yacht master vs explorer ii

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Explorer II Polar (16570) VS Yacht Master Platinum (16622)

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I have an Explorer II Polar, I don't have a Yacht Master, IMO the Explorer II is way more bang for the buck. GMT hand, same water resistance, and almost $4K less expensive.  

What if price wasn’t an object ? I feel like sometimes the explorer II is thought of as a stepping stone to a sub or a Daytona, but rarely to a yachtmaster, which kind of leaves the yacht master in an awkward place.  

I personally am not a fan of the yacht master, I own a sub, and love dive watches, but the Yacht master bezel is a little too blingy, and again (in my opinion) the watch has an almost feminine look to it. I think the yacht master is just a little too “dressed up” for a daily wear watch. I really like the 40mm Explorer, both for the GMT complication, as well as the overall design. For my money the explorer II is a hands down winner in this comparison. I also prefer the polar explorer lol to the black dial version.  

I think the Yacht-Master is the more unique watch with the platinum dial and bezel. However the Explorer II has more history and an added complication with the GMT hand. I bought a 16570 because I wanted the GMT and a more tool watch appearance (SS bezel, non polished center links). I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice and OP if money is not a concern I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a 16570 to add to your collection. As everyone likes to say buy what you like and enjoy it.  

It does seem like the explorer II is the popular choice over the yacht master. I guess the yacht master isn’t quite as versatile as a explorer II and may only appeal to a certain crowd  

Acey said: It does seem like the explorer II is the popular choice over the yacht master. I guess the yacht master isn't quite as versatile as a explorer II and may only appeal to a certain crowd Click to expand...

Brand new yes there is a pretty big price discrepancy but on the 2nd hand market that price gap narrows quite a bit . The yacht master is still more expensive but I haven’t yet seen anyone wanting to trade up to a yacht master , though I have seen a fair amount wanting to trade up to a sub . Considering the yacht master was thought of as the luxurious sub, it’s interesting that it hasn’t had much appeal even to the fanciest crowds  

Acey said: Brand new yes there is a pretty big price discrepancy but on the 2nd hand market that price gap narrows quite a bit . The yacht master is still more expensive but I haven't yet seen anyone wanting to trade up to a yacht master , though I have seen a fair amount wanting to trade up to a sub . Considering the yacht master was thought of as the luxurious sub, it's interesting that it hasn't had much appeal even to the fanciest crowds Click to expand...

Acey said: <snip> ...there's something special about owning something that you so rarely see being worn out in the wild. Between these two white face dials which would you choose and why? :: I own the yacht master 16622 but the Explorer II Polor was what I was eyeing from the beginning and I can't help but think of what could have been. So what do you guys think? Which is better? Click to expand...

Dogbert_is_fat said: Personally, I would take the Yacht Master anytime. My view is that the YM is a luxurious watch with a tinge of sportiness. The Explorer II is a sports watch, period. You can have that YM on your wrist and it will be at home in the marina or you can be out and about on the waters, sailing. The classy or some say "blingy" look of the YM will also do well in a smart casual, office environment setting without looking over done. Click to expand...

I love both of those watches. I would take either over a sub and I know im in the minority. I had a YM lined up last year. Had a deal set to go but I tried it on in the daylight and it was too sparkly for me. I dont want to consider which watch to wear when I go out so any of my watches are fine wherever I go. I felt the YM would attract unwanted attention in "more lively" areas so I passed on it. I felt it was a watch that was dependent on what you are wearing ie shorts and a t-shirt would make it look even more glitzy and incongruous so it needed to be worn with smarter clothing which im not a great fan of as im a scruff bag. I was gutted to be honest as I think its a beautiful watch in all versions but I just know it wouldnt get the wrist time it deserved. Thats where the Explorer is such a cool watch. It can go anwhere, looks smart with a shirt and wont attract the wrong sort of attention from people that can only spot 2 types of Rolex.  

