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Yacht-Master · 2007 to 2024
“Gold YM II”
Grade F · 40/100Today's call: Avoid as an investment
F: the market has spoken. Ranked #128 of 129 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (2020) | $48,150 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $26,000 – $30,000 |
| Vs original retail | -42% |
| 1-year trend | +1% |
A 44mm solid gold regatta chronograph with a mechanically brilliant programmable countdown that almost nobody has ever used in a regatta. Retail peaked above $48,000; the market pays well under $30,000.
Discontinued in 2024 with barely a ripple. Collectors respect the engineering and still don't want the watch, which tells you everything about its investment case.
The Yacht-Master II's regatta countdown is programmed by rotating the bezel, a mechanical interface so clever that watchmakers demo it to each other, and so niche that almost no owner has ever raced a yacht.
In full yellow gold at 44mm it is the most conspicuous watch Rolex made this century, which is exactly why its secondary price collapsed to half retail and exactly why its tiny fanbase is devoted. The contrarian endgame: all that engineering, gold at half off.
Our verdict: F at retail, interesting at $26,000. The rare Rolex where you can own half-price gold, as long as you accept it may stay half price.
| Sizes | 44mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | 18k yellow gold |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Blue Cerachrom regatta countdown (Ring Command) |
| Notable dials | White, mercedes hands (post-2017) |
| Caliber | 4161 |
| Production | 2007 to 2024 (discontinued) |
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