Dr. Ito's thorough analysis of mechanical watches!! Vol.35 ~ How to use the Yacht-Master II

Good evening everyone!

This column talks about mechanical watches from an engineer's point of view. This is the 35th installment.

"How to use the Yacht-Master II"

I will talk about this topic.

The Yacht-Master II is a highly luxurious model developed as a professional model for yacht racing.

It is equipped with the world's first regatta chronograph (countdown timer), and one of its charms is the unique way it is used, which makes you wonder if there will ever be a watch with a similar mechanism again.

As for how to operate the Yacht-Master II, it seems that even if you own one, there are some people who don't know how to use it properly, so I would like to explain in detail today.

If you are interested in the Yacht-Master II, be sure to check this out!

What is the Yacht-Master II?

Sales period: 2007-2024

Movement: Cal.4160 (early model), Cal.4161 (late model)

Features: The world's first mechanically programmable chronograph with a countdown timer

Initially, only solid 18KYG (yellow gold) and 18KWG (white gold) models were available, but later SS (stainless steel) & 18KWG (Everose gold) combination models and all-SS models were added.

How to use the countdown timer

A countdown timer is provided to measure the important "minutes remaining" at the start of a yacht race.

At first glance, the operation may seem complicated, but once you get used to it, it's easy to use.

A Start/Stop push button

B Reset push button

C Countdown second hand

D Countdown Minute Hand

E 90 degree rotating ring bezel

[Step 1]

Rotate the ring bezel (E) 90 degrees counterclockwise and press the reset button (B) at the 4 o'clock position. The push button remains pressed by rotating the bezel.

[Step 2]

Unlock the crown and turn it upwards to set the countdown time (in minutes). As you turn the crown, the countdown triangular hand (D) moves, allowing you to set the time in 1-minute increments up to a maximum of 10 minutes.

Yacht races have pre-determined countdowns of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc., and this function is designed to respond accurately. This allows you to change the start time of the countdown depending on the yacht race you are participating in or watching.

Please note that there is no need to pull out the crown; just release the lock. It is in the same position as when you normally wind the watch manually.

[Step 3]

Screw the crown back into its original position and rotate the bezel 90 degrees clockwise to return it to its original position. At this time, the reset button that was pressed in will automatically return to its original position. This completes the countdown timer setting.

[Step 4]

Press the Start/Stop button (A) to start timing using the chronograph hands. Press the Start/Stop button again to stop the chronograph hands from timing. If you want to resume timing from the stopped state, press the same button again to resume.

To reset the hands, press the reset button (B) while the measurement is stopped. The countdown minute hand has an advanced function that returns to a preset time.

How to use the synchronization function

The synchronization function allows you to press the push button during a countdown to return the chronograph second hand to 12 o'clock and resume the countdown when you release the button.

Even if you start the chronograph in time with the starting gun, there may be a slight discrepancy. In such cases, you can use this synchronization function to correct the discrepancy in time with the second and third gun shots.

It is also linked to the count timer, so that if the chronograph second hand exceeds 30 seconds, the countdown hand will advance one minute ahead, and if it has not exceeded 30 seconds, the countdown hand will return to one minute back.

summary

The Yacht-Master II has a regatta chronograph (countdown timer) mechanism that works by linking the rotating bezel with the movement. This mechanism is also used in the Sky-Dweller, and is very useful for achieving both special functions and visibility.

The Yacht-Master II exists because of this patented technology that is so typical of Rolex. Although it has been discontinued, I personally think that it may be highly likely to be evaluated as a model with special value in the future.

We hope that this article has been useful to you and has piqued your interest in luxury watches! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly and we will answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.

Look forward to the next one! See you next time!