yachtmaster vs datejust

Best Rolex 2023: how to choose the perfect Rolex to suit your lifestyle

No matter what you do on your weekends, the Geneva watchmaker has you covered

To the casual observer, it is easy to think a Rolex is a Rolex, is a Rolex. Catch a rush-hour Tube on certain London Underground lines and you’ll see near-identical Rolex on the wrists of the suited and booted. 

But dig a little deeper into the Geneva firm’s range, and you’ll discover a broad portfolio of timepieces. We can’t possibly say there is a Rolex for every budget, because you’re never going to get much change from seven or eight thousand, but there’s much more to the brand than classy wristwear to show off in meetings or at dinner.

• T3's guide to the best watches for men
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As well as the classics, Rolex offers a ‘professional’ range, which includes timepieces developed for specific careers and hobbies, like yachting, diving, driving and flying.

Here then, is the T3 guide to the best Rolex to suit your lifestyle.

For the traveller: Rolex GMT Master II

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Launched in the mid-1950s and originally designed for airline pilots, the GMT-Master - as its name might well suggest - is a GMT watch. This means that, as well as the regular hour, minute and second hands, it has another hand for telling the time at GMT - that is, Greenwich Meantime, as observed by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. 

This extra hand rotates around a 24-hour bezel. That way, you can always tell what time it is in your current location, and GMT/UTC - handy when travelling for business or pleasure.

That 24-hour bezel, by the way, is made from extremely hard ceramic, and its blue and red finish gives the GMT Master the nickname of the ‘Pepsi Rolex’. At 40mm, the GMT-Master II is a surprisingly compact timepiece for its design.

• Buy the Rolex GMT Master II at Chronext

For the diver: Rolex Submariner

The Submariner may look similar to the GMT-Master at first glance, but this is an altogether tougher timepiece, capable of being submerged up to 300 metres (1,000 feet). This is a significant improvement on the original Submariner, which was the first watch to be water resistant to a depth of 100 metres when it launched back in 1953.

Being a true diving watch, the Submariner meets the ISO 6425 standard, which means it is not only water resistant to great depths, but is also unfazed by salty seawater, condensation, magnetism, and rapid changes in pressure and temperature.

The watch features a unidirectional, 60-minute rotating bezel to help divers accurately and safely measure how long they have been underwater. The bezel is made from Cerachrom, the same Rolex-developed, corrosion-resistant, ceramic material as on the GMT-Master.

The Submariner has a 41mm diameter case, with a screw-down winding crown, magnified date complication at three o’clock, and an automatic 3235 calibre movement with approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

• Buy the Rolex Submariner at Chronext

For the racing driver: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Watch just five minutes of the Daytona or Le Mans 24-hour motor races on television, and you’ll no doubt see an advert for the Rolex Daytona. Widely considered the motorsport timepiece, the Cosmograph Daytona has been with us since 1963 and has appeared on the wrists of some of the world’s most successful drivers.

Being a wristwatch intended for motorsport and time-keeping, the Rolex Daytona features a second hand which displays an accurate reading to one-eighth of a second, plus two dials showing elapsed time in hours and minutes.

Additionally, the 40mm non-rotating bezel can be used as a tachymeter, indicating the units per hour of any moving object you care to time. Say you want to work out the average speed of a land-speed record car as it passes through the measured mile (as we are sure all T3 readers do of a weekend). Click the button at two o’clock to start the second hand, then again to stop the hand once the car passes the mile marker; the number pointed at on the bezel is the car’s average speed in miles per hour.

The Rolex Daytona is water resistant to 100 metres and has a long power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona at Chronext

For the adventurer: Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer is the brand’s most understated steel sports watch, but, for that reason, it's one of our favourites. The Explorer has a rich history, which begins with a Perpetual Oyster that Sir Edmund Hillary's pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. To commemorate his (and the watch's) achievement, Rolex released the Oyster Perpetual Explorer that same year.

Today, Rolex offers two Explorer models, a 39mm Explorer, and 42mm Explorer II (pictured above). They may looks completely different, but both are designed for extreme environments.

The Explorer's design remains very true to the original, with a black dial, large, legible numerals, and a durable Oyster case.

