The Definitive Resource
Rolex Yacht-Master II Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about Rolex's most complicated watch, from its 2007 debut to its 2024 discontinuation. Reference numbers, market pricing, specs, and expert buying advice.
Shop Rolex Yacht-Master IIINTRODUCTION
What Is the Rolex Yacht-Master II?
The boldest, most complicated watch Rolex ever put into regular production.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a 44mm regatta chronograph that was produced from 2007 until its discontinuation in April 2024. It sits within Rolex's Professional Collection, but it shares almost nothing with the original Rolex Yacht-Master. Where the Yacht-Master is essentially a dressier take on the Submariner, the Yacht-Master II is a purpose-built timing instrument for competitive sailing, equipped with a programmable countdown function and a patented Ring Command Bezel that mechanically interacts with the movement.
At its core, the Yacht-Master II is one of only two Rolex chronographs ever produced, the other being the Rolex Daytona. Powered by the Caliber 4161 (a descendant of the Daytona's Caliber 4130, retooled for regatta timing), it features a column-wheel chronograph with vertical clutch, a flyback function, and a mechanical memory that remembers the last countdown duration. The countdown timer can be programmed from 1 to 10 minutes, matching the standard pre-race countdown intervals used in yacht racing.
Over its 17-year production run, the Yacht-Master II was offered in four configurations: Oystersteel (ref. 116680), Everose Rolesor (ref. 116681), 18k yellow gold (ref. 116688), and 18k white gold with a platinum bezel (ref. 116689). Every variant shares the same 44mm case diameter, white dial, and Oyster bracelet. The collection was discontinued entirely at Watches and Wonders 2024, making all references now exclusively available on the secondary market.
AT A GLANCE
Rolex Yacht-Master II Review
Everything you need to know before buying a Rolex Yacht-Master II, summarized for buyers short on time.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II is for collectors who appreciate mechanical complexity over mainstream appeal. It is the most complicated watch Rolex ever mass-produced, and now that it has been discontinued, it occupies a unique space in the brand's history as a one-of-a-kind model with no successor.
Introduced in 2007 exclusively in precious metals, the Yacht-Master II expanded to include steel and two-tone options by 2013. Its significance lies not in universal popularity but in technical achievement: the Ring Command Bezel, the programmable countdown with mechanical memory, and the flyback chronograph function were firsts for Rolex and remain unmatched in the current lineup.
On the secondary market, the stainless steel ref. 116680 trades in the $15,000 to $17,000 range, making it one of the most affordable ways to own a Rolex chronograph. The Everose Rolesor ref. 116681 sits around $19,000 to $22,000, while the yellow gold ref. 116688 ranges from $35,000 to $42,000. All four references trade below their last retail prices, creating genuine value for buyers who act while demand remains soft.
The core decision for most buyers comes down to steel versus gold. The stainless steel 116680 offers the lowest entry point and the most versatile look, while the yellow gold 116688 delivers maximum presence and has historically been the choice of celebrity wearers. Both carry the same movement and identical functionality.
Long-term, the Yacht-Master II's value proposition is compelling. Discontinued Rolex models with unique, non-recurring complications tend to appreciate over time as supply shrinks. The Yacht-Master II's Caliber 4161 will never appear in another Rolex, and production numbers were modest compared to mainstream models. Scroll on for the full breakdown.
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Shop Rolex Yacht-Master IIORIGINS
History of the Rolex Yacht-Master II
From controversial debut to discontinued collector's piece, the Yacht-Master II's 17-year production history.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II arrived at Baselworld 2007 as one of the most radical departures in Rolex history. At 44mm with a bold countdown scale printed across the bezel, it looked like nothing Rolex had ever made. The initial reaction from the watch community was mixed. Some praised its technical ambition, while others found the oversized design and prominent "YACHT-MASTER II" bezel text a step too far from Rolex's traditionally understated approach.
