The Rolex Yacht-Master 2 – 44mm is adored for its adaptability as an easily readable timepiece on the open seas and for its elegance at the yacht club. Inspired by the rich heritage that has bound Rolex to the world of sailing since the 1950s, the Yacht-Master blends function and style, while the Yacht-Master II brings together the finest in Rolex technology to create a regatta chronograph built for yachting competition.
The Yacht-Master II is a masterpiece of horology – still the only chronograph in the world with a mechanical memory. The bezel acts as a programmable countdown tool. It allows the yacht captain to set it and synchronize the time to the sequence of race start times. The beauty is that although the timepiece is complex in its design, it is simple to use, and beloved by yacht captains around the world.
The Rolex Yacht-Master 2
The Rolex Yacht-Master II has had some recent improvements to its already nearly perfect design. However, the color scheme has remained the same. Currently there are three Rolex Yacht-Master 2 models available.
The spectacular Yacht-Master II in yellow gold features an Oyster band in matching yellow gold as the case itself. Yellow gold also outlines the luminescent hour markers and provides tremendous visibility on the hour, minute and 10-minute countdown hand with red triangular luminescent tip.
The red, white and blue theme still abounds in this all-gold model with the dominant blue appearing on the command bezel, the white appearing on the dial, and touches of red are elegantly placed throughout.
The gold elevates this distinctive piece as more than just a tool watch. This is truly one of the most elegant pieces of luxury jewelry that could be worn by anyone – man or woman – yacht owner or casual observer. Even the text around the blue bezel is filled with the precious yellow gold. This timepiece is listed at $43,550, but with the spiking prices of gold (currently approaching 2k an ounce) and the rarity and demand for Rolex timepieces, the cost of a new Yacht-Master 2 in yellow gold is likely to go for nearly $55k.
The second Yacht-Master II combines the Rolasor features of Oystersteel and Everose gold (pink gold). Since there is less gold in this model, the price is significantly less, listing at only $25,350 on the Rolex site but going for a bit over $30k in today’s market. Most of the elements are the same on this timepiece including the same color scheme on the bezel and dial. The only difference is that touches of Everose gold are used on the hour, minute, seconds hands and around the hour markers, on the bezel and down the center of the Oyster band. The rest is in the very strong Oystersteel metal.
The third and most time-honored timepiece in the Yacht-Master II collection is the Oystersteel model. The touches of gold in the above models are replaced by Oystersteel – the highly corrosion resistant alloy belonging to the 904L steel family, often used in aerospace and chemical industries. The result is an exceptional polished finish which can maintain its luxury and beauty even in the harshest environments.
The one difference on the dial is that the small seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position has a matching blue outline, similar to the blue on the command bezel, rather than gold. This blue seems to tie in more elegantly with the timepiece. At a cost of $18,750 listed on the Rolex site, the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 seems like a bargain, even though you would probably pay closer to $25k in today’s marketplace.
Features of the Yacht-Master II
The Yacht Master 2 – 44mm is waterproof up to 100 meters, scratch resistant, and has a 72 hours of reserve power. It has a programable countdown clock from 1 to 10 minutes which appears both on the dial and on the rotatable command bezel which controls the functions. The highly visible hands combined with the highly legible and large 44 mm diameter case make it one of the most sea-worthy companions in any weather.
The newest Yacht-Master II is powered by the new caliber 4161 which features the larger 72 hour power reserve. This new caliber is completely made by Rolex in-house and features a Paraflex shock system, a parachrom blue hairspring and is made with 360 parts and 44 jewels. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It has a hacking capability. However it is known for its regatta chronograph and its 10 minute countdown timer.
The caliber 4161 was released at Baselworld in 2013 which upgraded the all-steel version of the Yacht-Master II. Previous versions sported the time-honored caliber 4160. The self-winding mechanical chronograph surpassed the COSC certification for accuracy and reliability, so Rolex established its new label “Superlative Chronometer.”
Rubber B tri-color option, replacement blue rubber straps for the Rolex Yacht Master 2 – 44mm enhance the beauty of the timepiece, with vulcanized dual colored rubber straps, custom designed to fit the Yacht Master 2 and its Oyster deployment buckle. This luxury strap for the Rolex Yacht Master II utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering, incorporating solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the watch case.
The dark blue color of the Rolex watch band is gently offset by a racing stripe of light blue, red, or white –complimenting the beautiful designs and colors on the watch itself. The replacement blue watch band supports the original Rolex clasp for the Rolex Yacht Master 2, or Rolex Oyster deployment buckle which came with the original Rolex Yachtmaster II.
Rubber B has also added a white band with racing stripe option to the above colors (pictured at the beginning of this article).
More recently, Rubber B launched the NATO style strap for the Yacht-Master 2 (also pictured above). The NATO is named the “Rubber Cuff Series” and is available in Black and Blue colored options. The beauty of the Rubber Cuff Series is that it has a tough appearance yet is comfortable on the wrist. Since it is made from actual vulcanized rubber, it will have the strength and durability to last even in the midst of the heat of a race battle between the fiercest yacht racing competitors.
The bands are made in Switzerland and contains no coating, blends or bonding. The band are non- allergenic, non-toxic, and non-marking. It has universal fit for wrist sizes extra small to extra large.
For more information about our replacement watch bands for the Rolex Yachtmaster 2 – 44 mm, go to our custom designed replacement Rolex Yacht master 2 blue watch band page or visit our complete listing of our replacement Rolex leather straps for all of our Rolex inspired replacement watchbands.
