Why is Yacht Master II so underrated?

[a1awan]

For people who own a yacht it looks good on the wrist

[jamesbond25]

For me, the watch is just way too big. I really like the look and I've considered buying one before but when i put it on, i just can't take myself seriously. I prefer a more low profile watch on my wrist.
That being said, if it looks good on you, its a beautiful watch.

[kirksingleton]

I just traded mine, I loved that watch and had a hard time letting it go but it made sense with the deal that I got.

[R.bartlett]

I think I've fallen in love. Its so bad its brilliant. I mean totally brilliant it's so over the top it's amazing.. The mrs is going to kill me.. Maybe time for the EXP II to go to soften the blow..

Oh and reading back, I think some of you guys need to reassess why you buy Rolex..
Is it the best watch? err no,
The most accurate? err no,
The best designed, err no
The best made err no.
does it have ROLEX on the dial? err yes..
Game over.:-)

[B2 Stealth]

I dive and spend lots of time in the water--hence a Submariner and DSSD JC
I am retired military and presently a commercial airline pilot--hence Batman and Pepsi.
I appreciate many other Rolex models but they need to fit my lifestyle.
The history plays an important part of Rolex models I most admire.
The history of the Submariner and GMT is unsurpassed in my opinion--especially when you look at Vietnam era forward.
Sky-Dweller? Lovely! DJ 41--very nice. Perhaps someday but happy with my 3 Rolex at the present.

[Mystro]

I can say the YMII is my favorite Rolex model and I have owned about them all over the last 30 years. The movement is a masterpiece. The watch is way ahead of its time and really is targeted to the more advanced watch enthusiast with it being the most expensive SS model.
From a users point of view, the YMII wears so comfortable and it’s dial to bezel ratio is perfect.


Here is my in-depth review:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=779629

https://youtu.be/-MoNYR86-U8

[1978]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

The big “YACHT-MASTER II” on the bezel?

Hahaha yes probably

[Zsprings]

Now too old to take the helm at night, but when sailing at night, a yacht master watch IMO should have strong lume on the hour markers and a stop watch facility to time flashing navigation buoys seen in the distance. I like the Yacht Master II, but I see the fly back dial as more about race time starting.

[Jimmy66]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

The big “YACHT-MASTER II” on the bezel?

Yep. Horrible design. Almost as bad as the 'ROLEX' dials on some models

[roger.bolton]

I like it, its not a watch you would mistake for any other.

Maybe not the watch for the modest amoung us!

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Jimmy66

Yep. Horrible design. Almost as bad as the 'ROLEX' dials on some models

I addressed this in my review because I said the same thing at its release. I followed the initial push back herd mentality from the press pics.
Then when I saw it in real life years later on the wrist I didn’t even notice the bezel print. It looked very symmetrical and balanced.
The YMII is a completely different design bezel for a reason and most that own conventional Rolex bezels couldn’t wrap their mind around that it’s not a conventional twist timing bezel. It’s not the same old GMT/Sub bezel design. Now I adore the “Yacht Master II” on the bezel because it is a command ring bezel. I wouldn’t want a watch with this much design and engineering to look like a conventional model. I believe that was Rolex’s point as well.
Cosmetically, there was a lot of pushback with models with new labeling at the time like the DSSD “ring lock”, etc... The move to ceramic bezels was also stirring it up at the same time.
Rolex owners always resist change but loves to point out how Rolex never releases anything new.
The YMII was/is way ahead of its time on many levels and why it is “underrated” by some. YMII is a halo/flagship Rolex model not ever intended to be aimed to the mainstream buyer.

This never matters to me but as far as popularity, I see the YMII on high profile people over the years all the time and it’s not dissipating. You can’t miss it as it’s looks are so distinctive. I am starting to see more SS models than 18k but that is the fashion trend. I saw two different SS YMII this past weekend NFL playoffs worn by a announcer and a post game player.

[Cmfrank]

I own the white gold and platinum 116689 version and I can truly say that it is my favorite Rolex I’ve owned over the years, including the likes of the Rolex Daytona 116500. IMO, I believe the Yachtmaster II (especially the white gold/platinum “albino” version) will be a future heavy hitting collectible. Just remember, it’s typically the least popular watches that go down as some of the most collectable later on, even if that means several decades later.

Additionally, for what it’s worth, Tim Mosso also feels this way about the 116689 if you watch his watch reviews for this watch.

[zion_rasta]

No “Yacht” master is popular. It has to do with the name. If it was called the Reggata Dweller or just the Regatta you would not be able to find one. Not many people own a Yacht so it is a hard line to relate. Conversely, you can play regatta on kayaks if you want...

[Cmfrank]

Originally Posted by zion_rasta

No “Yacht” master is popular. It has to do with the name. If it was called the Reggata Dweller or just the Regatta you would not be able to find one. Not many people own a Yacht so it is a hard line to relate. Conversely, you can play regatta on kayaks if you want...

In all fairness, not many people are professional divers either. I think a lot of it boils down to marketing. I actually use the 10 minute countdown timer way more than any other functions on watches like the Daytona and Submariner. Only time will tell but my guess is that the Yachtmaster II will be appreciated much more down the road.

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by rambo99

because the trend of wearing oversize watches is dead.

Tell that to the Paneristi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jrbjr63]

Originally Posted by devildog

i think multiple reasons (some of which are mentioned on this thread).

It’s a radical departure from more established rolex designs and quite a polarising watch.

It has a complication that is unlikely to be used by most of its owners (and therefore seen as unnecessary by most). It’s very specialised as a result,

personally, i don’t find it particularly pleasing on the eye or easy to read.

