"With a solid 18k white gold case and bracelet topped off with a 950 platinum bezel, the Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116689 is one of the most expensive watches in the brand’s lineup – At retail, the asking price is nearly $50k. This means there just aren’t all that many examples of this model in circulation, because there aren’t that many people willing to shell out for it. Those who want a white metal Yacht-Master II are far more likely to opt for the Oystersteel model at around a third of the cost, albeit with a giveaway blue bezel.
"The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 then is an ultra-rare version of an already pretty rare watch. You simply don’t see many examples of this particular reference out in the wild, and that is a well-proven recipe for a timepiece likely to become highly sought after once it becomes no longer available at a retail level. The reference 116689 also has an aesthetic that sets it apart in the range. It has a more solid look to it than the other references in the series, and the vast expanse of silvery-white metal somehow makes the watch look bigger on the wrist.
"Additionally, despite costing several thousand dollars more than its yellow gold counterpart when purchased at a retail level, the reference 116689’s often-overlooked status means that it is actually significantly less expensive when purchased pre-owned on the secondary market. Rather than paying several thousand dollars more to get your hands on the 18k white gold version and its platinum bezel, you can (rather surprisingly) expect to save a minimum of several thousand dollars when buying the ref. 116689 versus its yellow gold sibling.
"All told, the Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 is a very special watch. Now into its second generation, Rolex’s first foray into the world of true complications may be aimed at an extremely niche market, but it remains one of the most impressive examples of the watchmaker’s output there has ever been. While there’s no guarantee the Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116689 is headed for classic status, this ultra-luxurious model has all the ingredients needed to one day be at the top of every collector’s wish list." Quote from Rolex expert, Paul Altieri