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The Rolex Heavyweights: Rolex Yachtmaster II Vs. Sky-Dweller

the rolex heavyweights

This Rolex heavyweights showdown is an all-gold version. We take a closer look at two watches that fit as Rolex heavyweights. These watches are absolutely heavyweights in the Rolex high-end luxury sports category. Here are the Rolex Yachtmaster II and the Sky-Dweller 

These watches carry a presence similar to only a few other timepieces. However, the question really arises when you are out there searching for a quality gold Rolex. In such a situation, which one of these Rolex heavyweights will be your perfect choice and for what reasons?

We aim to help you find answers to these questions by comparing these Rolex heavyweights over three distinct parameters. These are: 

  • Their designs
  • The movement they feature
  • Their wearability and functionality

From these comparisons, we will pick a winner and that will be our recommendation. This will be the timepiece with the highest score from these three rounds. Follow through!

The Battle Of Designs Between These Rolex Heavyweights

The rolex yachtmaster ii.

Just as the name implies, the Rolex Yachtmaster II comes with a design made specifically for water conditions. This timepiece features purpose-built ability for competitive sailors. 

Generally, the most striking traits of the Yachtmaster II are the same features that distinguish it from others. Amongst other ocean-faring timepieces in the Rolex range, this timepiece features are distinct.

This timepiece features a stunning white dial blended with blue hands. That color mix provides a ton of contrasts that aid its legibility. More so, the gold-edged hour tags and the small-second dial put in that taste of luxury to its aesthetics.

Rolex again did a great job by keeping the dial as clutter free as it can. Based on the amount of details on display, a clutter-free dial is a no-brainer. 

The Yachtmaster II comes with a royal blue cerachrom bezel. Additionally, it features a 0-to-10 countdown track that comes in handy during regatta races. In these races, competitors get a 10-minute warning prior to the start of the race.

Here is a complication that is practically a programmable 10-minute flyback chronograph. That sounds rather more complicated than the real deal. Yet, from a graphical perspective, this is what makes the Yachtmaster II different in the Rolex collection. This feature pleasingly contrasts the colour of ether steel. 

The Case And Bracelet

Furthermore, the Yachtmaster II comes with a trusty Oyster case. This timepiece comes fitted with an Oyster bracelet. You can consider these Rolex heavyweights as a super-sized version with its 44 mm diameter size. 

Moreover, the chronograph pushers come in a nice rounded design. Yet, they do not have the screw-down locks featured on the Daytona timepiece. 

The Rolex Sky-Dweller

rolex sky-dweller wristwatch

Similar to every other Rolex timepiece, the Sky-Dweller carries its design for a purpose. This design allows regular travellers the ability to track two time zones. The difference it has from the GMT Master II is that it displays both time zones simultaneously and in real-time. 

Your first look at the Sky-Dweller will appear like it is an oversized Day-Date with a fluted bezel and a large Oyster case. However, what gives this timepiece away is its distinct dial. Thanks to the huge numeral hour markers and offset white ring, the Sky-Dweller looks different. There is a clear difference between this watch and other models in the category. Thanks to the unique dial, it offers incredible legibility even from a glimpse.

The Annual Calendar Complication

Another impressive addition and one that we mostly miss out on is the annual calendar complication. This complication comes with the Sky-Dweller. You find it around the exterior of each hour marker. It appears like a small rectangle that fills in black to signify the month of the year at the time.

More so, the rectangles not in use are polished in the exact colour the dial comes in. Hence, they easily blend in and make additional room. With this additional room, the dial appears a lot less jumbled than a regular annual calendar timepiece.

It is even more remarkable considering that it also comes with a second time display built in. This one right here is a totally ingenious piece of engineering and design masterclass from Rolex.

Right before us, we have two huge, daring and highly functional Rolex heavyweights. For these two watches, each carries its own distinctive design shades and also fan bases. 

We mostly commend the design of the Sky-Dweller dial. Also, the slightly smaller size makes it more desirable. Hence, it is our winner in the design battle.

Movement Features Of The Yachtmaster II And The Sky-Dweller

This Rolex Sky-Dweller takes its power from the Rolex calibre 9001. This timepiece remains one of the most complicated movements ever produced by this Swiss watchmaker. This is of course a fully in-house manufactured caliber. 

the sky-dweller with an in-house movement 

Moreover, it comes with a purposeful design to particularly serve the Sky-Dweller. The Rolex brand is not your number one brand when it comes to making watches with complications. Therefore, for them to create a watch featuring a date display, dual time zone and an annual calendar is no small feat. 

It was nothing short of big news when the timepiece hit the watchmaking world in 2012. In addition, this 9001 caliber comes with a power reserve that lasts for as long as 72 hours. There is also a frequency of 28,800hz. Lastly, like every other Rolex perpetual movement, this one carries certification from COSC.

On the other hand, the Yachtmaster II is slightly less complicated compared to the Sky-Dweller. However, it still parades certain outstanding technology that makes it better than most watches in the Rolex collection. 

This watch takes power from the Rolex caliber 4161 movement. It is just like the 9001 caliber. The 9001 features a power reserve of 72 hours and is COSC certified, the 4161 caliber has the same features. 

the yachtmaster II with an in-house movement 

Meanwhile, the 4161 captions what is in practice, a flyback chronograph complication. This is a feature you can find in this Regatta timer. This feature reportedly took Rolex 35,000 hours to create. Finally, one of the patented abilities contains 360 elements alone!

These two Rolex heavyweights carry sophisticated movements. These movements bear specific features that help to power all of the watches’ outstanding abilities. Similar to all Rolex watches, the movements are calibers made in-house by Rolex. That explains why they are among the most durable and precise movements in the mechanical watch world.

For this category, we cannot declare an outright winner. The fact remains that all these watches bear specific design fit for particular uses. Hence, they have the complications fit perfectly for their intention. For example, the annual calendar in the Sky-Dweller is remarkable. Yet, it just wouldn’t be fit when placed in the Yachtmaster II. In the same light, a flyback chronograph will not make sense in the Sky-Dweller. 

This ends in a stalemate!

The Wearability & Functionality Of The Rolex Heavyweights

What is the plan when comparing the wearability and functionality of timepieces? In such a case, we simply want to see how comfortable they are on the wrist and how their function helps. This same intention applies to these two Rolex heavyweights. 

What are the distinct functions of the Yachtmaster II and the Sky-Dweller? What makes each of these timepieces desirable to watch enthusiasts? Which appears more on the wrist and wears easily? Keep reading to find out. 

We begin with the Yachtmaster . Here, the bright white dial is highly legible. Therefore, it easily shows all the essential details at a glance. So, imagine you aboard a speeding boat and you can still see what is on your watch clearly. That is awesome!

Moreover, the  regatta timer display featured on the timepiece is another very clear element. This is thanks to the red defined arrow that points to the present minute in the countdown timer clearly.

Furthermore, the functions of the watch are very unusual. This is one style only the Yachtmaster carries. This timepiece employs a ring command mechanism to fix the regatta timer. Hence, you as the user must first rotate the bezel 90 degrees to the left. Afterward, you then press the reset pusher in a way that it stays depressed. 

Thereafter, The crown then must get unscrewed back to the initial position. It is from this position that it can then get turned to set the needed number of minutes the countdown timer should have. It is always between 1 to 10 minutes. 

As soon as the minutes get selected, the bezel gets rotated again to the first position. That resets the pusher. 

Also, you only have to screw the crown back in to guarantee the water resistance function. Then, the timer gets started. You can also stop it using the top pusher. More so, the timer can also be reset on the fly as that synchronizes it with a different time source. 

When placed on the wrist, the Yachtmaster II is a heavyweight really. Yet, it is comfortable. Also, the Oyster case and strap are good to wear regardless of the metal option used. Lastly, the deployant clasp comes with a double-lock. That ensures the timepiece remains fixed on your wrist.

The Sky-Dweller does not have quite the legibility the Yachtmaster has, especially in the Champagne dial variant. We say this because we tested it.

