Consult any replica Rolex collector or enthusiast what their favorite brand is, and you will find that terms like ‘understated’ and ‘reserved’ will make up at least some of the conversation. The unobtrusive, almost minimalist design of models such as the Submariner or the Datejust have always been favored by people content with displaying only the most modest outward expression of their good taste.
The fake Yacht-Master II is not one of those designs. Actually it is a huge, extrovert of a cheap replica watch that’s outrageous in concept and screaming for attention. 
It’s a massive departure for the fake Rolex, the brand that, perhaps more than any other, exemplifies that discreetness for which the Swiss are so notable. The Yacht-Master II collection has a polarized opinion since its launch in 2007. There have been subtle upgrades that marked its 10th birthday celebration, which have done nothing to quell the debate.
Let’s take a look at one of replica Rolex’s most controversial, technically impressive, and incredibly specific offerings. Despite its title, the Yacht-Master II is a completely new model rather than an update to the original Yacht-Master watch. That previous namesake, launched in 1992, had very little to justify its moniker other than the standard Oyster waterproofing. There were no explicit functions aimed at making life on the ocean waves any easier.
A watch for those interested and partaking in yachting. (Credit: Monochrome.com)
Ok, so that’s a pretty niche problem, but it does exist and the solution Rolex manufactured is nothing short of spectacular. Even the Yacht-Master II’s detractors agree that its unique complication is simply remarkable.
The Yacht-Master II on the other hand, was designed to solve that age-old problem we’ve all struggled with on so many occasions—timing the starting sequence of a sailing regatta!
With only several exceptions, such as the Daytona’s chronograph movement and the annual calendar on the Sky-Dweller, the replica Rolex has rarely included complications beyond a date feature into its catalogue. So the ultra-complex programmable countdown with mechanical memory on the Yacht-Master II is all the more fascinating.
The start of a regatta is a convoluted affair, generally involving a few distinct phases, and having a way to accurately coordinate the timing of each stage is vital. With the wind being what it is, yachts can’t just sit at the beginning line of a race waiting for the off. Skippers have to maneuver their boats back and forth without crossing the line for a specified length of time before the race begins, usually between five and 10 minutes. 
The start of this countdown is signaled by a gunshot and is followed by two further preparatory signals at set intervals to permits crews to coordinate their approach. Cross the start line too early and they’ll incur a penalty, too late and they risk bringing up the rear for the rest of the proceedings.
This was the multifaceted problem facing the fake Rolex. It wasn’t enough for the Yacht-Master II just to be able to measure intervals of time. Due to the nature of a regatta’s starting procedure and the split-second timing involved, skippers need to be able to synchronize their replica watches with the race’s official countdown timer ‘on-the-fly’.