The Rolex Yacht-Master II is equipped with a unique chronograph function that is designed specifically as a regatta timer for yacht racing. It features a ten minute countdown with a fly-back function that brings the second hand back to the nearest minute with a press of the pusher at 4 o'clock. This allows the user to synchronize with the official race time to the second. See below for a step by step guide to setting the regatta timer function. 

How to Set the Rolex Yacht-Master II Regatta Chronograph (photo: Rolex)

Setting the Timer
To set the YM2's 10 minute countdown function, you must first unscrew the crown, rotate the bezel 90 degrees counterclockwise, depress the pusher at the 4 o'clock position and then wind the crown clockwise to move the hand with the red triangle to the minute you want to count down from. Once this hand is pointing at the desired start time, rotate the bezel clockwise back to the starting position with the 5 at the 12 o'clock position. Once the timer is set and the bezel is back in place, don't forget to screw the crown back into place to seal the case - especially if you are on a boat where the timepiece may be exposed to water.

Starting/Stopping the Timer 
Once the timer is set and the bezel and crown are back in place, you can start the timer by pressing the pusher at the 2 o'clock position. This pusher also stops the timer. Once the timer is going, you can hit the pusher at 4 o'clock to fly back to the nearest minute. This will allow you to synchronize your timer to the official time of the race. To reset the timer and start over, simply press the pusher at 2 o'clock followed by the pusher at 4 o'clock. This will reset the timer to the starting minute you chose when setting the timer.

While most people wouldn't use the regatta chronograph for its intended purpose, it still comes in handy when a countdown is needed. This timer is very legible with the large arabic numbers displayed on the bezel. It can be used to set a timer while grilling at home or during presentations at work when accessing a smartphone may not be appropriate.

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