Rolex Yacht Master II – Great Design and Features
With the introduction of the Rolex Yacht Master in 1992, the company had a hit on their hands. In 2007, they took it a bit further with the introduction of the Rolex Yacht Master II, which added a great new, and unique feature – a ten minute timer to aid sailing aficionados in timing the start of their races.
This new feature was interesting as were the looks, which were definitely more sporty looking than the model’s predecessor. Which one you prefer is really up to you, but either one will look great, work well, and provide a lifetime of accurate timekeeping.
Read on for the full Rolex Yacht Master II watches review.
Build Quality
Movements
Innovation
Styling and Features
Care and Maintenance
Warranty
Prices
Where to Buy
Summary
Rolex Yacht Master II Watches Build Quality
No surprise here; this is a well-built watch. Case materials are stainless steel, steel with gold, gold with platinum and all yellow gold. As with the company’s other models, the face is protected by hard sapphire crystal and the movement is a Swiss-made automatic. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, which should be suitable for nearly everyone.
Rolex Yacht Master II Watches Movements
There are no options for movements; all models come with a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement. The works are rather complex, as the internal workings include the unique ten minute timer that is mechanically linked to the bezel itself. This movement represented years of work for the company and features more than 350 parts.
The timer, which can only be found on this particular model, is what makes this particular timepiece unique. The watch also features a 72 hour power reserve, which comes in handy if you’re not wearing the timepiece for a couple of days. The ten minute timer can be locked and unlocked by twisting the bezel, which is another innovative feature.
Click here to shop for the Rolex Yacht Master II at Amazon.com
The Rolex Yacht Master II is somewhat basic in terms of styling and available features. While it’s a nice-looking wristwatch, you don’t have a whole lot of options in terms of its appearance.
Cases are available in steel, steel with gold, gold, and gold with platinum. All models feature a white face and a metal bracelet that matches the case. There are currently no options that feature a date display. We’ve seen models that have diamonds on the case; these are third party modifications.
The display is analog and the seconds are shown on a small inset dial at the bottom of the face, just above six o’clock. Unlike its predecessor, the Rolex Yacht Master II does not come in two sizes; the only available case size is the standard 44 mm.
As thisI is a precision timepiece, you’ll have to provide a bit of extra maintenance. If you’ve had it in or around salt water, you’ll need to rinse it in tap water and dry it carefully. Every five years or so, you will need to send it back to the company for service, which includes disassembly, examination for worn parts, replacement of worn parts if necessary, reassembly and lubrication, and replacement of the watertight seals.
The wristwatch will then be tested for accuracy and water resistance and then cleaned and polished before its return to you, good as new. Aside from this consideration, you should store your watch in a cool, dry place, keep it away from extremes of temperature and store it in a watch winder when you’re not wearing it in order to keep it running properly and keeping accurate time.
Rolex Yacht Master II Watches Warranty
The warranty is for two years from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship and materials. This is the standard Rolex warranty and it’s also more or less the standard warranty for the industry as a whole. Genuine defects are rare, as these are tested thoroughly at the factory prior to shipping.
Prices for range from about $20,000 to about $40,000, depending on case materials. Stainless steel models will be the least expensive, and the gold and gold/platinum models will be more.
It’s too early to tell if collectors are interested in this model or are willing to pay a premium for them once their out of production, as this relatively new model is only a few years old. Time will tell, but as most of the company’s models have attracted the attention of collectors over time, this one probably will, as well.
The company strictly controls both pricing and distribution of all of their products in order to keep the brand from appearing to be “too common.” Authorized dealers are generally high end jewelry stores, and that’s where you’re “officially” going to find this watch for sale. Because of this policy, you’re not going to find a whole lot of flexibility on pricing, either as the company strictly controls pricing.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t buy at a discount, however. There are a few online retailers that do carry the watch for sale and it is possible to save money by purchasing from them.
Rolex Yacht Master II Watches Summary
If you’re a sailor or a yachtsman, you might find the Rolex Yacht Master II to be just the right choice for you. It has the usual solid Rolex build quality, comes with good choices for case materials, and offers some unique styling when compared to the rest of the company’s products, due to the inclusion of the ten minute timer that can only be found on this particular model.
With great looks and good performance, it should run well for years and will likely turn a few heads on any occasion when you’re wearing it in public. If you want a Rolex but don’t want the same one everyone else is wearing, the Rolex Yacht Master II might be a great choice for you.
Click here to shop for the Rolex Yacht Master II at Amazon.com