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Rolex Watches Weight: Weight of Common Rolex Watches

Rolex Datejust 126234

Rolex Watches Weight Guide

In this resource guide, we have listed the weight of some of the most common Rolex watches . The list shows the weight of some of the most popular Rolex watches, both new and old. As a general rule, the weight stated reflects a full-link bracelet.

The weight of a Rolex watch greatly affects how it feels and sits on the wrist. The more weight a watch has, the more sporty it feels. But at the same time, some people prefer to have a wristwatch which has some heft to it which allows the watch to sit nicely and heavily on the wrist.

Over the years, Rolex watches have become heavier. There are many reasons for this, but the main reasons are that the bracelets now use solid end links and links as opposed to folded links. The clasps of the bracelets are also more solid and robust, and the cases have also been increased in size on many models.

Below, you will find the Rolex watches weight of common Rolex watches :

Rolex watches weight list

Weight of submariner 114060: 152.9 grams. 2 links removed., weight of datejust 1601: 83 grams., weight of day-date 118206: 225 grams., weight of deepsea sea-dweller 116660: 215 grams., weight of daytona 116509: 200 grams., weight of day-date 118209: 179 grams., weight of submariner 16618: 175 grams ., weight of gmt-master ii 16718: 164 grams., weight of daytona 16528: 156 grams., weight of gmt-master ii 116710ln: 152 grams., weight of milgauss 116400: 150 grams., weight of sea-dweller 16600: 147 grams., weight of sea-dweller 16660: 147 grams., weight of yacht-master 16622: 146 grams., weight of datejust 116201: 145 grams., weight of gmt-master ii 16713: 138 grams., weight of daytona 116520: 140 grams., weight of datejust 116233: 136.8 grams., weight of submariner 16610: 135 grams., weight of sea-dweller 1665: 129 grams., weight of submariner 14060m: 127 grams., weight of gmt-master ii 16710: 127 grams., weight of explorer ii 16570: 126 grams., weight of  submariner 5513: 119 grams., weight of explorer ii 1655: 118 grams., weight of sky-dweller 326933:  191.5 grams., weight of sky-dweller 326934:  174.6 grams., weight of sea-dweller 126600:  194 grams., weight of explorer 214270: 132 grams (one link removed)., weight of explorer ii 216570: 156 grams., weight of datejust 41 126334 oyster bracelet:  143 grams., weight of rolex daytona 116500: 141 grams., weight of rolex gmt-master ii 126710blnr/blro: 140.04 grams..

Weight differences may apply for various reasons. This article is not meant to be a definite weight list for Rolex watches. The weights mentioned above are with a full-linked bracelet. In some cases, the weights stated may or may not be full-linked.

If you want us to add the weight of other Rolex watches to this article, please comment below which reference. Or, if you want to add the weight of a Rolex watch yourself, please comment the model and the weight and we will add it.

33 thoughts on “ Rolex Watches Weight: Weight of Common Rolex Watches ”

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Mine is a Submariner 126610 LN , with 1 link removed, it weighs 155.something g.

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Hi, That certainly sounds about right!

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Rolex Yacht-Master & Yacht-Master II: The Comprehensive Guide to the King of Sailing Watches

rolex yacht master 2 weight

The Rolex Yacht-Master occupies a prominent but, for many, difficult-to-define area within the company’s overall portfolio. It’s regarded as a popular dress watch but is firmly positioned within the “Professional” collection. It looks a lot like a Submariner but isn’t really a dive watch, so it’s really not like a Submariner at all. It’s designed as a men’s watch but has become a canvas for some very feminine executions. And unlike other Rolex models that offer an original “I” and a second-generation “II” version, like the GMT-Master and Explorer, the Yacht-Master I and II are scarcely related in their design or functions at all. And yet, the Yacht-Master remains a top-tier timepiece both for Rolex and its legions of fans, and in its relatively short span on the market has welcomed a number of innovative materials and technologies into the Rolex fold. Read on to discover more about the Rolex Yacht-Master (in all its various versions) and what makes the model unique among its Oyster Perpetual brethren.