However, the figures have enough spaces between them. You can read them with a mere glimpse. Also, the addition of the annual calendar to the dial is very commendable. We believe it’s perhaps one of the most creative means of revealing the details this timepiece carries.

Furthermore, the Sky-Dweller similarly features a ring command mechanism to run the wristwatch. However, unlike the Yachtmaster II, this one helps to set all of the functions. Meanwhile, the bezel comes with four selectable positions. Each of these positions alter the performance of the crown. 

This requires a little getting used to if you must make the most of it. However, the functionality of the Sky-Dweller is more preferable to pulling out fiddly crowns for these same functions. 

Additionally, the tactile response from the bezel as it clasps into the successive position satisfies in every sense of it.  

The Sky-Dweller on the wrist presents the same wearability as the Yachtmaster II. First off, the Oyster case and bracelet do not give any uneasiness at all. Plus, the narrowly smaller width and height of the case presents a strong covering to it across hard surfaces.

But, there is one shortcoming we will love to criticize here. And, that would be the deployant clasp that only has one lock phase. Being a timepiece set in rare metals, the twin lock system would provide better security compared to this deployant clasp. 

To be frank, we found it hard to declare a winner in this category because it is a really difficult one. The truth is that these two Rolex heavyweights have amazing means of delivering their functions. Plus, they are both comfortable timepieces on the wrist. Becoming an owner of any of these two watches will certainly be a pleasure. 

Nevertheless, we would not want to call another draw in this battle. If we must be frank, the way the Sky-Dweller wears on the wrist is quite preferable. In fact, the ease it gives you through your day-to-day life is remarkable. 

With an annual calendar and a second time zone, you have more helpful functions compared to a chronograph timer.

Final Ruling

Eventually, we have an overall winner in this battle of these Rolex heavyweights. The Rolex Sky-Dweller takes this one with two wins to one over the Yacht Master II.

We must commend the overall structure of this timepiece together with the incredible movement in it. Also, there is a distinct way its functions operate. 

For the Yachtmaster II, this watch is great in its own right. Yet, we believe it’s slightly more niche compared to the Sky-Dweller. 

Regardless of any of the two you go for, you are certainly getting an exceptional timepiece that will serve you.

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In Featured Post , Rolex , WATCHES

This Is Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326934 is the most complicated modern Rolex available. It’s also rather polarising. Most collectors have pretty strong views on it one way or another. None can dispute its ingenuity. Its intuitive display incorporates an annual calendar and a dual time-zone. In total the model boasts 11 – 14 patents. Yet it is more accessible price wise than you might expect. Particularly in steel and white gold. Assuming you can find one, of course. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Rolex Sky-Dweller .

A (Very) Brief History Of The Rolex Sky-Dweller

For years, Rolex provided dual time zone functionality via the professional pilot-dedicated GMT-Master. It features a supplementary hour hand coaxially located at the dial centre. Rotating on a 24-hour scale (denoted on the bezel), it was a Rolex invention in 1954.

The first model, the GMT-Master , launched in 1955. The GMT-Master II followed a few decades later. Both have proven their usefulness and versatility. The 24-hour hand was also introduced on the Explorer II . Beyond that, though, we have not seen much from Rolex on the dual time zone front. Other than the standard updates and improvements to established models.

Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi Small GMT Hand Stainless Steel Ref 1675

That’s why in 2012, the launch of the Sky-Dweller caused quite a stir. Rolex registered the name before Baselworld, but no one knew anything about the new model. Speculation anticipated a progression of the GMT-Master II . Instead Rolex came out with its first new watch in two decades. One featuring dual time zone displays as well as an annual calendar.

Unlike the GMT-Master, the Sky-Dweller is for business travellers. Not pilots. The real story though was its complicated movement. The all-new caliber 9001, which today remains the most complex ever developed by the brand.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Calibre 9001

It was also less sporty than the GMT-Master II. Instead the Sky-Dweller took its design cues from the Datejust and Day-Date models. But the familiar fluted bezel held a hidden surprise. In fact, the Sky-Dweller’s mystique turned out to be how simple it is to read and adjust.

What You Don’t See

The Sky-Dweller displays two time zones at the same time. Local time, and the date, are in the standard Rolex format. But off-set from the dial centre is a 24-hour disc indicated to by a fixed inverted triangle. (You read minutes for both time zones off of the local time minute hand.)

The 24-hour display tracks the wearer’s chosen reference time. This could be home time or the time zone where you spend most of your time for work. The 24-hour scale makes it easy to discern between day and night. The calendar month shows via one of the 12 apertures located beyond the hour indexes. You will notice the color red in the corresponding box instead of white. There’s a lot of information but the delivery doesn’t overcrowd the dial.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326933 White Dial - The Watch Lounge Shop

IN THE SHOP: check out this unworn Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326933 White Dial available now.

Adjusting so many indicators usually requires you to memorise several crown settings. Or necessitates bulky pushers. Or worse still, those annoying little correctors. Not so with the Sky-Dweller. While it’s true you use the crown for rapid setting of all functions, it doesn’t quite work in the usual way. Instead, you choose the function you want the crown to perform first.

How is this possible?

Well, the Sky-Dweller employs intelligent bezel technology known as “ring command”. This is the same technology used by the Yacht-Master II. Rotating the bezel interacts with the movement. In doing so it changes which function the winding crown engages. No fewer than 60 components make up the patented, complex mechanical module. You can set the displays in any order, and in both backwards and forwards directions.

Rolex Ring Command Bezel

Before the Sky-Dweller, Rolex only provided a complete calendar. Although similar, it doesn’t take into account the differing month lengths. Rolex solves this problem by introducing only four extra gear wheels. In doing so it created the simple but ingenious SAROS annual calendar system.

‘Saros’ is a Greek term. It refers to the astronomical cycle governing the recurrence of an eclipse. The design takes inspiration from the cyclical alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon. Hence the name.

A satellite (Earth) wheel engages a fixed planetary (Sun) gear wheel over one month, driven by the date disc. The ‘Earth’ in turn has its own satellite (Moon) wheel fitted with four fingers for each of the four 30-day months. At the end of these months, one of the fingers causes the date disc to jump two days in a few milliseconds. Hence, the 31 date is ‘eclipsed’. Manual intervention is thus only required on 1 March (following February).

The Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326934 & Ref 326933

The Rolex Sky-Dweller debuted in 2012. But it didn’t hit mainstream radars until 2017. That’s when Rolex updated the dial and introduced steel versions. Or ‘Rolesor’ versions, as Rolex likes to call them.

‘Rolesor’ is Rolex speak for a combination of Oystersteel and gold. The white Rolesor Sky-Dweller (Ref 326934) features a fluted bezel in 18ct white gold. There’s also a two-tone yellow Rolesor version (Ref 326933). This sees the addition of 18ct yellow gold centre links on the Oyster bracelet and a yellow gold bezel.

For the gold lovers, there’s a full Everose gold version (Ref 326935). And a full yellow gold version (Ref 326938). Both are available on a leather strap as well. Rolex no longer offers a white gold Sky-Dweller.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

This use of materials gives the Rolex Sky-Dweller a sportier feel. It also makes it much more accessible. There’s a big price difference between the Rolesor versions and the solid gold ones. Like five figures big. The former offers a lot more gold of course but that’s not to everyone’s taste (or budget).

The earlier – now discontinued – models featured large Roman or Arabic numeral indexes. A more traditional aesthetic that doesn’t appeal to all. Good news if it appeals to you though. Like most solid gold Rolex models, you can find these unworn at a discount on the secondary market.

The new versions offer modern rectangular indexes. Longer hands. And chromalight luminescence. In a similar vein to the Rolex Datejust 41 . This completely changed the look of the watch and opened it up to a much wider (and younger) audience. Which is why over night the Rolex Sky-Dweller became the cool kid on the block.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326933 White Dial - The Watch Lounge Shop

The Oyster case measures a solid 42mm and comes on on a three-link Oyster bracelet. You might expect to see it on a Jubilee given that it’s a hybrid dress/casual watch. But with the size and weight of the case, the Oyster is the way to go. That’s not to say Rolex won’t change this in the future of course.

