Rolex 116688 vs. 116681 Yachtmaster II luxury watch

The Yachtmaster II luxury watch collection is one of the newer lines in the Rolex family of watches. The first model hit the market in 1992, and the reimagined update debuted in 2010. Just like its name indicates, this collection is made up of yacht watches. It’s also known as yacht timers or regatta timers. Rolex created this line to meet the needs of the sailing community. 

The 116688 and 116681 watches can help skippers. It helps them measure and anticipate the crucial interval leading up to the start of a regatta. However, the collection’s advanced technology was aimed at sailors. And the line has also become a favorite among Rolex enthusiasts.

The Yachtmaster II luxury watches brief background

The Yacht-Master was first released as part of the brand’s Professional series with the Ref. 16628. It features a caliber 3135 movement. Also white dial, moderate 40mm case, Triplock crown, and water resistance up to 100 meters. Plus, it was only available in 18-karat yellow gold. Two years later, Rolex created a slightly smaller version with a 35mm case, the Ref. 68628, as well as a ladies version with a 29mm case, the Ref. 69628. 

It wasn’t until 1999 that Rolex made their first major change to the design of the Yachtmaster II luxury watch. That year, they unveiled a unique stainless steel and platinum variation. Which is a combination called Rolesium.

The Dawn of a New Age for the Collection

Rolex continued to develop the design of the Yacht-Master collection. They began offering a wider range of options for the model. This includes a mother of pearl dial and a two-tone gold and steel iteration. In 2005, they enhanced the line further by expanding the options for dial colors to blue. Also for champagne, brown, and silver. Then, in 2010, Rolex made the most significant update to the collection. Even as they introduced the Yacht-Master II.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Yachtmaster II luxury watch is a totally modernized version of the original. It first came in two variations: Ref. 116688 and Ref. 116681. Just a year later in 2011, Rolex debuted yet another version of the watch, the Ref. 116680 in stainless steel and rose gold. Then, in 2013, they issued an all-stainless steel variation of the model, the Ref. 11668.

Differences between the Yacht-Master 116688 and 116681

There are differences between the Yachtmaster II luxury watch 116688 and 116681. First, the movement. The first three versions of the Yacht-Master II have the Rolex 4160 in-house movement. However, when the brand unveiled the Ref. 116680, they also debuted a brand new movement designed for the Yacht-Master II, the 4161. In addition to the movement, one of the notable differences between the two models is the size. 

It features a modern yet massive. It’s also an oversized 44mm case equipped with a 90-degree rotating ceramic bezel. The difference between the watches is the update to the regatta timer function. The Yachtmaster II luxury watch showcases a regatta timer. And also with a first-ever programmable countdown with a mechanical memory. With just the push of a button, the regatta timer can sync with a reference clock to the nearest minute.

Although the Yacht-Master line features sophisticated functions. Which are ideal for the sailing community. The sporty aesthetic of the models within the collection has made them popular. As the line has evolved and expanded over the years. Evolved to include a wide variety of style options, there’s a design to suit anyone’s unique taste.

Details about the Yachtmaster II luxury watch

One of Rolex’s biggest watches ever made. The Yachtmaster II luxury watch makes a bold statement on the wrist. It’s not just the Yacht-Master’s style that’s lovely. The watch’s functionality is also head-turning. There are various versions of the Yacht-Master in precious metals. Today we’re highlighting the popular stainless steel edition. Here are five things to know about the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116688.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116688 Is Less Than A Decade Old

Although Rolex released the Yacht-Master II model in 2007. It wasn’t until 2013 that the stainless steel ref. 116688 made its debut. Identical to other versions in yellow gold. The two-tone steel and rose gold, and white gold and platinum are good. Also, the steel Yacht-Master II 116681 sports 44mm case is good. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters, and has a Triplock screw-down winding crown. And also a sapphire crystal protects the dial. And also a screw-down steel case back shielding the movement.

On top of that sized case is a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Which is resistant to both scratching and fading. Finally, the Yachtmaster II luxury watch is fitted with a sporty Oyster bracelet.  It comes in stainless steel, complete with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp. And it’s equipped with the comfort extension link for micro-adjustments on the go.

There Are Two Dial Versions of the YM II 116688

Despite the fact that the Yacht-Master II ref. 116688 is a young Rolex reference, the watch has already undergone a dial revamp. In 2017, Rolex furnished all Yacht-Master II models. And it comes with a designed dial–but kept their original reference numbers.

The original Yacht-Master II dial with all square indexes and baton hands

What changed with the new 2017 Yacht-Master II dial? The square hour marker at 12 and 6 o’clock is replaced by an inverted triangle and a rectangle. The thin baton hands have been replaced by the iconic Mercedes-style hands.

Everything else remains the same, which is to say that the Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 features a crisp white dial with blue accents and flashes of red. Moreover, the dial comes alive in low-light with blue-colored Chromalight luminescence.

Caliber 4161 is based on the Daytona’s Caliber 4130

Powering the Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 is Caliber 4161, which is based on the famed Caliber 4130 of the Rolex Daytona. Like Caliber 4130, Caliber 4161 has a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch. And it provides an instantaneous and precise chronograph start.

