Introducing: The New Rolex Yacht-Master II 126680 And 126688
In 2007, Rolex introduced its Yacht-Master II. It wasn’t a new version of the 1992 Yacht-Master but an all-new model with a regatta countdown chronograph function. By using the bezel (Rolex dubbed it “Ring Command”), you could set the watch to act as a countdown timer. Though it was a very clever system, it was relatively complicated to use (at the time, it was considered very innovative). The Yacht-Master II was in production from 2007 to 2024 (with some upgrades in between), and today, Rolex introduces a new version.
Instead of the Ring Command bezel, it’s now a matter of using the pushers. The bezel is now a more typical bidirectional one with a 60-minute scale. On the updated Yacht-Master II, the lower pusher handles the countdown programming. Each press advances the minute hand in one-step increments, allowing the wearer to set the desired duration directly by aligning it with the corresponding minute marker.
Once set, the watch stores the selected countdown in its mechanical memory. This means the wearer can restart the same sequence without resetting it, which proves practical when repeating identical start procedures across multiple races or legs.
Rolex has introduced two versions, one in stainless steel (reference 126680) and one in yellow gold (reference 126688).
The facts: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II
The latest iteration of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II introduces a revised take on the brand’s regatta-focused chronograph, retaining its 44mm Oyster case while refining both functionality and display. The case is offered in either Oystersteel or 18K yellow gold, with a 13.9mm thickness, and it retains the former version’s 100m water resistance rating. A bidirectional bezel with a blue Cerachrom insert frames the dial, with the first 30 minutes graduated in detail for timing intervals.
A new dial design
The dial is executed in a matte white lacquer designed to reduce reflections, paired with applied hour markers and luminescent hands. A redesigned countdown display now sits on a flange rather than the dial surface, improving legibility. The central chronograph seconds and the dedicated countdown minute hand rotate counterclockwise, a configuration intended to reflect the nature of a countdown.
Rolex caliber 4162
Caliber 4162
Powering the watch is the new caliber 4162, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch. It incorporates Rolex’s Chronergy escapement and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The key complication remains the programmable regatta countdown, now operated solely via pushers rather than the previous bezel-linked system, with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization.
The watch comes fitted to an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension system, providing minor adjustment on the wrist. As part of Rolex’s Professional range, the watch carries the Superlative Chronometer certification. It will also join the brand’s standard-production lineup.
First impressions
Just like you, our reader, I’d seen some of the leaks on social media. When Rolex started teasing its new watches, I was pretty sure the Yacht-Master II would be part of the collection. I just couldn’t figure out how the bezel would work, since it looked like a standard diving-scale bezel. Well, it is! Rolex just made a smart new development for setting and operating the countdown timer.
Although I expected the new Rolex Yacht-Master II to be smaller, The Crown decided to keep the 44mm case. The new dial design is “quieter” because the flange is used rather than the dial surface. In combination with the dive-scale bezel, this brings the Yacht-Master II one small step closer to the regular Yacht-Master. I’ll have to try it on for size, but I am sure this watch is not for every wrist. The steel Rolex Yacht-Master II 126680 has a retail price of €19,850 / US$20,300 / CHF 18,100. The gold Rolex Yacht-Master II 126688 has a retail price of €56,700 / USD$57,800 / CHF 51,500. You can find more information on the official Rolex website.
Let us know what you think of the new Yacht-Master II in the comments below.