It boils down to whether you prefer the rotating bezel or the GMT complication. Or perhaps whether you prefer the EXP II's glossy white dial. The EXP II would be killer if it had a rotating bezel.  

Polar 16570 without a doubt. PS: Did you read my review about the 5-digits? Maybe you'll find some useful tips here. Cheers. https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.com/2019/08/02/which-5-digit-rolex-to-get/  

I think Rolex designed and marketed both watches just right: Explorer II is just a tough looking watch for exploration. As for the Sub, it's a classic looking diver and plays its part extremely well. The YM? A perfect watch, with stunning colors, while you sip champagne on the a boat, luxury watch for luxury activities.  

Duplicate  

clearly having trouble.  

Got it today 🙂  

Attachments

Acey said: Got it today &#55357;&#56898; Click to expand...

I’m struck by how simple the dial is. I can’t think of another watch I’ve owned that is so uncomplicated, and the white dial compounds this. So gorgeous  

Saw your Exp II on the sales forum as a catch & release...what didn't you like about it?  

OP is banned now.  

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Rolex Yacht-Master vs Yacht-Master II, What’s The Difference?

Rolex yacht-master vs yacht-master ii starting with the explorer ii in the 1970s, rolex has created a few model spin-offs over the years , where the second version is often larger or more technically advanced than the original. aside from the explorer ii, there’s the gmt-master ii, the datejust ii, and more recently, the yacht-master ii. but what exactly are the differences between the yacht-master and the yacht-master ii join us as we outline all the details as we compare the yacht-master vs yacht-master ii., origins: yacht-master vs yacht-master ii.

Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master in 1992 as an ultra-luxe sports watch with a nautical flair. The first reference in the collection was the Yacht-Master ref. 16628–a solid gold watch to emphasize the luxuriousness of the then-new Rolex model.

From its 40mm Oyster case to its rotating timing bezel to its Oyster bracelet, Rolex opted for 18k yellow gold for the very first Yacht-Master. Over the course of its history, the Yacht-Master collection welcomed other sizes and materials and today, it is one of Rolex’s most varied sports watch models.

The Yacht-Master II is a much younger Rolex watch , having made its debut in 2007. Featuring a regatta chronograph inside its large 44mm Oyster case, Rolex positioned the Yacht-Master II as a tool watch for professional racing sailors.

Like the original Yacht-Master, the first models of the Yacht-Master II were also 18k gold models but Rolex offered the choice of the white gold YM II ref. 116689 with a platinum bezel or the yellow gold YM II ref. 116688 with a blue ceramic bezel. Although the Yacht-Master II is still only available in one size, Rolex has added other metal options to the collection.

Design: Yacht-Master

Through the Yacht-Master is a varied collection , the defining traits of the watch include a water-resistant (to 100 meters) Oyster case, a Twinlock winding crown, a undirectional rotating bezel with raised numerals marked to 60 minutes, and the familiar Rolex sports watch dial layout with geometric lume-filled hour markers and Mercedes-style hands. The Yacht-Master is a time and date Rolex watch, therefore the dial is home to the date window at 3 o’clock accompanied by the customary Cyclops magnification lens protruding from the sapphire crystal.

Rolex has made the Yacht-Master in a number of case sizes throughout the decades: 29mm, 35mm, 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm. Rolex no longer makes 29mm or 35mm and currently only offers the latter three sizes.

Materials wise, Rolex originally made the Yacht-Master in yellow gold, stainless steel with a platinum bezel (dubbed Rolesium), and two-tone steel and yellow gold. These days however, Rolex no longer uses yellow gold in the Yacht-Master collection, opting for Everose gold (the brand’s proprietary rose gold alloy) instead. What’s more, Rolex recently added for the first time a Yacht-Master in white gold. Therefore, the Yacht-Master is now available in stainless steel with a platinum bezel, white gold, Everose gold with a black ceramic bezel, and two-tone steel and Everose gold.