Inside is the Calibre 9001, a new movement developed for exclusive use by the Sky-Dweller. Like all Perpetual Rolex calibres, it uses the brand’s common movement architecture. This means bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor. Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. And high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. It’s certified as a superlative chronometer, so accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day. And offers a 72-hour (3 day) power reserve.

Price & Availability

As discussed above, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is available in several different variations. The white Rolesor version offers black, blue and white dials. The retail price for a Ref 326934 model is US$14,400 . The yellow Rolesor and full gold versions also have black and white dial options. Plus, there’s as a fancier champagne-colour dial. The retail price for a Ref 326933 model is US$17,150 . While the Everose gold model gives you choice of dark rhodium (gray) or white.

The consensus seems to be that the white Rolesor with blue dial is the most desirable. It’s also the hardest to find. It’s not quite at the same level as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN . Still, you’re not going to see one at your local AD. As a result, prices on the secondary market are around USD 22,000 – USD 23,000 .

And it’s worth noting that for full gold, the retail price more than doubles.

Who Is The Rolex Sky-Dweller For?

This is a difficult question to answer. Strange to say about a consumer product, I know. Especially when you’re talking about a power-house brand like Rolex. The reality is though, the Sky-Dweller doesn’t fit into the standard Rolex categories. You wouldn’t call it a tool watch. Not like the Sea-Dweller for example. But it’s also not a dress watch, like a Cellini. The closest comparison is the Rolex Day-Date. But even these two models are poles apart.

The Day-Date has an impressive legacy. It’s also smaller and more wearable (40mm or 36mm). And it’s considered by many to be the ultimate status symbol. The Rolex Sky-Dweller meanwhile targets a younger crowd. Young executives with travel budgets. And those who want to give the impression they’ve been inside a private jet. Not to mention the select few who actually want to own a complicated Rolex.

Don’t fit into one of those categories? Don’t let that dissuade you from owning a Rolex Sky-Dweller. There’s no doubt it’s a great watch. Made to Rolex’s exacting standards. It’s comfortable on the wrist. And it looks great. That said, it’s not for everybody. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you choose to view it. In any event, if you want one in steel any time soon, your best bet is the secondary market. Be prepared to pay a hefty premium though, as discussed above.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref 326933 White Dial - The Watch Lounge Shop

Technical Specifications: Rolex Sky-Dweller White Rolesor Ref 326934

  • Case:  Oyster – 42 mm – Oystersteel and white gold – monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown –fluted white gold bezel, bidirectional rotatable Rolex Ring Command – waterproof to 100 metres / 300 feet.
  • Dial:  Blue/Black/White – centre hour, minute and seconds hands – 24-hour display on off-centre disc – Second time zone. – instantaneous annual calendar at 3 o’clock and rapid-setting of the date – month display via 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial – stop-seconds for precise time setting – Chromalight display with longlasting blue luminescence on hour markers and hands.
  • Movement:  Calibre 9001 – bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor – paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers – 72-hour power reserve – certified as Superlative Chronometer.
  • Price: USD 14,400.

Technical Specifications: Rolex Sky-Dweller White Rolesor Ref 326933

  • Case:  Oyster – 42 mm – Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold – monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown –fluted yellow gold bezel, bidirectional rotatable Rolex Ring Command – waterproof to 100 metres / 300 feet.
  • Dial:  Champagne/Black/White – centre hour, minute and seconds hands – 24-hour display on off-centre disc – Second time zone. – instantaneous annual calendar at 3 o’clock and rapid-setting of the date – month display via 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial – stop-seconds for precise time setting – Chromalight display with longlasting blue luminescence on hour markers and hands.
  • Price: USD 17,150.

This article by TheWatchLounge has been sponsored by our partner WatchBox.

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1 thought on “This Is Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Sky-Dweller”

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Tom, I have a Rolex sky dweller blue face on order from my local Rolex jeweler right now for over a year(13 months). Your article about the sky dweller was excellent and makes me even more excited about its arrival. Do you think it will become a popular collectors item for watch enthusiasts? Do you have any idea of why it’s taking so long for Rolex to produce this timepiece?

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yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

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The Rolex Sky-Dweller is exactly the kind of watch you usually don't think of when you think of Rolex: a complicated watch, and moreover, one with a very unusual implementation of several complications. For that reason, it's not very often discussed by Rolex fans, but in typical Rolex fashion it is, as it turns out, much more interesting than you might think from the niche in which it sits in the Rolex lineup. Available only in precious metals, the Sky-Dweller was introduced in 2012 and there was, at the time, a lot of buzz about it; but as one of the most expensive (non-jewelry) Rolexes, it's been more visible (when it's been visible at all) as a luxury watch rather than as a tool watch.

There's no doubt from the minute you pick one up that the Sky-Dweller is very much a statement piece; it's big (42 mm x 14.1 mm) and very boldly styled, with a light-gathering fluted bezel and enough reflective surfaces to ensure that pretty much no matter how the light hits it, it's going to dazzle the eye. An unobtrusive tool watch, this is not – certainly not in terms of style. We wore the Everose-gold version of the watch for this installment of A Week On The Wrist, although we also had the white-gold version (on a white-gold bracelet) for comparison purposes as well, and they're both pretty flashy watches; there's just no getting around it. 

Rolex Sky-Dweller

However, that doesn't necessarily mean they come across as gauche, either, and what you notice right away, as is usually the case with Rolex, is that everything's extremely well done. Dial furniture, casework, hands, overall fit and finish – everything is absolutely immaculate and really sets a standard for build quality and quality of execution in luxury watchmaking. Yes, you expect that at this price point, and yes, you expect it from Rolex, but given how seldom luxury watches really deliver in this respect it's nice to see anyway.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

The fact that the Sky-Dweller is so well made goes a long way toward saving it from ostentation, and I think that's because the very high quality seems an end in itself, as well as a manifestation of a deeper commitment to quality for its own sake. It's a very characteristically Swiss approach to luxury, I think; you don't necessarily get originality and artistry the way you do from the French or Italian approaches but you do get, at best, meticulous attention to detail in an object that radiates a craftsman's pride in their work. It's a banker's rather than an aesthete's level of the expression of luxury, but it seems to work for Rolex – a kind of luxury that's half lavishness in materials and construction, and half an absolute, ironclad guarantee that there will be no unpleasant surprises.

On the wrist, the impression created by the arresting visuals of the Sky-Dweller continues: they're massive, yes, but on my seven-inch wrist they were also very comfortable to wear, as both watches fit closely and remained centered on the forearm without any noticeable play. The Everose model on a strap was a very comfortable watch to wear over the course of a week, size and weight notwithstanding, and for long-term wear I think I'd prefer it to the bracelet just from a mass standpoint. (The strap is fairly thick and it distributes the mass of the watch pretty evenly, which also goes a long way toward making this a comfortable watch to wear.) However, if you are the sort of person who wants to wear this watch on a matching gold bracelet you're also probably the sort of person who is not going to be deterred by a few (well, a lot of) extra grams of gold.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Part of what makes this a comfortable watch to wear despite its mass is probably that the lugs curve down sharply enough to prevent a gap between your wrist and the back of the watch.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

The Sky-Dweller is a watch with a purpose, and that purpose is to make keeping track of the date across multiple time zones as painless as possible. It's an annual calendar, dual time-zone watch in which all indications can be set by the (screw-down) crown. The unique feature of the Sky-Dweller is the "Ring Command" rotating bezel, whose position determines the function of the crown. The crown has two positions; unscrew it and pull it out to the first, and it can be used to hand-wind the movement (Rolex caliber 9001). 

