Introduction

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680 is a luxury sports watch designed for yachting enthusiasts and professionals. This Swiss-made timepiece boasts a robust Oyster case, a bi-directional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel, and a unique countdown feature, making it an ideal companion for sailing races and regattas. The Yacht-Master II was first introduced in 2007 and has since become a popular choice among watch collectors and sailing enthusiasts.

The estimated price for a Rolex Yacht-Master II ranges from $22,000.00, depending on the materials and strap options. While Rolex has not announced any new models for 2023.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680 Overview

• Hour hand
• Minute hand
• Small seconds hand
• Countdown minute hand
• Countdown seconds hand
• Upper pusher
• Lower pusher
• Bidirectional 90° rotatable Ring Command bezel
• Triplock winding crown with triple waterproofness system

Detailed Specifications

Wearing the Watch For the First Time

Before being worn for the first time, or if it has stopped, a Rolex watch must be wound manually in order to function correctly and precisely. To wind the watch manually, unscrew the winding crown completely, then turn it several times clockwise. (Turning in the other direction has no effect.) A minimum of 25 turns is required for adequate partial winding. The watch will then be wound automatically as long as it is worn on the wrist. Carefully screw the crown back down against the case to ensure waterproofness.

The green seal accompanying your Rolex watch is a symbol of its status as a Superlative Chronometer. This exclusive designation attests that it has successfully undergone a series of specific final controls by Rolex in its own laboratories in addition to the official COSC certification of its movement. This unique testing of its chronometric precision, waterproofness, self-winding and reliability pushes back the boundaries of performance and makes Rolex a benchmark for excellence in mechanical watches. For further information, please visit https://rolex.com 

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors. It features a countdown function with a mechanical memory programmable from 1 to 10 minutes and which can be synchronized on the fly – a function that responds to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta. Its 44 mm Oyster case, waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) is a paragon of robustness. Its dial offers exceptional legibility thanks to the Chromalight hour markers and hands filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow when in darkness. Its Triplock winding crown, with a triple waterproofness system, is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. Its sapphire crystal is virtually scratchproof. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured by Rolex. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II features an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link.

Ring Command Bezel

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is equipped with a rotatable Ring Command bezel which serves to access and lock the countdown programming. The unique interaction between the movement and the bezel allows the sophisticated functions of the countdown to be easily set and operated using just one hand.

Description

The high-performing watch, the Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680, blends design and utility. Its eye-catching 44mm Oyster case, which comes in oyster steel, 18k white gold, or everose gold, is water resistant up to 100 meters and made to survive the rigors of sailing. With its bidirectionally rotatable 60-minute graded bezel and Cerachrom insert, the watch makes it simple to synchronize the countdown with the official race countdown.
With a column wheel and vertical clutch for accurate operation, the automatic chronograph Caliber 4161 movement, exclusive to Rolex, powers the watch. With a 72-hour power reserve, the COSC-certified chronometer has an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds every day.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680 dial comes in a variety of colors, and its Chromalight hour markers and hands make it very easy to read in dim light. Both an Oysterflex bracelet, which gives the watch a sleek and contemporary look, and an Oyster bracelet, which features Rolex's Oysterlock safety clasp, are available for the watch.

Setting the Watch

Screwed-down Position (Position 0)

The crown is completely screwed down against the case. When the crown is in this position, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

Manual Winding (Position 1)

The crown is unscrewed. To wind the watch manually, turn the crown clockwise; turning in the other direction has no effect. When setting the watch for the first time or after the watch has stopped, complete a minimum of 25 turns for partial winding.

Setting the Time (Position 2)

The crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the first notch. The small seconds hand is stopped, allowing you to set the time to the precise second. To set the hour and minute, turn the crown in either direction. Before setting the watch, make sure the bezel is in position I.

After every use, carefully screw the crown back down against the case to guarantee the waterproofness. Return the crown to position 1 and apply light pressure on it while screwing it down clockwise against the case. The crown should never be unscrewed underwater.

Official Regatta Starting Procedure

The official regatta starting procedure unfolds in several stages marked by sound and visual signals. It can last from 5 to 10 minutes according to the type of regatta. The unique programming and on-the-fly synchronization functions of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II’s countdown allow skippers to precisely time the starting sequence and be perfectly positioned to cross the line at the best possible moment.

