Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Rolex

Yacht-Master II

126680-000144mmautomatic$20,300 list priceAnnounced April 2026

The 2026 redesign of Rolex's regatta chronograph: a 44mm Oystersteel case with a white dial, blue Cerachrom 60-minute bezel and a programmable 10-minute countdown timer, now set with the pushers instead of the old Ring Command bezel. It runs on the new calibre 4162, which uses the Chronergy escapement and has a 72-hour power reserve.

Rolex product page

Creator Consensus

Very positive

5 reviews: 5 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. 5 of 5 recommend it.

Every reviewer finds the simplified pusher programming far more intuitive, and most regard the redesign as a clear improvement on its predecessor, with a movement among Rolex's most sophisticated. Most also credit the dial changes: the regatta scale moved to the flange, countdown hands that run counterclockwise, and red lacquered accents that suit the steel model.

Where they differ. Most reviewers still find the watch big, thick and bulky on the wrist. A couple of others say it wears comfortably and compactly for its size and suits smaller wrists far better than before.

Most praised

Simplified pusher programming far more intuitive5 of 5
- Monochrome Simplifying the interaction makes the watch more intuitive without compromising its technical ambition.Rolex has made the watch more intuitive and look more approachableRead it in context
- SJX Watches Praises reducing countdown programming from four steps to one via a single pusher.it couldn’t be easier to toggle through the 10-minute countdown rangeRead it in context
- Revolution Finds the simplified pusher-based programming an astonishing improvement over the original.the difference is astonishing and a marvel in itselfRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Views the removal of the confusing Command bezel as a fix.Gone is the neat but confusing-to-master Command rotating bezelRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Says the new movement complements the design with more intuitive operation.the new movement complements the new design language with more intuitive functionalityWatch from 1:58
Redesign a clear improvement over its predecessor4 of 5
- SJX Watches Sees the update as turning an unattractive model into a compelling chronograph.transforming it from an ugly duckling into a compelling chronographRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the redesign much nicer looking than the previous Yacht-Master II.it wasn’t nearly as nice as what Rolex was able to manageRead it in context
- Revolution Considers the new watch much friendlier in appearance and operation than the original.The new Yacht-Master II is visually and operationally far more amiable.Read it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Sees it as a more elegant, refined take on the model.It feels like a more elegant and refined version of the Yacht-Master IIWatch from 1:58
- Distinct Timepieces In person the redesign exceeded expectations and feels engineered rather than off.In person, this new version genuinely exceeded my expectations.Watch from 1:58
Movement among Rolex's most sophisticated4 of 5
- Monochrome Considers the movement one of the most sophisticated Rolex has ever produced.It remains one of the most sophisticated movements the brand has ever producedRead it in context
- SJX Watches Regards the cal. 4162 as top-class, sharing the Daytona movement's best features.the least surprising element of the Yacht-Master II is its top-class calibreRead it in context
- Revolution Sees the complication as conceptually closer to haute horlogerie than typical Rolex engineering.feels considerably closer to haute horlogerieRead it in context
- Revolution Singles out the programming assembly as the watch's most ingenious element.remains the most unusual and ingenious aspect of the watchRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Impressed that the whole countdown system is mechanical.the fact that all of this is mechanical is what makes it so impressiveWatch from 3:23
Moving regatta scale to flange declutters the dial3 of 5
- Monochrome Moving the regatta scale onto the flange gives a cleaner display.creating a cleaner displayRead it in context
- Revolution Moving the countdown scale to the inner flange makes the dial far less busy.immediately reduces the visual density of the watchRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces The flange gives the dial structure and depth and improves readability.That flange gives the dial structure. Everything becomes easier to readWatch from 1:58
- Monochrome The traditional 60-minute bezel scale makes the watch look sleeker without losing impact.the new Yacht-Master II looks sleeker, yet retains a strong visual impactRead it in context
Counterclockwise countdown hands read more intuitively3 of 5
- Monochrome Counterclockwise countdown hands make the display more intuitive to read.significantly improves intuitive reading and aligns the display with the logicRead it in context
- SJX Watches Finds the counterclockwise countdown intuitive and visually striking.This makes intuitive sense, and helps define the functions more clearlyRead it in context
- Revolution Finds the counterclockwise countdown hands more intuitive to read.the reverse motion makes the indications more intuitiveRead it in context
Red lacquered accents suit the steel model3 of 5
- Monochrome Red-lacquered countdown hands on the steel model improve legibility.On the Oystersteel variant, the countdown hands offer better legibilityRead it in context
- SJX Watches Finds the effect especially good on steel thanks to the red lacquered countdown hand and markers.This is especially true of the steel modelRead it in context
- Revolution Enjoys the red accents on the steel model as tastefully over-the-top.which remain just slightly excessive in exactly the right wayRead it in context

