Yacht-Master
Yacht-Master II
THE SKIPPERS’ WATCH
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to yachting enthusiasts.
Presented in 2007, the Yacht-Master II is a unique and innovative high-precision chronograph. 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. While technically complex, it is very simple to use.
A new version of this unique regatta chronograph was launched in 2026. This watch features a completely revisited design and movement and impresses just as much as the original model did at its launch.
The display of the various functions and the operation of the countdown have been redesigned for enhanced legibility and easier manipulation, resulting in a watch that is more intuitive to use. 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.
Thanks to an innovative programming mechanism, 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 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.
The countdown minute and seconds hands turn counterclockwise, 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 bezel graduation in the 12 o’clock position.
A new version of this unique regatta chronograph was launched in 2026. This watch features a completely revisited design and movement and impresses just as much as the original model did at its launch.
The display of the various functions and the operation of the countdown have been redesigned for enhanced legibility and easier manipulation, resulting in a watch that is more intuitive to use. 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.
Thanks to an innovative programming mechanism, 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 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.
The countdown minute and seconds hands turn counterclockwise, 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 bezel graduation in the 12 o’clock position.
A PROFESSIONAL REGATTA CHRONOGRAPH
As in any contest of speed, precision and synchronization are of the essence in a regatta. The countdown function of the Yacht-Master II, which can be programmed from ten minutes to one minute, allows the wearer to precisely time and follow the official starting procedure of the race, which can last from five to ten minutes depending on the rules, and generally unfolds in three stages, marked by sound and visual signals.
Once programmed, the length of the countdown is saved in the mechanical memory. This makes it possible to start a new countdown measurement without having to reprogramme the watch, for example, in the next leg or a subsequent regatta with the same countdown duration.
If the countdown function is launched too early or too late at the signal announcing the start of the regatta countdown, the wearer can synchronize the watch with the official countdown when the preparatory signals are given: the centre seconds hand is reset on the fly, and the countdown minute hand is automatically adjusted to the nearest minute.
CERACHROM BEZEL INSERT
The bidirectional rotatable bezel on the Yacht-Master II is equipped with a 60-minute graduated monobloc Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. This insert is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with yellow gold or platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The bezel can be turned with ease thanks to its knurled edge, which offers excellent grip.
CHROMALIGHT DISPLAY
The Yacht-Master II offers great legibility in all circumstances, even in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display: the large hour markers and broad hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster case, 44 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold. The 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.
BRACELET AND CLASP: SECURE AND COMFORTABLE
The Yacht-Master II is fitted on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, equipped with the Rolex-designed Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The bracelet is furnished with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand. This system allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.
On the version of the Yacht-Master II in 18 ct yellow gold, the Oyster bracelet includes ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex and patented – around the pins inside the links to help prevent premature wear and to enhance its flexibility on the wrist.
CALIBRE 4162
Since 2026, the Yacht-Master II has been equipped with calibre 4162, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this movement offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 4162 is an evolution of the 4161 chronograph movement, which powered the previous version of the model from its launch in 2007 until its withdrawal from the brand's catalogue in 2024. Like its predecessor, calibre 4162 is fitted with a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch for an instantaneous and extremely precise chronograph start.
Calibre 4162 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is resistant to strong magnetic fields.
The movement is additionally fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring. Manufactured in a paramagnetic alloy enabling it to withstand strong magnetic fields, this hairspring also 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 of calibre 4162 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is also 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, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It features a cut-out oscillating weight. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours.
The Yacht-Master II’s movement is beautifully finished and decorated. In particular, its bridges are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, an exclusive decoration that differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the addition of a slight polished groove between each band. Calibre 4162 is also marked with the words ‘Chronometer Perpetual’ and ‘Superlative Adjusted’ engraved on the oscillating weight and on the bridges, respectively.
THE YACHT-MASTER II, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED
Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. Symbolized by a green seal, this in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities. It ensures the excellent on-the-wrist performance of each of the brand’s watches and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
In 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification was expanded to seven testing criteria. Resistance to magnetism, reliability and durability were added to the criteria for precision, waterproofness, self-winding and autonomy, established when the certification was redefined in 2015.
The requirements in terms of precision are particularly stringent. Each Rolex movement is first officially certified as a chronometer. This means that, having passed a series of eliminating tests, it fulfils the criteria governing the ‘chronometer’ designation for wristwatches. For the category of calibres concerned, which includes all Rolex movements, the tolerated rate deviation is –4 and +6 seconds per day.
After casing the movement, the precision is then tested again, following a protocol developed by Rolex that simulates real-life wearing conditions, to meet even stricter criteria: the watch’s accuracy must be between –2 and +2 seconds per day. The rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is therefore significantly smaller than that accepted for official certification of the movement alone.
