The Rolex Yacht-Master II is the dominant sports watch model from the Rolex brand. On this review, Eric shows you the different types of Yacht-Master II’s and the functionality and purpose behind the model.
The Yacht-Master II was released by Rolex in 2010. The watch was equipped with Rolex’s new 4161 movement and featured Rolex’s Ring Command bezel for the first time, which is a main component behind the countdown timer functionality of the model.
At 44mm, the Yacht-Master II is tied with the Deepsea as the largest watch of the Rolex brand. Unfortunately, the Deepsea tends to be a lot taller than the Yacht-Master 2, making the Deepsea look a lot more conspicuous on a man’s wrist.
The YM2 also features an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp.
Is the Yacht-Master II a Chrono?
Many people mistake the Rolex Yacht-Master II for a chronograph, but it isn’t. It simply has a 10-minute countdown timer that is popular in regatta races.
On the video, you will see how the boating race timer is set and how it counts down. The timer can actually be set to count down from 10 minutes or less; 9 minutes, 8 minutes, etc.
For Eric, the size of the watch, the white dial-blue bezel combination, and its overall balanced look makes it the perfect sports model and definitely one that belongs in the arsenal of any serious watch collector.
The only thing Eric does not like from the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 design, even though he’s gotten more used to it throughout the years, is the way Rolex inscribes the actual model name on the bezel. This was too much of a commercialized moved by the Swiss watchmaker in Eric’s opinion.
Yacht-Master II Variations and Prices
The Rolex Yacht-Master II is available in yellow gold, two-tone, and stainless steel. Good prices for these variations (when the video was released on October 2015) are $28,500, $18,500 and $13,500 respectively.
The price of a new Rolex Yachtmaster II will be around $2,000 more than the above (circa video release date).
Eric’s favorite variation of the YM2 timepiece is the stainless steel version.
As far as the Watch Game is concerned, the Yacht-Master II is the perfect watch to take out on a boat or beach event; that is, if you want to make heads turn. It’s definitely a serious piece in Eric’s book!
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