For me it’s a no, but many love it

+1

[PrinceOverseas]

Originally Posted by Romeomikehotel

Because they’re ugly

Just indicate your bad taste in this case.

[PrinceOverseas]

Just got one from my AD. YM2 is best built quality and all-round another level compared with those “popular” models. Rolex official price of steel version is A$26300 in Australia and that of Popular Daytona “panda” is only A$18000! I don’t give f**k how much it is in grey market and never bought watch from there.
Size is an issue as many people can’t hold it and also the price is too high for a steel version.
It fits me perfectly and I really hate wearing same watch of entry level Parvenu and philistine , so this is my type

[Tensai]

It’s an awesome looking watch.

[DoctorA]

It’s really interesting how it used to go for a big discount and is the last Ss rolex to leave the case……. Now it goes for a premium!!!! I see it in the $21m range!!!!
Hype or people had a change of heart??

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

It’s really interesting how it used to go for a big discount and is the last Ss rolex to leave the case……. Now it goes for a premium!!!! I see it in the $21m range!!!!
Hype or people had a change of heart??

The YMII was way ahead of its time to the point many didn’t understand how special it is. It’s all about timing and when it comes into its own. The Daytona was the same and recently the LVc.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Cmfrank

I own the white gold and platinum 116689 version and I can truly say that it is my favorite Rolex I’ve owned over the years, including the likes of the Rolex Daytona 116500. IMO, I believe the Yachtmaster II (especially the white gold/platinum “albino” version) will be a future heavy hitting collectible. Just remember, it’s typically the least popular watches that go down as some of the most collectable later on, even if that means several decades later.

Additionally, for what it’s worth, Tim Mosso also feels this way about the 116689 if you watch his watch reviews for this watch.

100% agree with you on this

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by zion_rasta

No “Yacht” master is popular. It has to do with the name. If it was called the Reggata Dweller or just the Regatta you would not be able to find one. Not many people own a Yacht so it is a hard line to relate. Conversely, you can play regatta on kayaks if you want...

We must then have a lot of submarine, and private jet owners as well as Daytona racers on this forum!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Watch This]

I too have owned many a Rolex (and other brands) over the years. Some twice. When wanting to settle down with one piece, I chose the SS YMII. It's the only watch in the lineup that doesn't look dated. Only other exception (IMHO) would be the Sky Dweller.

Let's face it, the Sub, GMT, DJ, AK, DD have been around for 60+ or so years. Yes, that's a credit to their design and longevity, I get that. They are all fantastic classics but, to my eye, tired.

Mystro said it best : Rolex owners always resist change but love to point out how Rolex never releases anything new.

I went with the oddball choice and will hang on to it. It's a joy to wear in a room with 12 Submariners and 7 Date-Justs. Future collectible? Historically with Rolex, it has most always been the short runs and the oddities.

[Webster2281]

Originally Posted by Watch This

I too have owned many a Rolex (and other brands) over the years. Some twice. When wanting to settle down with one piece, I chose the SS YMII. It's the only watch in the lineup that doesn't look dated. Only other exception (IMHO) would be the Sky Dweller.

Let's face it, the Sub, GMT, DJ, AK, DD have been around for 60+ or so years. Yes, that's a credit to their design and longevity, I get that. They are all fantastic classics but, to my eye, tired.

Mystro said it best : Rolex owners always resist change but love to point out how Rolex never releases anything new.

I went with the oddball choice and will hang on to it. It's a joy to wear in a room with 12 Submariners and 7 Date-Justs. Future collectible? Historically with Rolex, it has most always been the short runs and the oddities.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zsprings]

Originally Posted by rambo99

because the trend of wearing oversize watches is dead.

That's funny, because most guys I see today in UK are wearing a 'smart' watch, usually black finish and bigger than my YMII. Just recently I noticed a doctor wearing a huge black smart watch, and I thought to myself,... why do so many on the Rolex Forum keep posting they don't want a 42mm watch?

[Jiggy_W]

I reflect on the 1655 Exp II. Not loved when it came out but it grew better in time because there was nothing quite like it in the product line. Most people on this forum would take it in a heart beat now. SS version is quirky cool. Let see how this post ages…. in about 20 years.

[Jsauce]

Definitely a conversational piece. It’s controversial for sure but that’s part of the attraction for me. Has a lot of presence and love how it’s built. It’s one of my favorite 44mm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kilyung]

Love this thread. I still love my YM2 but I’ve really grown to dislike the clasp. It’s fine on my GMTs but the weight of the YM2 begs for a glidelock. I tried it with my 116618 glidelock and what a difference in comfort! So I ordered a glidelock for my YM2.

[rallyx]

Yachtmaster Chrono.jpg
Source: Rolex Magazine.

For those who have said that the YMII lacks providence, it really wasn't the first Yacht-Master Chronograph that Rolex made. According to Rolex Magazine, the Ultra-Rare 39.5mm Rolex Yacht-Master Chronograph Prototype [Reference 6239/6242] the dial of which was made in 1967 and the watch in 1969. One can see the resemblance to the fame Paul Newman Daytona sub dials. At that time, the Yachtmaster Chronograph is already proportionally larger at 39.5 mm than the regular Daytona at 36 mm. Here's the link to the article: https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2009/1...s-history.html

Since then, it only took Rolex almost 40 years later to make another YM chronograph, i.e. the YMII into production. Don't see many two-tone YMII in this thread, but love mine.

YMII.JPG