Finally broke down and purchased a grail watch of mine. The Yach-Master II in-depth.

[Spartan1]

Beautiful pics/review. Y-M II continues to sing to me. Lose the texted bezel and it’s one of my favs! Enjoy it, my friend!

[bradyb]

Such an amazing piece, and I've never seen one in the wild.

[EndlessEight]

Edit: disregard

[Mystro]

Update to its power reserve test.

I always like to do a initial power reserve test of a new watch. It can be very difficult because you can’t wear the watch for the test but because of our snow storm, I opted to do the test knowing I would be doing a lot of snow removal. Here are my notes of the test:

12/15/20 7pm full wound +0.0 resting 12UP
12/16/20 +1.0 @ 9:30am......+1.50 @ 3:45pm +2.0 @ 8:30pm
12/17/20 +2.0 @ 12:30pm.... +2.0 @ 7:30pm
12/18/20 -1.0 @ 9:30am. -4.0 @ 3:30pm. -6.0 @ 5:15pm. -9.0 @ 6:15
Stopped 6:46. 71 hours and 46 minutes

Rolex states 72 hours approximately for the caliber 4161 so I am right on spec. Now I have a base line for future test to gage the main springs health. What I found the most impressive with this movements test was how long the movement stayed well within COSC long into its mainspring wearing down. As most know accuracy is only measured at the top of its mainspring fully wound but after that initial 24h, amplitude will get lower and that will also change its accuracy. For this YMII, I am in Swiss COSC for 68 hours and “ Superlative Chronometer” for 60 hours which may be a record for any of my Rolex watches. :happyanim:

As a reference of some of the other new Rolex movements I have tested.
Rolex DSSD JC 126660 movement 3235 total:h70:05
Rolex SD43 126600 movement 3235 total: h70:23
Rolex CHNR 126711CHNR movement 3285 total: h71:44
Rolex BLNR 126810BLNR movement 3285 total: h72:40

To do this simple test: Wind the watch fully and set the time to a atomic clock. Set the watch down to where you can see the time but not have to touch the watch. Keep track of the watch daily until it stops. This will give you a mainspring check-up and reference point. Notice where in the power reserve you start to see the accuracy start to fall off.
Why this matters:
Now if you drop or notice issues with your watch, you can do this test again and compare if you may have any mainspring damage. If all of a sudden you are getting 17 hours power reserve, you know your mainspring has broken. Think of it as a EKG of your watch.

[Puppysmasher]

Stunning photos. Love the pairing with the PO. If I had the money (and wrist) the YM II in two tone rose gold has always been a favorite of mine.

I've always been surprised that the YM II isn't more popular. The general media always likes to complain that modern Rolex is too conservative, boring, and lacks innovation compared to the brand's past but YM II is such a unique piece and yet doesn't get enough love. Perhaps its the size or higher price tag that dissuades people from ever considering it.

[Random]

Mystro,

Thanks for such an amazing review and all the follow up information too. It has to be the best real world review of this mechanical masterpiece available anywhere and the pictures are truly at another level too.

This model has been calling for many years now - but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to yet try one on. I know it is badged as a 44mm but it does appear to wear quite compact from what I’ve read and your pictures. I understand the lug height is almost dead on 50mm but I have struggled to find any information regarding actual bezel diameter. I know from other models that this can sometimes be less than the stated case diameter. Could you maybe measure the actual bezel diameter? Grateful for any more info, weight etc., and do please add more pictures to this most comprehensive “reference” review of yours.

Thanks and all the best,

Random

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Random

Mystro,

Thanks for such an amazing review and all the follow up information too. It has to be the best real world review of this mechanical masterpiece available anywhere and the pictures are truly at another level too.

This model has been calling for many years now - but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to yet try one on. I know it is badged as a 44mm but it does appear to wear quite compact from what I’ve read and your pictures. I understand the lug height is almost dead on 50mm but I have struggled to find any information regarding actual bezel diameter. I know from other models that this can sometimes be less than the stated case diameter. Could you maybe measure the actual bezel diameter? Grateful for any more info, weight etc., and do please add more pictures to this most comprehensive “reference” review of yours.

