Rolex Yachtmaster II Ref. 116680 - Pre-owned

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Rolex Yachtmaster II Ref. 116680 - Pre-owned

$19,995.00

Historical Context of the Yacht-Master Line

1. Yacht-Master Origins (1992)

The Rolex Yacht-Master line made its debut in 1992 with the release of the reference 16628, a luxury sports watch designed for the nautical world. The original Yacht-Master had the elegance of a dress watch but the robustness of a tool watch. However, it wasn’t specifically aimed at competitive sailors, focusing instead on style and maritime culture.

2. Introduction of the Yacht-Master II (2007)

In 2007, Rolex took its relationship with sailing to the next level by unveiling the Yacht-Master II, a purpose-built regatta chronograph designed for professional sailors. This watch was unlike anything in Rolex’s portfolio, featuring a unique countdown timer that could be synchronized with the start sequence of sailing races. The Yacht-Master II was the first Rolex to feature an innovative programmable countdown with mechanical memory, making it a functional tool for race skippers who needed precise timing for race starts.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 (2013): Design and Features

1. Launch of Reference 116680

The Yacht-Master II reference 116680 was introduced in 2013 and stands out as the first Yacht-Master II made in stainless steel (Rolex calls it Oystersteel). This made the model more accessible compared to earlier versions that were only available in precious metals, such as 18k yellow gold (ref. 116688) and two-tone steel and Everose gold (ref. 116681).

The stainless steel model appealed to both professional sailors and watch collectors who appreciated its technical prowess and sporty aesthetic, all at a more competitive price point than the gold versions.

2. Key Features

Case and Material: The 116680 has a 44mm Oyster case, making it one of the largest Rolex watches in terms of case diameter. The case is made from Oystersteel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and scratches, ensuring the watch remains durable in harsh marine environments.
Bezel: The watch features a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert with engraved numerals. This bezel, rotatable in both directions, is essential for the programmable regatta countdown function, making it both aesthetically striking and functionally crucial.
Dial: The dial layout is highly distinctive, featuring large Arabic numerals and a prominent red countdown hand for easy reading during races. The subdial at 6 o'clock shows the remaining minutes in the countdown, a key element for skippers timing the critical moments before a race begins. The "Command Ring Bezel" works in tandem with the chronograph pushers to adjust and lock the countdown timer.
Movement: The Yacht-Master II 116680 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 4161. This in-house automatic movement features a programmable regatta countdown timer with mechanical memory. The caliber is an advanced version of Rolex’s chronograph movement, specifically modified to enable the countdown function. It has a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability over extended use.
Water Resistance: As part of Rolex's Oyster collection, the 116680 is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), sufficient for sailing and other water activities.

3. The Regatta Chronograph Function

The standout feature of the Yacht-Master II 116680 is its regatta chronograph. This feature is specifically tailored for competitive sailing, where races begin with a precise countdown before the official start. Skippers need to time their approach to the starting line perfectly, and the Yacht-Master II's countdown allows them to synchronize their watch with the race's official timer.

The programmable countdown timer can be set anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes. Once the countdown starts, it can be adjusted "on the fly" to match the race's official start time, a rare and highly specialized function in the world of mechanical watches. This makes the Yacht-Master II a professional tool for sailors, setting it apart from typical chronographs.