1967 - 1969 - The Prototype: Cosmograph Yacht-Master

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Rolex Cosmograph Yacht-Master, circa 1967 (photo: Rolex Magazine.com )

While the Yacht-Master as we know it today traces its genesis only to 1992, the name appeared on a Rolex dial several decades before — on a watch that resembled more an evolution of the Daytona than of the Submariner — indicating that a sailing-themed watch was something that Rolex had been tinkering with as an organization for some time. In 1967, shortly after the debut of the Cosmograph (soon to be the Cosmograph Daytona) in 1963, Rolex developed a chronograph wristwatch prototype, with a three-register “reverse panda” dial and a tachymeter scale that it dubbed the “Cosmograph Yacht-Master” ( Reference 6239/6242); at 39.5mm, it was larger than the core Daytona model, which at the time was a fairly modest 36mm. Also setting it apart from all of its siblings in that collection is the odd addition of a multicolored scale at the bottom left of the 3 o’clock subdial, presumably to be used in concert with the chronograph function for counting down to the start of a yachting regatta. Only three examples of this model, which appears to have never been commercially released, are known to exist, one of them once owned by guitar legend and Rolex super-collector Eric Clapton. 

1992 - Enter the “Luxury Submariner”

rolex yacht master 2 weight

The first Rolex Yacht-Master in yellow gold (Ref.16628, circa 1992)

The Rolex braintrust never fully abandoned the idea of a nautically inspired boating watch to join the diving-tool Submariner (and eventually its more robust successor, the Sea-Dweller), and the Crown finally pulled the trigger on it in 1992. The Ref. 16628 model, which launched the modern Yacht-Master collection, was intended as a more luxurious version of the Submariner, at the time still regarded as more of an upscale tool watch than a dressy sport watch appropriate to be worn on the deck of a yacht. Accordingly, it looks a lot like the Submariner in its primary aesthetic and technical details. Its dial featured the same Mercedes handset; the same eclectic assortment of circles, rectangles, and triangles at the hour markers; and the same Cyclops lens-enhanced 3 o’clock date window that the Submariner acquired in 1969, along with a very similar rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale. 

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 16628 with mother-of-pearl dial (photo: Analog:Shift )

The main differences are in the execution. For several years at that point, the case of the Submariner had been boasting a water resistance rating of 300 meters (still a standard for the model today), while the Yacht-Master’s case came in at a respectable but much more pedestrian 100 meters — again, more suited for being worn above the water than under it. While the case diameter of the newcomer was the same — 40mm — it was, along with its Oyster bracelet, made of 18k yellow gold, while the vast majority of Submariners were still made of 904L “Oystersteel.” The aforementioned bezel offers the most distinguishing differences: it rotates in both directions rather than one, another indication that the watch’s primary role was not to time dives (in which case, a unidirectional bezel that tracked how long the wearer had been underwater, and couldn’t be inadvertently moved for an inaccurate reading, was the safest option) but to be used for a more versatile array of calculations including counting down to the start of a yacht race. The more outwardly notable difference from its diving predecessor was the bezel’s 60-minute scale, which was relief-engraved directly onto the precious metal surface rather than etched into an insert made of aluminum, bakelite, or (as it is nowadays) ceramic. The overall effect was more streamlined and, objectively, more “luxury” than “tool” or “sport.” The movement inside was the same as the one the Submariner used at the time — Rolex’s “Perpetual” (i.e., automatic) Caliber 3135. 

As you might surmise from the evidence at hand here, the Yacht-Master’s remarkable resemblance to the Submariner is the result of neither coincidence nor design laziness. As watch companies are apt to do occasionally, Rolex had the notion at one point, probably during the 1980s, to upgrade and revamp the look of the Submariner — which, it’s worth remembering, had not really changed much since its debut in 1953. According to industry lore, propagated by some who were involved at the time, one of those experiments yielded a watch that Rolex executives were very bullish about — but not bullish enough to actually pull the plug on the “old” Submariner design and replace it with the newer, more luxurious one, hence the revival of the 1960s “Yacht-Master” name and the launch of what would be — until the debut of the Sky-Dweller in 2012 — Rolex’s newest product family.