While Rolex originally fitted the Yacht-Master exclusively with the three-link Oyster bracelet, in 2015, the brand debuted the black rubber Oysterflex bracelet. However, the Oysterflex bracelet is currently only available on the 37mm and 40mm Everose gold Yacht-Master and the 42mm white gold Yacht-Master.

Design: Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is one of the brand’s largest watches with a 44mm Oyster case, fitted with a Triplock winding crown, a pair of chronograph pushers, a Ring Command bezel, and an Oyster bracelet. It is also one of Rolex’s most complicated modern watches, complete with an innovative regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown feature (1 to 10 minutes) and a mechanical memory. Interestingly, rather than just a decorative element, rotating the Ring Command bezel is how you program the countdown function of the Yacht-Master II, which can be synchronized to the sequence of race start times during a regatta.

One of the most striking design elements of the Yacht-Master II is its dial design, which is unlike any other Rolex watch. The hour and minute hands are at the center while accompanied by the running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Arching above the center hands, from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock, is the countdown display whereby the red arrow-tipped hand indicates how much time is left on the countdown. There’s also the central chronograph hand, which can flyback or fly-forward back to its starting position while in motion.

For the first decade of its production, the Yacht-Master II featured straight center hands and square lume-filled hour markers. However, as of 2017, Rolex switched to Mercedes-style hands and added a triangular hour marker at 12 and a rectangular hour marker at 6 to sit alongside the square ones.

The Yacht-Master II is available in a few different material versions: stainless steel with a blue Cerachrom bezel, yellow gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel, two-tone stainless steel and Everose gold with a blue Cerachrom bezel, and white gold with a platinum bezel.

Yacht-Master & Yacht-Master II References

Below is a comprehensive list of Rolex references for both the Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II collections.

Yacht-Master References

Yacht-Master II References

YM or YM II?

While they share the same name, it’s clear that the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are quite different. Yes, they’re both nautical-inspired Rolex sports watches, yet the first is smaller and more refined while the latter is larger, bolder, and more complex.

Whether you decide on the Rolex Yacht-Master or the Yacht-Master II depends largely on the size of what you’re looking for. If you want an oversized Rolex chronograph, then the Yacht-Master II may be right for you. If however, you are looking for a Rolex sports watch that is 40mm or smaller, then the Yacht-Master range is the better option.

Regardless of which model you pick, the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are fantastic Rolex watches inspired by a life at sea.

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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

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

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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Yacht-Master II

THE SKIPPERS’ WATCH

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is a unique regatta chronograph dedicated to both experienced sailors and yachting enthusiasts.

A PROFESSIONAL REGATTA CHRONOGRAPH

As in any contest of speed, precision and synchronization are of the essence in a regatta. The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a countdown that can be programmed from 10 to 1 minutes, allowing the wearer to precisely time and follow each race’s specific official starting procedure, which generally unfolds in three stages, marked by sound and visual signals. This flexibility is one of the major assets of the Yacht-Master II; its development was a considerable mechanical challenge. Furthermore, the programming can be mechanically memorized, which makes it possible to start a new countdown without having to reprogramme the watch, for example in the next leg or a subsequent regatta with identical countdown duration.

Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official countdown via the ‘fly-back’ reset function of the seconds hand and adjustment of the countdown minute hand to the nearest minute.

RING COMMAND SYSTEM

The countdown’s sophisticated functions were designed to be easily set and operated. The preliminary programming of up to 10 minutes is accessed, and then locked, via the rotatable bezel thanks to Ring Command, a system of interaction between the bezel, the winding crown and the movement, developed by Rolex. Its development, a feat of technical prowess, was made possible by the brand’s complete in-house mastery over the design and manufacturing processes, from the case and bracelet to the movement with its many components.

BEZEL WITH CERACHROM INSERT

The bidirectional rotatable bezel on the Yacht-Master II is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic. This patented insert is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The numerals and inscriptions are moulded in the ceramic and coloured with gold or platinum using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.

