The Yacht-Master II, available in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold, features a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a blue ceramic 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert. The high-tech ceramic used by Rolex is exceptionally hard and virtually scratchproof, requiring specialized tools for its machining. On this blue Cerachrom insert, the engraved graduations and numerals are colored by depositing platinum or yellow gold using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technique. The first half-hour of the graduation is detailed minute by minute. With the bezel in the neutral position, the last 30 seconds of the countdown, indicated by the central chronograph seconds hand, are clearer to read. The graduated bezel, whose knurled edge provides excellent grip, also allows the wearer to read a duration, such as the travel time between two buoys.
Rolex Yacht-Master II
Mastering the start
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, designed specifically for yacht race starts, combines a nautical spirit with technical excellence.
This unique regatta chronograph features an exclusive function developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronisation.
Graduated rotating bezel in relief
Countdown function
The Yacht-Master II’s intuitive and easy-to-use countdown function was developed to provide regatta competitors with more precise assistance during the crucial pre-start phases.
The countdown is programmed using the bottom pusher: each press advances the minute hand by one increment. Simply press the bottom pusher as many times as necessary to position the minute hand at the value corresponding to the desired countdown time. This duration is saved in the system's mechanical memory, so there's no need to reset it for subsequent races with the same countdown. To improve the readability of the remaining time, the countdown's minute and second hands rotate counter-clockwise – a first for Rolex.
Oyster Bracelet
The Yacht‑Master II is fitted with an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this three-piece link metal bracelet, with its broad, flat links, is known for its robustness.
The Oyster bracelet on the Yacht‑Master II in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold is equipped with a thinner Oysterlock safety clasp. This folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening, features the Easylink rapid extension system, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. In the 18 ct yellow gold version, the Oyster bracelet incorporates Rolex-designed and patented ceramic inserts within its links that enhance its fluidity on the wrist and its durability over time.
Exclusive materials
The Yacht‑Master II is available in Oystersteel, an exclusive alloy that maintains its sheen even in the most unforgiving environments. The other version presented is crafted from 18 ct yellow gold. Rolex gold stands out for its radiant lustre, the result of years of research and development by the brand aimed at perfecting the use of precious metals. Demonstrating its uniqueness in the watchmaking landscape once again, Rolex chose to equip itself with an in-house foundry to have full control over the creation, casting, and shaping of its 18 ct gold alloys.
Caliber 4162
The Yacht‑Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, an evolution of calibre 4161, which powered the previous version of the model. Specifically designed for regatta starts, calibre 4162 features an exclusive function developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. Thanks to this system, which has been patented, only the lower pusher is needed to program this specific function, simplifying and making the watch more intuitive to use.
Calibre 4162 also incorporates some of Rolex’s key innovations for its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Thanks to the barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, it boasts a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Calibre 4162 features a meticulously finished aesthetic, particularly in terms of the bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève, and a perforated oscillating weight.
Superlative Chronometer Certification
Like all Rolex timepieces, the Yacht-Master II is certified as a Superlative Chronometer. This exclusive designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, which exceed all official watchmaking standards.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with a five-year international guarantee.
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