montre rolex yacht master 2 prix

Rolex Yacht-Master II Introduction

The Yacht-Master II was released in 2007 with its signature regatta timer complication. It is the younger, bolder sibling of Rolex’s Yacht-Master that debuted in 1992. While the original Yacht-Master displays similarities to the ever-popular Rolex Submariner , the Yacht-Master II is in a class of its own, both visually and mechanically.

Rolex Yacht-Master II History

The Yacht-Master II was purpose-built for competitive sailors. The tool watch’s boldly designed case houses a programmable countdown timer that is controlled by rotating the bezel. Large and attention-grabbing, the Yacht-Master II presents a design aesthetic that pushes the boundaries of what a Rolex can be.

First introduced in 2007, the Yacht-Master II was offered in yellow and white gold variations under references 116688 and 116689 , respectively. An Everose gold/steel two-tone Rolesor version (ref. 116681) was added in 2011, followed by the stainless steel reference 116680 two years later. With a case size of 44mm that rises 13.9mm on the wrist, the Yacht-Master II commands attention on the wrist both from owners and observers. The bold bezel houses a platinum- or gold-filled blue Cerachrom ceramic insert with a 10-minute scale above the words “Yacht-Master II.” This was no ordinary bezel, however.

Deemed the “Ring Command” bezel by Rolex, it is directly connected to the watch’s mechanism to program the Yacht-Master II’s 10-minute countdown timer. During the 10-minute interval leading up to the start of a regatta, sailors jockey to position their crafts as close to the starting line as possible. Precision is key since crossing the line early results in a penalty and being too far out puts the boat at an immediate disadvantage. The exclusive Yacht-Master II complication allows a sailor to program the countdown, store it in the mechanism and synchronize to the official race countdown on-the-fly

The Yacht-Master II’s characteristics have been relatively stable since the watch debuted. Its case is free of sharp edges and perfectly cradles the Triplock crown and subtly detailed pushers. The matte white dial offers outstanding legibility for contrasting elements. Hours are marked by luminous rectangular shapes with a triangle marker at 12 o’clock on models produced after 2017. With that refresh, Rolex also updated the straight hour hand with the familiar Mercedes style that appears on other Rolex Professional watches. A small second register at 6 o’clock and the countdown timer indices that arc gracefully from approximately 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock complete the look.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Features

The Yacht-Master II’s power is produced by Rolex’s in-house designed and manufactured calibre 4161 COSC-certified automatic movement. Comprised of roughly 360 individual components, the Cal. 4161 features a 70-hour power reserve, flyback and fly-forward chronograph functionality, anti-magnetism and shock-resistance and, of course, Rolex’s patented 10-minute countdown timer.

The watch is unapologetically large with a 44mm case that measures a massive 57.4mm end-link to end-link. Details include a screw-down case back and protected Triplock crown flanked by delicately etched pushers. The Oyster case is water resistant to 100 meters. The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster bracelet is a classic Rolex three-piece design with polished center links, satin sides and Oysterlock safety clasp. An Easylink extension allows a rapid 5mm adjustment to the bracelet length without the need for tools.

Yellow Gold

White gold + platinum, two-tone rolesor (everose gold + steel).

The Yacht-Master II’s color palate and design evoke nautical themes that are inspired by the presence of red and blue accents. In the dark, luminescent Chromalight hands and markers glow with a vibrant blue that lasts up to eight hours. The timer markings, however, do not have lume.

The Yacht-Master II is available in four materials: yellow gold, white gold + platinum, two-tone Rolesor (Everose gold + steel) and steel. All are topped by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is surrounded by the Yacht-Master II’s Ring Command bezel in solid platinum or with a blue ceramic insert.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Value and Collectability

The Yacht-Master II is a bit of an outlier in the Rolex family. It is visually imposing and technologically advanced, but Rolex purists opine that it does not deliver the classic Rolex experience of more traditional sports models like the Submariner, Sea-Dweller or Explorer. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a rare timepiece that stands out from all other Rolex designs, the Yacht-Master II is an excellent choice. Retail prices for new Yacht-Master II models range from approximately $19,000 for steel to nearly $50,000 for the luxe white gold/platinum edition.

Pre-owned Rolex Yacht-Master IIs in gold or platinum with original papers and boxes typically sell well below retail, though prices on used steel versions trend just slightly below new. Many Rolex aficionados consider the Yacht-Master II to be undervalued in the used Rolex marketplace and firmly expect that it will emerge as a highly prized collectors watch.

