Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681
About This Watch
The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 is a regatta chronograph designed for competitive yacht racing, featuring Rolex's unique Ring Command bezel that is mechanically linked to the movement. This is the only Rolex where the bezel serves as a functional setting mechanism for the movement, allowing the countdown timer to be programmed for race starts of 1 to 10 minutes. The process involves unlocking the bezel, rotating it to set the countdown duration, then locking it back to synchronize. The caliber 4161 is one of Rolex's most complex movements, combining chronograph functionality with the programmable countdown mechanism. At 44mm, the Yacht-Master II makes a bold statement on the wrist, and the Rolesor combination of Oystersteel and 18k Everose gold adds warmth and luxury to the sporty design. The blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel with its regatta countdown scale is both functional and visually striking. Despite its technical sophistication, the Yacht-Master II has been somewhat underappreciated in the market, often trading below retail on the secondary market, making it one of the best values in the Rolex lineup for those who appreciate mechanical complexity and bold design.
In-Depth Review
Rolex's commitment to functional luxury finds perhaps its finest expression in the Yacht-Master II 116681, a timepiece that refuses the pretense of being merely aspirational. This 44mm Rolesor sports watch marries steel and Everose gold with surgical precision, housing the proprietary Caliber 4161 movement—a chronograph capable of 72 hours of power reserve at 28,800 vph. The real distinction lies in its Ring Command bezel, a rotating inner bezel operable even with gloved hands, paired with a regatta countdown chronograph that transforms the watch from weekend accessory into legitimate racing instrument. The blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel and white dial complete a design language that balances aggression with restraint, a balance Rolex has perfected over the reference's twelve-year production run.
The Yacht-Master II gravitates toward a specific collector: serious sailors and chronograph enthusiasts who view watches as tools rather than status symbols. Its 100-meter water resistance and robust construction appeal to those who actually operate boats, yet its Rolesor construction and $23,200 retail price acknowledge its position within Rolex's luxury hierarchy. The 44mm case demands presence on the wrist, making it less suitable for those seeking subtle elegance.
Positioned between Omega's Seamaster Planet Ocean and Tudor's Black Bay, the Yacht-Master II offers arguably the most niche appeal. Omega delivers greater water resistance and prestige; Tudor provides comparable robustness at lower cost. Rolex's advantage remains unshakeable: ownership of the regatta chronograph category and a resale market that consistently holds $20,000 even as alternatives depreciate faster.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 4161 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 44 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 44.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 14.2mm |
| Case Material | Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold) |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Ring Command bezel, blue Cerachrom ceramic |
| Dial Color | White |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 52.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet, Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold |
| Clasp | Oysterlock folding clasp with Easylink |
| Weight | 210g |
| Complications |