The Yacht-Master II is one of the clearest examples of a Rolex model splitting into two distinct dial generations under the same identity. Around 2017, alongside the introduction of the calibre 4161, the dial layout was subtly revised. While the overall design remains unmistakably Yacht-Master II, several specific elements changed in ways that are easy to identify when viewed side by side.
The most obvious difference is the 12 o’clock marker. On pre-2017 dials, the marker is broader and visually heavier, contributing to a more crowded upper dial.
A second clear change appears at on the hands, where the post-2017 version has mercedes style hour hand (circle with the 3 lines on it) prominently displayed.
A third clear change appears at 6 o’clock. Earlier dials use a rectangular marker, while later dials switch to a squarer form.
Beyond the markers, there are minor refinements to dial text and printing. On post-2017 dials, the text appears slightly cleaner and more evenly spaced, contributing to a calmer overall layout. Also the hour markers have a different border, where pre-2017 has blue outlined hour markers, post-2017 has silver outlined hour markers. Lastly, the seconds hand on the post-2017 version is much pointier.
These two versions apply to every Yacht-Master II reference (116681, 116680, 116688, 116681, 116688, 116680, and 116689) including full gold and bi-metal versions.