Rolex Yacht‑Master II Watches

The Yacht-Master II, available in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold, features a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. Extremely hard and virtually scratchproof, the high-technology ceramic used by Rolex requires special tools for its machining. On this blue Cerachrom insert, the moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum or yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The first half hour of the graduation is set out minute by minute. With the bezel in the neutral position, the final 30 seconds of the countdown can be read in more detail via the chronograph centre seconds hand. The graduated bezel, whose knurled edge offers excellent grip, also allows the wearer to easily measure time intervals – for example, the sailing time between two buoys.

The countdown function of the Yacht-Master II is intuitive and easy to use. It was developed to assist sailors even more effectively during the critical start phase of races.
The countdown is programmed using the lower pusher. Each press of this pusher advances the minute hand by one increment. The wearer therefore simply presses the pusher as many times as necessary until the minute hand points to the number corresponding to the countdown time. The length of the countdown is saved in the system’s mechanical memory. This prevents the sailor from needing to reset their watch in a subsequent race with the same countdown time. To make the remaining time clearer to read, the countdown minute and seconds hands turn counterclockwise – a first for Rolex.

The Yacht-Master II is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this metal bracelet with broad and slightly curved three-piece links is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of the Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold is equipped with a slimmer Oysterlock safety clasp. This folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening, features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the watch in 18 ct yellow gold, the Oyster bracelet includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to help prevent premature wear and enhance its flexibility on the wrist.

One of the versions of the Yacht-Master II is in Oystersteel, an exclusive alloy that maintains its sheen in even the most inhospitable environments. The other version of the Yacht-Master II is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold. Rolex gold possesses a truly captivating radiance, born of years of research and development by the brand in perfecting the use of precious metals. Unique in the watchmaking world, Rolex has chosen to be in complete control of the creation, casting and shaping of its 18 ct gold alloys by installing its own foundry.

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, an evolution of calibre 4161 that powered the previous version of the model. Designed specifically for regatta starting sequences, calibre 4162 features an exclusive function developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory that can be synchronized on the fly. Thanks to this system, for which a patent application was filed, the countdown function is programmed simply by way of the lower pusher, making it easy and intuitive to use.

Calibre 4162 also incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Thanks to the architecture of its barrel and the superior efficiency of its escapement, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours. Calibre 4162 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight.