rolex yacht master how to use

How to Set and Use the Rolex Yacht-Master II

Regatta races are an exciting way to test your sailing ability. The Rolex Yacht-Master II has a countdown timer so you can time your regatta race.

Not only does it look fantastic, but its highly specialized functions are powered by one of the most impressive movements Rolex has released to date. Using these functions though can be a frustrating and complicated path.

While there are number of steps to the process, Rolex designed it to be quick and simple once you get to know it.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to set the Rolex Yacht-Master II for a regatta, as well as how to use it during the race.

What is a regatta watch?

First of all, what is a regatta watch? The Rolex Yacht-Master II’s countdown timer is used to time events that involve boats or other competitive pursuits, such as sailing races, chariot races, and even football matches.

The goal of these events is to get from point A to point B in the fastest amount of time possible. To do this, teams will use the count-down timer on their watches to measure their progress and determine whether they should increase their speed or slow down if they are falling behind.

You’re probably wondering why you would need a watch with such an advanced feature if you aren’t partaking in regatta activities yourself. Well, there are plenty of instances where having the ability to time something accurately can be useful. Even everyday tasks like boiling your eggs perfectly or recording the length of timeouts count! The possibilities are endless.

How to Set your Countdown Timer on a Rolex Yacht-Master II

The countdown timer on the Rolex Yacht-Master II is an elegant and useful feature. You’ll need to set it up though before the beginning of the regatta to start the countdown at the appropriate time.

To set the countdown timer:

1. The timer needs to have stopped. If it is still going, push the upper pusher on the right hand side of the dial/case to stop the timer.

2. Once the timer is stopped, you need to turn the bezel to the left, or counterclockwise, a quarter turn. It will stop at a quarter as that’s as far as it can go, and it will click into place for you.

3. Push the bottom pusher on the right hand side of your case. When you push this button, it will stay pushed down. This bounces the second hand to zero or the 12 o’clock mark. The minute hand will also return itself back to wherever you previously had it set. Having the lower pusher depressed blocks you from pressing the upper pusher.

4. Unlock the crown by turning it counterclockwise. The crown is the center knob at the 3 o’clock position on the right hand side of your case. Turn the crown clockwise setting it to the minute that you need.

5. Once you’ve set the duration of your preferred countdown, you’re going to return to the bezel. Turn the bezel this time in a clockwise direction until the click, or a quarter turn. This action unlocks the upper pusher and lets go of the lower one.

6. Push your crown back in and rotate it clockwise until it locks. This ensures that your watch keeps its water resistance.

How to Use the Countdown Timer on your Rolex Yacht-Master II

The countdown timer on the Yacht-Master II is used to display how much time has passed in a race (or other endeavors). Many people use this feature when they’re tracking their own races, but it’s also useful for non-sporting activities.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Your top or upper pusher starts and stops your countdown. This is similar to other traditional Rolex complications like what you’d find on the Daytona . The lower pusher resets the timer.

2. The difference with the Yacht-Master from other chronograph watches is that you can jump forward or backward to the closest minute with a one touch to the lower button. There’s no need to reset the counter, wasting valuable time in a race.

3. To use the fly-back or fly-forward functions mentioned above, while the timer is running, give one quick press to the lower pusher. The timer resets itself to the closest minute while still running. This allows you to instantly start measuring the next duration, with no time lost.

Timing a Regatta Race using the Rolex Yacht-Master II

Ok, so your timer is set, and you know how to run it, but what are you supposed to do with it during a regatta race?

Regatta Racing (photo: Rolex)

1. If you’re unfamiliar with why you need a timer in a regatta, this isn’t unusual. A gun and a wave of a flag signal the countdown to the start of the race. When you see or hear this, then press the top pusher that starts the timer. If you did your job, your timer was set at the needed number of minutes ahead of time. At this point, the second hand is tracking the elapsed time since you started. The minutes hand will move every 60 seconds tracking the time until it hits the finish or zero. End of a countdown.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II in Steel and Everose Gold (photo: Rolex)

2. There may be a point where you’ll have to pause and resync your timer. You’ll want it to maintain sync with the official clock. Being on-time is important in a regatta. This is easy to accomplish. When you hear the second or third prep signals, the official ones, press the lower pusher. This resets the second hand back to the beginning, or zero, synchronizing the minute hand back to the closest minute, thus syncing with the official clock.

3. At this point, the race has begun. Your personal countdown has finished and you’re off. Now you can restart your timer by pressing the top pusher to stop it and then the bottom pusher to reset it to the last programmed setting.

How to Use Your Rolex Yacht-Master II: Final Thoughts

Now you know how to use your Rolex Yacht-Master II in a regatta race. It’s a great watch that will make timing your races much easier and more accurate. Better yet, use your timer for anything you need a countdown for.

