TAMING THE RACE OF TIME

Rolex is unveiling the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. Available in Oystersteel or in 18 ct yellow gold, the new version of this unique regatta chronograph presents a completely revisited design and movement.

The display of the various functions and the operation of the countdown have been redesigned for enhanced legibility and easier manipulation. The countdown scale now appears on a flange, and the function is programmed and operated exclusively via the two side pushers. The watch’s nautical character is emphasized through many carefully considered visual details that assert its place in the Yacht-Master range. The new Yacht-Master II impresses just as much as the original model did at its launch.

The new-generation Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, an evolution of calibre 4161 that powered the previous version of the model. As well as benefiting from a completely reengineered countdown function, this new movement incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Particular attention has been paid to aesthetics. The calibre features a cut-out oscillating weight and new finishes – notably on the bridges, which are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, the brand’s reinterpretation of a well-known decoration in watchmaking. Calibre 4162 enables the Yacht-Master II to count down the time remaining before the start of a regatta via the countdown function, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, with strengthened criteria since 2026, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

DESIGN AND COMFORT

The new-generation Yacht-Master II sports distinctive design elements that reinforce its identity while optimizing the readability of information. The dial is coated with a new white lacquer – matt, to reduce reflections – and carries the applique index hour markers typical of Professional-category watches. The flange dedicated to the countdown function is positioned extremely precisely on the middle case – an attribute for which a patent application was filed. It is graduated from 10 to 0 minutes, with the half minutes shown as triangles. On the version in Oystersteel, these markers are red, a colour also found on the hands related to the countdown function. The bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic on which the first half hour is set out minute by minute. This bezel allows the wearer to measure time intervals – for example, the sailing time between two buoys. The middle case with domed sides has been entirely restyled, presenting a refined profile. On the right side of the case, the two pushers for programming and using the countdown function are shaped like winches, the devices used by sailors to wind a yacht’s ropes in or out. For greater harmony of the case and bracelet proportions, the bracelet on this watch is slightly broader than on the previous version, and its Oysterlock clasp is slimmer.

Notably, also, the countdown minute and seconds hands on this watch turn counterclockwise – a first for Rolex – making the information they display, namely time counting down towards zero, clearly readable.

Thanks to this counterclockwise rotation, the wearer can also read the last thirty seconds of the final minute of countdown with great precision on the bezel with graduated Cerachrom insert. In this scenario, the first half of the bezel insert indicates seconds, rather than minutes as when measuring a time interval. To enable this feature, the wearer must first turn the bezel to the neutral position, that is, with the triangle of the graduation in the 12 o’clock position.

Calibre 4162 that drives the new Yacht-Master II incorporates an innovative countdown programming mechanism. Thanks to this system, for which a patent application was filed, the countdown function is programmed simply by way of the lower pusher – and not via the rotatable bezel and Ring Command system as was the case on the previous version of the model. The result is a watch that is easier and more intuitive to use.

REGATTA INSTRUMENT

The Yacht-Master II is an innovative, high-precision chronograph dedicated to yachting enthusiasts. Designed specifically for regatta starting sequences, it features an exclusive function developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory that can be synchronized on the fly. This tool watch therefore allows sailors to adopt the best possible strategy for the critical start phase of a race.

The Yacht-Master II, launched in 2007 and presented anew this year in a version with a completely overhauled design and movement, celebrates the deep-rooted ties between Rolex and the world of yachting and regattas.

OPERATING THE COUNTDOWN

On the new-generation Yacht-Master II, the lower pusher is used to programme the countdown. Each press of this pusher advances the minute hand by one increment; the wearer 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, which can vary from one race to another depending on the rules, is saved in the mechanical memory. This makes it possible to launch a new countdown measurement without having to reprogramme the watch, for example in the next leg or at a subsequent regatta with the same countdown duration.

A regatta starting sequence generally unfolds in three stages marked by different sound and visual signals. At the signal announcing the start of the official race countdown, the function is launched by pressing the upper pusher. The countdown seconds hand, i.e. the centre seconds hand, starts instantly and shows the seconds remaining; the triangle-tipped countdown minute hand progresses along the graduated 10-to-0-minute scale on the flange, counting down the minutes remaining. Thanks to these two hands, the wearer therefore knows at any given moment precisely how much time remains before the start line can be crossed.

If, at the first signal, the countdown was launched too early or too late, the watch can be synchronized with the official countdown at the preparatory signals. On pressing the lower pusher, the centre seconds hand is reset on the fly and begins to run again instantaneously as soon as the pusher is released. At the same time, the countdown minute hand is automatically synchronized to the nearest minute to compensate for the countdown having been launched too early or too late.

The countdown minute hand stops automatically at the end of the countdown time, when the regatta start signal sounds. The centre seconds hand continues to run until the wearer stops it by pressing the upper pusher. The countdown function can then be reset by pressing the lower pusher. The hands return to their initial positions for a future countdown: the centre seconds hand returns to zero, while the countdown minute hand returns to the same minute programmed at the last setting.

HIGH-TECHNOLOGY CERAMIC

Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics to create certain elements of its watch cases – notably monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these materials particularly scratch resistant, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to their chemical composition, the high-tech ceramics are inert and cannot corrode. The brand has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.

On the new versions of the Yacht-Master II, the bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum or yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip and can be manipulated with ease.

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 44 mm Oyster case of the Yacht-Master II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool employed by approved watchmakers. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.

OYSTER BRACELET AND OYSTERLOCK SAFETY CLASP

The Yacht-Master II is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this three-piece link metal bracelet is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of the Yacht-Master II is furnished with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Easylink comfort extension link, created by Rolex, that allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the version in 18 ct yellow gold, it includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to help prevent premature wear and enhance its flexibility on the wrist.

CALIBRE 4162

The new-generation Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, a chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, unveiled this year and exclusive to this watch. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. It incorporates a countdown function engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. Calibre 4162 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably bridges featuring Rolex Côtes de Genève – a decoration that differs from traditional Côtes de Genève for the slight polished groove between each band – and a cut-out oscillating weight.

Calibre 4162 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorous, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is also fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring. Manufactured in a paramagnetic alloy enabling it to withstand strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, further enhancing the movement’s shock resistance.

Calibre 4162 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours.

SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.

In 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification has been strengthened with the addition of three new testing criteria: resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability. These criteria are implemented throughout the design and manufacturing stages of each timepiece – hundreds of checks and validations directly related to the watch’s performance are carried out during these phases. They supplement the criteria established when the certification was redefined in 2015 governing precision, waterproofness, self-winding and power reserve. That year, Rolex set up an exclusive testing protocol for its finished watches, conducted inside the manufacture on fully automated equipment. The precision requirements are particularly stringent: measured after casing the movement, the watch’s accuracy must be between –2 and +2 seconds per day. The rate deviation tolerated by the brand for the precision of a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.