Rolex Yacht-Master II 44 mm 116681BH Steel/Rose Gold Luminous

The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681BH is one of the most commanding sports watches in the modern Rolex catalog, representing the pinnacle of the brand's sailing-inspired engineering wrapped in a two-tone Rolesor combination of Oystersteel and 18k Everose gold. Introduced as the world's first watch with a mechanical regatta countdown function, the Yacht-Master II was built in genuine collaboration with professional offshore racing sailors, and the result is a timepiece that is as technically serious as it is visually arresting. At 44mm in diameter, this is a watch that occupies the wrist with real authority and presence.

The 116681BH is the Rolesor edition of the Yacht-Master II family, pairing the cool resilience of Oystersteel on the case sides and bracelet center links with the warm luster of 18k Everose gold on the bezel, crown, and bracelet outer links. This combination — which Rolex calls Rolesor — is a finishing technique the brand has mastered over decades, and on the Yacht-Master II it creates a contrast that feels simultaneously sporty and luxurious. The luminous dial maximizes legibility in low-light conditions, a nod to the watch's serious nautical credentials.

The case itself is fitted with a screw-down bezel, a purposeful design choice that protects the regatta countdown mechanism and lends the watch a clean, uncluttered profile from the front. The bezel on the Yacht-Master II is programmable and works in direct conjunction with the movement to allow sailors to synchronize the countdown sequence with an on-water starting gun — a function that sets this reference apart from any other complication in the Rolex sports lineup. The bracelet echoes the two-tone theme, making this reference cohesive and refined from every angle.

Rolex equips the Yacht-Master II with a sophisticated in-house mechanical movement engineered specifically to drive the watch's headline complication: the mechanical memory regatta countdown with a programmable 1-to-10-minute sequence. The movement's architecture must account for the bidirectional winding of the countdown via the bezel, the synchronization with the running gear train, and the ability to reset instantaneously — a level of horological complexity that places the Yacht-Master II firmly in the top tier of sports complications. The specific caliber designation for this reference has not been independently confirmed in the materials provided, and Bizak & Co. recommends verifying technical specifications directly.

On the wrist, the 44mm diameter and the relatively substantial thickness of the Yacht-Master II make it a statement piece suited to those who want their watch to be noticed. The Rolesor finish elevates it above more purely utilitarian sports watches and makes it versatile enough for both casual and smart-casual settings, while the luminous dial and bracelet ensure that function is never sacrificed for style. It is a watch that rewards close inspection — the two-tone interplay, the sculpted lugs, and the technical bezel all reveal themselves gradually.

Bizak & Co. is pleased to offer the Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116681BH for sale online at bizakandco.com. Whether you are a seasoned Rolex collector looking to add this distinctive Rolesor reference to your collection or a first-time buyer searching for a serious sports watch that doubles as a luxury statement, our team is ready to assist you. We invite you to contact us directly with any questions about this reference, its condition, or how to purchase — we are here to ensure your acquisition experience is as premium as the watch itself.