On the market for a Rolex Yacht-Master? Check out our wide selection of Rolex Yacht-Master watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.

• How to Set Your Rolex Yacht-Master

Launched in 1992 as a luxury-oriented collection of sports watches, the Rolex Yacht-Master combines the core design and functionality of traditional Rolex Professional models with the added exclusivity of precious metals.

Despite being classified as sports watches, all Rolex Yacht-Master models include the use of either solid gold or platinum, and they can be found in several different case sizes and with a variety of metal options. Additionally, all Rolex Yacht-Master watches share the same core set of features, consisting of three centrally-mounted hands for displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date window at 3 o’clock and a rotating bezel that can be used for measuring elapsed time.

How to Set Your Rolex Yacht-Master:

• First, unscrew the winding crown until it is completely free from the threads that secure it to the case.
• To set the date display on your watch, pull the winding crown out to the first position and rotate it to advance the value displayed by the date window.
• To set the time, pull the winding crown out to the second position; the seconds hand will come to a complete stop.
• Rotate the crown in either direction until the correct time is displayed by the hands. If the date display advances past the desired value while doing this, repeat the previous two steps to correct the date.
• Once the time and date have been set, push in the winding crown and screw it back down to the case.

* The winding crown on your Rolex Yacht-Master must be fully screwed down to ensure that it stays protected against moisture and dirt.

How to Use Your Rolex Yacht-Master's Bezel

• To use your Yacht-Master's bezel to measure elapsed time, simply turn it until the inverted triangle is aligned with the current position of the minute hand.
• You can then read the amount of time that has passed by referencing the minute hand's position against the 60-minute scale on your watch's bezel.

Equal parts functional and luxurious, the Yacht-Master perfectly represents Rolex's identity as both the producer of high-performing sports watches and the single most famous luxury manufacturer in the entire world.

Rolex Yacht-Master II manual

Rolex Yacht-Master II

View the manual for the Rolex Yacht-Master II here, for free. This manual comes under the category watches and has been rated by 7 people with an average of a 8.5. This manual is available in the following languages: English. Do you have a question about the Rolex Yacht-Master II or do you need help?

• Cover_Yacht-Master-II
• rolex_yacht-master-ii_en

Do you have a question about the Rolex and is the answer not in the manual?

• Receive updates on solutions
• Get answers to your question

Question and answer

How do I get the small second hand to turn? Is there a way to turn chromo glow in and off? Yacht master 2

Does the yacht master 2 have a calendar date & what is the perpetual function?

Product Images (3)

Rolex Yacht-Master II specifications

Below you will find the product specifications and the manual specifications of the Rolex Yacht-Master II.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a wristwatch designed for water enthusiasts with its exceptional waterproof capabilities. This mechanical timepiece has been meticulously crafted with an automatic winding mechanism, ensuring accurate timekeeping and eliminating the need for manual winding. It has a band material made of gold, exuding a luxurious and elegant aesthetic. Featuring an analog dial, the Yacht-Master II showcases a sophisticated and classic design. With a case diameter of 44 millimeters, this watch is bold and commanding on the wrist, making it a statement piece for any occasion. The watch case itself is crafted from a combination of gold and platinum, further accentuating its opulence. Certified by COSC, this timepiece guarantees precision and reliability in its performance. It is equipped with a chronograph function, allowing users to measure and record elapsed time accurately. Additionally, its water-resistant depth of 100 meters ensures that it can withstand substantial water pressure, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. With three watch hands, including an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand, the Yacht-Master II provides clear and precise time indication. Whether you are sailing, navigating the waters, or simply making a stylish statement, this Rolex watch combines functionality with luxury, making it a sought-after accessory for watch enthusiasts worldwide.

Certificates

Technical details

Weight & dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer to your question in the manual? You may find the answer to your question in the FAQs about the Rolex Yacht-Master II below.

How do I set the time on my Rolex Yacht-Master II?

What's the proper way to operate the regatta chronograph function, how can i adjust the countdown timer on my yacht-master ii, what should i do if the hands of my watch are not synchronized, how do i activate and deactivate the mechanical memory function on my yacht-master ii, is the band material of the rolex yacht-master ii made of gold, does the rolex yacht-master ii have a chronograph, what type of mechanism does the rolex yacht-master ii have, is the dial of the rolex yacht-master ii analog, is the rolex yacht-master ii waterproof, a battery in my watch has started to corrode. is the device still safe to use, what certifications does the rolex yacht-master ii have, is the manual of the rolex yacht-master ii available in english.

Is your question not listed? Ask your question here

Related product manuals

Rolex Yacht‑Master II

Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht‑Master

Rolex GMT-Master II

Rolex GMT‑Master II

Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Submariner

Rolex Explorer

Rolex Milgauss

Rolex Cellini