The Definitive Guide to the Rolex Yacht-Master II

In the realm of high-end horology, the Rolex Yacht-Master II stands as a beacon of opulence and precision engineering. Since its introduction in 2007, it has not merely followed in the footsteps of its esteemed predecessor, but rather, it has set a new standard in luxury watches. This masterpiece seamlessly integrates the functional demands of regatta timing with the unmatched quality synonymous with the Rolex brand. Its hallmark feature, a programmable countdown with on-the-fly synchronization, epitomizes Rolex’s dedication to innovation tailored specifically for the strategic demands of yacht racing.

As we delve into its rich history, distinctive features, and coveted models, this guide is tailored for connoisseurs who appreciate life’s finer pleasures. Whether you’re considering an investment in haute horology or looking to enhance your watch collection, the Rolex Yacht-Master II represents the zenith of horological craftsmanship-a tangible asset that transcends time and trends. Continue reading to uncover the allure of the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

A Glance into the Past: The Evolution of the Rolex Yacht-Master II

Introduced in 2007, the Rolex Yacht-Master II marked a notable departure from the brand’s traditionally conservative design ethos, signaling a bold leap forward in both form and function. Initially available in 18k yellow gold (ref 116688) and 18k white gold with a platinum bezel (ref 116689), these models boasted a commanding presence that ignited spirited discussions among watch aficionados. While some lauded its conspicuous design, others perceived it as a departure from replica Rolex’s heritage of understated elegance.

In response to the shifting economic landscape post-2008 financial crisis, Rolex expanded the Yacht-Master II collection in 2011 with the introduction of the ref. 116681-an Everose Rolesor model offering a more accessible entry point. This iteration featured a stainless steel case and bracelet links complemented by an Everose gold crown, pushers, and central bracelet links. The collection further diversified in 2013 with the introduction of the all-steel version, ref. 116680, showcasing the new caliber Cal. 4161, a successor to the Cal. 4160.

The sole notable design revision occurred in 2017, commemorating the watch’s tenth anniversary. Updates included refined hour markers and hands, such as replacing the blue hour marker surrounds with white gold and introducing a taller marker at 6 o’clock. These subtle enhancements aligned the Yacht-Master II more closely with Rolex’s Professional Collection, maintaining continuity without necessitating a new reference number.

Throughout its evolution, the Rolex Yacht-Master II has remained distinguished by its unique regatta timer function-an emblem of Rolex’s commitment to innovative and functional design. This distinctive feature, coupled with its striking aesthetics, has cemented the Yacht-Master II’s status as a sought-after model among collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts.

Unveiling the Distinctive Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II commands attention with its substantial 44mm Oyster case, enhancing both its visual impact and dial legibility-a practical choice for a sports watch, ensuring essential timekeeping information is readily accessible.

A highlight of the Yacht-Master II is its innovative Ring Command System, seamlessly integrating the bezel, crown, and internal mechanism. This system facilitates effortless setting and synchronization of the watch’s functions, including its unique regatta timer-a vital tool for competitive sailing events.

The programmable flyback regatta timer, prominently displayed on the dial, allows users to select countdown intervals ranging from one to ten minutes. Furthermore, the watch enables “on-the-fly” synchronization, aided by audible cues commonly used at the onset of regatta races.

For models featuring steel, steel and Everose, and yellow gold, the bezel incorporates a blue Cerachrom insert-a remarkably durable and scratch-resistant ceramic material impervious to UV rays and corrosion. Conversely, the 18k white gold model boasts a platinum Ring Command Bezel, exuding sophistication with its sandblasted background and polished graduations.

Enhancing legibility in all conditions, the Chromalight display ensures optimal readability, particularly in low-light settings-a critical attribute for demanding pursuits like sailing. At its core lies the Perpetual Caliber 4160 (later upgraded to the Cal. 4161), a self-winding mechanical movement developed exclusively by Rolex. Renowned for its precision and reliability, these movements feature a programmable countdown with mechanical memory-a requisite feature for regatta timing.

