Rolex Yacht-Master Yacht-Master II Stainless Steel / White

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 126680-0001 debuted in 2026 as the new-generation version of the Yacht-Master II, reintroducing Rolex’s regatta chronograph with a revised case, dial, countdown display, and movement. First launched in 2007, the Yacht-Master II was conceived specifically for the start sequence of yacht races, and this updated Oystersteel reference retains that specialised purpose while simplifying its operation and sharpening the overall legibility of the watch. In this configuration, the combination of a white matt lacquer dial, blue ceramic bezel insert, and red countdown indications gives the watch a distinctly nautical identity within Rolex’s Professional range. The Oyster case measures 44 mm in diameter and has been reworked for this generation, with domed case sides and a more refined profile than its predecessor. It remains built around Rolex’s established Oyster architecture, with a monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and Triplock winding crown with triple waterproofness system, protected by an integral crown guard. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres. The bidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic, graduated over 60 minutes, with the first 30 minutes marked minute by minute. Its moulded, recessed numerals and graduations are coated with platinum, and the bezel can also be used to measure elapsed intervals, such as sailing time between two buoys. The dial has been redesigned for greater clarity. It is executed in matt white lacquer to reduce reflections and is paired with the applied index hour markers associated with Rolex’s Professional watches. The countdown scale is no longer integrated into the bezel system as on the previous Yacht-Master II, but displayed on a precisely positioned flange graduated from 10 to 0 minutes, with half minutes indicated by triangles. This new arrangement makes the regatta countdown more readable at a glance. The countdown minute hand and central countdown seconds hand now rotate counterclockwise, an unusual feature that makes the approach toward zero immediately intuitive. On the Oystersteel version, the countdown markings are accented in red, reinforcing the contrast against the white and blue base. Inside is Rolex calibre 4162, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed specifically for this generation of the Yacht-Master II. It succeeds calibre 4161 and introduces a redesigned countdown programming mechanism that allows the function to be set exclusively by the lower pusher, eliminating the Ring Command programming system of the earlier model. The countdown remains programmable, includes mechanical memory, and can be synchronized on the fly, features intended to help sailors respond precisely to the official race sequence. Calibre 4162 is built with a column wheel and vertical clutch, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve. It also incorporates the Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring with Rolex overcoil, Paraflex shock absorbers, and a cut-out oscillating weight. The bridges are decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève, marking a more considered visual finish than seen on earlier Rolex tool-watch calibres. The watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel, with three-piece solid links, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, and an Oysterlock folding safety clasp with Easylink comfort extension. Rolex also broadened the bracelet slightly compared with the previous Yacht-Master II and slimmed the clasp, improving the balance of the case-to-bracelet proportions. The result is a reference that remains highly specialised in function, yet more cohesive and legible in execution. In Oystersteel, the Yacht-Master II 126680-0001 presents the regatta chronograph in its most direct and technical form, with the revised countdown display and ceramic bezel defining its character.