The Explorer II is an evolution of the original model, growing a few millimeters in diameter and adding a GMT-function, so the wearer can keep track of multiple timezones.

• Buy the Rolex Explorer at Chronext

For the pilot: Rolex Air-King

If flying is your pastime of choice, then the Air-King is the Rolex for you. The watch offers a simple and classically attractive look, with a compact 40mm case, Oyster bracelet and domed bezel. 

To the casual observer, the Air-King looks similar in design to classic Rolex like the Datejust and Day-Date, but there are enough nods to aviation to make it stand out from the corporate-gift and graduation-present crowd.

The watch, which harks back to Rolex’s connection with aviation of the 1930s, features a distinctive black bezel with oversize hour numerals at three, six and nine, separated by smaller minute numerals used for navigational time reading.

The Air-King’s 3131 calibre self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and water resistance is 100 metres.

• Buy the Rolex Air-King at Chronext

For the sailor: Rolex Yacht-Master II

For a Rolex, there’s an awful lot going on here. Described by the Swiss company as a watch appealing to experienced sailors, the Yacht-Master II features a programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronisation.

What this means, is that skippers can programme the watch to automatically start a countdown of a certain duration, from between one and 10 minutes. That way, they can precisely time and follow the official starting procedure of a boat race. The minutes count down using a fourth hand which sweeps down from a maximum of 10 minutes at seven o’clock, to zero at five o’clock.

Where a watch’s bezel is not normally mechanically linked to its internal mechanism, the Yacht-Master II’s is. This means the wearer can rotate the bezel to set the countdown timer, counting down to the start time of the race.

The Yacht-Master II is a large timepiece (for a Rolex) at 44mm and offers up to 100 metres of water resistance, while the power reserve of its self-winding movement is approximately 72 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Yacht-Master II at Chronext

For the horological connoisseur: Rolex Cellini Moonphase

A member of Rolex’s classic watch collection, the Cellini Moonphase is for those who take their watches seriously, but want a classic look which strays away from shouting about your flying, racing or yachting escapades. Instead, this 18ct rose gold timepiece offers a simple white dial sat inside a subtle 39mm case.

But beneath this simplicity is a brilliantly complex 3295 calibre movement with a moonphase complication which Rolex claims will remain astrologically accurate for 122 years before it requires adjustment.

Appropriately, the full moon present on the face of the Cellini is made from a real piece of meteorite, which moves gradually around the complication as each day of the month passes by. This watch can’t calculate the average speed of your flying mile, or help you keep tabs on your oxygen tanks 1,000 feet below, but it makes up for a lack of features with a hearty dose of elegance and horological sophistication.

• Buy the Rolex Cellini Moonphase at Chronext

For the CEO: Rolex Day-Date

Nothing says you’ve made it more than an all-gold Rolex Day-Date on a matching ‘president’ bracelet. Yes, it’s a bit flashy and perhaps even ostentatious in the wrong company - and we know we knocked corporate Rolex earlier in this article - but it somehow retains more class than other watches in its price bracket.

Even in a less look-at-me spec, the Day-Date is a classically good-looking watch which will never go out of fashion, and will look right at home when poking out from underneath your shirt cuff during that important meeting.

Back in 1956, the Day-Date was a world-first, boasting the ability to show both the day and date (see what they did there?). The day written in full across the 12 o’clock position is a striking but functional complication which for many buyers will feel altogether more useful than a moonphase complication.

Wear a Day-Date, and you’re in some rather high-calibre company. Previous owners include US Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt, Ford and Kennedy, along with Roger Federer, Jay-Z, Ellen DeGeneres and Victoria Beckham.

The current model measures a compact 36mm, is water resistant to 100 metres, and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. 

• Buy the Rolex Day-Date at Chronext

For everyday: Rolex Datejust

The idea of an everyday Rolex perhaps feels like an oxymoron, but we reckon the Datejust fits the bill perfectly. Arguably the quintessential Rolex, the Datejust is the model you are most likely to see out and about. It is highly customisable, with Rolex offering different case sizes and materials, a choice of straps and bezels, and a range of face colours, materials and decoration (by which we mean diamonds, of course).

