Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 126680 & 126688

Andrew O’Connor

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• Rolex releases an updated version of the Yacht-Master II at Watches and Wonders 2026.
• With a new movement, a new way of operating the countdown timer, and an updated case and bracelet design, the Yacht-Master II is a thoroughly new watch.
• Two models –  Oystersteel (US$20,300) & 18k yellow gold (US$57,800).

The Rolex teasers leading up to Watches and Wonders this year included a watch with pump pushers and a rotating bezel. With that, I think we all knew a new Yacht-Master II was coming, as it is the only modern Rolex watch to feature pushers and a rotating bezel, and it is indeed back. Still large and in charge at 44mm in diameter, the new Yacht-Master II does have some tricks up its sleeve that make it a compelling example of commercial watchmaking.

The big news with the new Yacht-Master II is that Rolex has reworked how the regatta timer is operated and displayed. To set the countdown interval, the lower pusher is utilised to set the desired time, and the upper pusher starts and stops the timer. In order to make reading the countdown function easier, the new Calibre 4162 has the countdown function running counterclockwise. For those of us who are not competitive yacht racers, this will likely be very disconcerting at first, seeing the central seconds hand moving backwards across the dial.

However, during the pressure of a competition, I can imagine that this would be easier to read, as the timing function is moving opposite to what your brain intuitively expects, making it easier to discern at a glance. This countdown chronograph is also a flyback. Should you need to adjust the timer duration (if you started the timer too early or too late), simply press the lower pusher to reach the desired interval, and seconds hand jumps back to the top of the dial.

All of this with the new Calibre 4162 also means that using the regatta timer no longer requires the bezel to set the timing interval. The Cerachrom bezel on the new Yacht-Master II is simply a bi-directional rotating bezel. The bezel features 60-minute graduation markings, with finger markings between 0 and 30, meant to help see the last 30-seconds of the countdown timer more clearly.

The dial is now done in a matte white lacquer in order to reduce glare and reflections. The stainless steel model has the countdown timer’s hands finished in red, with the half-minute markers for the timer also in red (the gold model has gold hands and black countdown minute markings). The case side has a domed profile and has been redesigned for a more refined wearing experience. The bracelet design has also been updated with a wider lug width for better proportions with the case, and a slimmer clasp for wearing comfort.

The new Rolex Yacht-Master II is available in OysterSteel (904L steel) and 18k yellow gold. Both have blue Cerachrom bezels and matte white lacquer dials. The 44mm case is 100 meters water resistant, and features Rolex’s Triplock screw-down crown. The Oyster bracelet for both models features a locking folding clasp and a 5mm Easylink on-the-fly adjustment. The calibre 4162 features Rolex’s latest Chronergy escapement tech, automatic winding, and a 72-hour power reserve. The 4162 is Superlative Chronometer certified, which has been updated to include testing for magnetic resistance, sustainability, and reliability.

Rolex Yacht-Master II pricing and availability

The new Rolex Yacht-Master II is available now for purchase. Price: USS$20,300 (Oystersteel), US$57,800 (18k yellow gold)