Where can I buy a Rolex Yacht-Master II now that it's discontinued?

Ultimate Diamond on 47th Street stocks pre-owned Yacht-Master II references in various metals. As a discontinued model, all purchases are now pre-owned or remaining dealer new-old-stock. Our Diamond District experts can verify the complex Ring Command mechanism and regatta timer function: essential for a watch this mechanically sophisticated.

How much does it cost to service a Rolex Yacht-Master II?

The Cal. 4161 is Rolex's most complex serial movement with 360 components, so service costs are higher than standard models. Expect $1,500-$2,500 for a full Rolex service, depending on the scope. The Ring Command bezel mechanism adds complexity. Always use Rolex-authorized service for this watch: independent watchmakers may lack parts and expertise for the 4161.

Why was the Rolex Yacht-Master II discontinued?

Rolex discontinued the entire Yacht-Master II collection in April 2024 without announcing a successor. While Rolex never officially explains discontinuation decisions, the watch's niche appeal (regatta timing), large 44mm case size, and historically soft secondary market demand likely contributed. The YM II was one of the few Rolex Professional models that consistently traded below retail.

How does the Rolex Yacht-Master II regatta timer work?

The Ring Command bezel rotates 90° counter-clockwise to engage the setting mechanism. The crown then programs a countdown from 1-10 minutes. The bezel rotates back to lock the setting. The top pusher starts the countdown. The bottom pusher provides on-the-fly synchronization, resetting the seconds to zero and minutes to the nearest whole number,essential for matching the official race clock.

Is the Rolex Yacht-Master II a good investment?

Uncertain. The YM II is the ultimate contrarian Rolex play. It's the most mechanically complex Rolex ever produced in series, now discontinued, trading below its last retail price. Bulls see a future cult classic; bears see persistent low demand. The gold content in precious metal versions provides a value floor; the steel version has the most upside potential if market sentiment shifts.

What is the difference between Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II?

They share only a name. The Yacht-Master (I) is a time-and-date watch with a bidirectional rotating bezel: essentially a luxurious Submariner alternative. The Yacht-Master II is a 44mm regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown timer and Ring Command bezel, the most mechanically complex watch Rolex has ever mass-produced. Different size, different complication, different market.

Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master II: The Regatta Timer

The Rolex Yacht-Master II, produced from 2007 to 2024, was the most mechanically complex watch Rolex ever manufactured for serial production. Its Cal. 4161 (approximately 360 components) powered a programmable countdown regatta timer controlled by the Ring Command bezel, a mechanical interface that physically couples with the movement to set and synchronize a 1-to-10-minute countdown. Development reportedly required over 35,000 hours of R&D. At 44mm with an angular design language, the Yacht-Master II was designed specifically for competitive yacht racing starts, where precise countdown timing determines clean starts versus penalties. Rolex discontinued the entire collection in April 2024, ending a 17-year production run. Available in 18k yellow gold (Ref. 116688), Oystersteel/Everose Rolesor (Ref. 116681), full Oystersteel (Ref. 116680), and 18k white gold (Ref. 116689), the YM II now enters an uncertain but potentially interesting phase as a discontinued collector piece.

Last updated: 2026-04-02

Available at Ultimate Diamond

3 pieces in our collection right now.

Yacht-Master · $17,400 Yacht-Master · Source It Yacht-Master · Source It

Specifications

Current ReferenceDiscontinued (last references: 116688, 116681, 116680)

Case Diameter44mm

Case Thickness14.5mm

Lug To Lug52mm

Lug Width22mm

Case Material18k yellow gold (116688), Oystersteel/Everose Rolesor (116681), Oystersteel (116680), or 18k white gold (116689)

Crystal TypeSapphire with anti-reflective coating

Water Resistance100m / 330ft

MovementCalibre 4161 (Cal. 4160 in earliest models)

Movement TypeAutomatic (self-winding, in-house)

Frequency28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power ReserveApproximately 72 hours

Bezel TypeRing Command rotating bezel: mechanically interacts with movement to program countdown timer

BraceletOyster, three-piece solid links with Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension

Dial ColorsWhite

LumeChromalight (blue glow)

Date FunctionNo

Regatta TimerYes: programmable countdown from 1 to 10 minutes with on-the-fly synchronization

CertificationSuperlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex after-casing)

Year Introduced2007

Current Retail M S R PDiscontinued: last retail prices ranged from ~$19,800 (steel) to ~$43,000 (yellow gold)

Made InSwitzerland

History

The Yacht-Master II was conceived as a genuine regatta racing instrument. Not a luxury lifestyle piece, but a mechanical computer for counting down the crucial minutes before a yacht race start. Competitive sailing's start sequence typically involves a 5-10 minute countdown, and timing this precisely can mean the difference between a clean start and a penalty. Rolex developed the Cal. 4160 (later 4161) with 360 components and a revolutionary Ring Command bezel that mechanically couples with the movement to program, start, and synchronize a countdown timer. The development reportedly took over 35,000 hours of R&D. No other mechanical watch offered comparable functionality. The Yacht-Master II was simultaneously Rolex's most innovative and least commercially successful Professional model.

Iconic References

Buying Guide

• Competitive sailors and regatta enthusiasts who will actually use the countdown timer
• Collectors who appreciate mechanical complexity and innovation
• Contrarian buyers who want a discontinued Rolex that most people overlooked
• Those who prefer large watches: the 44mm case has commanding wrist presence
• Investors betting on post-discontinuation appreciation
• Anyone who wants to own the most mechanically complex Rolex ever made in serial production

Pricing & Market Data

Retail MSRP

noteDiscontinued April 2024. Last retail prices: 116680 (steel) ~$19,800; 116681 (Rolesor) ~$25,800; 116688 (gold) ~$43,000; 116689 (white gold) ~$47,000

Pre-Owned Market

116680 steel$16,000-$22,000 pre-owned (2026)

116681 rolesor$20,000-$28,000 pre-owned (2026)

116688 gold$35,000-$45,000 pre-owned (2026)

116689 white gold$38,000-$48,000 pre-owned (2026)

Market Trajectory

Post-discontinuation, prices have shown a modest 10-15% increase from their pre-discontinuation lows, but have not yet displayed the dramatic jumps seen with other discontinued Rolex models (Milgauss, for example). The market is still digesting the discontinuation: 2026-2027 will be telling.

Investment Grade

C-tier to B-tier: uncertain. The Yacht-Master II is the ultimate contrarian Rolex play. Bulls argue that the most mechanically complex Rolex, now discontinued, is underpriced. Bears argue that low demand caused the discontinuation, and demand won't materialize retroactively. The gold content in 116688/116689 provides a value floor; the steel 116680 has more upside risk.

Best Value Pick

The Ref. 116680 in Oystersteel offers the most mechanically complex Rolex ever produced at prices starting around $16,000. If the contrarian thesis plays out, the steel YM II could be the most undervalued discontinued Rolex of the 2020s.

Comparisons

Cultural Significance

Regatta Sailors (Professional)

Various Yacht-Master II references

The Yacht-Master II was actually used by competitive sailors, one of the few luxury watches genuinely employed for its intended purpose. Rolex sponsored several major sailing events and the watch appeared on the wrists of professional crews during America's Cup and other regattas.

Mark Wahlberg

Yacht-Master II (gold)

Photographed wearing a gold Yacht-Master II, fitting his bold, unapologetic personal style.

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