Model Variants: A Closer Look at the Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is available in four distinct variants, with three models currently in production as of 2024. While the white gold ref. 116689 was discontinued in 2022, it remains accessible in the pre-owned market.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel Blue Bezel 116680, unveiled at Baselworld 2013, stands out with its robust 44mm stainless steel case-a testament to fake Rolex’s mastery in crafting resilient yet refined sports watches. Its defining feature, the blue Cerachrom bezel, underscores Rolex’s commitment to innovation, boasting exceptional scratch resistance and color retention. Equipped with the self-winding Rolex 4161 movement, this model seamlessly merges functionality with distinctive design elements, making it a compelling choice for sailing enthusiasts.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel and Everose Gold 116681, introduced in 2011, marries the durability of 904L stainless steel with the luxurious allure of 18k Everose gold. Enhanced by a vibrant blue Cerachrom bezel and Everose gold accents, this model exudes sophistication while delivering specialized functionalities tailored for yacht racing. With its harmonious blend of technical prowess and visual appeal, the Yacht-Master II 116681 commands admiration both on and off the regatta course.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Yellow Gold 116688, launched in 2007, represents a milestone in Rolex’s esteemed lineage, redefining luxury sports watches with its opulent 44mm yellow gold case. Adorned with a blue Cerachrom bezel, this model epitomizes Rolex’s pursuit of excellence, boasting exceptional durability and enduring elegance. Equipped with the precise Rolex 4161 movement, this timepiece seamlessly fuses luxury craftsmanship with functional sophistication-a hallmark of Rolex’s innovation in luxury sports watch design.

Meanwhile, the Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116689, introduced in 2007, stands as a testament to Rolex’s pioneering spirit, combining 18k white gold with a platinum bezel. Noteworthy for its substantial 44mm case size and innovative regatta countdown timer, this model exemplifies Rolex’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Equipped with the Caliber 4160 (later upgraded to Cal. 4161), this timepiece represents a harmonious fusion of luxury materials, technical innovation, and uncompromising performance-a true embodiment of Rolex’s legacy of excellence.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II series, with its blend of luxury, precision, and specialized functionality, offers a captivating array of choices for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s the bold elegance of the Yellow Gold 116688, the technical sophistication of the Stainless Steel and Everose Gold 116681, or the understated refinement of the White Gold Platinum Bezel 116689, each model encapsulates Rolex’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond mere timekeeping instruments, these watches serve as symbols of a refined lifestyle and an enduring passion for the maritime world.

For those seeking to acquire or delve deeper into these exquisite timepieces, replica watches presents an ideal destination. Their expertise and curated collection cater to a discerning clientele, serving as a valuable resource for aficionados looking to invest in a Rolex Yacht-Master II or expand their luxury watch collection.

The Tribute to Rolex Daytona 6265 in Exquisite Watch Art

Renowned watch artist Tamás Fehér, featured at the ABTW Store, unveils his latest horological masterpiece, a homage to the iconic Rolex Daytona 6265 Big Red. Fehér’s signature black and white rendering, capturing impeccable details, elevates the unattainable beauty of this vintage timepiece to larger-than-life proportions. To enhance the motorsport essence, Fehér custom-made a checkered flag, seamlessly integrated into the entirely hand-drawn artwork, available for purchase at the ABTW Store.

Inspired by his encounter with a Rolex Daytona 6265 “Big Red” in May 2024, Fehér shares, “Upon seeing this extraordinary replica watch, I decided to create a drawing, turning my dream watch project into reality. The inaccessibility due to budget constraints and the rarity of these vintage Daytonas intensified the significance of this endeavor. Named the Daytona Edition II Project, this drawing mirrors my 2021 piece of the 6263, and the checkered racing flag emphasizes its authentic racing heritage.”

The resulting artwork is a striking and tasteful celebration of the replica Rolex Daytona 6265, whether you own a modern or vintage Daytona or any motorsport-themed chronograph. Fehér’s meticulous attention to detail, from reflections on the case and bezel to the subtleties of subdial grooves and the “Big Red” text in red, magnifies this spectacular timepiece for unparalleled appreciation.