Watchmaker’s Perspective

The regatta countdown timer function on the Rolex Yacht-Master II is a fascinating feature that gets a lot of attention. And the Caliber 4161 movement used to power the Yacht-Master II is extremely complex, with over 360 parts. But how are those parts made? From the watchmaker's perspective, the manufacturing technology used to create such a complicated movement is especially intriguing.

For the Caliber 4161, Rolex made extensive use of LIGA technology. LIGA is a German acronym meaning Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung (Lithography, Electroplating and Molding). The LIGA process allows parts to be manufactured that would have been nearly impossible with traditional methods, due to their shapes.

The LIGA process is closely related to semiconductor manufacturing and uses similar tools. A patterned mask is used to project UV light onto photosensitive resin at a very high resolution. This creates a micro-mold, which is then used to grow parts inside of. When the metal parts are completely grown, an acid strips away the photosensitive resin, leaving the finished part. This technology is opening up new avenues to watchmakers—one example is the fantastically complex Caliber 4161 in the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

Oyster Perpetual

Yacht‑Master

Suivre son cap, tracer les routes invisibles.

En mer, maintenir le meilleur cap est un défi de chaque instant. Face aux éléments, aucune trajectoire ne peut être déterminée à l’avance, ce qui oblige à réagir constamment. Depuis son lancement en 1992, l’Oyster Perpetual Yacht‑Master est dotée d’une lunette tournante bidirectionnelle qui facilite le calcul et la lecture des temps de navigation. Conjuguant avec élégance fonctionnalité et style nautique, cette montre a su s’affirmer bien au-delà de son univers de prédilection.

Une quête de précision partagée

Se repérer dans l’espace et le temps, opter pour un cap et le maintenir sont autant de nécessités liées à la navigation. Par sa fonction, la montre est l’un des outils indispensables aux navigateurs pour évaluer leur position. Considérés comme les instruments horlogers les plus précis au monde, les chronomètres de marine sont, dès le XVIII e  siècle, certifiés par des observatoires astronomiques. Celui de Kew en Grande‑Bretagne est alors la plus haute instance de mesure en matière de précision chronométrique.

En 1914, le fondateur de Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, fait tester une des montres de la marque par ce même observatoire, qui la certifie : une première en horlogerie pour une montre‑bracelet. Depuis, nombre de navigateurs célèbres, comme sir Francis Chichester ou Bernard Moitessier, ont sillonné les mers avec au poignet une montre Rolex en guise de chronomètre de bord.

Égaler la précision des chronomètres de marine : un défi aux origines des montres Rolex.

Conçue pour les navigateurs

La voile occupe une place privilégiée dans l’univers de Rolex. En 1958, la marque s’associe au New York Yacht Club, créateur de la célèbre Coupe de l’America. Par la suite, Rolex devient partenaire de différents yacht-clubs prestigieux à travers le monde et s’associe aux grands événements nautiques – courses au large ou régates côtières.

Ces liens étroits se concrétisent, en 1992, avec le lancement de la Yacht‑Master. Tout en bénéficiant des qualités de robustesse et d’étanchéité de notre boîtier Oyster, ce chronomètre est doté d’une lunette bidirectionnelle graduée 60 minutes en relief, qui facilite le calcul et la lecture des temps lors d’une navigation.

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Précieuse en mer comme sur terre

Proposée en trois diamètres – 37, 40 et 42 mm – et en différentes déclinaisons précieuses – or jaune, gris ou Everose 18 ct – ainsi qu’en version Rolesor Everose et version Rolesium, la Yacht‑Master est unique dans l’univers des montres Professionnelles de Rolex. Montre élégante à l’esprit sportif, elle est la première, en 2015, à être assortie au bracelet Oysterflex.

En 2023, Rolex lance une nouvelle version de la Yacht-Master 42, dont les qualités ont été préalablement testées en conditions réelles par le célèbre barreur sir Ben Ainslie. Celle-ci est fabriquée en titane RLX : un matériau ultraperformant, à la fois léger, robuste et résistant à la corrosion.

Véritable alliée en mer, la Yacht‑Master habille avec élégance le poignet des navigateurs une fois de retour sur la terre ferme. La pluralité de ses tailles et de ses déclinaisons en fait un modèle qui transcende son univers de prédilection. Elle devient la montre de celles et ceux qui savent adapter leur route sans jamais perdre de vue leur horizon, en restant libres de leurs mouvements.

Yacht-Master 42

Oyster, 42 mm, or jaune.