1994 - 2005: Growing the Fleet: Midsize, Ladies, and Two-Tone Editions

rolex yacht master 2 weight

In 1994, recognizing the potential unisex appeal of its first new timepiece collection since the Daytona, Rolex followed up the original Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master with a 35mm “Midsize” version (Ref. 68628) and an understatedly feminine 29mm “Lady Yacht-Master” model (Ref. 69628) Both were in yellow-gold, and both were powered by Rolex’s self-winding Caliber 2135, with a 42-hour power reserve. It was the first time in Rolex’s history that a model from its “Professional” series, which includes traditionally male-targeted models like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Daytona, was offered in a smaller case size than that of the original. Even in the core 40mm sizes, the Yacht-Master template established in 1992 proved to be ideal for more decorative treatments; over the years, Rolex has released versions of the Yacht-Master 40 with ruby, sapphire, and diamond-set hour markers, mother-of-pearl dials, and even fully paved diamond-set dials.

rolex yacht master 2 weight

In what would become something of a tradition for the series going forward, Rolex unveiled the first Yacht-Master with a bi-material construction in 1999. The Ref. 16622 boasted a 40mm case that combines stainless steel (for the case middle, caseback, and Oyster bracelet) and 950 platinum (for the relief-engraved bezel and the dial) in a somewhat monochromatic hybrid that the company refers to as “Rolesium.” Another bi-metal Yacht-Master iteration, one more striking in the tonal contrasts of its materials, arrived in 2005, the first “Rolesor” model, with Oystersteel and yellow gold used for the case and bracelet. That watch, Ref. 16623, was available in a variety of dial colors, including champagne, blue, and brown, and even a mother-of-pearl version.

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref.  16623 "Rolesium"

2007: Regatta Revolution: The First Yacht-Master II

In 2007, Rolex introduced the next generation of the Yacht-Master, and it was not only a significant departure from its predecessor; it was also, in a way, a return to the “Cosmograph” functionality of the 1960s prototypes. In actuality, the Yacht-Master II, first issued in a 44mm case in yellow gold (Ref. 116688) or white gold (Ref. 116689), is more appropriately described as a separate family of watches than as a branch of the main Yacht-Master series. For one thing, the movement that debuted inside the watch, Caliber 4160, was entirely new. Technically speaking, it’s a descendant of the Caliber 4130 found in Daytona models, and Rolex’s first in-house caliber to incorporate a built-in regatta countdown feature. For another, place a Yacht-Master II next to a “regular” Yacht-Master and they look, really, nothing alike. The bidirectional bezel of the Yacht-Master II is emblazoned not with the diving-inspired 60-minute scale of its smaller sibling but a countdown scale, with Arabic numerals starting with “10” and concluding at “0” spanning a semicircular arc from approximately the 8 o’clock to the 4 o’clock positions. A similar descending 10-to-0 scale is featured on the dial, positioned inside the border of the small rectangular hour markers and above the running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The bezel insert, made of Cerachrom, Rolex’s patented ceramic alloy, is also much more Submariner-like than Yacht-Master-like.

rolex yacht master 2 weight

The first Rolex Yacht-Master II, circa 2007

The chronometer-certified movement offered not only a column-wheel driven chronograph function but an exclusive regatta countdown device, developed in-house by Rolex, that can be pre-set for intervals up to 10 minutes and whose mechanical “memory” allows it to be re-set to a previously used countdown duration. Once the watch’s countdown function is engaged, it can even be adjusted on the fly to synchronize with the precise, “official” countdown that initiates the crucial starting sequence of every regatta. While it was undeniably luxurious in its trappings — available in several precious metal options, as well as, eventually, in steel — the message delivered by the Yacht-Master II was clear: this was a watch for actual boat skippers, not just plutocrat boat owners.

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Despite the niche appeal of the Yacht-Master II’s sailing-specific complication — or, perhaps because this appeal never became more widespread among Rolex fans in general — the Yacht-Master II was discontinued in 2024. Its most recent upgrades were fairly subtle: as of the all-steel Ref. 11680 introduced in 2013, the movement inside shifted to Caliber 4161, which (according to Rolex) improved upon the 4160’s reliability and the user-friendliness of its pushers.