Rolex launched the collection with only two references, both in precious metals: the 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 and the 18k white gold ref. 116689 with a platinum bezel. Both were powered by the new Caliber 4160, which delivered the world's first programmable mechanical countdown timer. The initial price point placed the Yacht-Master II firmly in the upper end of the Rolex catalog, limiting its audience to serious collectors and sailing enthusiasts.
Over the following years, Rolex steadily expanded the lineup and refined the design. The introduction of more accessible configurations in 2011 and 2013 brought the Yacht-Master II within reach of a broader audience, and a subtle dial update in 2017 aligned the watch more closely with the rest of the Professional Collection. Despite these efforts, the Yacht-Master II never achieved the mainstream popularity of models like the Submariner or GMT-Master II, and Rolex ultimately retired the entire collection in April 2024.
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Rolex Yacht-Master II Reference Numbers
A complete breakdown of every Yacht-Master II reference ever produced.
The Yacht-Master II lineup was relatively compact compared to other Rolex collections. Only four reference numbers were ever produced, and all share the same 44mm case size and white dial. The differences come down to case material, bezel material, and production dates. Understanding which reference you are looking at is essential when shopping the secondary market, especially since pre-2017 examples with stick hands trade at slightly different price points than post-2017 examples with Mercedes hands.
| Ref. | Model | Size | Material | Bezel | Movement | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116688 | Yacht-Master II | 44mm | 18k Yellow Gold | Blue Cerachrom | Cal. 4160 / 4161 | 2007 – 2024 |
| 116689 | Yacht-Master II | 44mm | 18k White Gold | Platinum | Cal. 4160 / 4161 | 2007 – 2022 |
| 116681 | Yacht-Master II | 44mm | Everose Rolesor | Blue Cerachrom | Cal. 4160 / 4161 | 2011 – 2024 |
| 116680 | Yacht-Master II | 44mm | Oystersteel | Blue Cerachrom | Cal. 4161 | 2013 – 2024 |
Note: The ref. 116680 (stainless steel) launched exclusively with the Caliber 4161. The earlier precious metal references (116688, 116689) originally shipped with the Caliber 4160 and were later updated to the 4161. The 2017 dial update (Mercedes hands, new hour markers) applied to all active references but did not result in new reference numbers.
Reading the Reference Number
"With only four references in the entire collection, the Yacht-Master II is one of the simplest Rolex models to decode. The material tells you the reference: 116680 is steel, 116681 is two-tone, 116688 is yellow gold, and 116689 is white gold. What you really want to pay attention to is the hands. Pre-2017 examples have stick hands, post-2017 have Mercedes hands. The Mercedes-hand versions command a small premium, and in my opinion they look significantly better. If you are buying, hold out for the updated dial."
MARKET DATA
How Much Does a Rolex Yacht-Master II Cost?
Current secondary market pricing for every Yacht-Master II reference, plus the last known retail prices before the 2024 discontinuation.
Since the Yacht-Master II was discontinued in April 2024, all references are now exclusively available on the secondary market. Prices vary based on condition, box and papers, and whether the watch has the pre-2017 stick hands or the post-2017 Mercedes hands. Across the board, Yacht-Master II models trade below their last retail prices, making this one of the few discontinued Rolex collections where secondary market buyers get genuine value compared to the original asking price.
Most Accessible
Ref. 116680 – Oystersteel
Two-Tone
Ref. 116681 – Everose Rolesor
Full Gold
Ref. 116688 – 18k Yellow Gold
Rare (Discontinued 2022)
Ref. 116689 – 18k White Gold / Platinum
Prices reflect complete sets (box, papers, warranty card) in good to excellent condition as of early 2026. Watch-only examples or those with signs of heavy wear will trade lower. Pre-2017 examples with stick hands typically sell at a modest discount compared to the updated Mercedes-hand versions.
Key Pricing Factors
"The Yacht-Master II is one of the best value plays in the Rolex catalog right now. You are getting Rolex's most complicated movement, a 44mm professional-grade chronograph, and a discontinued model, all for less than a steel Daytona. The key factors that move pricing are the hand style (Mercedes commands more), completeness of the set, and bracelet condition. Stretch in the bracelet is the hidden cost most buyers overlook. A full service with bracelet tightening can run $1,500 or more, so factor that in when comparing prices."