Thanks and all the best,

Random

I will do some measurements when I get a chance. The daily comfort of this watch really feels like a 40mm Sub. It is because the case is so thin and spreads it’s weight out over a large case back. The case is also designed to flow better through it’s turned down lugs and nothing like a super case.

[Random]

Hey Mystro.

thanks and no hurry either!! Another superb picture too. Amazing side shot

Best, Random

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Random

Hey Mystro.

thanks and no hurry either!! Another superb picture too. Amazing side shot

Best, Random

My calipers are at my office somewhere and I will have to find them next time I go in. Between Covid and home schooling my kids I have been consulting from my home office.

[ReinoudLouman]

what an exclusive watch :o

[Wrist Wonders]

Excellent review and stunning pictures! I too had for a long time dismissed the YMII for its size and bezel. In person, like most Rolex watches, it is an entirely different beast though. It does not wear its size and the inscription on the bezel is not nearly as brash as the images would make you believe.

The movement is a pure delight to operate and the complication has come in handy already a couple times. Tiny details like how the top chrono pusher has two rings engraved but the lower one three show that this watch was a real labour of love. The fact that is the best regatta Chronograph available right now only adds to its pedigree.

My favourite crown from the current catalogue no doubt about it!

[mimariani]

I never even considered this watch, but after you review and those awesome pics....I can't wait to try one on!! Thanks for the review, and congrats on such a special watch.

[Sawks_89]

I pray it doesn't get discontinued for another 18 months or so...want to get my hands on one before, as you say, it shoots up in price.
Stunner of a watch, and your photos really make it "pop". Congrats on what is a fantastic pick up.

[Mystro]

The YMII took way too much heat because it was the first larger sized Rolex models. It was large and way outside what people thought of a Rolex watch back then. Now it’s size is a non issue and turns out to be the best design of the larger Rolex models for comfort and everyday wear. It’s initial reputation follows it until it is seen in real life. Then it’s elegance of design shines through and debunks all the internet misinformation.


I don’t “think” it’s going away as it sits in a unique place within the Rolex line up. It never had to be a high volume watch as it is a showcase of Rolex technical abilities. Rolex can sell the other mainstream models like the Sub, DJ41, GMT, etc.. to the masses and keep the high complicated models directed to a different demographic of buyer.

I hate speculating but a watch like the YMII with its already high msrp and it being pushed even higher in today’s climate, getting discontinued would go nuclear overnight and instantly be way out of my comfort zone. I watched prices rise since its 2017 refresh and made myself make a grail purchase in 2020. I buy my watches to own/wear and not to trade so I didn’t want to wait any longer.

[ixd88]

Such a great piece mate!!!! Woo. Killer. Wear it in good health

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by OpusXIII

Your photographs are second to none. So much so that they damn near overshadow that beautiful watch. Extremely well done on all fronts.

I will second that. Thanks for the review.

[Snipe10]

Been pretty sure I was going to get one of these, now I'm 100% sure, thanks a lot, ha! Great review, better than most reviews in the magazines. Keep us updated! Hope I find one.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Snipe10

Been pretty sure I was going to get one of these, now I'm 100% sure, thanks a lot, ha! Great review, better than most reviews in the magazines. Keep us updated! Hope I find one.

You will love it. It’s one of those watches that will always be “special feeling” when you wear it.

Mine has been living in the water a lot with this warm spring weather.

[SLWoodster]

funny i only see the gold ones ITW

Originally Posted by bradyb

Such an amazing piece, and I've never seen one in the wild.

[mjm944]

Brilliant photos and review...I have the TT Yachtmaster 11 and it is also stunning and under rated..

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by mjm944

Brilliant photos and review...I have the TT Yachtmaster 11 and it is also stunning and under rated..

The Daytona was underrated in its youth before the mainstream accepted it. The YMII is a secrete to the mainstream and I prefer it that way. God help us if it ever gets discontinued as its “hype” will go nuclear.

[lindsywes]

Nice watch! thx for the info!

[shredder]

Great pictures.
Congratulations on acquiring your grail.
Personally, that watch doesn't much for me, but most of watches I buy are not very popular either .
So goodonya for not following the herd and choosing your own grail!