Rolex Yacht-Master II 44 mm 116689-2 White Gold/Platinum Luminous

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is the Swiss watchmaker's dedicated regatta-countdown instrument, introduced to bring the thrill of competitive sailing to the wrist in an unmistakably grand way. Where the original Yacht-Master is a dressed-up sports watch, the Yacht-Master II goes further, incorporating a mechanical countdown function engineered to synchronize with a race committee's starting sequence. Reference 116689-2 sits at the pinnacle of this line, clothing that sophisticated functionality in a 44mm case hewn from white gold and finished with platinum accents — a combination that broadcasts both athletic intent and precious-metal refinement.

At 44mm, the Yacht-Master II commands immediate wrist presence. The large case diameter is not mere showmanship; it accommodates the distinctive bidirectional rotating bezel, which can be programmed to count down any starting sequence between one and ten minutes and is locked in place by a screw-down crown-and-pusher system to prevent accidental adjustment. The luminous dial ensures that all critical timing information remains instantly readable in the variable light conditions of an offshore start, while the luminous bracelet treatment carries that visibility philosophy through to every component the eye lands on.

The white gold and platinum material palette of ref. 116689-2 elevates it above the stainless-steel and Everose gold variants in the Yacht-Master II family. White gold offers the cool, bright luster of precious metal with exceptional durability, and its pairing with platinum detailing gives the watch a depth of finish that photographs and wears beautifully in person. This is a watch that transitions effortlessly from a racing yacht's helm to a superyacht's salon or a formal dinner ashore.

Rolex engineered the Yacht-Master II's movement — hidden beneath the exhibition-quality case construction — to provide the mechanical intelligence required for a genuine regatta instrument: the ability to synchronize, memorize, and execute a countdown in real time without interrupting the running seconds. The integration of that complication into a winding-crown and rotating-bezel interface, rather than conventional pushers, is a piece of horological ingenuity that sets this model apart from virtually every other chronograph on the market. Every aspect of the movement's architecture reflects Rolex's in-house manufacture philosophy.

Bizak & Co. is a trusted source for pre-owned and secondary-market luxury timepieces, and the Yacht-Master II ref. 116689-2 represents exactly the kind of rare, high-specification Rolex that collectors and enthusiasts search for. Whether you are adding a prestigious white-gold sports watch to your collection, seeking a bold everyday companion, or making a considered investment in a coveted Rolex reference, this is a watch worth serious attention. Browse ref. 116689-2 at bizakandco.com or contact our team directly — we are here to answer every question and help you secure the right watch with full confidence. Please note that Bizak & Co. is not an authorized Rolex dealer.