Case sizes range from 28mm to 41mm, while materials include steel, white gold, yellow gold, or a mixture; dial colours include white, silver, gold, blue, black and pink, and there’s a choice of two bracelet designs and two bezels. All this means the Datejust can be configured to look as at home with your weekend wear, as your business attire, wedding suit, or Sunday best.

First launched in 1945 as the Oyster, the Datejust (which got its current name in 1985) has changed very little over the years. However, in 1955 the mechanism was updated so the date would change instantaneously at midnight instead of slowly changing over several hours beforehand. That year also saw the addition of the famous Cyclops magnification lens over the date complication, which has since become a hallmark of Rolex watch design.

Today’s Datejust is water resistant to 100 metres, features a 3235 calibre, self-winding automatic movement, and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Datejust at Chronext

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Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.

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Rolex Comparison Guide - Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Rolex Comparison Guide Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Perhaps you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by Rolex's huge range of different watches, and because of this, you don't know which to choose. To help you find the perfect watch, we have crafted a detailed guide which compares popular Rolex models including the Submariner, the Datejust, the Daytona, and the Yacht-Master.

Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Datejust

Submariner overview.

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was dubbed 'The Diver's Watch' and is still one of the most in-demand watch models today. Its ingenious design consists of strong resistance against water, self-winding mechanisms, and a handy chromalight display.

Key details:

Datejust overview

Created in 1945, only a decade before the Submariner, the Datejust is best known for its iconic feature, the Cyclops, a date-magnifying lens. The Datejust is a truly beautiful design embezzled with high-quality crystals and an overall aesthetically pleasing look.

Similarities and Differences

The Submariner and Datejust are alike in various ways. They are both incredibly sturdy and reliable models and are both members of Rolex's iconic Oyster Perpetual range, meaning they are designed with a perpetual self-winding rotor. The Submariner and Datejust are popular and consistently in-demand. ‍ The main differences between the two models are the typical applications and design attributes. The Submariner was designed for underwater diving, whilst the Datejust was only made for everyday usage, because of this the Submariner has a more complex design. This model possesses extra features such as greater water-resistance, a brighter display, a stronger grip to the wearer's wrist and a rotating bezel. ‍ However, the purpose of the Datejust was for it to be the only watch the wearer should need. This makes a fitting accessory for any formal or informal occasion. There are more options to choose from in the Datejust collection; various dial, metal, bracelet combinations to choose from, as opposed to the Submariner.

Rolex Daytona vs Rolex Yacht-Master

Daytona overview.

The Daytona is another iconic Rolex creation and is undoubtedly the most popular and sought after model in the range. First manufactured in 1963 and reinvented with a new in-house movement in 2000, the Daytona is a model beloved by many Rolex fanatics.

Yacht-Master overview

'The Watch of the Open Seas' aka the Yacht-Master was specially crafted to embody the spirit of a sailor. Having been released in the 1950s, it is today regarded as the perfect combination of style and function.

The two models have similar abilities concerning water-resistance. Buyers have more colour options with the Daytona as the model comes in many different colours, metals and precious stone settings whilst the Yacht-Master's colour options are limited. Those looking for a big, bold watch that will draw attention should choose the Yacht-Master, and those looking for something more elegant and classic should opt for the Daytona. ‍ The Daytona utilises Calibre 4130, as opposed to the Yacht-Master which makes use of Calibre 4161. The Yacht-Master's Calibre 4161 is, functionally speaking, more multiplexed than the Daytona's Calibre 4130. Interestingly, Rolex states that Calibre 4161 took 35,000 hours to manufacture. Overall, these models live up to Rolex's reputation of producing high-quality, efficient watches - but if you enjoy the open seas and sailing is important to you opt for the Yacht-Master, and if having a timing masterpiece that is elegant with gorgeous colour combination is more important to you, opt for the Daytona.

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Datejust vs Yachtmaster....I need a date!!

It's difficult to know if you are my 'type'. :think: Buy me a drink and we'll see what develops. ;-)  

gviddy said: Suits you well! Great dial choice for the YM, I truly love that pop of blue. I do wonder sometime if it is a bit much for a suit, or business casual? Click to expand...

