Creating the first watch to feature the programmable countdown with the mechanical memory, Rolex made one of the biggest breakthroughs in its amazing history. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a revolutionary regatta chronograph, with the top end functionality that even overshadowed the brand’s striking sport luxury.
This hi-tech timepiece is a big step forward from the original Yacht-Master that was presented in 1992, more as a prestigious time-telling device, than as a special, advanced tool for professional skippers. A slight change of the name and a huge innovation inside the case have made the new Rolex yachting watch extremely popular.
The most striking feature on the Yacht-Master II is the rotating Ring Command bezel which starts and locks the countdown programming for the start of a regatta, by the permanent interaction with the mechanism. This very useful tool provides the best synchronization between the chronograph and the official yacht race countdown.
This is possible thanks to the new Caliber 4160 self-winding movement, with the mechanical programmable countdown function. Completely crafted by Rolex, this superb mechanism can be programmed (and easily modified) to countdown time, 10 minutes or less, before the start.
The system is conducted by a column wheel and a vertical clutch, which are, along with the blue PARACHROM hairspring, the main qualities of the latest Rolex mechanisms. Inside the extremely tough Oyster case, they guarantee high precision, reliability and stability. The Caliber 4160 contains 360 components, oscillates 28,800 times per hour and has a power reserve of 72 hours.
Three variations
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II has a large, masculine case, with the diameter of 44 mm. This uncharacteristic size for Rolex family allows the easy use of hi-tech features and great readability, providing a clear view at the countdown counter and the small second sub-dial.
There are three variations of this regatta timepiece. The first one (116688) is made of yellow gold and features the special Cerachrom bezel, covered with the scratch and corrosion proof, non-fading ceramic disk. The 116689 model is crafted in white gold and possesses a one-piece platinum bezel, with raised numerals. The newest Yacht-Master II for men, presented at Baselworld 2011, is the first Oyster Professional timepiece which comes in Everose Rolesor – a combination of the 904L steel superalloy and Everose gold (exclusive 18 kt pink gold alloy, patented by Rolex).
Each variation features the Oyster bracelet, with the Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink extension. Yacht-Masters are water resistant up to 100 meters (300 feet).
- 116681
Ref. No. 116681
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel and Everose gold Case Size 44 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel and Everose gold (Oyster) Dial White Movement Caliber 4160 self-winding Shock-Proofing No Bezel Bidirectional Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 72 hours Assembly Style Price - 116688
Ref. No. 116688
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Yellow gold Case Size 44 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Yellow gold (Oyster) Dial White Movement Caliber 4160 self-winding Shock-Proofing No Bezel Bidirectional Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 72 hours Assembly Style Price - 116689
Ref. No. 116689
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material White gold Case Size 44 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap White gold (Oyster) Dial White Movement Caliber 4160 self-winding Shock-Proofing No Bezel Bidirectional Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 72 hours Assembly Style Price
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II Watches review was published on Watchalyzer on February 14, 2012
I like this new Oyster Perpetual Yacht – Master II. It looks very stylish and very elegant. The model 116688 with yellow gold is the best from this collection. It has an excellent contrast with a blue bezel. Blue and yellow colors look very good. That is a winning combination.
Rolex watches have always been designed for refined gentlemen, which is still the case. This model has everything that a Rolex can offer, plus it has something that its predecessors and watches from other collections don’t have – a modern and sporty design, which will attract a younger population to buy this extraordinary watch.
I agree with your comment, Dale. Rolex is, for younger population, very old-fashioned and somehow a bit tedious watch. But this watch has an interesting design and modern features and that is the best trump of this watch. A nice job from Rolex manufactures. I hope that there will be a lot of this kind of watches in the future.