dual time and annual calendar with Ring Command interface. | Travel/calendar complication rather than chronograph. |
| Daytona | You want a conventional motorsport chronograph and broader collector demand. | Smaller, more familiar and no programmable countdown. |
Condition, service and value
Test the complete setting sequence and countdown function. Inspect ceramic bezel, pushers, crown, crystal, case, bracelet, clasp and dial. Ask about service history and whether the watch has been opened or repaired outside qualified channels.
Discontinuation has increased attention, but the model remains physically and mechanically specialized. Liquidity can be thinner than Daytona, Submariner or GMT-Master II. Buy the correct material and condition at a price that accounts for service risk.
Rolex Yacht-Master II FAQs
Is the Yacht-Master II discontinued?
Yes. It is no longer part of the active Rolex catalog.
What does the Yacht-Master II complication do?
It provides a programmable one-to-ten-minute regatta countdown with mechanical memory and flyback/reset functionality.
What movement is inside?
The collection uses calibre 4161.
Is Yacht-Master II the same as Yacht-Master?
No. Yacht-Master is a conventional sport-luxury watch with rotating bezel; Yacht-Master II is a 44 mm regatta chronograph.
Which reference is easiest to wear?
Steel reference 116680 is generally the most practical because it avoids full-gold weight and visibility.
Can Superlative Watch Co. source a Yacht-Master II?
Yes. Buyers may request steel, two-tone, yellow-gold or white-gold references and a specific dial generation.
Disclosure: Yacht-Master II is discussed as a discontinued model. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not an authorized Rolex retailer or affiliated with Rolex S.A. Full technical function and service history should be reviewed for the individual watch. This guide is not financial advice.