For enthusiasts eager to own a piece of this tribute, the “Tribute to the Big Red 6265” is available in easy-to-frame sizes—A3 (30×42 cm), B2 (50×70 cm), and B1 (70×100 cm)—priced at $149, $199, and $249, respectively. Additionally, a convenient $15 FedEx Priority Shipping option ensures delivery to nearly every corner of the globe.

In essence, Fehér’s artwork transcends the boundaries of conventional appreciation, offering a unique opportunity to bring the elegance of the Rolex Daytona 6265 into your home or office. The marriage of art and horology is beautifully encapsulated in this tribute, inviting enthusiasts to explore the allure of one of the defining pieces in the world of racing chronographs.

2023 Best Rolex GMT-Master II Luxury Watches in Popularity

Rolex has released two new versions of the replica Rolex GMT-Master II – one in 18-carat yellow gold and the other in yellow Rolesor – with grey and black ceramic Cerachrom bezel inserts. The watch now comes in a new color combination. The gold shimmer of the Jubilee strap contrasts with the darker tones of the two-tone bezel, designed to evoke the trajectory of the sun and the alternation of day and night. The choice of materials and the precise finishing bring out the watch’s radiance.
The GMT-Master II features a signature bidirectional rotating bezel with a monochromatic Cerachrom insert with a two-tone, 24-hour scale. The fake watch allows the wearer to read the time in two different time zones simultaneously via the regular display and the arrow-shaped 24-hour hand. On the new version of the GMT-Master II, the 24-hour hand, like the hour-markers and the other three hands, is made of 18-carat yellow gold, providing an elegant contrast to the black lacquered dial. The new version of the GMT-Master II is exclusively equipped with a Jubilee strap.
The updated GMT-Master II demonstrates Rolex’s commitment to aesthetic and technical excellence. The new color combination and the use of high-quality materials highlight the exemplary craftsmanship of the watch.
Some of the most popular versions of the GMT-Master II include the “Batman” model with a black and blue ceramic bezel, the “Pepsi” model with a red and blue ceramic bezel, and the “Root Beer” model with a brown and gold bezel. These models are highly coveted by collectors and can command premium prices in the secondary market.
Overall, the Rolex GMT-Master II is a highly regarded and popular luxury watch that is known for its quality, versatility, and functionality. While popularity rankings may vary over time, the GMT-Master II is likely to remain a highly sought-after timepiece for years to come.

Why is the Cellini not as popular as other Rolex watches?

Rolex has discontinued producing its Milgauss anti-magnetic chronographs and Cellini formal watches. However, Rolex introduced most of its modern Cellini line of classic watches in 2014, more in the formal wear category than the professional sports models that dominate the brand’s men’s market today.
It was designed to meet the requirements of nuclear scientists, being able to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gausses. This ability is no longer a practical necessity but more a piece of horological history appreciated by collectors.
It had long been expected that Rolex would abandon both collections so that it could focus more of its production on the most sought-after watches with long waiting lists. Watches suspected to be on the chopping block tend to rise in value on the secondary market.
There is no doubt that the fake Rolex Cellini is made using the same quality standards that apply to any Rolex watch. Also, the presence of precious stones and the use of gold ensure that the watch retains its value and even appreciates it. Why does this particular collection not necessarily achieve the popularity enjoyed by other Rolex collections?
Some would say that it is the nature of this collection that makes it unattractive to many buyers. Most of Rolex’s collections are purpose-driven. That is, they are made for a specific purpose in a particular type of customer. When the collection is mentioned, people associate it with a specific attribute, such as a double date, a high level of water resistance, or even some type of beveled face. With those other collections, you know that certain features will always be included.
Cellini is more like a wild card in a family known for offering specific collections of watches that appeal to those who want something special. With replica Rolex Cellini, the only way to find what you want, if possible, is to go through multiple designs and see how well they match. That’s more work than going straight to something like a Rolex Mariner, where you know what to expect.
Even so, looking into the idea of owning a Rolex Cellini or two is worth the time and effort. From something you can wear for at least part of the day to something that is only worn on certain types of occasions, you may find one that has a look you want.