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Retail vs. Secondary Market
Since the Yacht-Master II was discontinued in 2024, the secondary market is now the only option. Here is how it compares to what the retail experience looked like.
The Yacht-Master II is no longer available at authorized Rolex dealers. The entire collection was retired at Watches and Wonders 2024, meaning every Yacht-Master II purchase now happens on the secondary market. For buyers, this actually presents an advantage: all four references currently trade below their last retail prices, and you can choose from the full range of production years and hand styles that an AD would never have offered simultaneously.
When buying a discontinued Rolex on the secondary market, the key considerations are authenticity, condition, and completeness. A reputable pre-owned dealer with in-house authentication and a warranty provides the same peace of mind that an AD would, often with better selection and more competitive pricing.
| Retail (Authorized Dealer) | Secondary Market (Pre-Owned) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $18,750 – $48,150 (last retail) | $15,000 – $42,000 (current market) |
| Availability | No longer available, discontinued April 2024 | No waitlist, multiple references available |
| Selection | Limited to whatever the AD had allocated | All four references, both hand styles, full range of production years |
| Authentication | Factory new, guaranteed by Rolex | Verified by dealer, multi-point inspection |
| Warranty | 5-year Rolex warranty | 2-year WatchGuys warranty |
| Vintage Access | None | Early production examples, original stick-hand dials, discontinued 116689 |
| Best For | No longer an option for this model | Buyers who want a specific reference, hand style, or production year at below-retail pricing |
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Steel vs. Gold: Which Yacht-Master II Should You Buy?
The Yacht-Master II's core decision point, broken down for buyers weighing their options.
Every Yacht-Master II buyer faces the same fundamental question: steel or gold? The stainless steel ref. 116680 and the 18k yellow gold ref. 116688 represent the two ends of the spectrum, with the Everose Rolesor 116681 sitting in between. Each configuration houses the same Caliber 4161 movement and offers identical functionality, so the decision comes down to aesthetics, wrist presence, and budget.
The case for steel is straightforward. The ref. 116680 is the most versatile Yacht-Master II and the most affordable Rolex chronograph on the market. Its Oystersteel construction makes it lighter on the wrist than the gold variants, more resistant to scratches (gold is softer), and easier to wear casually. For buyers who want the mechanical experience of the regatta timer without the flash factor, the steel version delivers everything the movement has to offer at a fraction of the gold's cost. It also tends to sell faster on the secondary market, which matters if you ever plan to move it.
The case for gold is equally compelling, if different. The Yacht-Master II was designed to be a bold, statement-making watch, and there is no denying that the yellow gold ref. 116688 delivers on that promise more completely than the steel version. The gold Yacht-Master II has been worn by Mark Wahlberg, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Drake. It is the version that defined the model's identity. At current secondary market prices in the mid-$30,000s, the 116688 also represents significant value compared to its $43,550 last retail price. For collectors who believe the Yacht-Master II will appreciate over time (as many discontinued Rolex models do), the gold version is the more likely candidate for long-term gains, given its lower production numbers and more distinctive character.
"If you are buying a Yacht-Master II, go gold. The steel version is a great watch, but the YM II was born in gold, and that is where the design makes the most sense. The 116688 in yellow gold is the one people will be chasing in ten years. Right now you can buy it for $15,000 under retail. That will not last."
| Ref. 116680 (Steel) | Ref. 116688 (Yellow Gold) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 904L Oystersteel | 18k Yellow Gold |
| Bezel | Blue Cerachrom | Blue Cerachrom with gold numerals |
| Weight on Wrist | Lighter, more comfortable for daily wear | Heavier, more substantial wrist presence |
| Secondary Price | $15,000 – $17,000 | $35,000 – $42,000 |
| Scratch Resistance | Higher (steel is harder) | Lower (gold is softer, shows wear faster) |
| Liquidity | Faster to sell, broader buyer pool | Slower to sell, niche buyer pool |
| Production | 2013 – 2024 | 2007 – 2024 |
| Investment Outlook | Stable, modest upside potential | Stronger long-term appreciation potential |
| Best For | Everyday wear, first Rolex chronograph buyers, value seekers | Collectors, statement pieces, long-term holds |
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Speak To a RepresentativeCOLLECTOR CULTURE
Rolex Yacht-Master II Nicknames
The nicknames collectors use when talking about the Yacht-Master II.
