Cosmograph Daytona
Cosmograph Daytona
Yacht-Master II
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors.
Created in 2007, the Yacht-Master II features an exclusive function developed by Rolex, a programmable countdown with a mechanical memory that can be synchronized on the fly. A function that responds ideally to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta. Although technically complex, it is essentially very simple to use.
A PROFESSIONAL REGATTA CHRONOGRAPH
As in any contest of speed, precision is of the essence in a regatta. The Yacht-Master II features an unprecedented mechanical function: a countdown that can be programmed from 10 to 1 minutes and allows skippers to precisely time and follow each race’s specific official starting procedure. This flexibility is one the major assets of the Yacht-Master II; its development was a considerable mechanical challenge. Furthermore, the programming can be mechanically memorized so that the hand returns to the same setting at a reset. Once launched, the countdown can also be synchronized on the fly to match the official countdown (“fly-back” reset function of the seconds hand, and adjustment of the countdown minute hand to the nearest minute).INTERACTION BETWEEN BEZEL AND MOVEMENT
The countdown’s sophisticated functions were designed to be easily set and operated. The preliminary programming of up to 10 minutes is accessed, and then locked, via the rotatable Ring Command bezel. This innovative interaction between the movement and the bezel elevates the Yacht-Master II model to the rank of a new-generation watch and redefines the functions of the rotatable bezel. A technical prowess made possible by Rolex’s in-house mastery of the entire watch design and manufacturing process, from the case to the movement.CERACHROM INSERT
The Ring Command bezel on the Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel, the Everose Rolesor version, and in 18 ct yellow gold is equipped with a blue Cerachrom insert patented by Rolex. This insert, made of an extremely hard and corrosion-resistant ceramic, is virtually scratchproof, and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. The numerals and inscriptions are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with gold or platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.The Yacht-Master II in 18 ct white gold model features a Ring Command bezel in 950 platinum with raised numerals and inscriptions.
THE YACHT-MASTER II, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER
Like all Rolex watches, each Yacht-Master II is certified as a Superlative Chronometer. This exclusive designation attests that it has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking norms and standards. These tests are carried out on the fully assembled watch, in order to guarantee its superlative performance on the wrist. 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.The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – is, therefore, tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria for precision that are far more exacting than those for an official chronometer. The tolerance for the average rate of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day. Its precision is tested by Rolex using an exclusive methodology that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and is much more representative of real- life experience.
The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried after casing out using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing upstream during development and production that ensures the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to magnetic fields and shocks.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel or 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crown guard is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides the Yacht- Master II’s high-precision mechanical movement with optimal protection.PERPETUAL CALIBRE 4161
The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make it exceptionally precise and reliable.This abundance of Rolex technology, the result of over 35,000 hours of development, introduces a patented function and comprises some 360 components. Some of them are made by UV-LiGA, a microfabrication technology entirely mastered in-house by Rolex. This technology allows the production of components whose tiny proportions or complex geometry rule out manufacturing by traditional machining methods.
Calibre 4161 was based on the Rolex 4130 chronograph movement, which equips the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. It is fitted with a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch for an instantaneous and extremely precise chronograph start.
The oscillator 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.
Calibre 4161 has a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position.
Calibre 4161 is fitted with a high-performance self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide a constant source of energy.
The Yacht-Master II’s movement will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.
