If there’s one Rolex that makes collectors pause and lean in a little closer, it’s the Yacht-Master II. Not because it’s rare in the traditional sense, or because it’s particularly understated. In fact, quite the opposite. This is one of those watches that refuses to be ignored. And I’ll be honest, every time I hold one in my hand here at the shop in Frisco, I’m reminded why Rolex made it in the first place.
Yes, it’s bold. Yes, it’s large. But more than anything, the Yacht-Master II is a technical exercise in what Rolex can do when it decides to show off just a little.
Built for the Regatta, Designed for the Rest of Us
Let’s start here: the Yacht-Master II was designed as a regatta timer, a watch built specifically for the starting sequence of a yacht race. That alone makes it one of the most purpose-built complications in Rolex’s entire modern lineup. While most chronographs are built around tracking elapsed time, the Yacht-Master II flips the concept, focusing instead on a programmable countdown with flyback functionality. If that sounds niche, it is. But that’s what makes it so good. You don’t need to own a yacht, or even know the rules of sailing, to appreciate the engineering it takes to bring that idea to life on the wrist.
The 116681: Where Steel Meets Everose Gold
The model we currently have in stock, the reference 116681, might be the most wearable of the bunch. It’s a striking combination of Rolex’s 904L Oystersteel and 18k Everose gold, with a Cerachrom blue ceramic bezel that gives it just enough pop without going full peacock. This two-tone configuration has always had a loyal following, and for good reason. It walks the line between sport and dress in a way few modern Rolexes do. It has presence, sure, at 44mm, it’s one of the largest watches Rolex makes, but the proportions feel intentional. There’s a flow to the case shape that keeps it from wearing clunky, and the polished center links of the bracelet taper beautifully into the clasp. Under the hood, it’s powered by the Rolex caliber 4161, a movement that took Rolex over 35,000 hours to develop. That’s not marketing fluff. It’s a genuinely complex piece of watchmaking with a mechanical memory and column wheel chronograph designed specifically to interact with the bezel for its signature countdown feature.
A Bezel With a Brain
That interaction is worth explaining. Most Rolex bezels are either decorative, like the fluted Datejust, or functional in the traditional diver or GMT sense. The Yacht-Master II changes the game by using what Rolex calls the “Ring Command” bezel. When you rotate the bezel counter-clockwise, it unlocks the movement’s programmable countdown function, allowing you to sync it with the official race start time. Once set, it can be activated with the pusher at 2 o’clock, paused, and reset to the original countdown with a single touch of the lower pusher. Even if you’ll never use it to start a race, the sheer mechanical choreography happening underneath the dial is something any collector can appreciate.
In the Context of Rolex
It’s impossible to look at the Yacht-Master II without thinking about its place in the broader Rolex catalog. If the Submariner is the archetype of the tool watch, and the Daytona is the king of racing chronographs, then the Yacht-Master II is the oddball genius cousin. It's sportier than the Sky-Dweller, less technical than the Deepsea, and bolder than the Explorer II. It doesn’t compete with the GMT-Master II or the Sea-Dweller. It exists on its own island.
And that’s exactly the point. This is Rolex saying, "We can build something purely mechanical, unapologetically complicated, and still make it beautiful." It’s a flex, but it’s a tasteful one. Even the fonts on the bezel, often a point of contention among design purists, feel more purposeful when viewed through the lens of its intended function.
Wearing the Yacht-Master II
I’ve worn plenty of Rolex models over the years. Most of them disappear on the wrist in the best way. A Sub or a Datejust can become part of your daily rhythm. The Yacht-Master II is different. This is not a watch that blends in. But that’s what I like about it. It’s confident. The way the blue ceramic bezel picks up natural light, the interplay between the gold and steel, and the way the dial feels open despite its complexity — it’s not just a timepiece, it’s a presence. And surprisingly, it wears flatter than you’d expect for a 44mm case. That’s thanks in part to Rolex’s thoughtful case back and lug design, which hug the wrist rather than sit on top of it.
The Kind of Watch That Grows on You
I’ve had clients come into Noah’s with a shortlist of watches in mind — a Submariner, maybe a GMT — and leave with the Yacht-Master II. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t always photograph well but delivers in person. You catch it in motion, feel the weight, hear the crispness of the pusher engagement, and suddenly it makes sense. It’s also one of the few Rolex models where enthusiasts will stop you to ask questions. “Is that the 116681?” “How does the countdown work?” “Is it really that complicated?”
And the answer to all of those is yes. It is.
Final Thoughts
For those who already know Rolex, the Yacht-Master II represents an opportunity to own something just left of center. It still carries all the reliability, finishing, and value retention that Rolex is known for, but it adds a layer of mechanical curiosity that few other pieces can match. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just looking for a standout first Rolex, the 116681 is worth a closer look. And yes, it’s in stock here at Noah’s.
You can shop it here, or better yet, come by the shop in Frisco. Try it on. Feel how it balances on the wrist. Play with the bezel. Let the engineering do the talking.
We’ll be here.