Pull the crown out to the second position, and, depending on which position the bezel is in, you can use it to set the time, set the hour hand to local time, or set the date (there is also a neutral position for the crown as well). The annual calendar is synchronized with the hour hand, so that if you happen to be traveling between the 30th and the 1st of the next month (in a month with 30 days) the calendar will automatically skip the 31st if you set the time ahead past midnight to the new time zone. The month is indicated by a colored rectangle in one of the 12 apertures around the dial, and home time is via the 24-hour ring occupying the lower two-thirds of the dial.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Operation of the Ring Command bezel and crown is very straightforward.  The bezel has crisp detents at each position and hand setting of all three indications (time, independent hour hand, and date) was precise as well.  The Sky-Dweller, during the period I wore it, showed almost no detectable change in rate at all; in a week of daily wear (including a flight to Geneva and back) it gained about 1.5 seconds, so you won't need to handle the crown very often (once a year at the end of February, of course) but when you do, you'll have the pleasant feel of interacting with a piece of robust, well made, and well designed machinery.

The Sky-Dweller shines visually, but it shines functionally as well; in traveling with it, I found it to be an extremely enjoyable watch to use as it was designed to be used. The only potential hiccup is that there's no way of knowing, short of memorization (or manipulating the crown) which position the bezel is in, so you can find yourself inadvertently setting something you don't mean to set. I'm not sure if a solution to this is either necessary or desirable; in the abstract, it seems it would be a problem but in practice, it's pretty much a non-issue, as any of the indications can easily be set forward or backward on the off chance you change something you didn't mean to change. I suppose the worst that could happen is that you pull the crown out to the second position and find you're in time-setting mode, which would mean the seconds hand stops momentarily until you push the crown back in again. I found legibility under all conditions to be excellent (include a dark aircraft cabin during a red-eye to Geneva) despite the relatively small amount of lume present (relative, anyway, to Rolex's technical models).

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

The Sky-Dweller is a bit of a conundrum. It's a technically advanced watch, and a pretty complicated one from a company not generally known for its complications. It's also a luxury watch, designed to be a pretty highly visible indication of affluence (albeit it's extremely well made, which gives it a more dignified overall vibe than not). At the same time, it's a niche enough watch that it's actually more stealth than you might think; one of those Rolexes that, despite the date cyclops, doesn't read as instantly as a Rolex as, say, a Submariner, Daytona, or Day-Date. Complicated gold watches generally don't sit in the sports watch category, yet this is also a sport watch, at least to a degree; both its size, and a number of its technical features (including that screw-down crown and a water resistance of 100 meters) seem to keep it in the sport watch category rather than the dress watch realm.  

I think the solution to some of the initial confusion you might feel when encountering the Sky-Dweller is that it really isn't a watch that inhabits any one traditional category especially: yes, it's a luxury sport watch, but unlike Rolex's other luxury sport watches, it's not a precious metal version of an existing steel model. The Sky-Dweller is not the simplest solution to telling time across two time zones quickly and easily, of course. On a certain level, if that's what you want, and you want to do it in a durable, accurate, very well made and quietly stylish mechanical watch from Rolex, well, you get a GMT Master II or an Explorer II and call it a day. But I don't think the point of the Sky-Dweller is to be the simplest answer to a particular need. The Sky-Dweller reminds me very much of another complicated Rolex: the Yachtmaster II Regatta Timer (which we went hands-on with last year ). Like the Yachtmaster II, the Sky-Dweller fills a very particular niche by filling a practical need with almost hyperbolic sophistication on every level imaginable, both mechanically, and from a materials and design standpoint; and like the Yachtmaster II, it is a very particular take on a very particular complication.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

I think that's what makes both watches work, and what makes them both so appealing in everyday use. They both have a pretty extroverted design, combined with a pretty idiosyncratic take on a complication with fairly specific appeal (the regatta timer on the one hand, the combination of an annual calendar and two time zones on the other). What they both are, however – and what I probably wouldn't have discovered about the Sky-Dweller without wearing it and playing with it for a week – is a tremendous amount of fun , and in a way that cuts to the core of the appeal of mechanical watches at its most basic level. The lavishness of their externals, in combination with the elaborate complexity of their mechanics relative to the practical problems they address, are essential to making them what they are; after all, to a great extent, finding joy in mechanics for its own sake is a big part of what having fun with horology is all about. As George Daniels put it in another context, "the fact that the mechanism is quite unnecessary merely adds to its charm."

The Rolex Sky-Dweller, in Everose on a strap, $39,550; in white gold on a matching white gold bracelet, $48,850. Case, 42.00mm x 14.10mm, water resistance 10 bar/100 meters.  Movement, selfwinding Rolex caliber 9001, bidirectional winding with 72 hour power reserve. Paraflex shock system with Parachrom balance spring; overcoil with free-sprung adjustable mass balance under an adjustable balance bridge.  Chronometer certified by the COSC; maximum deviation in daily rate, -2/+2 seconds per day. Ring Command bezel for selecting function of the crown in its second position; annual calendar with indication of the time in two time zones.

See our in-depth launch coverage of the Sky-Dweller by Ben Clymer, right here.

For more information, visit Rolex.com .  

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Overview of the Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master range encapsulates luxury and precision in a line of nautically inspired timepieces. Introduced in 1992, this Rolex watch borrows heavily from the Submariner series. The original Yacht-Master- the ref. 16628 with a 40mm Yellow Gold case, Cyclops lens over the date, triple lock crown, and Oyster bracelet- was modeled after the first ever Submariner- ref. 16610- which has a 40mm stainless steel case.

They both used the Caliber 3135 movement!

The tool watch gained traction with time, coming in various case, material, and bracelet options, as we shall see shortly. It’s no wonder it’s among Rolex’s most varied pieces in the Professional series.

Meanwhile, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master II more than a decade later in 2007. It’s a watch tailored to the needs of professional sailors with its innovative regatta chronograph. 

Housed in a more robust 44mm Oyster case, it leveraged Rolex’s expertise in precision and functionality, offering a programmable countdown with mechanical memory for yacht racing. Distinguishing itself from its predecessor, it brought a new level of technical sophistication to the yachting world.

Design Characteristics

The Yacht-Master line portrays the typical design layout of Rolex sports watches, with an Oyster case (that’s water-resistant to 100m), a Twin-lock winding crown on the side of the case for setting the time and date and winding the movement manually, lume-filled Mercedes-style hands and hour markers, and a date function at three o’clock that’s amplified by a Cyclops magnifier lens on the crystal.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II takes on a more daring design, featuring a larger Oyster case (water-resistant to 100m) with a Triplock winding crown and chronograph pushers for operating the regatta chronograph, a busier dial with a programmable countdown feature (1 to 10 minutes), and a special Ring Command bezel that’s also present in Rolex’s Sky-Dweller collection .

Interestingly, the Yacht-Master II and Sky-Dweller are some of Rolex’s most complicated watches for now.

Rolex Yacht-Master in different case size (37mm, 40mm, 42mm)

The Yacht-Master comes in various case options, namely 29mm (discontinued), 35mm (discontinued), 37mm (Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 268621), 40mm (Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 126622), and 42mm (Rolex Yacht-Master Oysterflex ref. 226659).

In terms of materials, Rolex has utilized several precious metals in the collection:

  • Yellow Gold
  • Stainless steel and Yellow Gold (Yellow Rolesor)
  • Stainless steel with a Platinum bezel (Rolesium)
  • Everose Gold (a patented proprietary Rose Gold alloy)
  • Stainless steel and Everose Gold (Everose Rolesor)

In contrast, the Yacht-Master II is only available in a 44mm case size. It’s available in fewer material alternatives:

  • Stainless steel with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel
  • Stainless steel and Everose Gold with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel
  • White Gold with a Platinum bezel (discontinued)
  • Yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel

Bezels 

Rolex Yacht-Master bezel

The two watches have a bidirectional rotatable bezel that’s integral for tracking sailing time intervals. The difference comes in their designs.

The Yacht-Master has a bezel crafted from gold or platinum. This rotating bezel has raised numerals and 60-minute graduations. Plus, it operates independently from the watch’s inner mechanism.