2015: Everose Meets Oysterflex

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Even before the decision to retire the Yacht-Master II from the lineup, throughout  the past decade it has been the original, core Yacht-Master model, the one without the regatta timer, that has received the most attention from the brand, with more firsts for the model arriving in 2015. The Ref. 116655, launched at that year’s Baselworld watch fair, was the first Yacht-Master with a case made from Rolex’s proprietary rose-gold alloy called Everose gold, and the first to contain a movement meeting Rolex’s “Superlative Chronometer” standard that was rolled out the same year. Its bezel was executed in black Cerachrom, albeit with the same relief-style scale as its metal predecessors rather than the etched scale of the Submariner. What many remember best is that it was also the first watch to be mounted on Rolex’s innovative Oysterflex bracelet — which on its exterior resembles a fairly traditional black rubber strap but on its interior is equipped with a patented “longitudinal cushion” system, made up of nickel-titanium blades inside an elastomer coating. The patented design gives an Oysterflex the suppleness and comfort of a strap while still providing the robustness and stability of a bracelet, and this style of wristlet has been a mainstay within Rolex’s “Professional” series of watches ever since, though still most closely associated with the Yacht-Master. Somewhat more quietly in that same year of big Yacht-Master moves, Rolex discontinued the 35mm Midsize and 29mm Ladies models, replacing them with a new series of arguably more “unisex” 37mm Yacht-Masters; today, this represents the smallest option within the collection.

2019: A Bigger Boat with a Better Engine: Introducing the Yacht-Master 42

rolex yacht master 2 weight

The core Yacht-Master collection welcomed a new size and a new movement in 2019. For the first time since the debut of the 40mm original, the case size was increased, to 42mm, in the white-gold-cased Ref. 226659. It was, somewhat surprisingly for a watch that had undergone so many luxurious iterations in its history, the first time that particular precious metal had been employed for a Yacht-Master case. The watch’s Cerachrom bezel insert was in matte-black, to match the dial, and featured the same relief-raised scale and numerals as its 40mm siblings. The Yacht-Master 42 also marked the first use of the “Superlative Chronometer” Caliber 3235 in the Yacht-Master family.

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Rolex Caliber 3235

In production since 2015, Caliber 3235 is one of Rolex’s most optimized in-house calibers and has been gradually replacing the venerable 3135 in many of the brand’s three-hand-date models, from the basic Datejust to the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Yacht-Master. The movement’s host of talking points includes the patented “Chronergy” escapement, made of magnetism-resistant nickel phosphorus that renders the movement both highly energy efficient and extremely durable; the Rolex-exclusive blued Parachrom hairspring that gives the oscillator a greater level of resistance to magnetism and shocks; and the lengthy 72-hour power reserve and industry-leading “Superlative Chronometer” accuracy to +/- 2 seconds per day. 

2023: Sailing to the Future in Titanium

rolex yacht master 2 weight

Rolex is famously of the “slow and steady wins the race” philosophy when it comes to adopting new materials and buying into industry trends in general. The brand waited until 2022 to make its first watch case in titanium (specifically grade 5 titanium, which Rolex — of course — calls by its own in-house moniker of RLX Titanium) — and that watch, the 50mm, 36,000-meter water resistant Deepsea Challenge, was anything but an everyday timepiece. One year later, it was a Yacht-Master, in the recently established 42mm case size, that ushered RLX titanium into more wearable territory. RLX titanium is a strong, corrosion-resistant and very lightweight alloy, with a technical satin finish lending it a sleek, subtly grainy texture. The watch’s case is milled from a single block of the material and is enhanced with shiny polished facets that help to frame and elegantly define its broader satin-finished surfaces. The black dial — Rolex calls it “intense black” and who am I to disagree? — has its own grained texture, and the titanium bracelet is fitted with ceramic inserts and equipped with the brand’s Easylink extension system for maximum wearing comfort. Inside beats the reliable and increasingly ubiquitous Rolex Superlative Chronometer Caliber 3235.

In a way, the latest model finally brings the Yacht-Master from its “luxury Submariner” origins to what many feel is its proper tool-watch identity. It will be intriguing to see if future versions of the Yacht-Master — now that the original model stands alone, without its chronograph-countdown sibling, as the Rolex watch for sailors and other seaborne sojourners — venture more into the placid waves of dress-watch elegance or the churning whitewater of regatta-race utility. Knowing Rolex, it’s likely to be the most crowd-pleasing combination of both. 

