Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 126680 and 126688

Among the novelties presented by Rolex at the recent Watches & Wonders exhibition, an interesting comeback stands out. After nearly two years of absence, the company has returned the Yacht-Master II models to the catalog, having previously conducted a serious upgrade of its yachting chronograph. Read about it below.

The Yacht-Master II watches have never been the most popular in the Rolex lineup. This is unfortunate since the mechanism servicing these watches (caliber 4161) was one of the most complex mechanisms in the brand's history. The original model's drawbacks included a not particularly ergonomic, heavy-to-wear 44 mm case and the bold 'Yacht-Master II' inscription on the bezel. The double row of numbers was also confusing: the countdown scale in the center of the dial was essentially duplicated by the scale on the bezel.

Despite its exotic application (a watch with a countdown function to the start of a regatta), the original Yacht-Master II models could not be called unattractive. But in their updated form, the watches have become even better. The new models retain the same 44 mm case diameter, but due to a closer fit to the wrist and shorter, more robust lugs, the watches look better on slender wrists.

The most obvious update to the watches is the bezel. Instead of the complex-to-master old Ring Command bezel, the watches are equipped with a Cerachrom bezel, which now features a diver's 60-minute scale. The bezel rotation mechanism has changed. It now rotates in both directions and feels completely different in terms of tension and clicks when rotating.

The watches are available in Oystersteel steel and 18-carat yellow gold cases, 13.90 mm in thickness. The dial is covered with matte white lacquer. Depending on the model, the hands are made of white or yellow gold. The applied hour markers are fitted with Cerachrom inserts. In the future, it is likely that the color palette of the dial will expand, but for now, we are offered the classic sports chronograph: a white background that is excellently readable due to its high contrast.

The 'Yacht-Master' inscription is now less bold: it can be noticed in the upper sector of the countdown scale. The countdown scale has been moved from the bezel to the dial, placed on a raised ring at the outer edge of the dial. Tracking the countdown time is aided by a hand with a colored tip, similar to a GMT hand. This function can be programmed and controlled by two buttons on the case.

By sequentially pressing the button at the '4 o'clock' position, the user moves the minute hand in 1-minute increments, setting the desired duration of the time interval within 10 minutes. The button at the '2 o'clock' mark starts and stops the countdown mechanism.

The current seconds can be tracked using the counter located at the '6 o'clock' mark. The main chronograph function is provided by the central seconds hand. In the steel model, it is highlighted with red lacquer, and in the gold model, it is covered with gold. The mechanism also includes a flyback function. Since the system counts time backward rather than forward, the chronograph's second hand moves counterclockwise.

The caliber 4161 inside the case has been replaced by caliber 4162, which is an evolution of the original mechanism. The latest technical innovations from Rolex used in this caliber include the Chronergy escapement, Parachrom balance spring, and Paraflex shock absorber. The mechanism is wound by a central rotor and, at a balance frequency of 4 Hz, provides a 72-hour power reserve.

Both new models are equipped with three-link Oyster bracelets with a folding Oysterlock clasp. The bracelets have become wider, while the clasp itself is slightly thinner. The Easylink extension mechanism provides convenient adjustment within 5 mm.

The approximate cost of the watches is €19,850 for the model with an Oystersteel case and €56,700 for the model with a yellow gold case.