For those who never really paid much attention to Rolex’s Yacht-Master II, let’s take a brief look at the model’s modern history. As mentioned, the YMII launched in 2007 and was finally fully discontinued in 2024. Over that span of time, it was produced in yellow gold (116688), white gold with platinum bezel (116689), two-tone Rolesor (116681), and steel (116680). All examples are 44mm wide with bright white dials, and while the movement in use evolved from the 4160 to the 4161, the functionality is essentially a modification of a flyback chronograph. This functionality is exceptionally specific, as the Yacht-Master II’s entire raison d’être is to time the start of a regatta, a boat race. The chronograph movement within has been modified to offer a programmable countdown of up to 10 minutes. Programmable, meaning you can set the countdown timer from 1 to 10 minutes, depending on what is needed for the boat.