The Yacht-Master offers a more noticeable Ring Command bezel with the ‘YACHT-MASTER II’ inscription and molded 1-10 numerals in varying colors depending on the materials used. The Yacht-Master II’s bezel is connected to the movement, and its wearers use it to operate the regatta chronograph function.

The watches’ dials are well-suited for their respective purposes. 

Rolex Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master has a simpler dial design, with Mercedes-style hands and round/triangle/rectangle or gem-set hour markers. Rolex has used several luminous materials on these excellent luxury watches over the years:

  • SuperLumiNova
  • Chromalight

Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Yacht-Master II has a more detailed and functional dial with slimmer hands decorated with Chromalight lume, a red arrow-tipped hand, a central chronograph hand, square-shaped hour markers, a countdown function with mechanical memory that gracefully curves from 8 to 4 o’clock, and a running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.

The red arrow-tipped hand shows how much time is left in the countdown. Meanwhile, the central chronograph hand can fly back or fly forward to its starting position while in motion, and the countdown function allows skippers to sync it on the fly to match the official race countdown (it’s the first in the world, BTW).

Note: The Yacht-Master II had square hour markers and straight baton-shaped hands from 2007 to 2017. 

2017 welcomed several changes: an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock, a rectangular hour marker at six o’clock, and a Mercedes-style hour hand to offer more lume and enable easier differentiation from the minute hand.

Bracelets and Clasps

Rolex Yacht-Master watch with oyster and oysterflex strap

Rolex equips the Yacht-Master with Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets. The three-piece Oyster offers classic luxury and sturdy comfort and is finished with a high polish or brushed look. It also has a secure Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system that ensures the watch remains fastened around the wrist.

As for the Oysterflex bracelet , it’s a black strap crafted from a flexible Titanium and nickel alloy metal blade at its core and is clad in a high-density elastomer. It also boasts a tiered design that raises the timepiece away from the wrist and a Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system.

The YachtMaster II also features an Oyster bracelet, typically equipped with the Rolex Glidelock system, allowing fine adjustments and reflecting its more technical and sporty heritage.

Caliber Comparison

The Rolex Yacht-Master lineup features various movements, with the Yacht-Master 37mm housing a self-winding Caliber 2236 movement, the same movement used in Datejust 36 and Datejust 41 timepieces . It has 31 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency. 

Meanwhile, the 40mm and 42mm watches utilize the Caliber 3235, a well-respected automatic movement recognized for its reliability. This 31-jewel movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph) and offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. 

In contrast, the Yacht-Master II is equipped with the self-winding Caliber 4161, a chronograph movement specifically developed for this model’s unique regatta countdown function. It has 48 jewels, a 72-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency.

Technical Details at a Glance

The following table highlights the specifications of both watches discussed above and more:

29mm (discontinued), 35mm (discontinued), 37mm, 40mm, 42mm 44mm
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold (Yellow Rolesor), Stainless Steel with a Platinum bezel (Rolesium), Everose Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel and Everose Gold (Everose Rolesor)Stainless Steel with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel, Stainless Steel and Everose Gold with a blue ceramic Cerachrom bezel, White Gold with Platinum bezel (discontinued), Yellow Gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel
Elapsed Time Bezel, Date, Time with Running SecondsProgrammable Countdown Timer with Mechanical Memory and Flyback/Fly-Forward Functionality, Time with Running Seconds
Bidirectional, Ceramic/Gold/Platinum with 60-Minute ScaleRing Command, 950 Platinum or Nautical Blue Cerachrom with 10-Minute Countdown Scale
Multiple Options, with Luminous Mercedes-Style Hands and Round/Triangle/Rectangle or Gem-Set Hour MarkersWhite, with Baton-Shaped/Mercedes-Style Hands and Square-Shaped Hour Markers
SuperLumiNova, Tritium, Luminova,ChromalightChromalight
Flat, Sapphire, with a Cyclops Magnifier Lens at 3 o’clockFlat, Sapphire
Self-winding Caliber 2236 and 3235 MovementsSelf-winding Caliber 4161 Chronograph Movement
100m100m
Oyster, Black OysterflexOyster

When comparing the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II, consumers frequently have questions regarding their differences, pricing, availability, and rarity. The following subsections aim to address these common inquiries.

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yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Hands-On: Rolex Sky-Dweller Watches Updated For 2023

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Launched over a decade ago, the Sky-Dweller is a fascinating, albeit compromised Rolex watch worthy of attention. In typical Rolex style, the Rolex Sky-Dweller watches updated for 2023 carry over just about everything that has made the collection great while introducing minute and not-so-minute improvements and modifications.

As a start, here are a few points to remember about this steadily expanding watch collection. The Sky-Dweller is the most complicated Rolex watch in production today, thanks to its combination of an annual calendar complication with instantaneous displays that jump at midnight, two time zones, and a Ring Command system that enables the rotating bezel to act as a crown function selector. The Sky-Dweller is also among the biggest, widest, thickest, and heaviest Rolex watches ever made, and we have sampled all three of its new-for-2023 model variations: The White Rolesor version with Oystersteel case, bracelet, and 18k white gold bezel; the “baller” all-gold-everything 18k Everose variant; and the solid 18k white gold piece matched to a lightweight, “high-performance” Oysterflex bracelet. Let us discover which combination of materials best suits this “elegant and trusted companion for world travelers,” as Rolex puts it.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

For almost 80 years, since the first all-gold Datejust debuted in 1945, it has been difficult to overstate the presence of an all-gold Rolex watch. Over that time the Day-Date, Submariner, and, much more recently, the Yacht-Master II have perpetuated a legacy of “holier than thou” wrist-bling through ever larger and bolder cases, bracelets, and dials. The Sky-Dweller doubled down on this when it debuted in 2012 in nothing else but solid gold, or be it exclusively with leather straps. Measuring 42mm wide, and 13.8mm thick, the Sky-Dweller is one of the largest Rolex watches, and also a medium-large watch in the greater scheme of things that wears larger than that 42mm figure would suggest. Notably, this effect is further emphasized by the turning of the large watch trend, which is to say that despite its elegant and un-sporty design, the Sky-Dweller is not a discreet watch by any stretch of the imagination, and especially not in yellow or 18k Everose gold.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

If you want a solid 18k gold bracelet on your Sky-Dweller, as it stands, you have limited options as only the Oyster three-piece link style is available (the five-piece link Jubilee only comes in steel on the Sky-Dweller) and you can only have 18k Everose gold or 18k yellow gold as there is no Oyster bracelet in white gold or platinum. This is odd because the GMT-Master II does come with an 18k yellow gold Jubilee, and the Sky-Dweller is available on an Oystersteel Jubilee, so it might be a matter of time before a gold Jubilee bracelet option joins the Sky-Dweller collection. This is important because, with the wide, flat(-ish) links of the Oyster bracelet, the gold Sky-Dweller is an absolute beast of a watch that is as heavy on the wrist as it is on the eyes.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Introducing changes that can be measured in fractions of a millimeter is this new-for-2023 model you see above, called Rolex Sky-Dweller reference 336935. Until now, there used to be a difference in the lug width measurement of various Sky-Dweller watches, as the first gold models on an Oyster bracelet had a 21mm lug width, while those sold on a leather strap had a 22mm opening. The larger width was taken over by the Rolesor (two-tone) versions in 2017, and it is now, in 2023, that the yellow gold and Everose gold Oyster bracelet-equipped versions adopt this wider, 22mm lug design.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

In parallel with this move, the center links of the gold Oyster bracelets of the Sky-Dweller watches have 0.5mm wider center links. Such a move makes the watch head optically smaller, which is not a bad thing given the high volume of the Sky-Dweller. The lug-to-lug measurement has been increased by 0.3mm, hinting at a slightly redesigned lug and case profile. Also new here is the dial Rolex refers to as “Blue-Green,” not to be confused with the Bright Blue dial on the Oystersteel-cased reference 336934 that actually costs a bit less than a third(!) of this all-gold model.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

