One of the most popular topics among watch lovers every year
" Discontinued model "
In recent years, when that time comes around, the rumored models disappear from the used market, and as soon as the decision is made to end production, prices skyrocket.
The phenomenon of excitement at the release of a new model and the anticipation of rising prices can be seen as evidence that luxury watches are recognized as real assets.
So this time, I would like to put the spotlight on the Yacht-Master II, a model that is rumored to be discontinued this year and is seeing a decrease in numbers on the market, and take another look at its history and features.
What is the Yacht-Master II?
The Yacht-Master II was released in 2007 as a sports model for full-scale yacht races. Based on the Yacht-Master, it adopted a large 44mm case and was the world's first model equipped with a regatta chronograph, which brought it into the limelight.
When first released, the lineup consisted of solid 18KYG (yellow gold) and solid 18KWG (white gold) models, and were positioned as high-performance, expensive models made from premium materials. However, an 18K EVEROSE GOLD and SS (stainless steel) combination model was released in 2011, and an SS (stainless steel) model was released in 2013, and the watch has since become popular with a wider range of people.
Representative genealogy
①2007 "Ref.116688" "Ref.116689"
※ "Ref.116688"
※ "Ref.116689"
"Ref.116688" and "Ref.116689" were first added to the lineup in 2007.
As mentioned earlier, when it was first announced, it was only available in solid gold and was a high-grade model. Compared to the existing Yacht-Master, it has significant differences in case size, design, movement, etc., and so it has become a hot topic as a Yacht-Master like no other before.
The Ref. 116688 is equipped with a blue ceramic bezel, while the Ref. 116689 is equipped with an embossed bezel modeled after the Yacht-Master Rolesium.
②2011 "Ref.116681"
※"Ref.116681"
The first combination model of the Yacht-Master II, Ref. 116681.
The combination of 18K ERG (Everose gold) and SS (stainless steel), which are uniquely developed by Rolex, gives this watch an elegant finish that combines a casual atmosphere with a luxurious feel. The bezel is also made of blue ceramic, just like the Ref. 116688.
3. 2013 "Ref. 116680"
※"Ref.116680"
In 2013, the long-awaited all-SS (stainless steel) model "Ref. 116680" was released.
This model also features a blue ceramic bezel, just like the Ref. 116688 and Ref. 116681. Unlike the previous high-end solid gold and combination models, the Yacht-Master II has evolved to be more suitable for a variety of occasions, with a refreshing design at the forefront. It is still a popular model today.
Movement
The movement, Cal. 4160, which enables the regatta chronograph function, one of the Yacht-Master II's greatest features, was developed over a period of four years based on Rolex's in-house chronograph movement, Cal. 4130, which is also used in the Daytona.
※ "Cal.4160"
A "regatta chronograph" is a mechanism that can measure the countdown to the start of a yacht race, and can be set to a maximum of 10 minutes.
Although it is considered a complicated mechanism, it utilizes the patented "Ring Command Bezel (a bezel linked to the movement)" to achieve simple operability.
Unlike cars, sailboats cannot accelerate suddenly from the starting point, so they must head to the starting point while facing the wind and then start at the sound of the gun. If the timing is not right before the start of the race, it can lead to irreparable mistakes such as a false start or a delay due to lack of speed.
For this reason, in yacht races where the start countdown is done by an official signal, the Yacht-Master II, which is equipped with a high-precision countdown function called a "regatta chronograph," is popular to prevent such fatal mistakes.
* "Cal.4161"
In 2013, with the introduction of the "Ref. 116680", the movement evolved to "Cal. 4161". Although no new functions were added, the parts of the countdown mechanism were improved, making it easier to maintain.
Minor changes
Did you know that the Yacht-Master II underwent a minor change in 2017? The model number has not changed, but there has been a major change to the dial.
*Left: Before minor change Right: After minor change
・The hour hand has been changed from a blue steel hand to a "Benz hand"
- The edge of the index has been changed from blue to silver.
・The color of the hour and minute hands and small second hands has been changed to silver.
- The hour marker at 12 o'clock has been changed from a rectangle to an inverted triangle, and the index at 6 o'clock has been changed from a square to a rectangle.
There are so many minor changes to the dial alone, so I think it has a very different impression compared to the old model. I personally think that the silver hands and indexes give the dial a more refined balance and a more mature impression.
⇩⇩※Click here for a comparison of the old and new versions of the Yacht-Master II and how to use it, which was previously broadcast on Commit TV⇩⇩
Rumors of discontinuation
Rolex revised its prices in January 2022, with the list prices of SS (stainless steel) models increasing by approximately 10% and solid gold models increasing by approximately 3%.
However, the list price of the Yacht-Master II remains unchanged for all models .
In fact, the list price of the Explorer I (Ref. 214270) did not change in the price revision in January 2020. And in the new model announcement in 2021, the Explorer I was remodeled to the Ref. 124270.
Although the truth of the matter is unclear, it is said that the Yacht-Master II, whose list price has not changed this time, will be sold out and production will end. Then, a new model will be announced.
summary
We've taken a deep dive into the Yacht-Master II, which is rumored to be discontinued. What do you think?
Although it is a relatively new model, having been born in 2007, various minor changes and movement modifications have been made over the past 15 years, and the more you learn about it, the more intriguing it becomes.
Of course. I can't say anything for sure until the day of the new release, but I'm really looking forward to it.
Once again, I hope that after reading this article, even one more person will become interested in the Yacht-Master II .
see you!