CHROMALIGHT DISPLAY

The Yacht-Master II is an extremely legible watch in all circumstances and even in the dark thanks to the Chromalight display; the hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow – for up to two times longer than traditional phosphorescent materials.

THE YACHT-MASTER II, SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFIED

Like all Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests are carried out on the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

The precision of every movement – officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria for precision that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive protocol that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches. These tests systematically complement the qualification testing upstream during development and production, in order to ensure the watches’ reliability, robustness, and resistance to strong magnetic fields and to shocks.

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

The Yacht-Master II’s Oyster case, 44 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only certified Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. It is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses .

PERPETUAL CALIBRE 4161

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 4161 is based on the 4130 chronograph movement, which equipped the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona until 2022. It is fitted with a traversing column wheel and vertical clutch for an instantaneous and extremely precise chronograph start.

The movement incorporates the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

The oscillator of calibre 4161 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance.

Calibre 4161 is fitted with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

The Yacht-Master II’s movement will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.

BRACELET AND CLASP, SECURE AND COMFORTABLE

The Yacht-Master II is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet that is equipped with a Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The bracelet is additionally fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand. This system allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.

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Sea-Dweller

Tudor vs. Rolex: Tudor Models That Challenge The Most Popular Rolex Watches

If you weren’t privy to the fact that Tudor is a sister brand to Rolex, would you think the same of Tudor’s timepieces?

Tudor has persevered for many decades in the shadow of its more successful sibling, often gaining praise for their watches, though seemingly always mentioned in the context of Rolex.

Yet, many of their timepieces, particularly their latest releases, are outstanding wristwatches in their own right. On this page, we will be comparing a model from each brand in various thematic categories:

• The Adventurer Watch
• The GMT Sports Watch
• The Essential Diver
• The Luxurious Dive Watch
• The Complication

There’s a lot that ties the two brands together as well as various aspects that set them apart, even within the same style category. Let’s take a closer look at what these are.

Tudor Watches vs. Rolex Watches

• Heritage Ranger Ref. M79910 vs. Explorer Ref. 214270
• Black Bay GMT Ref. M79830RB vs. GMT-Master II “Pepsi” Ref. 126710BLRO
• Black Bay Fifty-Eight Ref. M79030N vs. Submariner Ref. 114060LN
• Pelagos 25600 vs. Submariner Date 126610
• Black Bay S&G Ref. M79733N vs. Sea-Dweller Ref. 126603
• Heritage Advisor Ref. M79620TN vs. Yacht-Master II Ref. 116680

It should not come as a sudden surprise that many of Tudor’s propositions form part of the Black Bay line. The Black Bay watch family has been popular since Tudor launched it, and every subsequent variation has shared in the success as well.

The above links will allow you to jump down to a specific “versus,” though going through the whole lineup will give you a great overview of Tudor’s versatile watch models and how they stand up to its sibling’s most established offerings.

If rather than model comparisons you’d prefer background on either brand, visit our individual Rolex and Tudor brand guides.

Browse Certified Rolex On Bob’s Watches

As an overarching theme in our Tudor vs. Rolex watch showdown, you’ll find that there are indeed very similar models within the catalog of each respective brand. That being said, Tudor watches lean towards a more utilitarian or “tool watch” aesthetic, while Rolexes are luxury watches in almost every regard.

Additionally, and to the surprise of very few, you’ll also find that Tudor watches retail at a significantly more modest price point, even when the specifications are near identical to those of Rolex counterpart.

Tudor Heritage Ranger M79910 vs. Rolex Explorer 214270 [The Adventurer Watch]

When considering timepieces from each brand that are intended for extensive outdoor wear, there are no better options than the Tudor Ranger and the Rolex Explorer 36. At first glance, both can appear very similar, but there are some key distinctions that set them apart. First and foremost, the case size. The Ranger is 41mm while the latest Explorer model saw its case size reduced from 39mm to 36mm. Though not a massive difference in case size on paper, those fewer millimeters are completely tangible when the watch is on the wrist.