Show 12 more

Model name now placed more discreetly2 of 5
- SJX Watches Approves of moving the model branding from the bezel to a discreet spot on the flange.has been given a much more discreet placement on the countdown flangeRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Appreciates that the model name is now placed more discreetly.it did so in a more discreet place on the countdown scale ringRead it in context
White dial is legible and sporty2 of 5
- SJX Watches Likes the brilliant white textured dial for its sporty, instrument-like appearance.gives the Yacht-Master II an instrument-like look that suits its sporty intentionsRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Finds the high-contrast white dial especially legible and sporty.the white dial is particularly legible and sportyRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Considers the dial both legible and attractive.with the Yacht-Master II being both legible and attractiveRead it in context
Fits smaller wrists far better than before2 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Notes the case sits closer to the wrist and has shorter, stubbier lugs.They wear closer to the wrist, and have shorter, stubbier lugsRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Says the big watch now fits smaller wrists much better.sit much better on smaller wristsRead it in context
- Revolution Sits well on the reviewer's 5.4-inch wrist without overhang, unlike the previous version.it sits surprisingly well, with no overhangRead it in context
Wears comfortably and compactly for its size2 of 5
- Monochrome Notes that larger Rolex sports watches like this one still tend to wear comfortably.Rolex’s sports watches, even larger ones, tend to wear comfortablyRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Fits a 7.25-inch wrist well without feeling bulky, and sits flat.it actually feels spot-on. It doesn't feel bulky, it sits flatWatch from 3:52
- Distinct Timepieces Weight is well balanced and it wears more compact than the numbers suggest.visually, it wears more compact than the numbers suggestWatch from 3:52
On-the-fly countdown resync is clever2 of 5
- Revolution Finds the on-the-fly countdown synchronisation highly unusual and impressive.not simply resetting itself but actively correcting its own countdown stateRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Finds the resync function via the lower pusher clever.But here's where it gets clever. If your timing is slightly offWatch from 2:55
Distinctive character retained through the refinement2 of 5
- Revolution Contrasts its singular purpose favourably with formulaic luxury sports watches.so many luxury sports watches have gradually become variations of the same formulaRead it in context
- Revolution Ranks it among the most distinctive luxury sports watches available today.one of the most distinctive and compelling luxury sports watches there is todayRead it in context
- Distinct Timepieces Values its unique personality within the catalogue and approves of keeping it bold.Bringing this back and keeping it bold was absolutely the right move.Watch from 4:22
- Distinct Timepieces Feels the refinement makes it more appealing without losing what made it interesting.without losing what made it interesting in the first placeWatch from 5:20
Enormous fun to play with2 of 5
- Revolution Finds it enormous fun to use, even without a practical need for it.it is difficult not to find the whole thing enormous fun to engage withRead it in context
- aBlogtoWatch Enjoys playing with the flyback-style functions and the adjustable countdown duration.one of the most satisfying Rolex movements to simply play withRead it in context
Looks smaller than its near-identical dimensions suggest1 of 5
- SJX Watches Notes the raised countdown flange makes the watch look smaller.By elevating the perimeter of the dial, the watch appears smaller.Read it in context
- SJX Watches Finds it looks smaller than its predecessor despite near-identical dimensions.the updated model looks smaller thanks to some visual nips and tucksRead it in context
Reverse-running seconds hand a delightful touch1 of 5
- SJX Watches Enjoys the backward-moving red seconds hand as a surprising, cool effect.it’s almost shocking to start the chronograph and see the red lacquered seconds hand move backwardRead it in context
- SJX Watches Believes the reverse-running elapsed time will delight enthusiasts and win over reluctant collectors.This detail alone should delight chronograph enthusiastsRead it in context
Fairly priced for its sophistication1 of 5
- SJX Watches Sees a decent value proposition given the movement's sophistication and build quality.offers a decent value proposition in either configurationRead it in context
- SJX Watches Notes Rolex could charge more and finds its pricing restraint notable.Rolex could charge more than it does and the brand’s restraint is notableRead it in context
Less ostentatious than the original1 of 5
- SJX Watches Credits the new model with toning down the ostentation of the original.dialing back the ostentation and doubling down on the technical meritRead it in context
Tapered clasp lessens wearing heft1 of 5
- aBlogtoWatch Notes the clasp tapers elegantly to lessen the watch's wearing heft.taper elegantly so as to reduce the wearing heft of the watchRead it in context

