The Original skipper’s Watch Rolex Yacht Master II Ref 116680 discontinued, new facelift issued.

2017 New released Yacht Master II Ref 116680

Last Version Ref 116680

I seldom talk about Yacht Master simple for one reason, It is expensive!

It is big, daring and eye-catching. and I used to have a 40mm one some year ago as I like it with Date.

This is a Skipper's Watch, you got to have a yacht, a ship, a boat, Sampan, Wala, Wala may be...in order to use it on board... No! it is just a Sport model under Rolex.

Even you don't own a boat or you don't know how to swim, you still can wear this watch,

with exception, you got to have a big wrist as this is 44mm watch!

The top picture is the 2017 latest release

The one below is the one release a few years ago..

Can you tell the difference?

Well.. from Rolex Official Web site

it says:

Rolex is introducing the new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, its unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors. The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a new dial, and new hands that are characteristic of Rolex Professional models, enhancing legibility and sharpening its aesthetic appeal. 

The dial now features a triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock and a rectangular hour marker at 6 o’clock for more intuitive reading of the watch. A luminescent disc on the hour hand clearly distinguishes it from the minute hand.

This configuration is available for all Yacht-Master II models in 904L steel, the Everose Rolesor version (combining 904L steel and 18 ct Everose gold), in 18 ct yellow gold and in 18 ct white gold. Like all Rolex watches, the new Yacht‑Master II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist.

Let you make the best of your judge on the older and newer one.

The older one uses Pencil stick hour hands, which is enamel

The new is Benz Hands, same as Submariner.

The rest is not too much of an significant chance.

To end user, choose the new one, to Collector, take the older one.

I still have BNIB one 2017 watch with 5 years warranty available for you at HK$108,600

Ref 116680 YMII List price is HK$143,500 in Hong Kong.

HK Snob