Beneath the steel case back of the Yacht-Master 116680 is Caliber 4161

However, the Daytona chronograph serves to measure elapsed times. The Yacht-Master II is a regatta chronograph with a countdown timer. A function developed for competitive sailors. The countdown display, which is arched above the center hands. That can be programmed from 10 to 1 minute. To permit skippers to follow a regatta’s official starting procedure. Plus, once launched, the countdown can also be synchronized.

It’s important to note that the release of the ref. 11668 in 2013 debuted the upgraded Caliber 4161. It came like previous versions of the Yacht-Master II were equipped with Caliber 4160.

Like all modern Rolex watches, the Yachtmaster II luxury watch is chronometer-certified.  As indicated by the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” label on the dial. Caliber 4161 supplies the Yacht-Master II with approximately 72 hours of power reserve.

The Ring Command Bezel Interacts With the Movement

An impressive aspect of the Yachtmaster II luxury watch’s feature is the 90° rotating bezel. Interacts with the movement inside the watch. Turning the bezel is how the user accesses and locks the countdown program. The only other Rolex model with a Ring Command style bezel is the Sky-Dweller watch.

The Yacht-Master II 116681 is Rolex’s Most Expensive Steel Sports Watch

As one of the most advanced, newest, and larger Rolex models in the brand’s catalog. It’s not surprising that the Yachtmaster II luxury watch is also one of the priciest in the lineup. The stainless steel Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 retails for $18k but pre-owned are less expensive in the luxury watch market.

The Yachtmaster II luxury watch is an expensive stainless steel Rolex sports watch.  In the current catalog–if we’re just comparing retail prices. Of course, those who are familiar with Rolex watches know the prices.

With its bold aesthetic and innovative mechanics. The Rolex Yacht-Master II is different from other mainstream sports watches. Yet, it is the Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116680’s originality has attracted a cult following.

How to Use a Yacht-Master II

One of the more intricate Rolex models is the Yachtmaster II luxury watch. We’ve been taking a closer look at how to set your Rolex as well as read the details on your dials. We do this in a bid to better understand your Rolex watch. Whether you want to understand the material it is made of or the story it has to tell.  Check out our more recent blog article releases here. But anyway, back to the Yacht-Master II. Let’s take a look. 

The first thing to know is that you still set the time using the second position as we discuss here. The second hand is the small dial right above the 6 o’clock marker. But, we’re going to take a closer look at the intricate dial of the Yacht-Master II and its uses. 

If this is the first time you have taken a closer look at the Yacht-Master II, you may be a bit overwhelmed. The Yacht-Master II is the first model to offer a Regatta Chronograph. Which is a timing feature for Regatta timing or a Regatta sailing event. And this includes a 10-minute countdown. The Yacht-Master II allows different countdown timers for 0 – 10 minutes.  Which can be used anytime in normal life if you need to time something for 10 minutes. 

Press the top pusher to begin the timer. As the second-hand moves clockwise, you will see the red arrow move to the next number. To stop the timer, simply press the top pusher again. If you want to reset your timer to what you previously set it at, simply press the bottom pusher. 

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Because the Regatta chronograph has a mechanical memory. So by resetting the time with the bottom pusher.  You’d see the triangle hand will return to the last minute it was set at before the countdown begins. This Rolex watch is the first watch to offer a bezel that is built into the movement – and innovation in Rolex design. 

So, that’s a quick guide through a Yachtmaster II luxury watch dial. The Yacht-Master II bezel can have endless applications in everyday life as well – you don’t have to just be a sailor. Intricate in design but simple to use, is just what makes this such a work of art and perfection.

Ways to Maintain Your Luxury Watch’s Value

For those that are purchasing their Yachtmaster II luxury watch. Either to keep for life or even sell for a profit in the future. These easy recommendations can help maintain value.

Clean Regularly

There is a reason we often mention and tend to be so adamant about cleaning your watch.  It can add years to its life and help maintain value. Regular cleaning will help keep dirt, debris, dust, salt and sand, body grime, etc away.  Depending on the method recommended, usually, a simple soap bath can do the trick.

Service Regularly 

Servicing your Yachtmaster II luxury watch will eliminate so many problems. Thus maintaining its value. For instance, damage to the dial and hands can occur through moisture leaks.  Even if you do not wear your watch often, oils and grease are required to keep a mechanical movement running.

Avoid Alterations

We know that a big trend right now is replacing the original bracelets with an off-brand strap.  And as long as you don’t lose that bracelet, the value of your watch will stay intact just fine. 

What will decrease it, is replacing dials and other parts with aftermarket ones. The obvious reason for the lesser value is that you are replacing authentic parts with fake ones. 

But something not always considered is the possible damage. For instance, a lot of aftermarket dials for Rolex are this way; where say the hands can’t really move correctly and subsequently perhaps one of the wheels gets caught… it’s just a big mess on the watchmaking side and can very easily lessen the mechanical value of your timepiece in the future.

Keep Any & All Accessories

The Yachtmaster II luxury watch in the pre-owned market is usually priced accordingly in regards to having or not having paperwork and accessories. However, if you purchase yours and any of these things are included, keeping these items will help maintain value and even possibly add to it in the future. Please do not throw them away or lose them in a move… you’d be surprised.