Rolex Yacht-Master II
Yacht-Master II listings: price and sales statistics
- Listings for sale
- 3
- Median asking price
- $17,500
- Price range
- $15,450 – $24,500
- Made 2013–2017
- Sold listings
- 2
- Median asking price $31,713
Based on asking prices · 29 October 2026
About Rolex Yacht-Master II
A Nautical Chronograph Born from Regatta Courses
With the Rolex Yacht-Master II introduced in 2007, Rolex went beyond classic nautical timepieces to create an original model tailored specifically for professional sailing regattas. Differing from standard chronographs, the watch features a regatta countdown complication with a mechanical memory adjustable from 1 to 10 minutes, playing a critical role during race start procedures. As one of the most imposing models in the brand's sport watch lineup, the series delivers a commanding presence on the wrist with its 44 mm case diameter.
Ring Command Bezel and Manufacture Calibre 4161
At the technical heart of the model sits the in-house automatic movement Calibre 4161, designed by Rolex after an extensive development process. This caliber offers a column wheel architecture, vertical clutch, and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The movement's most innovative aspect is its direct mechanical link to the external rotating bezel.
In this system, which Rolex names Ring Command, the blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel is rotated 90 degrees to enter the countdown programming mode. The set duration is stored in the mechanical memory via the screw-down crown, and once started using the pushers, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly with the race committee's signals.
Featured References and the 2017 Dial Transformation
The stainless steel version of the series, reference 116680, stands among the collection's most popular models thanks to its durable Oystersteel case and blue ceramic bezel. Offering a balanced harmony of 18 ct Everose gold and steel, the two-tone reference 116681 brings the nautical theme together with a more refined aesthetic. Both versions rest on the wrist with an Oyster bracelet featuring a comfort extension system.
The most important turning point in the collection's production history occurred in 2017. Produced with blue baton hands and square hour markers up until that date, the model gained Rolex's characteristic Mercedes hands with the 2017 update; dial legibility was further enhanced by placing a triangular hour marker at 12 o'clock and a rectangular hour marker at 6 o'clock.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Pre-Owned Yacht-Master II
When evaluating a pre-owned Yacht-Master II, you should definitely test whether the Ring Command bezel mechanism operates smoothly and if the mechanical memory resets accurately to the set time. You should carefully inspect that the original contours on the lugs of the 44 mm case are preserved, that there are no impact marks on the blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel, and that the gaskets of the screw-down crown are in good condition.
Having a complete set including the box and papers is always an advantage to verify the watch's history. Listings on Watchlabb come from individuals with verified identity and contact details as well as approved stores; you can directly contact the seller via the listing page for the model you like.
Rolex Yacht-Master II — frequently asked questions
How does the regatta countdown function work in the Rolex Yacht-Master II?
The model connects to the movement via the rotating bezel featuring Ring Command, allowing you to program a countdown time between 1 and 10 minutes. The set time is stored in the mechanical memory; the countdown started with the top pusher can be synchronized on the fly to the nearest minute by pressing the bottom pusher. This function enables you to match the watch perfectly with regatta start horns in real time.
What are the main differences between Yacht-Master II reference 116680 and 116681?
Reference 116680 is crafted entirely from stainless steel (Oystersteel) and presented with a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Reference 116681 is a two-tone model combining an Oystersteel case and bracelet with 18 ct Everose gold accents. Both models feature a 44 mm case diameter and Calibre 4161 movement.
What was the change made to the Yacht-Master II dial in 2017?
Models produced up until 2017 featured straight blue hands and square indices with blue frames. With the 2017 update, Rolex added its iconic Mercedes hands to the model and enhanced dial legibility by placing a triangular marker at 12 o'clock and a rectangular marker at 6 o'clock.
Is the Yacht-Master II with a 44 mm case diameter suitable for everyday wear?
Despite being one of Rolex's largest case diameter models, it sits comfortably and balanced on the wrist thanks to its ergonomically curved lugs. The 100-meter water resistance provided by the Triplock screw-down crown and the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel make the model exceptionally durable for daily sports activities.
What mechanical aspects should be considered when buying a pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master II?
You should check whether the Ring Command bezel locks smoothly 90 degrees counter-clockwise and whether the crown moves the countdown hand without issues. Additionally, ensuring that the countdown hand returns precisely to the preset minute when the reset pusher is pressed is crucial for assessing the movement's health.