The Manufacturer Behind the Rolex “Paul Newman” Dial

Today, replica Rolex is famous as a highly integrated watchmaker that produces almost every component in-house; however, this was not always the case. In fact, the Swiss watch industry is deeply rooted in the établissage system, whereby manufacturing is divided into small, specialized, independent units, and components are brought together under a single brand name only at the final stage of production.
Thus, for centuries, Switzerland was full of movement designers, bracelet makers, case makers, dial makers, engravers, enamellers, and other specialists. Before Rolex became obsessed with making everything in-house, the iconic Swiss watchmaker did outsource the manufacture of some components to these specialists.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at Singer, the famous 20th-century dial maker and the company behind the iconic design of the Daytona “Exotic Dial”, also known as the fake Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” dial. Read on to learn more about the relationship between Singer and Rolex, and the now famous and highly collectible exotic Daytona dials that resulted from this partnership.
Founded in 1919 by Jean Singer & Cie in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the company quickly rose to become the dial supplier of choice for some of the top brands in the watch industry. singer’s client list included brands such as Heuer, Omega, Universal Genève, Tudor, and, of course, Rolex. In addition to Singer, Rolex also outsources dials from other dial manufacturers, including Stern, Beyeler, Emmerich, and others.
There are two interesting things to note about these Singer “exotic dials” made for Rolex Daytona. First, they were not particularly successful; the vast majority of buyers opted for the standard dial because the “exotic dial” proved to be a bit too, well, exotic for the era. As a result, Rolex produced many more standard Daytona models than exotic ones, which explains why there are far fewer Paul Newman-style dials on the vintage market today. This rarity, of course, adds to the desirability and collectability of these exceptional copy Rolex Daytona watches.
Another intriguing thing about Singer’s exotic dials is that they are not exclusive to Rolex. As mentioned earlier, Singer has a long list of customers and similar dials have been fitted to other watches such as those by Vulcain, Wakmann, Nevada, and Lip. While these Singer dials are nowhere near as expensive, sought-after, or collectible as the dials on the Rolex Daytona, they are surely amazing examples of striking Singer dial designs.
The fact that vintage Daytona watches with Singer-made “Paul Newman” dials are some of the most coveted and expensive vintage sports watches on the pre-owned market today is an incredible comeback story. While Singer and Rolex may no longer do any business together, their historically important relationship not only paved the way for today’s thriving vintage Daytona market but is also responsible for some of the most expensive Rolex watches in the world.

HOW to BUY A DAYTONA 116500?

This is the best place to buy a Rolex Daytona. 116500. While you can buy this watch through a Rolex retailer or boutique, the problem is that you will have to wait years to actually get your watch, and even then there is no guarantee that you will actually get one until the model is updated or discontinued.
Unless you plan on waiting years, the pre-owned market is the only place you can really get a Rolex Daytona 116500. You can browse our 116500 reference watch catalog on our website 24/7 and all the fake Rolex watches you see are in stock and available for immediate purchase with our lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
Unfortunately, it’s not like walking into a Rolex retailer and asking for a new Daytona ref. 116500. Authorized retailers are all out of stock and every Rolex dealer around the world has a growing waiting list of stainless steel Daytona’s that already have countless names in front of you.
So while you can buy a new Daytona through an authorized Rolex dealer or boutique, the waiting list for a new Daytona can be years long. When you shop on the secondary market, you have the advantage of being able to purchase the ultra-exclusive Rolex Daytona 116500 without the wait. While you will pay a premium over retail price, you will be able to wear a stainless steel Daytona on your wrist today, complete with its original box and paperwork, without the wait.
Rolex Daytona replica watches are expensive for a few different reasons. First, only a certain number of watches are produced each year, which makes them very unique. Also, given that the stainless steel model is the least expensive version of Rolex’s iconic chronograph, there are more people who can buy it than the more expensive solid gold and platinum models. As for why pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116500LN fake watches are so much more expensive than their new counterparts, it is solely due to the fact that demand far exceeds supply at the retail level.
Even though the Rolex 4130 movement has been in circulation for over 20 years, it is still widely regarded as one of the best self-winding chronograph movements available. These two features are essential for a professional racing chronograph like the Rolex Daytona, which needs to work properly through every bump, vibration, and turn on the track.