Overview of a 10-minute countdown sequence

Using the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

Programming the Countdown (Before a Race)

To programme the countdown, follow the steps in the order given:

• Ensure that the countdown seconds hand is stopped. If not, stop it by pressing the upper pusher.
• Put the bezel in position II by turning it counterclockwise as far as it will go. This blocks the upper pusher.
• Press the lower pusher until it remains depressed. The countdown seconds hand returns to 12 o’clock. The countdown minutes hand comes back to the same minute programmed at the last setting.
• Unscrew the crown.
• Set the countdown duration by turning the crown clockwise. The countdown minute hand jumps from minute to minute. Stop at the desired countdown duration (10 minutes in this case).
• Put the bezel in position I by turning it clockwise as far as it will go. This unlocks the upper pusher and releases the lower pusher.

• Push in and then screw down the crown. The countdown is now programmed.

  

After every use, carefully screw the crown back down against the case to guarantee the waterproofness. Return the crown to position 1 and apply light pressure on it while screwing it down clockwise against the case. The crown should never be unscrewed underwater.

Start of the Official Countdown

A starting gun and a flag signal the start of the official regatta countdown.

• Press the upper pusher to start the countdown. The countdown seconds hand starts instantly and indicates elapsed seconds. The countdown minute hand indicates the remaining minutes on the graduated 10 to 0 minute scale on the dial.

  

Synchronization of the Countdown with the Official Countdown

A preparatory signal is given by firing the gun and hoisting another flag. If required, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II’s countdown can be synchronized with the official countdown. This step is necessary if the watch countdown has been launched too early or too late in relation to the official timing.

• Press the lower pusher briefly and firmly at the sound of the gun to synchronize the countdown. The countdown seconds hand is reset on the fly and runs again instantaneously as soon as the pusher is released. At the same time, the countdown minute hand is automatically synchronized to the nearest minute to compensate for the countdown having been launched too early or too late.

  

Preparatory Signal

Another preparatory signal is given with a blast of a horn and the lowering of the flag hoisted at the second gun.

• Make sure that the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II’s countdown is properly synchronized with the official countdown. If required, synchronize the countdown a second time (step 3). The watch now indicates precisely to the second how much time remains before the start line can be crossed.

  

Official Start

The official start is marked by a final sound of the gun and the lowering of the last flag. Having manoeuvred to full advantage until the last second, the skipper is perfectly positioned to cross the line at the signal and make the best start. At the end of the countdown, the countdown minute hand stops at zero. The countdown seconds hand continues to run.

• Press the upper pusher to stop the countdown seconds hand.

• Press the lower pusher to reset the countdown. The countdown seconds hand returns to 12 o’clock. The countdown minute hand returns to the same minute programmed at the last setting (10 minutes in this example).

  

Easylink Comfort Extension Link

To ensure optimal comfort when wearing your watch in any circumstances, Rolex created the Easylink comfort extension link, which is available on some models. Its exclusive design, which was patented, allows the length of the bracelet to be adjusted by approximately 5 mm, without the use of tools.

Adjusting from the short position to the long position

Adjusting from the long position to the short position

Troubleshooting

• Issue: The countdown function stops working
  Solution: Ensure the crown is fully pushed in after setting the countdown. If the issue persists, have the watch serviced by an authorized Rolex service center.
• Issue: The watch loses time or gains time
  Solution: Rolex recommends having the watch serviced every 10 years to maintain its accuracy and functionality. If the watch is still within its warranty period, contact Rolex for assistance.
• Issue: Water enters the case
  Solution: Rolex watches are designed to be water-resistant, but if water has entered the case, it must be serviced by an authorized Rolex service center.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Precise countdown function
• High-quality materials and finish
• Excellent legibility and readability
• Robust and water-resistant case
• COSC-certified chronometer movement

Cons

• Expensive
• The large 44mm case size may not suit everyone
• Limited availability

ROLEX SERVICE

Caring for Your Rolex

Thanks to Rolex expertise, your watch will require very little day-to-day care. You can help preserve its lustre by cleaning it occasionally with a microfibre cloth. You can also wash the case and bracelet from time to time using soapy water and a soft brush. After wearing your watch in the sea, it is important to rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt and sand deposits. Before cleaning your watch, always ensure that the crown is screwed down properly against the case to guarantee waterproofness.

Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate the Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch 116680 precision, robustness, and stylish design. The countdown function is highly regarded, as is the watch's overall build quality. However, some customers note that the 44mm case may be too large for their liking, and the watch's high price tag is a significant consideration.