While both models are sold on full steel bracelets, innate to an “adventurer’s watch” is the need to change the bracelet for a strap. In this department, the Ranger definitely triumphs as it has drilled lugs that make switching out the band a breeze. With regards to the quality of the bracelets themselves, indeed Tudor’s will be of an exceptional build, but Rolex’s Oyster bracelets are arguably the best in the industry.

Instagram: @tudorwatch

Lastly, we consider the ever-important aesthetics. The Heritage Ranger appears more rugged than the Explorer 36 as a whole, with the latter being executed in a more elegant and premium way. This last point of contention will come down to the buyer’s preference as some may prefer the subdued look of the Ranger over the flash of the Explorer 36, particularly if they intend to wear the watch in settings where it’s going to get scuffed and scratched. The price difference, about $4,200, will also come into play.

Tudor Black Bay GMT M79830RB Vs. GMT-Master II “Pepsi” 126710BLRO [The GMT Sports Watch]

At Baselworld 2018, Rolex and Tudor simultaneously introduced “Pepsi” style GMT watches. Tudor Watches launched the Black Bay GMT 79830RB, and Rolex Watches the much-awaited Pepsi GMT-Master II 126710 BLRO.

Instagram: @rolex

On the other hand, the new Rolex GMT-Master II is a luxury watch through-and-through. Moreover, it has now taken a step into the realm of dress watches as its available with a modern Jubilee bracelet , a bracelet/watch combination that hadn’t been available from Rolex in decades. This latest Rolex Pepsi GMT also touts the flawless and shiny blue-and-red Cerachrom bezel, a glossy black dial with Chromalight indices, all of which are presented in the smaller and sleeker, 40mm stainless steel Oyster case. When comparing movements, it’s a bit of a tough choice. Yes, the Rolex GMT Master II definitely contains the more technologically advanced components, but the Tudor GMT is not far behind in performance. Both possess a GMT function with date, both are COSC-certified chronometers, and both have 70-hour power reserves.

Ultimately, the styles of the watches target two different customers: the one searching for the “tool watch” look and the other seeking a more sophisticated aesthetic. As a result, it’s not obscene to think of both of these fulfilling roles in the same collection.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N Vs. Rolex Submariner 114060LN [The Essential Diver]

Tudor and Rolex have decades of experience making professional divers’ watches. In fact, not so long ago, both the Tudor Submariner and Rolex Submariner were manufactured by Rolex. In the modern day, the Rolex brand and Tudor Watches are much more distanced. Specifically, Rolex has continued on its own path of luxury mechanical watches, while Tudor has taken profound steps to blaze its own trail and establish its own identity.

Tudor Black Bay 58

Ironically enough, in 2020, Rolex released the Submariner 124060. This Rolex Submariner revealed that the case diameter had increased from the traditional 40mm to 41mm. In spite of the width increase, the watch retained its slim case profile. Both the Rolex and Tudor possess in-house movements, though the Submariner now boasts the latest Rolex 3230 superlative chronometer caliber.

Between the two, the choice will most likely come down to style. The Rolex Submariner is an absolute icon, and if you truly want a Sub, then nothing will fill its shoes. But those with broader horizons and potentially a smaller budget can look to the Black Bay Fifty-Eight to fulfill the exact same role at less than half the price.

Tudor Pelagos 25600TB vs. Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN [The Premium Diver]

The premium diver is what you reach for when you want just a little more than just the most basic Rolex Submariner or Tudor Black Bay. For example, what if you want your dive watch to have a date complication?

In such a situation, you’d reach for a Rolex Submariner Date. Boasting all of the same technical specs as the base model Submariner 124060, the reference 126610 packs a date with cyclops and a price increase of $1,150 – and that’s pretty much it.

TUDOR Pelagos with helium escape valve

With Tudor watches, however, the next step up from the Black Bay is the Tudor Pelagos. Unlike the Rolex watches, with Tudor, you get a lot more watch when you step up from the Black Bay to the Pelagos.