Also new is the Sky-Dweller reference 336934, a watch in White Rolesor, which is Rolex-speak for a watch that uses Oystersteel for most all of its exterior and 18k white gold for certain parts such as the bezel, center links, and crown — but it is just the bezel that is in 18k gold when it comes to the Sky-Dweller. Nuanced changes here include the aforementioned 0.3mm added to the lug-to-lug which aligns with what we saw with the 2023 redesign of the Rolex Daytona, where the steel version adopted longer lugs ( to its detriment, we thought ). Difficult to spot, but also new is a thinner seconds hand — which is as minute an alteration as they get, again, in typical Rolex fashion — and the fluted edge of the crown also appears to be thinner, symbolizing Rolex’s quiet efforts to make the Sky-Dweller a bit more gracious.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

If you can’t live without a Sky-Dweller in 18k white gold, you can only have it on an Oysterflex “high-performance elastomer” strap. There is no solid 18k white gold bracelet available, so as to better optically differentiate white gold from White Rolesor. Oysterflex-equipped Rolex watches could often be ranked among the weaker value propositions from Rolex today, as they are just $8,000 less expensive than those on a solid gold bracelet, which is not much of a premium to pay for a full-gold Rolex compared to one on a strap — but hey, kudos to Hublot for establishing such a strong market for rubber strap-equipped solid gold watches.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

A closer look at the dial reveals a telling little detail: The Rolex crown is now present at 6 o’clock (twice, in favor of symmetry) which on a Rolex watch means that a new-generation movement has been installed in the watch. In 2023, the Sky-Dweller debuts the 9002 caliber, a development on the 9001 that has powered it for over a decade. Modifications include the incorporation of the nickel-phosphorus Chronergy escapement into its design, which is a high-efficiency, Rolex-developed escapement that has played a significant role in bringing some of its two-day power reserve watches up to three days. Strangely, the Sky-Dweller sticks with the three-day autonomy that it has had since 2012, and so it is the stronger anti-magnetic properties and the greater efficiency of the escapement (and hence yet greater accuracy over a depleting power reserve) that owners might take advantage of.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

In conclusion, the Sky-Dweller quickly (by Rolex standards) grew into a versatile collection not just in terms of design and choice of materials, but also in terms of value proposition. The Rolex Sky-Dweller in White Rolesor (Ref. 336934) is priced at $15,650 USD and it is a ton (almost literally) of watch for that money. Presenting an annual calendar with a peripheral layout for the month and the added horological flex of instantaneous displays together with a second time zone, the addictively tactile Ring Command system, a 72-hour, 4 Hertz, remarkably accurate movement, and Rolex build quality, is an extremely strong proposition for just under $16,000. The Rolex Sky-Dweller wrapped fully in 18k Everose gold (Ref. 336935) is priced at $50,900 USD , demanding the stratospheric (and ever-growing, still) premium that an all-gold Rolex tends to have, but in return delivering the power-factor anyone who buys a colored gold Rolex is after. Last, the Rolex Sky-Dweller in white gold on an Oysterflex strap (Ref. 336239) is $42,700 USD representing the worst value-for-money here, which isn’t shocking from products designed to cater to those who want the latest trending luxury product — which the 18k gold Rolex (or Patek Philippe, for that matter) on a rubber strap definitely is. You can learn more at the brand’s website.

yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

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White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case (left) and Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II Case (right)
Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II Case atop White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case
78210 Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet of the Yacht-Master II
White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller on Black Leather Strap

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yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

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Oyster Perpetual

Sky-Dweller

High-flying, mastering travel time.

The Oyster Perpetual Sky‑Dweller was designed for those continually travelling the globe. Featuring our Saros annual calendar and Ring Command system, it simultaneously indicates two time zones, as well as the date and month, and allows them to be adjusted with one simple gesture. Since its creation in 2012, the Sky‑Dweller has been an invaluable tool for avoiding the pitfalls of time differences and making it possible to plan ahead. With this technical and elegant watch, wherever you travel, you are in sync with the world.

Crossing meridians as if they were invisible borders.

A perpetual journey

Featuring an intuitive and revolutionary system to adjust the functions, the Sky-Dweller meets the needs of those moving from one time zone to another. While displaying the local time using the central hands, its dial presents a 24-hour graduated off-centre rotating disc, making it possible to read the time in a second time zone or reference time. Date and month, hours, minutes, seconds and second time zone: all these features, visible at a glance, are essential points of reference for world travellers.

Immensely innovative, the Sky‑Dweller combines mechanical sophistication with an original display.

The alchemy of complexity and simplicity

Specially developed for the Sky‑Dweller, our patented Saros annual calendar is a key element in the model’s identity. The name of this mechanism, with its innovative design, is inspired by the Greek term denoting the cycle of lunar and solar eclipses. The Saros calendar requires only one date adjustment a year, when February turns to March. It is intuitive and simple to read. The current month is indicated in red in one of the dozen windows that punctuate the hour markers around the circumference of the dial.

An emblematic design, an exclusive feature.

Time under control

Reflecting the sun’s rays at the slightest movement of the wrist with its multiple facets, the fluted bezel – a signature aesthetic of some of our Classic watches – is given an exclusive function here with the Ring Command system. This mechanical device offers easy access to the Sky-Dweller’s settings. Thanks to the interaction between the rotatable bezel, winding crown and movement, it is possible to choose the functions and set them rapidly and securely. Simply turn the bezel counterclockwise to choose, notch by notch, the calendar – date and month, the local or reference time – before adjusting them with the crown.

See the world in a new light, in every place and time.

Staying a step ahead

The Sky-Dweller is an elegant, technically sophisticated watch. It is aimed at those who see the world as a single territory, without borders, in which barriers disappear. It allows travellers to avoid the pitfalls of time differences and always stay one step ahead. From the moment they disembark, they are ready to start new ventures.

Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II.

A detailed comparison on these two luxurious Rolex sport watches.

The Yachtmaster II and Yachtmaster 40mm are both great sports watches especially with professional sailors and yacht racers. They both are classy and sporty at the same time. But what are the key differences and what makes these two watches special in their own way? Have a look below at a detailed description of the differences.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II

Let's take a look at one of the latest and most spoken about Rolex Yachtmaster watches, the 116655. This watch is a special watch for many reasons. Namely, this is a historical landmark for Rolex since it is the first Rolex watch to ever use a rubber strap. Most people wouldn't bat an eye at the idea of a Rolex with a rubber strap so why the fuss? This is not any typical rubber strap. Rolex has been raving about this new rubber Oysterflex bracelet which is not only very comfortable to wear, it is also hypoallergenic.

The research and development team at Rolex has engineered a bracelet that is as easy to wear as a rubber bracelet but also holds its shape like a metal bracelet. They do this by using nickel-and-titanium inserts inside the band. They also instituted a patented shape on the inside of the bracelet which has a cushioning system built-in to it which allows the bracelet to take the natural shape of a wrist making the Oysterflex possible the most comfortable rubber watch band. An Oysterlock safety clasp keeps the watch from opening and looks stunning in 18ct Everose gold. Everose gold is a patented 18kt pink gold alloy that is unique to Rolex watches and has been used with all their pink gold oyster cases since 2005.

You'll also find a black matte Cerachrom dial which is a hardened ceramic material that is a tough and highly scratch resistant material that has anticorrosive properties and is impervious to discoloration from exposure to Ultra Violet rays. Perfect for spending your days relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht.

The dial on the Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 with its cyclops date magnifier could be passed as that of a Submariner if it weren't for all the Everose gold used. You can find this material used on the rims of the index hour markers, the Rolex logo, and luminous filled hands. You won't find rose gold on the dial of any watch in the Submariner series (yet?). The combination of black and Everose gold is a real eye-grabber giving this the look of a really luxurious watch.

What's running inside this stunning watch? The Yacht-Master 40mm runs off an automatic Rolex perpetual movement, the Rolex caliber 3135. This 31 jewel movement beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of about 50 hours.