Vintage Watches A 1985 Replica Rolex Daytona ‘Big Red,’

If you haven’t realized it yet, this week’s Rolex replica looks a little different. We’re not just going to breeze past that incredible Paramount Beverly Hills Cop II Letterman jacket, we see you, Mr. Murphy. Anyway, yes, it’s the week of the 80s here. All of this week’s stories can be found here, on the official “80s Week” page – check it out, it’ll be a great primer for this week’s retro selection. 16520-20130726A-5 16520-20130726A-6
Most weeks, we prefer to offer a wide range of vintage models (sometimes even going back to the 1930s) to match the theme of the week, and each of the models listed this week is from the current decade. The 1980s is a very interesting intersection in the world of watchmaking. Many classic models, such as the Omega Speedmaster and the replica Rolex GMT-Master, were in a transitional phase – with one foot on pure vintage and the other moving towards a more modern feel with solid link bracelets and upgraded movements. In a different vertical, brands such as Seiko and TAG Heuer are making a new kind of watch, the quartz-powered watch, and exploring the possibilities of this uncharted territory.
In addition, black-PVD and gold plating usually show significant wear, but the two different finishes on this watch and bracelet remain crisp and clear, making this example a strong contender for current wear. In the 1980s, this watch featured a quartz movement, which was a positive attribute at the time and one of the reasons this watch was so popular when it was released. This helped to minimize the overuse of the crown, as mechanical movements can cause water to seep inside the case.
What can I say about the Daytona? I got to know the Daytona a little better after I put this Ref. 6263 on my wrist. I’m wearing this Ref.6263 on my wrist as I write this, and I can’t deny that the hype is real. The screw-down pushers and black bezel make my heart beat faster. Our example today is from 1985, which marked the last era of manual-winding Daytonas; in a few years, the next generation of automatic Daytonas would come out. To me, it’s cool to think about the last version of something after which the Daytona will never be the same.
One of the things that drew me to this example is its overall condition, which is very good. Specifically, the dial is to die for, all the plume plots are full and round, and the colors of the plumes all match perfectly. The dials on these replica watches are very important, and when you see a good one, you’ll understand why. The custard-colored plume looks great against the silver dial, it’s just so nice. Another nice aesthetic of this watch is the overall contrast – the bezel is black, the dial is silver, the registers are black, and it all works very well together.

What Makes Rolex Watches so Successful?

The daily wear resistance of a watch depends on its design function. The round Rolex contributes to its water resistance and superior readability. Add this central scanning second hand and Cyclops date magnifier. Existing collections are maintained and continuously improved over the years. This is supported by Rolex expert Percy Christian Schoeler, founder of the German-language internet portals Luxify and R-L-X-Forum: “Over the decades, only very careful modifications to the iconic designs of individual collections of models have gained a high degree of recognition.” There are no sudden design changes or jumps, and even the size of the shell changes only very slowly.
The moment you buy a car, it drops in value by half. This fact is true to a lesser extent for the best replica watches – except for Rolex. For the high-demand sports models in stainless steel at least (though this is a stickier situation for gold Oyster models and the gorgeous gold Cellini watches) it’s possible to get just a little less, or maybe even more, than the original purchase price. This is an attraction for any customer — whether they buy a watch for this particular reason or for any other reason. I am relieved to know that you have made a wise decision.
Back in October, in fact, a Rolex Daytona owned by actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction, netting $15.5 million at Phillips’ New York “Winning Icons” auction. This beat the previous record for the most expensive Rolex wristwatch ever sold, a Ref. 6062 with its triple date display (pointer date indicator, weekday and month in window openings) in the one-time variation with a black dial and diamond markers that once belonged to Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. It was purchased this past May at Phillips in Geneva for more than SF5 million.
The price stability of used but still relatively new watches depends in large part on the high prices that older fake Rolex watches often fetch at auction. After Patek Philippe, Rolex is the second most popular brand. Over the past few decades, there have been thousands of successful Rolex watches auctioned off. In some cases, house prices have reached dizzying heights.

