Rolex's Yacht-Master II
Mastering the Departure
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, designed especially for regatta starts, combines nautical spirit and technical excellence.
This unique racing chronograph has an exclusive function developed by Rolex: programmable countdown with mechanical memory and "on-the-fly" synchronization.
An instantly recognizable bezel
The Yacht-Master II, declined in Oystersteel or 18k yellow gold, features a bidirectional rotating bezel equipped with a Cerachrom graduated 60-minute blue ceramic disc. The processing of the high-tech ceramic used by Rolex, which is particularly hard and virtually scratch-resistant, requires the use of special tools. On this blue Cerachrom disc, the hollowed graduations and numerals are colored by platinum or yellow gold deposition using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technique. The first half-hour graduation is detailed minute by minute. The bezel in the neutral position offers a clearer reading of the last 30 seconds of the countdown, indicated by the chronograph seconds hand in the center. The graduated bezel, whose knurled edge provides an excellent grip, also allows the wearer to read a duration, such as the time between two buoys.
Countdown function
The Yacht-Master II's intuitive and easy-to-use countdown function was developed to more punctually accompany race participants in the crucial stages leading up to the start. The countdown is programmed using the lower button: with each press, the minute hand advances one notch. It is then sufficient to press the lower button as many times as necessary to set the minute hand to the value corresponding to the time to be counted. This time is saved in the system's mechanical memory so that it does not need to be reset for subsequent races with the same countdown. To improve the reading of the remaining time, the countdown minute and second hands rotate counterclockwise: a first for Rolex.
Oyster bracelet
The Yacht-Master II is paired with an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this metal bracelet with three rows of wide, slightly curved elements is distinguished by its sturdiness.
The Yacht-Master II's Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel or 18k yellow gold features a thinner Oysterlock safety clasp. This clasp with folding clasp, which prevents any inadvertent opening, features the Easylink quick extension link, developed by Rolex, which makes it easy to adjust the length of the bracelet by about 5 mm. In the 18k yellow gold declination, the Oyster bracelet integrates, within its links, Rolex-designed and patented ceramic inserts that improve its fluidity on the wrist and durability.
Exclusive materials
The Yacht-Master II is offered in a version made of Oystersteel, an exclusive alloy that retains its luster even in the most inhospitable environments. The other version presented is made of 18k yellow gold. Rolex gold stands out for its radiant luster, the result of years of research and development by the Brand aimed at perfecting the use of precious metals. Demonstrating once again its uniqueness in the watchmaking scene, Rolex chose to have an in-house foundry to have full control over the creation, casting and shaping of its 18K gold alloys.
Caliber 4162
The Yacht-Master II houses Caliber 4162, an evolution of Caliber 4161 with which the previous version of the model was equipped. Designed specifically for regatta starts, the caliber 4162 features an exclusive function developed by Rolex: a programmable countdown with mechanical memory that can be synchronized "on the fly." Thanks to this system, which resulted in the filing of a patent, all that is needed is the lower push-button to program this specific function-a choice that has simplified and made the use of this watch more intuitive.
Caliber 4162 also incorporates some of the major innovations Rolex has made to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Thanks to the barrel architecture and the superior performance of its escapement, it boasts a power reserve of about 72 hours. Caliber 4162 exhibits a curated aesthetic, particularly at the level of the Côtes de Genève Rolex-decorated bridges, and an openworked oscillating weight.
Superlative Chronometer Certification
Like all Rolex timepieces, the Yacht-Master II boasts Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive title attests to the timepiece's extraordinary performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is rigorously monitored by independent and internationally recognized Swiss bodies.
Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that accompanies each Rolex watch along with a five-year international warranty.
