The Rolex Yacht-Master II Oystersteel 44mm (Reference 126680) is a purpose-built regatta chronograph engineered for competitive sailing. Combining technical precision with the bold aesthetics of the Yacht-Master family, this 44mm Oystersteel timepiece is one of the most sophisticated tools in Rolex’s sports watch lineup.
Key Features
- Case: 44mm Oystersteel case with a bidirectional rotatable bezel featuring Rolex’s patented Ring Command system
- Countdown Function: Programmable mechanical countdown with memory, synchronised to the minute for precise race starts
- Movement: Self-winding mechanical calibre 4161, a Superlative Chronometer certified to Rolex’s own exacting standards, offering approximately 72 hours of power reserve
- Dial: High-contrast dial with luminescent hour markers and hands for legibility in all conditions, paired with a rotating central disc used for the countdown
- Bracelet: Oystersteel Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterlock safety clasp and Rolex Glidelock extension system for micro-adjustment
- Water Resistance: Waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet)
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Why Choose This Yacht-Master II
Originally developed for competitive sailing, the Yacht-Master II’s programmable countdown mechanism allows sailors to synchronise their watch precisely with a regatta’s start sequence — a genuine functional innovation rather than a purely aesthetic complication. The 44mm Oystersteel construction delivers the durability and corrosion resistance needed for a marine environment, while its bold case architecture and Ring Command bezel give it unmistakable presence on and off the water.
Whether you’re an avid sailor or a collector drawn to Rolex’s most technically advanced sports model, the Yacht-Master II Ref. 126680 offers a rare blend of horological engineering and refined design.