WatchingYou77

My vote would be for something else. I think the fluted bezel on the DJ is a bit too blingy and the steel/grey dial on the Yachtmaster lacks contrast from the rest of the watch. I like the Yachtmaster in photos, but in the metal it just does not have much pop. What about an OP or Milgauss? The grey dial OP looks better than the Yachtmaster IMO.  

radarcontact said: Blue dial DJ41, smooth bezel on jubilee would be my choice. Likely this will be my next Rolex. I wouldn't replace the Explorer (currently have the same model as you do) as it has too many merits to mention and in my opinion it is one the classics to own. Click to expand...

The Datejust would be great or, if you have the wrist for it, a Sky-Dweller.  

Say no to YM... Sub is a great watch, you won't regret it if you go with that. Both DJs and Sub Dates are excellent daily wearers. DJs are great dailies. Datejust, fluted bezel, on Jubilee. But as a doc, if you prefer to remain under the radar with your watch, go with the smooth bezel on oyster. If you decide to go with the older DJ 36mms, choice of jubilee vs Oyster also depends on what dial you have (romans vs sticks). I'm a pharmacist and I keep track of my patients' med administration times 100 times a day so having a date is important to me as well. My Rolex 16610 Sub Date keeps me informed of the date with the biggest date window you've ever seen.  

YM or DJ41 ?  

LINVS said: I think a 36mm DJ would be very tasteful. I'd trust a physician with a DJ over one wearing a YM. YMs seem to say you might be in it for the money. Click to expand...

WatchingYou77 said: My vote would be for something else. I think the fluted bezel on the DJ is a bit too blingy and the steel/grey dial on the Yachtmaster lacks contrast from the rest of the watch. I like the Yachtmaster in photos, but in the metal it just does not have much pop. What about an OP or Milgauss? The grey dial OP looks better than the Yachtmaster IMO. Click to expand...

radoncdoc said: radarcontact said: Blue dial DJ41, smooth bezel on jubilee would be my choice. Likely this will be my next Rolex. I wouldn't replace the Explorer (currently have the same model as you do) as it has too many merits to mention and in my opinion it is one the classics to own. Click to expand...

TreiseYustiel said: Say no to YM... Sub is a great watch, you won't regret it if you go with that. Both DJs and Sub Dates are excellent daily wearers. DJs are great dailies. Datejust, fluted bezel, on Jubilee. But as a doc, if you prefer to remain under the radar with your watch, go with the smooth bezel on oyster. If you decide to go with the older DJ 36mms, choice of jubilee vs Oyster also depends on what dial you have (romans vs sticks). I'm a pharmacist and I keep track of my patients' med administration times 100 times a day so having a date is important to me as well. My Rolex 16610 Sub Date keeps me informed of the date with the biggest date window you've ever seen. Click to expand...

14060 said: The Datejust would be great or, if you have the wrist for it, a Sky-Dweller. Click to expand...

TwentiethCenturyFox

I would get the Yachtmaster. It conveys calm, cool, authority. So would match your profession rather well.  

It seems there is concern with the wallet. Rolex with dates come at a higher price, but one exception is the older datejust 36mm's. They can be quite budget-friendly as long as you buy from a reputable seller. Honestly I wouldn't even bother with the new 2019 Baselworld Datejust 36mm, that will net you $8200 plus tax plus AD annoyances/waitlists. I would go ahead a pull the trigger on an older Datejust 36mm of your choosing. Or a Sub.  

matthew P said: I'd take a hard look at the datejust 36mm when it comes out later this year. I know I will be. Would compliment the explorer nicely IMO. Click to expand...

m1911 said: This is best advice above.... I own two DJ-41's; and wore my silver dial, smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet traveling all week. I have the same watch except on Jubilee also. I have 8" wrists, so that's why I wear the 41's. I can't wait to see the new 2019 36's and would buy those instead if it looked ok on me. When I got home I put the Explorer on; primarily because I watched the new Hodinkee video several times this week. Maybe it's an age thing, or that I wore the Submariner and Explorer-II for 30-some years before wearing the standard sized Oyster cases. But my larger watch bodies like the 42mm Explorer-II and 2018 GMT-BLRO don't get much wrist time these days. Click to expand...