Most criticised

Still big, thick and bulky on the wrist3 of 5
- Monochrome Warns that it does not wear as sleekly as a no-date Submariner.don’t expect the same sleekness as a no-date SubmarinerRead it in context
- SJX Watches Considers the case big and thick enough that it best suits short-sleeved attire.at 13.9 mm thick it’s best suited for short-sleeved attireRead it in context
- Revolution Still feels bulky on a small wrist.Apart from its sheer bulk on my small 5.4-inch wristRead it in context
Post-start elapsed-time function of limited use1 of 5
- Revolution The post-start elapsed-time use of the running seconds is of limited use.this function is limited due to its short duration and counterclockwise motionRead it in context

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Design		Praised
Dial		Praised
Movement		Praised
Functionality		Praised
Case & proportions		Mostly liked
Wearability		Praised
Originality		Praised
Bracelet & strap		Few mentions
Finishing & build		Few mentions
Value		Few mentions

Was this consensus useful?

The reviews

5 counted, 1 more for context

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

SJX Watches

Hands On: Rolex Yacht-Master II

ArticleHands-on reviewJun 2026Brandon Moore

PositiveRecommends

The reviewer sees the new Yacht-Master II as a major improvement on its predecessor, less ostentatious and technically stronger, with a much simpler countdown interface and top-class movement. It remains large and thick. The steel version is judged the more appealing, decent-value choice.

Suits: Contrarian collectors and chronograph enthusiasts drawn to the regatta countdown

Disclosure: Hands-on at launch event

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Sees the update as turning an unattractive model into a compelling chronograph.
Credits the new model with toning down the ostentation of the original.
Approves of moving the model branding from the bezel to a discreet spot on the flange.
Dialpositive: Likes the brilliant white textured dial for its sporty, instrument-like appearance.
Finds the effect especially good on steel thanks to the red lacquered countdown hand and markers.
Notes the raised countdown flange makes the watch look smaller.
Case & proportionsmixed: Considers the case big and thick enough that it best suits short-sleeved attire.
Accepts the large size as fitting for a yachting-oriented watch.
Finds it looks smaller than its predecessor despite near-identical dimensions.
Functionalitypositive: Praises reducing countdown programming from four steps to one via a single pusher.
Finds the counterclockwise countdown intuitive and visually striking.
Enjoys the backward-moving red seconds hand as a surprising, cool effect.
Values the wider 300-degree countdown arc aligning with the hour markers.
Movementpositive: Regards the cal. 4162 as top-class, sharing the Daytona movement's best features.
Finds the movement attractive for an industrial chronograph but hidden behind a solid caseback.
Believes the reverse-running elapsed time will delight enthusiasts and win over reluctant collectors.
Finishing & buildpositive: Cites the high quality of make as part of the watch's appeal.
Valuepositive: Sees a decent value proposition given the movement's sophistication and build quality.
Notes Rolex could charge more and finds its pricing restraint notable.
Considers the steel model the more appealing option, partly for its lower price.
Compared with: Rolex Yacht-Master II (first generation, cal. 4161): New model improves on the original in every way, with less ostentation.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (cal. 4131): Shares Daytona movement's best features but adds reverse-running elapsed time.
Patek Philippe Worldtime ref. 5330G: Both use a raised flange that visually shrinks the dial.