Rolex Yachtmaster II

At a glance, this watch is an impressive piece of eye-candy with a polished case and two-tone rose gold and stainless steel bracelet. The design used vibrant colors from the blue Cerachrom bezel to the rose gold pushers and patented Triplock crown. The white dial is equally full of harmonic colors with blue steel hour, minute and subdial seconds hands and rose gold and red chronograph hands. A rose gold rimmed sub-dial and applied rose gold rimmed index hour markers tie it all together.

A unique feature of the Yachtmaster II is the regatta chronograph and features the world's first mechanical programmable countdown with a memory. You can accurately sync the watch with the starting sequence of a yacht race.

Unlike most bezels which don't operate as a component of the movement, the easy-to-use and bi-directional Ring Command bezel on the Yachtmaster II operates in conjunction with the regatta chronograph as an integral component of the movement. This bezel is the method in which you can synchronize the countdown timer to the start times of a race. Each time you press the button you can adjust the timer by one-minute increments for up to a 10-minute countdown timer. When you adjust the rotating bezel back to its default middle position, it resets the chronograph back to its main function.

This COSC certified Swiss chronometer is the self-winding caliber 4161 automatic movement beats at 28,800 vph and is completely manufactured by Rolex. This movement features the Rolex antimagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. After receiving a COSC certified chronometer certification, the movement the goes through a thorough in-house chronometric testing once installed into a watch case. Once the watch achieves a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day in the case, it gets a Rolex Superlative Chronometer designation. Even with all these mechanical features, the 31 jewel caliber 4161 movement holds its power for 72 hours.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II - Side By Side Comparison

Have a question about a watch call us at 1-800-470-2343 or 1-845-357-8300.

 
Rolex Rolex
Yacht-Master II 44mm Yacht-Master 40mm
116681 White 116655
Mens Mens
Stainless Steel & Rose Gold 18kt Everose Gold
White Black
Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Rubber
Folding Clasp With Safety Latch 18 kt Everose® gold Oysterlock safety clasp
Automatic Automatic
Bi-Directional Rotating Bi-Directional Rotating
Scratch Resistant Sapphire Scratch Resistant Sapphire
Solid Solid
100m/330ft 100m/330ft
44mm 40mm
Regatta Chronograph  
Prestige Time 5 Year Warranty Prestige Time 5 Year Warranty
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Rolex Chronographs: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Rolex Daytona Vs Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Daytona is, without a doubt, Rolex’s most famous chronograph model. However, it is sometimes overlooked that a Rolex does, in fact, manufacture another chronograph collection – the Yacht-Master II. While both are technically chronograph watches, they are actually very different timepieces, both inside and out. Today we will be comparing the brand’s duo of contemporary chronograph models, the Rolex Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II.

So, how do these two Rolex chronograph watches differ when it comes to their designs and functionality? Let’s find out as we review these stylish used Rolex watch models .

Rolex Daytona

Origins: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Rolex first unleashed the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963 as a chronograph dedicated to motorsports. However, as manually-wound models with 38mm cases, vintage Daytona watches are significantly different from the versions of today. It was only in 2000 that we saw the first iterations of today’s Daytona models; that is to say, 40mm watches that run on in-house automatic chronograph movements.

These editions of the Rolex Daytona collection carry six-digit reference numbers and are powered by the Caliber 4130. Prior to this generation, there were the five-digit Daytona models fitted with Rolex-modified, Zenith El Primero automatic movements, which were produced from 1988 until 2000.

Rolex Daytona Watch

In total, the Daytona utilizes three different generations of movements. First was the hand-wound generation, followed by the automatic Zenith generation, and then the automatic in-house Rolex caliber 4130. The collection has one of the most intriguing histories on the market, spanning decades and producing countless design variations, and even the famous Paul Newman Daytona that fetched one of the highest sums on the secondary market of nearly $18 million.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II is a relatively new Rolex model, having made its debut in 2007. What’s more, when it was released, the Yacht-Master II was Rolex’s largest watch, sporting a 44mm case. As its name implies, the Rolex Yacht-Master II was developed for the sailing crowd, rather than the automobile racing crew. In addition to its over-the-top case size and design, the Yacht-Master II was also the brand’s most complex watch (until the introduction of the Sky-Dweller in 2012), equipped with a regatta chronograph, complete with mechanical memory and fly-back functionality for facilitated synchronization.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Design: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona’s 40mm case comes fitted with a pair of screw-down chronograph pushers flanking its screw-down winding crown. This is to keep any moisture out of the watch, ensuring its 100-meter water resistance. The fixed bezels of the Daytona watches – crafted from either metal or Cerachrom (ceramic) – are engraved with a tachymeter scale (except for the gem-set bezel editions), while the dials house a trio of subsidiary registers.

In true Rolex fashion, there are plenty of different dial colors and index styles to choose from. Material options within the six-digit Daytona family include stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, two-tone steel and yellow gold, and platinum. Most Daytona models come with metal Oyster bracelets however, there are some gold Daytona watches that are presented on black rubber Oysterflex bracelets as well. Rolex previously manufactured leather-strap versions but they are no longer in production.

Rolex Daytona Red

In direct contrast to the Daytona’s classic looks and restrained proportions, the Yacht-Master II is proudly big, bold, and badass. Its bezel – either in bright blue Cerachrom (ceramic) or platinum – sits on the 44mm case and is emblazoned with the “YACHT-MASTER II” name, along with numbers 1 – 10. The white dial with red and blue accents offers three distinct areas for three readings: the center hands, the 10-minute countdown display, and the running seconds sub-dial.

Early editions of the Yacht-Master II included straight hour and minute hands until around 2017, while current versions have the familiar Mercedes-style hands. The hour markers received a small upgrade from blue to white gold surrounds to match the hands. Additionally, Rolex replaced the square hour marker at 12 o’clock with an inverted triangle and the marker at 6 o’clock with a slightly elongated baton hour marker. Material choices of the Yacht-Master II include yellow gold, white gold (with a platinum bezel), stainless steel, and two-tone Everose gold and steel. Additionally, all Yacht-Master II watches come with matching metal Oyster bracelets.

Rolex Daytona Ocean blue dial

Calibers and Functionality: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Manufactured entirely in-house, the Daytona’s Caliber 4130 has been heralded by many watch enthusiasts as one of the most reliable and robust automatic chronograph movements on the market. One of its defining features is the use of a vertical (rather than lateral) clutch to activate the chronograph. This not only permits the chronograph hand to run smoothly without any signs of “jittering,” but also allows the chronograph function to run for a long time with no influence on the Daytona’s precision. Thanks to Caliber 4130, the Daytona features a chronograph hand accurate to within 1/8 of a second, a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 9, a small seconds register at 6, and a power reserve of 72 hours.

When Rolex launched the Yacht-Master II in 2007, inside the watch was the Caliber 4160, which was then upgraded to Caliber 4161 in 2013. While these in-house chronograph calibers are based on the Caliber 4130, they are much more complex in terms of functionality. Rolex maintains that the Caliber 4160/4161 was the result of over 35,000 hours of development.

Rolex Yacht-Master II

Most intriguing, the bezel on the Yacht-Master II is not just for show. Instead, turning it allows the user to flip through what functions of the watch to set. And one of these functions includes a programmable countdown timer (from 1 – 10 minutes), which also memorizes the desired setting t when you reset the timer. So, if you love a seven-minute jammy egg or a four-minute brew, then your Yacht-Master II is there for you.

The central chronograph hand also has flyback functionality, which means that you can reset it back to zero with the press of a single button while it is in motion. Additionally, just like its base caliber, the Cal. 4160/4161 also has a 72-hour power reserve.

While both chronographs have countless everyday applications, they cater to two totally different niches. The Daytona, with its motorsport roots, was initially developed to help the wearer record various stats while driving, such as speed, distance traveled, and elapsed time. On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II was inspired by regatta and features a race countdown mechanism.

Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

How to Use The Bezels on Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona bezel is fixed, so its primary function relies on the chronograph movement. To activate the chronograph, press the top pusher above the crown. The chronograph seconds hand will start to race around the dial. The top pusher will also stop the chronograph while the bottom pusher resets it to zero. For example, to measure speed, simply activate the chronograph by pressing the top pusher. Once you’ve driven a mile, stop the chronograph by pressing the top pusher again. The chronograph hand will point to the corresponding speed on the Tachymeter bezel.