WatchingYou77 said: Sky dwellers are quite a bit more expensive, and that's if you can find one at an AD. Grey market is 16-21k USD depending on condition and dial color. While browsing ADs, I have found a couple two-tone Sky dwellers, multiple gold options, and one steel blue dial (Shanghai, but shady AD). I really wanted one after seeing the photos, but it was just too big when trying it on for a daily wearer. Thick, wide, and the fluted bezel in that size of watch with the polished center links on the bracelet is really flashy. It is not a good daily wearer for a doctor IMO. Asking for way too much attention. Click to expand...

milgauss1349

If you don’t own a YM it’s no comparison, buy a YM. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk  

If you want a date, get the classic of the classic watch with a date. The dj41 will suit u well. Love to see the date just jump at 12. This is the watch and model that first did that. Owning history is how I feel when I wear my dj41 silver on regular bezel and oyster. Very versatile. Goes great with a suit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

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Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II.

A detailed comparison on these two luxurious Rolex sport watches.

The Yachtmaster II and Yachtmaster 40mm are both great sports watches especially with professional sailors and yacht racers. They both are classy and sporty at the same time. But what are the key differences and what makes these two watches special in their own way? Have a look below at a detailed description of the differences.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II

Let's take a look at one of the latest and most spoken about Rolex Yachtmaster watches, the 116655. This watch is a special watch for many reasons. Namely, this is a historical landmark for Rolex since it is the first Rolex watch to ever use a rubber strap. Most people wouldn't bat an eye at the idea of a Rolex with a rubber strap so why the fuss? This is not any typical rubber strap. Rolex has been raving about this new rubber Oysterflex bracelet which is not only very comfortable to wear, it is also hypoallergenic.

The research and development team at Rolex has engineered a bracelet that is as easy to wear as a rubber bracelet but also holds its shape like a metal bracelet. They do this by using nickel-and-titanium inserts inside the band. They also instituted a patented shape on the inside of the bracelet which has a cushioning system built-in to it which allows the bracelet to take the natural shape of a wrist making the Oysterflex possible the most comfortable rubber watch band. An Oysterlock safety clasp keeps the watch from opening and looks stunning in 18ct Everose gold. Everose gold is a patented 18kt pink gold alloy that is unique to Rolex watches and has been used with all their pink gold oyster cases since 2005.

You'll also find a black matte Cerachrom dial which is a hardened ceramic material that is a tough and highly scratch resistant material that has anticorrosive properties and is impervious to discoloration from exposure to Ultra Violet rays. Perfect for spending your days relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht.

The dial on the Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 with its cyclops date magnifier could be passed as that of a Submariner if it weren't for all the Everose gold used. You can find this material used on the rims of the index hour markers, the Rolex logo, and luminous filled hands. You won't find rose gold on the dial of any watch in the Submariner series (yet?). The combination of black and Everose gold is a real eye-grabber giving this the look of a really luxurious watch.

What's running inside this stunning watch? The Yacht-Master 40mm runs off an automatic Rolex perpetual movement, the Rolex caliber 3135. This 31 jewel movement beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of about 50 hours.

Rolex Yachtmaster II

At a glance, this watch is an impressive piece of eye-candy with a polished case and two-tone rose gold and stainless steel bracelet. The design used vibrant colors from the blue Cerachrom bezel to the rose gold pushers and patented Triplock crown. The white dial is equally full of harmonic colors with blue steel hour, minute and subdial seconds hands and rose gold and red chronograph hands. A rose gold rimmed sub-dial and applied rose gold rimmed index hour markers tie it all together.

A unique feature of the Yachtmaster II is the regatta chronograph and features the world's first mechanical programmable countdown with a memory. You can accurately sync the watch with the starting sequence of a yacht race.

Unlike most bezels which don't operate as a component of the movement, the easy-to-use and bi-directional Ring Command bezel on the Yachtmaster II operates in conjunction with the regatta chronograph as an integral component of the movement. This bezel is the method in which you can synchronize the countdown timer to the start times of a race. Each time you press the button you can adjust the timer by one-minute increments for up to a 10-minute countdown timer. When you adjust the rotating bezel back to its default middle position, it resets the chronograph back to its main function.