10 Rolex Yacht-Master Alternatives (Homage & Affordable Watch Options)

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The Rolex Yacht-Master is the ultimate nautical watch . Purpose-built for sailing, the Rolex Yacht-Master is an indispensable marine tool and a benchmark in watchmaking. With Rolex pedigree, a rich history, and a glorious reputation, the watch remains immensely sought after. However, like with any Rolex model, the pricing keeps many away. For instance, a brand new Yacht-Master within the most economical configuration can set you back by over nine thousand USD. Don’t let this worry you though. That is to say, there are many homages and affordable alternatives you can consider instead of the expensive Rolex Yacht-Master. In this article, we will recommend a list of alternative watches from various brands. Above all, the list will feature models across different price ranges making sure there is something for everybody. Before we look at our alternatives, let us learn more about the Yacht-Master itself.

Table of Contents

Rolex Yacht-Master

Best Affordable Rolex Yacht-Master Alternatives

NOTE: This article features alternatives to the Rolex Yacht-Master and not the Yacht-Master II.

Invicta Pro Diver 9210

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  Swiss brand Invicta bears a rich history. Founded in 1837 by Raphael Picard in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the brand focused on affordable luxury. Since the brand’s re-establishment in 1991, it remains based in Hollywood, Florida. For this list, we’re looking at Invicta’s Pro Diver 9210 model. This model is almost identical to the Rolex Yacht-Master. For instance, the overall design of the case and its constituents are just like that of the Rolex. Furthermore, the 40mm stainless steel case hosts a Japanese Caliber NH35A automatic movement and is visible through the clear rear. In addition, the watch is water-resistant up to 200M and is available in different finishes/colors. More importantly, all Invicta models come with a three-year warranty. You may read about the brand Invicta here. 

Davosa Ternos Collection

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  The Davosa name originated from a collection under the Fabrique d’horlogerie Hasler & Co SA brand in Switzerland. Launched in 1987, the collection gained immense popularity globally and grew to the brand we know of today. The family-owned brand offers its Ternos Collection to consider for the Rolex Yacht-Master alternatives. The Ternos Ceramic, Medium, and Professional offer great alternatives for you to choose from. The three collections offer Yacht-Master like models measuring in different diameters, colors, and price points. We will specifically look at the Ternos Ceramic Automatic to highlight some features. The 40mm all stainless steel watch runs on the DAV 3021 automatic movement. A ceramic, unidirectional rotating bezel sits around the anti-glare, sapphire crystal. The dial markers and hands are luminous and the watch itself is water-resistant up to 20ATM. Read our review on Davosa here. 

Steinhart Ocean One

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German brand Steinhart is another brand to consider for homage models. Founded in 2001 by Gunther Steinhart in Augsburg, the watch brand markets itself as ‘Swiss Made’. The brand’s Ocean One model under the diver’s series offers a good alternative to the Rolex Yacht-Master. Available at a fraction of the Rolex price, the Ocean One features Swiss made ETA 2824-2 movement. The 42mm case hosts Rolex like hour markers, hands, a date display at 3 under a cyclops lens. A graduated ceramic bezel sits on the case. In addition, the markers and hands remain Superluminova treated and the watch is water-resistant up to 30ATM. The brand offers this model in a host of color and strap options to choose from. Also, you can opt for models without a date display. Let us now look at a few premia, technically proficient, and luxury alternatives to the Rolex Yacht-Master.

Parnis Yachtmaster

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If you like the Rolex Yacht-Master exclusively for its styling, consider this homage brands. These ‘Rolex lookalikes’ by Parnis are available at incredibly affordable prices. Launched in 2005, the Chinese brand Parnis majorly markets in the United States and Europe. The brand remains sought after as they offer homage models to many Swiss luxury watches. For instance, the Parnis Yachtmaster draws its design entirely from the Rolex. From the bezel ring, the dial design, cyclops lens, hands, and markers, every detail reflects here. Made of 316L steel, the model measures at 41mm. In addition, the hands and hour markers are luminous and the watch itself is water-resistant up to 5ATM.

Alpha Yachtsman

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Another homage brand well regarded for its decent build quality and close design detail is the watch brand Alpha. Established in 1993 and based in Hong Kong, the brand claims all its models undergo tests with ‘sophisticated Swiss instruments’. The watchmaker’s Alpha Yachtsman is a great homage alternative and is available at a fraction of the Rolex price. The model bears striking resemblance to the Rolex Yacht-Master. This Chinese model hosts a self-winding automatic movement within the 44mm stainless steel case. In addition, it features a date display under a cyclops lens and a bezel just like that of the Rolex. The watch is water-resistant up to 3ATM and comes with a one year warranty. More importantly, Alpha watches are a great value for their economical pricing.