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.css-1c7en8u{font-size:clamp(1.375rem, 1.25rem + 0.3125vw, 3.125rem);line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:1rem;} Yacht-Master 42 .css-1g7r01k{font-weight:300;font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.9375rem + 0.1563vw, 1.25rem);line-height:1.2;text-wrap:balance;}.css-1g7r01k span{display:block;} Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium Reference 226627

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Staying on course

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 in RLX titanium with an intense black dial and an Oyster bracelet.

Bidirectional rotatable bezel, timing the distance.

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metals or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-tech ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt, sand-blasted background.

This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Intense black dial

Exceptional legibility.

Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.

The broad hands and hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting glow.

RLX titanium

Ultralight resistance

RLX titanium is a grade 5 titanium alloy specially selected by Rolex. Like all titanium alloys, it is especially lightweight and is noted for its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

Another characteristic of RLX titanium is the possibility of working it to give a polished or satin finish according to the brand’s specifications. Its high mechanical strength makes it complex to work with, and the decision to use it has required the introduction of special production processes.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Yacht-Master 42, made from RLX titanium, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of this new version of the Yacht-Master 42 features the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The Oyster bracelet in RLX titanium also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   226627

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Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert in ceramic, polished raised numerals and graduations

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding

3235, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 70 hours

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

Intense black

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master 42

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Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold Review | Rolex 116688 Oyster 44mm – The Watch For Sailors

rolex yachtmaster 2 weight

Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold Review. In this article, we cover everything about the Rolex Yacht-Master II Oyster Perpetual 44mm Yellow Gold (ref. 116688) iconic luxury watch.

Rolex is famous for producing all different types of purposeful sports watches. Two that will always come to mind when you speak of Rolex are the Submariner which was designed for divers, and the Daytona which was designed for drivers. The Submariner and Daytona have a long history; first releasing them in the 1950s and 1960s, respectively. A younger yet tremendously well-received Rolex, which we are discussing today, is the Yacht-Master model.

The first Yacht-Master model was released in 1992 (which is quite recent considering the life of Rolex).

The first Yacht-Master had a 39.5mm case and looked very similar to the Submariner. Since the release of the first Yacht-Master, Rolex has made a few different alterations to the Yacht-Master model, such as the 35mm Yacht-Master for those with smaller wrists, a women’s version, and the larger and most popular 44mm Yacht-Master 2.

Rolex has made the Yacht-Master line with many different variations of dials, bezels, and precious metals as well.

In 2007, Rolex released the Yacht-Master II. It came in two different types of metals – yellow gold and white gold. A few years later they introduced the Rose gold and steel bi-metal version. Then a few years after that they released the all steel Oyster steel version.

In this feature, we are discussing the Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold Variation, which is easily one of our favorite Rolex watches to date.

Rolex 116688

Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold 44m Oyster Case

The Yacht-Master 2 has a much larger, bolder case size compared to the original Yacht-Master. It is 44mm in diameter, which is over 4mm larger than the first Yacht-Master. There is a slight curve to the case which feels very nice. The sides and lugs have an exquisite polishing that shines amazingly.

Inside the case comes the most complicated complication in modern Rolex history.

rolex yachtmaster 2 gold price

History & Purpose behind the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 Design and Function – The Regatta Timer

Rolex has been close-knit with the sailing community since the 50s, so they decided to make a special watch to show that rich heritage.

Thus, the first Yacht-Master was made with sailors and boat racers in mind. However, it wasn’t until designing the Yacht-Master II that Rolex really began exploring what unique features they could offer to sailors. They wanted to differentiate the features from the Submariner to make the Yacht-Master a really special watch of its own.

Let’s first look at how Rolex makes the Yacht-Master 2 special specifically for sailors.

The chronograph in the Yacht-Master 2 was named the Regatta Chronograph. Regatta racing is a sporting event which consists of a series of boat or yacht races. Before each race, a sailor has around 10 minutes to prepare. So, Rolex made a piece where sailors could time that 10 minutes.

Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Movement & Ring Command Bezel

The bezel on the Yacht-Master 2 is one of our favorites. Yachtmaster 2’s bezel is a ceramic insert with yellow gold lettering and numbers. The blue on gold is such a complementing look.

Furthermore, the blue as the ocean bezel magnifies the inner ring for the countdown timer on the dial, as it is also blue, which makes it very easy to read. You know what is what on the dial as the blue bezel and inner ring is connected in both appearance and FUNCTION.

The Bezel is a lot different than a Submariner and GMT bezel. It’s not used for timing things or to tell the time. It’s an additional aid with a function that works with the movement of the watch. Hence its name – Ring Command Bezel.

The bezel of the Yachtmaster 2 commands the regatta timer. It’s another connection to the movement like the crown is. The Ring Command Bezel only rotates 90 degrees, whereas the other Rolex watches are 360 degrees rotatable.

The Yacht-Master is often compared to the Daytona. So, we will make a quick note of how the chronograph in the Yacht-Master is much different from the Daytona chronograph – On the Daytona chronograph, we are looking at a lapsed time, whereas the Yacht-Master 2, we are looking at countdown time.

yachtmaster 2 yellow gold

How to use the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 Regatta Timer

Although the Yacht-Master 2 is the most complicated Rolex watch in history, it is very simple to use. This is the true beauty of it. They made the watch complicated in complications but simple in function.

The Regatta countdown timer is a feature that truly makes the Yacht-Master remarkable, with its unparalleled mechanical function that can be programmed from 1-10 minutes, allowing skippers to accurately time and follow every race’s official starting process. It’s not only useful for skippers of course; it can also be used for anything that you want to time under 10 minutes.

In 2007, when first releasing the Rolex Yacht-Master II, it was the only chronograph with a programmable countdown function. This was made possible by creating the Ring Command Bezel.

Setting up the Yacht-Master 2’s Regatta Timer:

  • From the bezel’s standard position – the “YACHT-MASTER II” letter is at 6 o’clock – rotate the bezel counter-clockwise until its first click. The “1” on the bezel will be all the way north.
  • Then, push the bottom pusher in. This will lock it in so it’s fully depressed.
  • Now you can set the countdown timer, which is the red triangular hand to the desired countdown time – 1-10 minutes. You will see it move as you twist the crown clockwise.
  • When you have the countdown hand set, rotate the bezel back to its starting position. You will notice the bottom pusher pops back out.
  • Finally, you screw in the crown and it’s ready to start. When you want to start, you just push the top pusher, which is the traditional chronograph function. As soon as you push it, you will see the red second’s hand starts to rotate and the triangular countdown hand/timer has begun. To pause it, just press the top pusher again.

rolex yachtmaster review

Rolex 116688 – The Pushers & Flyback Function

The Yacht-Master 2 has a very special flyback chronograph. So, while the chronograph is active, we can press the bottom pusher to bring the triangular countdown hand to its previous position.

However, it doesn’t just have a flyback function, it also has a ‘flyforward’ function as well, all in one. Here is how it works…

If the second’s hand is on the right-hand side of the watch (right of the 12 and the 6 o’clock), it will return to whatever minute you were previously on. But, if the second’s hand is on the lefthand side, it will fly forward a minute.

This means if the watch was originally set to 6 on the inner countdown timer, then when you push the bottom pusher and the second’s hand is on the righthand side, the triangular hand will flyback to the 6. If it’s on the lefthand side (pass 30 seconds) it will flyforward to the 5. It will then immediately continue counting down.

If you want to reset it to the original start time, press the top pusher then press the bottom pusher. However, if you wanted to reset it to a different starting countdown time, you would need to go through the same process, starting at point 1 above.

Nothing beats the simplicity and function of the Regatta timer’s flyback and fly forward. It truly is a really cool feature, especially if you appreciate horology. It’s simple to use, but it is very complicated to make it. Only an expert horology company like Rolex would be able to create something this innovative. They make it as easy as the push of a button, literally.

Nevertheless, it’s not something that many people actually use as it’s intended, which is regatta racing. However, owners of the Yacht-Master 2 can find a use of the flyback countdown timing one way or another.