Read on watchesbysjx.com

Revolution

A Closer Look: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

ArticleHands-on reviewJun 2026Cheryl Chia

Very positiveRecommends

The reviewer sees the new Yacht-Master II as a far friendlier, cleaner evolution. It keeps the original's ingenious regatta countdown engineering while dropping the cumbersome operation, making it one of today's most distinctive and compelling luxury sports watches, and great fun even without a practical need.

Suits: Enthusiasts drawn to ingenious niche complications, sailors or not

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Enjoys the red accents on the steel model as tastefully over-the-top.
Considers the new watch much friendlier in appearance and operation than the original.
Dialpositive: Moving the countdown scale to the inner flange makes the dial far less busy.
Finds the counterclockwise countdown hands more intuitive to read.
The applied hour markers give a classic Rolex look with a calmer display.
Wearabilitypositive: Notes the watch wears smaller lug to lug despite nearly unchanged dimensions.
Sits well on the reviewer's 5.4-inch wrist without overhang, unlike the previous version.
Still feels bulky on a small wrist.
Functionalitypositive: Finds the simplified pusher-based programming an astonishing improvement over the original.
Welcomes that the crown no longer needs unscrewing, which suits use on open water.
Finds the on-the-fly countdown synchronisation highly unusual and impressive.
The post-start elapsed-time use of the running seconds is of limited use.
Movementpositive: Singles out the programming assembly as the watch's most ingenious element.
Sees the complication as conceptually closer to haute horlogerie than typical Rolex engineering.
Originalitypositive: Contrasts its singular purpose favourably with formulaic luxury sports watches.
Ranks it among the most distinctive luxury sports watches available today.
Finds it enormous fun to use, even without a practical need for it.
Compared with: Rolex Yacht-Master II (2007 original, Ring Command): The new model is simpler to operate, less cluttered and wears better on a small wrist.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta: Cited as an earlier example of counterclockwise regatta countdown hands.

Read on revolutionwatch.com

Monochrome

The New Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 126680 & 126688 – the Regatta Instrument Reimagined

ArticleHands-on reviewMay 2026Denis Peshkov

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Sees the 2026 Yacht-Master II as a meaningful step forward. Dropping the Ring Command bezel for pusher-based programming and cleaning up the dial make it more intuitive and approachable without losing technical ambition. It remains a large, niche watch for a specific use.

Suits: Buyers wanting a specialised regatta chronograph and comfortable with a large watch

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: The traditional 60-minute bezel scale makes the watch look sleeker without losing impact.
The blue-and-white colour combination delivers the intended nautical look.
Case & proportionsmixed: Considers the new references large watches with real visual presence and heft.
Wearabilitymixed: Notes that larger Rolex sports watches like this one still tend to wear comfortably.
Warns that it does not wear as sleekly as a no-date Submariner.
Dialpositive: Moving the regatta scale onto the flange gives a cleaner display.
Counterclockwise countdown hands make the display more intuitive to read.
Red-lacquered countdown hands on the steel model improve legibility.
Functionalitypositive: Simplifying the interaction makes the watch more intuitive without compromising its technical ambition.
Emphasises that it remains a niche watch built for a very specific use.
Movementpositive: Considers the movement one of the most sophisticated Rolex has ever produced.
Compared with: Rolex Submariner (no-date): The Yacht-Master II doesn't wear as sleekly as a no-date Submariner.

Read on monochrome-watches.com

Distinct Timepieces

The New Yacht-Master II Is Better Than You Think

Video, 6 minHands-on reviewApr 2026

Very positiveRecommends, with caveats

Initially unconvinced by press photos, the reviewer found the redesigned Yacht-Master II far better in person. It is seen as a refined, more legible evolution that keeps its bold personality, wears well at 44mm, and has a clever regatta function, though it remains niche.