Oris Divers Sixty Five

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Founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, Oris offers a premium and well-built alternative. We recommend the Oris Divers Sixty Five for this list for its Rolex like design and features. The watch’s retro design reflects the iconic Oris diver’s collection from the 60s. The 40mm anti-corrosive stainless steel watch runs on an automatic movement under the blue dial. The indices and hands on the dial are luminous. However, unlike the Rolex, the date display is at 6 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock. The bezel bears a close resemblance in design to that of the Yacht-Master. In addition, the Oris Divers Sixty Five is water-resistant up to 10bar. Furthermore, Oris offers a host of configuration options to add to the Rolex feel, making this a good alternative. Read about the brand Oris here. 

Longines Hydroconquest

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Swiss luxury brand Longines traces its history to 1832 in Saint-Imier. The watchmaker remains renowned for their exquisite designs across their collections. The Hydroconquest collection offers great models for divers and watch enthusiasts. In addition, the collection offers an alternative to our list. Specifically, the Hydroconquest L3. 781. 4. 76. 6. This stainless steel and ceramic model looks slightly similar to the Yacht-Master while ensuring it stands out as a Longines. The 41mm case hosts Caliber L888 Automatic movement under the ‘Sunray Grey’ dial. Underneath the anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the dial features Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12. In addition, the hands and hour markers remain Swiss Super-LumiNova treated and the date window sits at 3 o’clock. On top, a unidirectional rotating bezel just like that of the Rolex is present for time calculations. Above all, this model is water-resistant up to 30 bar. Click here to know more about Longines . 

Tag Heuer Autavia Collection

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If retro or vintage styling is your preference, consider the Tag Heuer Autavia Collection. This luxury Swiss brand took off in 1860 when Edouard Heuer founded the company. Subsequently, in 1985 after a majority purchase by the TAG Group, the name Tag Heuer formed. After that, LVMH, a French luxury goods brand bough the brand. Over the years the Tag Heuer name has gained great acclaim and reputation. The Heuer Autavia hence makes a good candidate as a luxury alternative. In addition, it boasts of great features. For instance, the 42mm steel and the ceramic watch runs on Calibre 5 COSC automatic movement. The dial hosts retro-themed Arabic numerals and a date window at 6 o’clock. On the case sits a sleek rotating bezel. Furthermore, the watch is water-resistant up to 100m and the collection offers 6 models to choose from. We’re now approaching the Rolex price tag territory.

Breitling Superocean Automatic 44

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If you’re strictly looking at a luxury brand alternative offering a similar watch, it’s worth considering Breitling. Founded by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the company currently sits in Grenchen. The 132-year-old Swiss luxury brand remains globally sought after for its aviation-inspired professional and luxury watches. However, the brand designs equally stunning and capable marine/nautical watches. Case in point, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 . Powered by Breitling 17 self-winding mechanical movement, this model measures at 44mm. Breitling also offers the same design in 36, 42, 46, and 48mm. The watch features a unidirectional and ratcheted bezel around the glare-proofed and cambered sapphire crystal. Underneath, the dial hosts a date display at 3 o’clock along with luminous and hour markers. In addition, the watch is also available in diver friendly rubber straps. Above all, the watch is water-resistant up to 1000m , making it an ideal marine tool. See our full comparison of Breitling vs Rolex here.

Omega Seamaster 300

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Almost as expensive as the Rolex and an equal in every way. Swiss brand Omega remains in the upper echelons of luxury Swiss watch brands. Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand is now a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group. Headquartered in Biel, Omega boasts of a diverse and sophisticated collection. The Seamaster 300 also takes on a retro design approach. Inspired by the original Seamaster 300 from 1957, the updated version is incredibly desirable. The polished and brushed 41mm stainless steel case hosts the anti-magnetic Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400. The workings are visible through the clear rear. Under the domed, anti‑reflective, and scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal we see rhodium-plated hands filled with  ‘vintage’ Super-LumiNova. A unidirectional rotating polished ceramic bezel ring sits on top with a Liquidmetal diving scale. Above all, this model comes with Omega’s five-year warranty and is water-resistant up to 300m. If you have no limitations financially, treat yourself to the 60th-anniversary special edition version of the Omega Seamaster 300. Part of the 1957 Trilogy set, this specialty watch is a collector’s must-have. Limited to just 557 pieces and measuring at 39mm with a bidirectional bezel, it commands a staggering price.

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Letter from the founder – Matthew Anderson

My love of watches started almost 30 years ago when I inherited my grandfather’s watch. A watch that is still in my collection and one of my most prized possessions although not the most valuable in terms of money.

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