The Yacht-Master II bezel is connected to the movement and it is often referred to as a “Ring Command Bezel.” To use the programmable regatta countdown, you first need to unscrew the crown and rotate the bezel counterclockwise 90 degrees. Then, press the bottom pusher and turn the crown clockwise to move the arrow hand to the desired 10-minute count-down increment. Once the bezel is rotated back to its original position and the crown is screwed back into the case, you can press the top pusher to start or stop the countdown. The chronograph seconds hand will begin to move around the dial, once every minute. The famous flyback and fly-forward functionality is engaged by pressing the bottom pusher, sending the arrow hand backwards or forwards to the nearest minute in the countdown.

Side-by-side, these two Rolex chronographs look nothing alike. The Daytona offers traditional chronograph styling and functionality, while the Yacht-Master II is more aggressively designed and offers a niche complication in the form of a regatta chronograph. So, which one would be your pick?

Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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yachtmaster 2 vs sky dweller

COMMENTS

  1. Rolex Yacht-Master II vs. Rolex Sky-Dweller Comparison

    The Rolex Sky-Dweller. Even though you would never guess from its appearance, the Sky-Dweller is an even more complex beast than the Yacht-Master II. Its graceful silhouette and fluted bezel land it firmly in dress watch territory, and at first glance it could be mistaken for a Datejust or Day-Date. However, look closer and you see the dial has ...

  2. Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Yachtmaster 2, Which Should I Buy?

    To enter into the Yachtmaster 2 club, you will be paying a minimum of $16,000 for a new Yachtmaster 2. On the second hand market, you can find them for as low as $15-16,000. This is for the steel versions, of course. The price for the steel Sky-Dweller is around $17,000. The gold versions are around $48,000.

  3. Rolex Sky-Dweller Ultimate Buying Guide

    Interestingly, unlike the Yacht-Master II, the Rolex Sky-Dweller's Ring Command bezel is fluted and presented in solid 18k gold - even on the stainless steel models (they are actually considered White Rolesor models since their bezels are 18k white gold). The advanced feature-specific movement and larger 42mm size also contribute to the ...

  4. The Rolex Heavyweights: Rolex Yachtmaster II Vs. Sky-Dweller

    Movement Features Of The Yachtmaster II And The Sky-Dweller. The Rolex Sky-Dweller; This Rolex Sky-Dweller takes its power from the Rolex calibre 9001. This timepiece remains one of the most complicated movements ever produced by this Swiss watchmaker. This is of course a fully in-house manufactured caliber.

  5. This Is Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Sky-Dweller

    Well, the Sky-Dweller employs intelligent bezel technology known as "ring command". This is the same technology used by the Yacht-Master II. Rotating the bezel interacts with the movement. In doing so it changes which function the winding crown engages. No fewer than 60 components make up the patented, complex mechanical module.

  6. A Week On The Wrist: The Rolex Sky-Dweller

    The Rolex Sky-Dweller, in Everose on a strap, $39,550; in white gold on a matching white gold bracelet, $48,850. Case, 42.00mm x 14.10mm, water resistance 10 bar/100 meters. Movement, selfwinding Rolex caliber 9001, bidirectional winding with 72 hour power reserve. Paraflex shock system with Parachrom balance spring; overcoil with free-sprung ...

  7. The Rolex Yacht-Master II: How does it work, and why is it so

    To set the timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II, begin by turning the bezel until it clicks into place. This happens when the "1" on the bezel is around the 12 o'clock position. Then, press the push-piece at 4 o'clock, which will stay engaged. Once you unscrew the crown, you can set the duration of the countdown in minutes.

  8. Rolex Yacht-Master Vs. Yacht-Master II: What's the Difference?

    The Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II review below explains. ... Interestingly, the Yacht-Master II and Sky-Dweller are some of Rolex's most complicated watches for now. Case Sizes. The Yacht-Master comes in various case options, namely 29mm (discontinued), 35mm (discontinued), 37mm (Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 268621), 40mm (Rolex Yacht ...

  9. Hands-On: Rolex Sky-Dweller Watches Updated For 2023

    The Rolex Sky-Dweller wrapped fully in 18k Everose gold (Ref. 336935) is priced at $50,900 USD, demanding the stratospheric (and ever-growing, still) premium that an all-gold Rolex tends to have, but in return delivering the power-factor anyone who buys a colored gold Rolex is after. Last, the Rolex Sky-Dweller in white gold on an Oysterflex ...

  10. White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II

    Both on the larger side as far as Rolex models go, the white gold Sky-Dweller on black leather strap (Reference # 326139) and the stainless steel Yacht-Master II (Reference # 116680) offer unique complications and bold aesthetics that set them apart from other models. Introduced in the past decade, both are relatively new to the market compared to some of the watchmaker's classic models ...

  11. Mastering the Rolex Sky Dweller

    The Rolex Sky-Dweller comes in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, on matching bracelets or leather straps, and in a version with case and bracelet made of Rolex's proprietary Everose gold. Prices range from $38,150 to $48,850. This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with new text and art.

  12. Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II

    The Yacht-Master II though started it all. An incredibly impressive performer with an unmistakable look, it is not only a world away from its namesake, it is in a league of its own. The Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II difference shows two very fascinating and completely contrasting models. Possibly the biggest disparity between two ...

  13. Rolex Sky-Dweller Fluted White Gold, Blue Dial VS Yacht-Master II

    https://www.jaztime.com/ ⇐ BUY SELL TRADE-ins ↪ Hands on COMPARISON of the 326934 Sky-Dweller Fluted White Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel bracelet with ...

  14. Sky-dweller vs YachtMaster— which one wins? : r/rolex

    It's insane, probably even higher now. My AD said besides Daytona, blue SS sky dweller is the most high demand. The sky dweller is a $30-32,000 watch on the aftermarket . The blue and platinum YM is like $17,500-18,500. IMO skydweller looks better but it's gigantic on my wrist.

  15. Yachtmaster Vs Sky Dweller

    SD and it's not a close call imo. Sky dweller for sure speak classy, conservative while the yatchmaster gives you edgy, party look. Depends on the occasion because they are both great choices. Sky Dweller can look very classy but the sea dweller is an everyday watch in my opinion.

  16. Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II Watch Comparison

    Movements: Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II. Although the aesthetic differences between the Rolex Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are rather dramatic, an even bigger difference lies in the two movements that are used to power each watch. While one movement follows a conventional time plus date setup, the other is a totally unique and highly ...

  17. Rolex Sky-Dweller

    Specially developed for the Sky‑Dweller, our patented Saros annual calendar is a key element in the model's identity. The name of this mechanism, with its innovative design, is inspired by the Greek term denoting the cycle of lunar and solar eclipses. The Saros calendar requires only one date adjustment a year, when February turns to March.

  18. Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II. Which is Best?

    A unique feature of the Yachtmaster II is the regatta chronograph and features the world's first mechanical programmable countdown with a memory. You can accurately sync the watch with the starting sequence of a yacht race. Unlike most bezels which don't operate as a component of the movement, the easy-to-use and bi-directional Ring Command ...

  19. Rolex Sky-Dweller vs. GMT-Master II: Travel Watches

    The GMT-Master II and Explorer II models both display a second time via an extra 24-hour hand pointing out the hour on an engraved bezel. Really the only non-visual difference between them these days is that the GMT's surround rotates while the Explorer's is fixed. The Rolex Sky-Dweller, by comparison, uses a revolving 24-hour ring set ...

  20. YACHT MASTER II vs SKY DWELLER

    About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright ...

  21. Rolex Chronographs: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

    In addition to its over-the-top case size and design, the Yacht-Master II was also the brand's most complex watch (until the introduction of the Sky-Dweller in 2012), equipped with a regatta chronograph, complete with mechanical memory and fly-back functionality for facilitated synchronization. Design: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II