This COSC certified Swiss chronometer is the self-winding caliber 4161 automatic movement beats at 28,800 vph and is completely manufactured by Rolex. This movement features the Rolex antimagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. After receiving a COSC certified chronometer certification, the movement the goes through a thorough in-house chronometric testing once installed into a watch case. Once the watch achieves a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day in the case, it gets a Rolex Superlative Chronometer designation. Even with all these mechanical features, the 31 jewel caliber 4161 movement holds its power for 72 hours.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II - Side By Side Comparison

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• Comparisons

Oyster Perpetual

Yacht-Master

Marine character, the yacht-master and yacht-master ii models embody the brand’s nautical spirit..

Inspired by the rich heritage that has bound Rolex to the world of yachting since the 1950s, the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II models embody the brand’s nautical spirit. The Yacht-Master brilliantly blends function and seafaring style. Presented in 2007, the Yacht-Master II is a regatta chronograph built for yachting competitions.

The emblematic watch of the sailing world, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 is now available in RLX titanium.

The Yacht-Master range celebrates the ties between Rolex and the world of sailing.

The watch of the open seas

The Yacht-Master is easily recognizable for its bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel. This characteristic and functional bezel – which enables the wearer to read time intervals, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – plays a full part in creating the unique visual identity of the watch.

Innovative regatta chronograph

The Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both yachting enthusiasts and experienced sailors. It features a countdown function with a mechanical memory programmable from 1 to 10 minutes which can be synchronized on the fly – a function that responds to the need for precise timing during the crucial starting sequence of a regatta.

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Rolex Chronographs: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona is, without a doubt, Rolex’s most famous chronograph model. However, it is sometimes overlooked that a Rolex does, in fact, manufacture another chronograph collection – the Yacht-Master II. While both are technically chronograph watches, they are actually very different timepieces, both inside and out. Today we will be comparing the brand’s duo of contemporary chronograph models, the Rolex Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II.

So, how do these two Rolex chronograph watches differ when it comes to their designs and functionality? Let’s find out as we review these stylish used Rolex watch models .

Origins: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Rolex first unleashed the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963 as a chronograph dedicated to motorsports. However, as manually-wound models with 38mm cases, vintage Daytona watches are significantly different from the versions of today. It was only in 2000 that we saw the first iterations of today’s Daytona models; that is to say, 40mm watches that run on in-house automatic chronograph movements.

These editions of the Rolex Daytona collection carry six-digit reference numbers and are powered by the Caliber 4130. Prior to this generation, there were the five-digit Daytona models fitted with Rolex-modified, Zenith El Primero automatic movements, which were produced from 1988 until 2000.

In total, the Daytona utilizes three different generations of movements. First was the hand-wound generation, followed by the automatic Zenith generation, and then the automatic in-house Rolex caliber 4130. The collection has one of the most intriguing histories on the market, spanning decades and producing countless design variations, and even the famous Paul Newman Daytona that fetched one of the highest sums on the secondary market of nearly $18 million.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II is a relatively new Rolex model, having made its debut in 2007. What’s more, when it was released, the Yacht-Master II was Rolex’s largest watch, sporting a 44mm case. As its name implies, the Rolex Yacht-Master II was developed for the sailing crowd, rather than the automobile racing crew. In addition to its over-the-top case size and design, the Yacht-Master II was also the brand’s most complex watch (until the introduction of the Sky-Dweller in 2012), equipped with a regatta chronograph, complete with mechanical memory and fly-back functionality for facilitated synchronization.

Design: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona’s 40mm case comes fitted with a pair of screw-down chronograph pushers flanking its screw-down winding crown. This is to keep any moisture out of the watch, ensuring its 100-meter water resistance. The fixed bezels of the Daytona watches – crafted from either metal or Cerachrom (ceramic) – are engraved with a tachymeter scale (except for the gem-set bezel editions), while the dials house a trio of subsidiary registers.

In true Rolex fashion, there are plenty of different dial colors and index styles to choose from. Material options within the six-digit Daytona family include stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, two-tone steel and yellow gold, and platinum. Most Daytona models come with metal Oyster bracelets however, there are some gold Daytona watches that are presented on black rubber Oysterflex bracelets as well. Rolex previously manufactured leather-strap versions but they are no longer in production.