Newest Tudor Pelagos 25407N (39mm)

For instance, with the Pelagos you get a case and bracelet that is crafted entirely from titanium. The depth rating increases to 500m, and most of the models have a helium release valve. Most recently, Tudor watches introduced a new 39mm Pelagos model that makes the watch a bit more accessible while still retaining the titanium construction. Most notably, all of these additional features possess a modest price point, about $4,700, less than half of the Rolex Submariner Date’s retail of $10,100.

Perhaps a more adequate comparison for the Pelagos in this Tudor vs Rolex face-off would be the Rolex Sea-Dweller, seeing as how their professional diving specifications are more analogous. By comparing price points, however, it’s difficult not to instantly opt for the Pelagos seeing as how it’s nearly a third of the Rolex Sea-Dweller’s $12,950 MSRP.

Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N vs. Rolex Sea-Dweller 126603 [The Luxurious Diver]

Originally designed for professionals who braved extreme depths in their regular work, the dive watch has had more than a couple of decades to evolve into a luxurious accessory. It can be argued that the standard Sea-Dweller model is already luxurious, if only by its price tag. Nevertheless, this has not stopped Rolex from elevating the model even further.

Image: Rolex.com

The Tudor Black Bay S&G, the two-tone variety of the top-selling Tudor Black Bay diver, was released in 2017. It also proved successful and leaves us wondering if Rolex may have taken notice and consequently devised their future release, the two-tone Sea-Dweller, in response. We may never know. Both watches offer a similar style, that of the gold-accented dive watch, at two completely different price points. Of course, Tudor remains the value proposition here, with its gold-capped bracelet links and $5,000 retail. The entire piece also boasts a more traditional “tool watch” essence that’s amiss in the Rolex.

Nevertheless, the Sea-Dweller is still a Rolex, one of the newest models, and it’s hard to deny that they’ve done a great job.

Once more, it’ll come down to budget and preference, with this Rolex Sea-Dweller retailing for $17,000. Either way, whichever you chose, you’re certain to be satisfied by the remarkable timepiece on your wrist.

Tudor Heritage Advisor M79650TN vs. Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 [The Complication Watch]

Jokes aside, the programmable countdown with a mechanical “memory” is a very compelling complication. It may only reach 10 minutes, but if you’re wearing this $18,750 Yacht-Master II, then you probably want to keep close tabs on your time.

More Guides & Articles

Let us know in the comments what you thought of our page, and which watch is your favorite from each category. If you’re interested in more watch guides and on the wrist reviews, make sure to check out some of our most popular pages below:

• Rolex Brand Guide: History, FAQs, & Modern Catalog
• The Most Iconic Rolex Watch Styles
• The Colors And Styles Of The Most Notorious Rolex Watches
• American Watchmaking: Which Brands Have Survived Until Today?
• Bespoke Unit Watch Reviews Repository

"Rolex is probably my favorite watch brand, and I have owned many throughout the years. But if Tudor keeps making watches like that S&G, I may just have to give them a try!"

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The art of command

The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II in Oystersteel with an Oyster bracelet and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a blue Cerachrom insert .

Ring command bezel, a synchronized countdown.

Rolex achieved perfection when it turned its attention to redefining the purpose and functionality of the bezel. Typically, a bezel operates independently from the internal mechanism; however, the Ring Command bezel in the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with it.

As a mechanical component linked to the movement, the bezel literally acts as the key to the programmable countdown, allowing it to be set and synchronised to the sequence of race start times. Complex in design, but simple in use, it is functionally beautiful.

A characteristic aesthetic

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a new dial, and new hands that are characteristic of Rolex Professional models, enhancing legibility and sharpening its aesthetic appeal. The dial now features a triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock and a rectangular hour marker at 6 o’clock for more intuitive reading of the watch.

A luminescent disc on the hour hand clearly distinguishes it from the minute hand. The Yacht-Master II’s countdown can be programmed for a duration of between 1 and 10 minutes. The programming is memorized by the mechanism so that at a reset it returns to the previous setting. Once launched, the countdown can be synchronized on the fly to match the official race countdown.

