White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II

October 19, 2016

Both on the larger side as far as Rolex models go, the white gold Sky-Dweller on black leather strap (Reference # 326139) and the stainless steel Yacht-Master II (Reference # 116680) offer unique complications and bold aesthetics that set them apart from other models. Introduced in the past decade, both are relatively new to the market compared to some of the watchmaker's classic models. However, they still maintain the classical design sensibilities that Rolex is known for with case sizes and complications that represent twenty-first century ingenuity. 

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case (left) and Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II Case (right)
The Sky-Dweller was created to allow the wearer to keep track of time around the globe with its patented interface: the Ring Command bezel. This feature makes it easy to set the time functions of the watch while maintaining the fluting that is characteristic of Rolex dress watches. It also features a Saros annual calendar and 24-hour display with dual time zones, giving the wearer a stylish but functional timepiece that can go with them anywhere. Like most of their date models, it also features a date aperture at 3 o'clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens affixed to the crystal above it. It is equipped with a 9001 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. 

Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II Case atop White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case
The Yacht-Master II features a complication that caters to skippers during yacht races: a professional regatta chronograph. Like the Sky-Dweller, its bezel interacts with the movement inside to operate the timer. It can be programmed up to 10 minutes with a fly-back reset function that allows one to synchronize the timer with the official countdown of the yacht race. The bezel features a blue Cerachrom insert that is virtually scratch-proof and will not fade over time. In the photo above, you can see that the YM2's 44 millimeter case is slightly larger than the Sky-Dweller's 42 millimeter case.  However, the Sky-Dweller's case is slightly thicker than that of the Yacht-Master II. The YM2 is equipped with a 4161 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 72 hours.

78210 Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet of the Yacht-Master II
The stainless steel Oyster bracelet (Reference # 78210) shown in the photo above belongs to the Yacht-Master II. All Yacht-Master II configurations feature an Oyster bracelet, whereas the Sky-Dweller is available with either a leather strap, like the black leather strap shown in the photo below, or an Oyster bracelet in 18 carat gold. The Sky-Dweller model is only available in precious metal configurations, with the YM2 available in either stainless steel, Everose Rolesor (combination of rose gold and stainless steel), yellow or white gold. The suggested retail price for the white gold Sky-Dweller is approximately $39,550 US. The stainless steel Yacht-Master II retails for approximately $18,750 US, with the white gold configuration priced closer to the Sky-Dweller at $48,150 US.

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller on Black Leather Strap
These models represent a new era for Rolex, with their large sizes and Ring Command bezels interacting with the movements inside their cases. The Sky-Dweller caters to those who take to the skies while the Yacht-Master II is ideal for those with a taste for the open seas. For more information on either of these wristwatch models, visit rolex.com or check out the Rolex Models section of this blog for more model comparisons, Rolex model information and technical information.

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