Rolex

I love it when a watch surprises me and delights me against all expectations and against my usual taste.

I'm neither a Rolex guy, nor a regatta guy, nor a fan of the blue, white, and red color combination (which reminds me of too many flags), and I've always found the Yacht-Master II far too big and rather ugly.

But, at the same time, I've always really liked the idea of ​​a programmable countdown timer with counter-clockwise rotating minute and second hands.

The new steel Yacht-Master II ref. 126680 is still very/too bulky, but aesthetically and from a practical/user point of view, it has become quite remarkable, in my opinion.

Everything looked ugly to me:

• The large name on the bezel.

• The square indexes.

• The black hands.

• The invasive and redundant countdown scale (on the dial and on the bezel).

In 2017, the model was slightly updated (ref. 116680-0002 ):

• The markers at 6 and 12 o'clock became more distinct.

• Mercedes hands replaced the initial ones.

But look at the aesthetic transformation the new model offers!



It simply looks so much better:

• No more ugly name on the bezel.

• Improved indexes: triangular at 12 o'clock, rectangular at 3 and 9, square at 6 and round at 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 & 11.

• White gold Mercedes hands.

• Countdown scale transferred to the periphery of the dial.

The case is still large, measuring 44 x 13.90 mm.





But the white dial is so bright and fresh. 



And the setting of the countdown mechanism is now done through the two winch-style pushers: no more “Command Bezel” to turn and crown to unscrew!



Aesthetically, I really find the dial and bezel full of lively energy (I find no better words).







A few last words: Rolex has also released an 18k yellow gold ref. 126688.

But I find it far less appealing: it lacks contrast, energy and appeal.









But both models have wonderful lume.


credit: Hodinkee & Monochrome

What do you think about this new Yacht-Master II? 

Do you share my enthusiasm (which is purely “platonic”, because I know I cannot pull off such a watch)?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

BONUS: VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO SET AND USE THE COUNTDOWN MECHANISM

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