Suits: Buyers wanting a bold, big, statement Rolex who accept its niche character

Disclosure: Hands-on at launch event

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: From press images the redesign seemed too modern and flat, losing some Yacht-Master II DNA. 1:29
In person the redesign exceeded expectations and feels engineered rather than off. 1:58
Sees it as a more elegant, refined take on the model. 1:58
Notes it is loud and unsubtle, which is why it never appealed to everyone. 5:20
Dialpositive: The flange gives the dial structure and depth and improves readability. 1:58
Case & proportionspositive: Glad the 44mm diameter was retained since it is meant to be a big watch. 3:52
Wearabilitypositive: Fits a 7.25-inch wrist well without feeling bulky, and sits flat. 3:52
Weight is well balanced and it wears more compact than the numbers suggest. 3:52
Functionalitypositive: Finds the resync function via the lower pusher clever. 2:55
Impressed that the whole countdown system is mechanical. 3:23
Acknowledges it is a highly specialised tool very few owners will use for racing. 3:23
Movementpositive: Says the new movement complements the design with more intuitive operation. 1:58
Originalitypositive: Values its unique personality within the catalogue and approves of keeping it bold. 4:22
Feels the refinement makes it more appealing without losing what made it interesting. 5:20
Compared with: Rolex Deepsea (all gold): Closest visual alternative but lacks the Yacht-Master II's personality.

Watch on YouTube

aBlogtoWatch

Hands-On With The Redesigned Rolex Yacht-Master II Countdown Chronograph Watch For 2026

ArticleHands-on reviewApr 2026Ariel Adams

Very positiveRecommends

Calls the 2026 Yacht-Master II an excellent chronograph and a favourite Rolex release of the year. Praises it as a serious improvement over its predecessor, citing a more refined, better-wearing case, a simpler bezel, a legible dial and a satisfying movement.

Disclosure: Hands-on at launch event

What the review says, point by point

Designpositive: Considers the redesign much nicer looking than the previous Yacht-Master II.
Names it a personal favourite among Rolex's 2026 releases.
Case & proportionspositive: Considers the new case highly refined despite similar dimensions to before.
Finds the bezel's new action unique enough that enthusiasts should try it in person.
Wearabilitypositive: Notes the case sits closer to the wrist and has shorter, stubbier lugs.
Says the big watch now fits smaller wrists much better.
Dialpositive: Initially worried about the raised countdown flange but finds it looks fine in person.
Considers the dial both legible and attractive.
Appreciates that the model name is now placed more discreetly.
Finds the high-contrast white dial especially legible and sporty.
Movementpositive: Enjoys playing with the flyback-style functions and the adjustable countdown duration.
Functionalitypositive: Views the removal of the confusing Command bezel as a fix.
Believes a 10-minute countdown timer has everyday uses beyond regattas.
Bracelet & strappositive: Notes the clasp tapers elegantly to lessen the watch's wearing heft.
Compared with: Rolex Yacht-Master II (previous generation, calibre 4161): The new model fixes the old one's ergonomics, garish bezel text and confusing bezel system.

Read on ablogtowatch.com

Also covered by

HoroLogical

Rolex Fixed Its Most Confusing Watch | Yacht Master II 2026

Video, 4 minReactionApr 2026

Very positive

Sees the 2026 Yacht-Master II as a correction rather than a redesign. Simplified single-pusher programming and a backwards-running countdown finally make the regatta tool usable. The reviewer praises the calibre but says whether it sells remains to be seen.

Suits: Sailors wanting a usable mechanical regatta countdown tool

Not a review of the watch in hand (news, a guide or a reaction), so it isn't counted.

What they said, point by point

Functionalitypositive: Welcomes single-pusher programming as removing the old Ring Command confusion. 0:28
Values the counterclockwise countdown hands, which read intuitively from 10 to 0. 0:56
Considers 100m water resistance ample for regatta use. 1:55
Sees the update as removing friction rather than adding features. 2:54
Dialpositive: Frames the dial changes as purposeful instrumentation rather than mere styling. 1:25
Case & proportionsmixed: Anticipated a downsized reissue but justifies the 44mm size by the movement's complexity. 1:25
Movementpositive: Describes the regatta chronograph calibre as a masterpiece. 1:25
Designpositive: Believes the watch now coheres as a refined tool rather than an over-complex luxury piece. 2:54

Watch on YouTube

Specifications

Reference: 126680-0001
Case: 44mm, Oystersteel
Thickness: 13.9mm
Movement: Rolex Calibre 4162 (Superlative Chronometer, column-wheel regatta chronograph) (automatic)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: sapphire
Bracelet or strap: Oystersteel Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock folding clasp and Easylink extension
Announced: April 2026
List price (US): $20,300US price $20,300 in Oystersteel (rolex.com US product page, April 2026 Wayback snapshot

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works