In direct contrast to the Daytona’s classic looks and restrained proportions, the Yacht-Master II is proudly big, bold, and badass. Its bezel – either in bright blue Cerachrom (ceramic) or platinum – sits on the 44mm case and is emblazoned with the “YACHT-MASTER II” name, along with numbers 1 – 10. The white dial with red and blue accents offers three distinct areas for three readings: the center hands, the 10-minute countdown display, and the running seconds sub-dial.

Early editions of the Yacht-Master II included straight hour and minute hands until around 2017, while current versions have the familiar Mercedes-style hands. The hour markers received a small upgrade from blue to white gold surrounds to match the hands. Additionally, Rolex replaced the square hour marker at 12 o’clock with an inverted triangle and the marker at 6 o’clock with a slightly elongated baton hour marker. Material choices of the Yacht-Master II include yellow gold, white gold (with a platinum bezel), stainless steel, and two-tone Everose gold and steel. Additionally, all Yacht-Master II watches come with matching metal Oyster bracelets.

Calibers and Functionality: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Manufactured entirely in-house, the Daytona’s Caliber 4130 has been heralded by many watch enthusiasts as one of the most reliable and robust automatic chronograph movements on the market. One of its defining features is the use of a vertical (rather than lateral) clutch to activate the chronograph. This not only permits the chronograph hand to run smoothly without any signs of “jittering,” but also allows the chronograph function to run for a long time with no influence on the Daytona’s precision. Thanks to Caliber 4130, the Daytona features a chronograph hand accurate to within 1/8 of a second, a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 9, a small seconds register at 6, and a power reserve of 72 hours.

When Rolex launched the Yacht-Master II in 2007, inside the watch was the Caliber 4160, which was then upgraded to Caliber 4161 in 2013. While these in-house chronograph calibers are based on the Caliber 4130, they are much more complex in terms of functionality. Rolex maintains that the Caliber 4160/4161 was the result of over 35,000 hours of development.

Most intriguing, the bezel on the Yacht-Master II is not just for show. Instead, turning it allows the user to flip through what functions of the watch to set. And one of these functions includes a programmable countdown timer (from 1 – 10 minutes), which also memorizes the desired setting t when you reset the timer. So, if you love a seven-minute jammy egg or a four-minute brew, then your Yacht-Master II is there for you.

The central chronograph hand also has flyback functionality, which means that you can reset it back to zero with the press of a single button while it is in motion. Additionally, just like its base caliber, the Cal. 4160/4161 also has a 72-hour power reserve.

While both chronographs have countless everyday applications, they cater to two totally different niches. The Daytona, with its motorsport roots, was initially developed to help the wearer record various stats while driving, such as speed, distance traveled, and elapsed time. On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II was inspired by regatta and features a race countdown mechanism.

How to Use The Bezels on Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona bezel is fixed, so its primary function relies on the chronograph movement. To activate the chronograph, press the top pusher above the crown. The chronograph seconds hand will start to race around the dial. The top pusher will also stop the chronograph while the bottom pusher resets it to zero. For example, to measure speed, simply activate the chronograph by pressing the top pusher. Once you’ve driven a mile, stop the chronograph by pressing the top pusher again. The chronograph hand will point to the corresponding speed on the Tachymeter bezel.

The Yacht-Master II bezel is connected to the movement and it is often referred to as a “Ring Command Bezel.” To use the programmable regatta countdown, you first need to unscrew the crown and rotate the bezel counterclockwise 90 degrees. Then, press the bottom pusher and turn the crown clockwise to move the arrow hand to the desired 10-minute count-down increment. Once the bezel is rotated back to its original position and the crown is screwed back into the case, you can press the top pusher to start or stop the countdown. The chronograph seconds hand will begin to move around the dial, once every minute. The famous flyback and fly-forward functionality is engaged by pressing the bottom pusher, sending the arrow hand backwards or forwards to the nearest minute in the countdown.

Side-by-side, these two Rolex chronographs look nothing alike. The Daytona offers traditional chronograph styling and functionality, while the Yacht-Master II is more aggressively designed and offers a niche complication in the form of a regatta chronograph. So, which one would be your pick?

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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