Rolex Yacht-Master II (116688)

Pre-Owned Rolex 44mm Yacht-Master II, White Dial, Oyster Bracelet, Ref. 116688

The Rolex Yacht-Master II was introduced in 2007 as one of the brand’s most technically ambitious modern watches, created specifically for professional yacht racing. Unlike traditional sailing watches that relied on simple countdown timers, the Yacht-Master II debuted with a fully mechanical, programmable regatta chronograph designed to meet the precise demands of competitive sailing starts.

At the heart of the watch is Rolex’s in-house caliber 4160 (later refined into the caliber 4161), featuring a unique countdown system that can be programmed and synchronized on the fly. A key innovation was the “Ring Command” bezel, mechanically linked to the movement and used to set and adjust the countdown function—an unprecedented solution at the time and a clear departure from conventional chronograph design.

Initially released in yellow gold, the Yacht-Master II line later expanded to include white gold, Rolesor (steel and gold), and stainless steel references, as well as larger 44 mm cases that emphasized its bold, purpose-built character. While its size and complexity set it apart from Rolex’s traditional sports models, the Yacht-Master II remains a landmark in the brand’s history, showcasing Rolex’s ability to apply serious mechanical innovation to a highly specialized sporting context.