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Watch Review

3 Yachtmasters You Can Wear All Summer Long

Paul Altieri

Summer is in full swing which means it’s time to hit the deck. And while you might have to change out your work suit to swimsuit before getting aboard the boat or hitting the beach, you shouldn’t have to think about changing your timepiece.

Of course, the perfect watch to transition from work to the sea is the Yachtmaster — with its killer looks and rugged durability, this watch will take you from the boardroom to the boat seamlessly. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Clean Yachtmaster II ref. 116689 in White Gold

It might be hot out, but this watch is going to look effortlessly cool on your wrist this summer. The 18k white gold frame and bracelet look seamless against that bright white face offset by cobalt blue and bright red accents. The outer bezel with the Arabic minute markers is also white, keeping the look of this watch fresh and clean

The Yacht-Master Ref. 116689 is the largest rolex available this summer
The Yacht-Master Ref. 116689 is the largest Rolex available, at 44mm

Of course, this 44mm Yachtmaster is also outfitted with a relatively new 4161 movement, which is a a self-winding mechanical regatta chronograph movement. It also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the programmable countdown function and the ever-important waterproof screw-down crown that’ll withstand depths of up to 300-feet. This isn’t the flashiest Yachtmaster, but it’s still a Yachtmaster after all, and it’s going to turn heads.

Two-Tone Yachtmaster with Sea Blue Dial ref. 16623

With a dial as blue as the deep sea, this two-toned 40mm Stainless and 18k yellow gold Yachtmaster ref. 16623 is fitting for all your summer seaside adventures. We’re also big fans of the two-tone look as it can be easily dressed up or down — ensuring it effortlessly transitions from the workplace to breezy beachwear.

Rolex Yachtmaster 16623
A Rolex Yachtmaster 16623 is a good go-to timepiece for your summertime activities

But what we really love about this watch is that incredible blue dial and the way it pops against the yellow gold bezel. The hour markers are also easy to see with white outlined in gold, as are the broad lume-filled hands.

This watch is outfitted with a trusty automatic 3135 movement which was a staple for the company for decades for its reliability — it’s actually considered one of the best watch movements ever made. The watch also features the date, Quickset, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as well as the essential waterproof screw-down crown

Blue Dial Yachtmaster II ref.

In keeping with the deep blue sea look, we had to pull a 904L stainless, blue bezel Yachtmaster II ref. 116680. This oversized 44mm case is meant to stand out, the silver-colored Arabic numerals popping against the blue bezel and crisp white dial — as does the ‘Yacht-Master’ engraving stretching between five and seven o’clock . The face of this watch also features SuperLuminova hands and hour markers and a beautiful red second hand that although slim, pops. If you want people to know you’re wearing a Rolex, and specifically a world-class Yachtmaster, this is the model for you.

Rolex Yachtmaster II 116680
The Yachtmaster II 116680 is an oversized watch with understated style

With the Yachtmaster II ref. 116680 you also get a 4161 self-winding programmable, flyback regatta timer, which is the gorgeous blue bezel. Like the rest, it’s outfitted with a sapphire crystal and waterproof screw-down crown that will take you to depths of 300 feet. At the end of the day, this timepiece is an incredible piece of machinery and a beautiful, imposing piece of jewelry

Paul Altieri
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