The Yacht-Master II has earned a handful of nicknames over the years, though its collector culture is smaller and less elaborate than models like the Submariner or GMT-Master II. Here are the names you will encounter in forums, dealer listings, and collector conversations.
Regatta / Regatta Timer
The most common nickname, derived from the watch's core function as a regatta countdown chronograph. Used broadly to refer to any Yacht-Master II reference.
All references: 116680, 116681, 116688, 116689
Big Yacht
A tongue-in-cheek reference to the watch's imposing 44mm case size, which made it the largest watch in the Rolex catalog during most of its production run.
All references: 116680, 116681, 116688, 116689
YM2 / Yacht 2
The shorthand abbreviation used in collector forums and dealer listings. A quick way to distinguish it from the original Yacht-Master.
All references: 116680, 116681, 116688, 116689
BUYER'S CHECKLIST
How to Buy a Rolex Yacht-Master II
A five-step checklist for buying a discontinued Yacht-Master II on the secondary market.
Since the Yacht-Master II is only available pre-owned, buying one requires a slightly different approach than walking into an authorized dealer. Follow this checklist to make a confident, informed purchase.
- Choose your reference and hand style. Decide between steel (116680), Everose Rolesor (116681), yellow gold (116688), or white gold (116689). Then determine whether you want the pre-2017 stick hands or the post-2017 Mercedes hands. The Mercedes-hand versions are generally preferred and carry a small premium.
- Verify authenticity and condition. Buy only from a dealer who provides multi-point authentication by a certified watchmaker. Inspect photos carefully for bezel alignment, dial condition, and bracelet stretch. The Yacht-Master II's complex pushers and Ring Command Bezel should operate smoothly, so ask whether the regatta function has been tested.
- Insist on a complete set. A Yacht-Master II with its original box, warranty card, and papers commands a stronger resale value than a watch-only purchase. For a discontinued model, completeness matters more over time as fewer full sets circulate.
- Factor in service costs. If the watch has not been serviced recently, budget for a Rolex-authorized service, which can run $1,200 or more for a chronograph movement. Bracelet tightening or link replacement adds to that cost. A recently serviced watch from a reputable dealer can save you this expense upfront.
- Confirm warranty coverage. A reputable dealer should offer at least a 1 to 2 year warranty on every pre-owned Rolex sold. This protects you if any mechanical issues surface after purchase. WatchGuys provides a 2-year warranty on every watch.
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Rolex Yacht-Master II Specifications
Full technical specifications for the Rolex Yacht-Master II collection. All references share these core specs unless otherwise noted.
Case Size
44mm diameter
Case Material
Oystersteel (116680), Everose Rolesor (116681), 18k Yellow Gold (116688), 18k White Gold (116689)
Bezel
Bidirectional Ring Command Bezel. Blue Cerachrom insert (116680, 116681, 116688) or Platinum insert (116689). 10-minute countdown scale.
Movement
Caliber 4161 (Caliber 4160 on early 116688/116689). Self-winding chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch. Parachrom hairspring.
Power Reserve
Approximately 72 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, programmable regatta countdown (1–10 min) with mechanical memory and flyback reset
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Triplock screw-down crown.
Crystal
Flat scratch-resistant sapphire. No date window, no Cyclops lens.
Bracelet
Oyster, three-piece links. Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension.
Note on the crystal: The Yacht-Master II does not have a date window or Cyclops lens. The sapphire crystal is flat. Luminescence is provided by Chromalight (blue glow) on the hands and hour markers. Accuracy meets the Superlative Chronometer standard of +2/-2 seconds per day on post-2015 examples.