Rolex Day-Date watches – side

rolex-078811_04Crystals have no non-reflective coating, so readability is not always ideal. Luminescent materials on the hands 3, 6 and 9 help position in the dark. There’s no date display. Its absence assures a tidy-looking dial, but might dissuade some from buying this model. If you’re one of them, Rolex replica offers dates only in 36mm and 41mm versions, each with a magnifying glass above the date, and each at a much higher price.
With a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, the Oyster Perpetual 39 is well suited for daily use. Because of the lack of a date display, operating the Oyster Perpetual 39 is refreshingly simple. The crown, which unscrews easily, has only two extracted positions: one to wind the mainspring and another to set the hands. This model also provides the stop-seconds function that halts the balance, and thus also the hands, to facilitate to-the-second time setting.
The horizontal bar under Rolex’s crown-shaped logo on the winding button stands for the Twinlock crown. With a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, the Oyster Perpetual 39 is impermeable enough for a sportily amazing watch and is well suited for daily use.
The caseback of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 is fully threaded: underneath it is Caliber 3132. It is distinguished from its predecessor, whose powers the smaller, 36-mm and 34-mm models, in that it has a Parachrom balance spring and Paraflex shock absorption. Caliber 3132 is based on the familiar Caliber 3135 with date display, which ticks inside the Submariner and the Datejust.
Each of these replica rolex manufacture calibers is a nice option if you want to own just one watch because watchmakers rate all of them among the best automatic movements on the market. They earn this distinction for a few reasons: they’re quite robust; their architecture is made to maximize longevity; and they can be finely adjusted with extreme precision. That’s why a sturdy balance bridge takes the place of an ordinary balance cock, which is borne on only one side. Two knurled screws can be turned to adjust the vertical play.  rolex watch for men
A Breguet terminal curve on the balance spring contributes to precise timekeeping in every situation, as does the regulator-free fine adjustment mechanism via Microstella nuts on the balance. Regardless of the way the rotor occurs, the red anodized wheel in the self-winding assembly transfers its kinetic energy with minimal friction.

Best Rolex watches for Father’s Day

For many people, it’s hard to find the perfect Father’s Day gift. He already has most of what he wants, and he rarely says what you can give him to make him happy. This year, instead of a tie or cologne, give dad a gift of luxury, status, elegance and dependability — a Rolex that he can wear every day and love forever. 
Many people would say that a Rolex is far out of their price range, but with pre-owned Rolex replica watches, you can get all of the same luxury and exclusivity at a mere fraction of the price. Celebrate that particular father in your life by showing him exactly how much he means to everyone. A genuine Rolex on his wrist will be a daily reminder of just how much everyone loves him and appreciates everything that he has done for them.
When purchasing for a Father’s Day gift, Rolex watch prices might scare you. However, shopping a pre-owned Rolex watches can allow you to get Dad that perfect, elegant timepiece without spending a fortune.
Prices for used Rolexes often vary from model to model and condition to condition, so buy a few and see what style works best for the man in your life. Maybe he would like the traditional GMT-II model to be an ideal gift for his father, or he would really like a Rolex Submarine. Each model provides the same precision and attention to detail that one would expect from Rolex, but with slightly different features.
Due to the quality and precision of the workmanship that goes into each fake rolex watch, used Rolex prices often hold steady over time. A Rolex is a gift that he can wear throughout his whole life, and in a variety of circumstances. A used Rolex can even give casual clothes a special feel and can be the perfect addition to a business suit. It will remain impeccably stylish while scuba diving or watching his daughter’s soccer game. It is indeed a piece of jewelry that every man needs in his closet.
Take a look at the price of a second-hand Rolex today to see if you can turn the father of your life into a Rolex man this year.