Oystersteel

Highly resistant to corrosion

Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential.

Oystersteel is extremely resistant, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its beauty even in the harshest environments.

The Oyster bracelet

Alchemy of form and function.

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock folding clasp, which prevents accidental opening and the Easylink comfort extension link, also exclusive to Rolex.

This ingenious system allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, providing additional comfort in any circumstance.

More Yacht-Master technical details

Reference   116680

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Oyster, 44 mm, Oystersteel

Oyster architecture

Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Bidirectional rotatable Ring Command bezel. Blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic, moulded numerals and inscription

Winding crown

Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system

Scratch-resistant sapphire

Water resistance

Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, regatta chronograph

4161, Manufacture Rolex

-2/+2 sec/day, after casing

Centre hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. Programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring

Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

Power reserve

Approximately 72 hours

Oyster, three-piece solid links

Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Certification

Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Learn how to set the time and other functions of your Rolex watch by consulting our user guides.

Yacht-Master II

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The Difference between the GMT Master and the Explorer

Rolex’s professional series boasts a sports watch to accommodate any lifestyle.  Whether you’re in the market for an aviator’s watch or a tough timepiece to accompany you to the peak of Mount Everest, there is a Rolex watch that is prepared to take on any adventure.  The GMT Master and the Explorer watches are, perhaps, two of the most recognizable models in the Rolex catalog. And while they may look similar depending on the reference, they function very differently.

The GMT Master

The GMT Master hit the market in 1954.  As a pilot’s watch, its primary function was to read multiple time zones via a rotating bezel.  Later, Rolex would debut the GMT Master II , which was developed with an upgraded movement. These newer references would also include the addition of an independent 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to read two time zones on the dial and a third time zone on the bezel.  Also known as the GMT hand, this feature circles the dial independently of the central hands and can be read against the bezel to sync with military time.

What differentiates the GMT Master and the Explorer is not only the ability to read a third time zone but its overall style as well.  Rolex’s iconic pilot’s watch offers more bezel options including metal inserts in early references and a Cerachrom insert in modern references.  The bezel, unlike the Explorer, is rotatable and is offered in multiple color options including black or two-tone. The GMT Master can also be found with either a five-link Jubilee or a three-link Oyster bracelet, unlike the Explorer which is only produced with an Oyster bracelet.  The Explorer is also only produced in a stainless steel finish, while the GMT Master can be found in either stainless steel, yellow gold, or two-tone variations. In general, the GMT Master offers a broader choice of feature sets.

The Explorer

Early variations of the Explorer were not equipped with a 24-hour bezel and looked nothing like the GMT Master as we know it today.  The original Explorer trades the timing bezel for a smooth, high-polish bezel and displays the time on a black dial topped with lume.  Most references feature luminous baton hour makers and alternating Arabic markers at the 3, 6, and 9 positions. Simple and straight-forward, the differences between the GMT Master and the Explorer are quite apparent at first glance.

In 1971, Rolex debuted the Explorer II, which added a 24-hour fixed bezel as well as a new dial topped with a luminous display and a distinct orange arrow hand in early variations.  While the first Explorer was marketed towards mountain climbers and other adventurous outdoorsmen, the Explorer II was developed for use in darker environments, such as caves or regions that experience long periods of darkness, such as the Arctic Circle .

Unlike the GMT Master, the bezel on the Explorer II is fixed.  The wearer can use this feature to read military time via the triangle hand on the dial.  The bezel is also only offered in stainless steel, as is the Oyster case and a bracelet. The dial, however, can be found in either black or white.  While the GMT Master has a plethora of bezel, dial, bracelet, and metal options, the Explorer keeps it simple with just a steel finish and a three-link Oyster bracelet.  Both the GMT Master and the Explorer offer a GMT hand on the dial, the ability to read multiple time zones, and a waterproof Oyster case.

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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