What we really appreciate the most is the history and design behind this special timepiece.

second hand rolex yachtmaster 2

Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold Oyster Bracelet & Clasp

The bracelet is a standard Oyster bracelet with polished center links and brushed outer links. It’s a very classic sports Rolex bracelet, so you can’t go wrong with it. This one is made of yellow gold, and we think it’s absolutely beautiful. The yellow gold compliments the white dial and blue bezel impeccably.

The clasp is the standard Oyster clasp. It has an easy link that extends out to 5mm. This is very useful as your wrist expands when in warmer temperatures. Oyster clasps are extremely well engineered. They are simple, secure, and they feel very solid.

rolex yachtmaster 2 yellow gold review

Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Dial – Nautically Inspired

As a whole, the dial and bezel have a very nautical feel to it. Of course, Rolex intended it to appear this way. The dial looks to have been inspired by a gauge on a yacht, and the blue bezel and inner timer are reminiscing of the ocean.

On the dial, you have the small seconds in a yellow gold subdial. The sub dial has a brushed finish with a channeled effect and a navy hand.

Both the chronograph seconds and chronograph minutes have red accents, which lets you know they work together.

The white dial brings it all together beautifully. It has a satin-like finish, and it’s a white like the color of the side of a boat.

The dial is one of the best parts of the watch. It’s superb in design and as much as it has going on, it was so well done that nothing feels cluttered and it’s easy as can be on the eyes.

yacht timer regatta countdown

Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Weight & Size

In terms of the weight and size of the Yacht-Master 2, it is quite a big watch. A 44mm diameter for a watch case is large, but that was what it was meant to be – a big, brash watch. In regards to thickness, it’s fairly thick, but not as thick as you’d image a “big” watch being.

Personally, we love big watches, but thickness or height isn’t necessarily the big part we like. We like the kind of big that covers the wrist, not the tall kind of big.

So, we love the fact the Yachtmaster 2 case, even with its complicated regatta chronograph inside, isn’t very tall.

Yachtmaster 2 Yellow Gold ON THE WRIST:

The Yachtmaster 2 is a big watch but it doesn’t actually sit super big on the wrist. This is due to the depth of the watch, as we mentioned above. It’s not extremely heavy or anything either, but it does have some nice weight to it.

The watch is a bit top heavy due to the size of the case. Nonetheless, it is still extremely comfortable and if you wanted to wear it every day, you would never have an issue with the weight of the Yacht-Master 2.

If you want a watch that is an attention grabber, this is the one. The Yacht-Master is just out there with its bright white dial on an exquisite yellow gold case and bracelet. The blue bezel pops and screams for attention, yet it’s still so sophisticated in appearance that one would never consider it gaudy. It is a flashy watch, but it in the best way possible. No other Yacht-Master 2 will get attention like the Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold version.

rolex yachtmaster gold

Rolex Yachtmaster 2 Gold Price

Raymond Lee Jewelers/Diamonds by Raymond Lee has the Rolex 116688 Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold 18k Mens Watch in stock now . The Rolex Yachtmaster 2 yellow gold price is $30,500.

About Raymond Lee Jewelers in Boca Raton

Raymond Lee Jewelers is one of South Florida’s best sales and service centers for watches, diamonds, and high-end jewelry. We are a family business that has spent the last 30 years building a solid reputation selling luxury watches and jewelry at wholesale prices. Furthermore, Raymond Lee Jewelers has one of the largest collections of Rolex watches in all of South Florida. Our goal is to meet the needs of our customers at our Boca Raton retail store and online. We also aim to provide our community with the best possible experience when it comes to any fine jewelry dealings. We combine value, quality and the ability to meet and understand the needs of people of all ages.

Overall, We feel that the yellow gold Yacht-Master 2 is the ultimate Yacht-Master (although the steel Yacht-Master 2 might be a bit higher in demand). It is easily one of our favorite Rolex sports watches. The Yacht-Master 2 yellow gold is large yet comfortable, flashy yet sophisticated (grab that attention fellas), and complicated in complications yet simple in use. Furthermore, the purpose and history of the Regatta timer dates back to the 50s, telling of the rich heritage that is bound to Rolex. Rolex watches are truly the finest in both design, function and technology.

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