New watches 2026
Rolex Yacht-Master II Taming the race of time
Rolex is unveiling the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II. Available in Oystersteel or in 18 ct yellow gold, the new version of this unique regatta chronograph presents a completely revisited design and movement.
The display of the various functions and the operation of the countdown have been redesigned for enhanced legibility and easier manipulation. The countdown scale now appears on a flange on the dial, and the function is programmed and operated exclusively via the two side pushers. The watch’s nautical character is emphasized through many carefully considered visual details that assert its place in the Yacht-Master range. The new Yacht-Master II impresses just as much as the original model did at its launch.
Dial and graduated flange Optimal legibility
The display has been designed to ensure clear readability of the various functions. The dial is coated with a new white lacquer – matt, to reduce reflections – and carries the applique index hour markers emblematic of Professional category watches. A flange, dedicated to the countdown function, is positioned extremely precisely on the dial – an attribute for which a patent application was filed. It is graduated from 10 to 0 minutes, with the half minutes shown as triangles.
Cerachrom bezel insert A concentration of high technology
The Yacht-Master II, available in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold, features a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. Extremely hard and virtually scratchproof, the high-technology ceramic used by Rolex requires special tools for its machining. Its stable colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, and thanks to its chemical composition, this ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.
On this blue Cerachrom insert, the moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum or yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The first half hour of the graduation is set out minute by minute. With the bezel in the neutral position, the final 30 seconds of the countdown can be read in more detail via the chronograph centre seconds hand. The graduated bezel, whose knurled edge offers excellent grip, also allows the wearer to easily measure time intervals – for example, the sailing time between two buoys.
Oyster bracelet Iconic and robust
The Yacht-Master II is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this metal bracelet with broad and slightly curved three-piece links is known for its robustness. The Oyster bracelet of the Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel or 18 ct yellow gold is equipped with a slimmer Oysterlock safety clasp. This folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening, features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the watch in 18 ct yellow gold, the Oyster bracelet includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by the brand – inside the links to help prevent premature wear and enhance its flexibility on the wrist.
Calibre 4162 An innovative movement
Unveiled in 2026 and exclusive to the Yacht-Master II, calibre 4162 is a chronograph movement with a countdown function, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The new-generation Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4162, an evolution of calibre 4161 that was fitted on the model’s predecessor. This self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
The countdown function is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. Calibre 4162 also incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Thanks to the architecture of its barrel and the superior efficiency of its escapement, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours. Calibre 4162 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight.
Superlative Chronometer certification
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.
In 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification has been strengthened with the addition of three new testing criteria: resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability. These criteria are implemented throughout the design and manufacturing stages of each timepiece – hundreds of checks and validations directly related to the watch’s performance are carried out during these phases. They supplement the criteria established when the certification was redefined in 2015 governing precision, waterproofness, self-winding and power reserve. That year, Rolex set up an exclusive testing protocol for its finished watches, conducted inside the manufacture on fully automated equipment. The precision requirements are particularly stringent: measured after casing the movement, the watch’s accuracy must be between –2 and +2 seconds per day. The rate deviation tolerated by the brand for the precision of a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
