Another Friday, another list. This week, we decided to dive into the world of regatta timers. Rolex’s big introduction this year during Watches and Wonders was the updated Yacht-Master II. In itself, the updated watch proved to be a huge improvement compared to the previous generation of The Crown’s regatta timer. In both usability and design, the new Yacht-Master II is a far more tempting offer than its predecessor. But to say that it was the big hit that people were super excited to see would not be true. Then again, it is a niche product for a specific audience. That raises the question: can we find alternatives to this remarkable Rolex timepiece? Let’s find out.
As most of you will know, regatta timers are rare birds in the world of watches. Some brands have a sailing heritage and continue to produce these timepieces featuring a mechanical countdown timer, but they’re not nearly as common now as they were in the 1960s and ’70s. Still, we managed to compile a list of alternatives to the Rolex Yacht-Master II. As you will understand, it’s more about the unique character of these watches rather than finding alternatives at the same price as the Rolex. So this is a list of options based solely on the context of sailing regattas. With that said, let’s check out our five picks.
Omega Seamaster Regatta
Omega has a history of creating Seamaster Regatta models. The latest version debuted in 2024 during the 37th America’s Cup to celebrate Omega’s partnership with the event. As Robert-Jan explained, the watch features an ana-digi display and belongs to the same group of tool watches as the Speedmaster X-33. The Seamaster Regatta features a 46.75mm Grade 5 titanium case with a 15.6mm profile and a 50mm lug-to-lug. Thanks to its lightweight material, the watch wears much more easily than its dimensions might suggest.
On the sides of the case, you’ll find a total of four pushers and a crown to operate the different functions. They include a programmable regatta timer that lets sailors set the exact start time of the race with a countdown. On top of that, the watch features a standard chronograph function, a moonphase indicator, a sailing logbook, a temperature gauge, an accelerometer, three alarms, and, of course, a time display.
Responsible for this plethora of functions is Omega’s caliber 5701. This thermocompensated multifunction quartz movement has a 31-month battery life and is accurate to ±7 seconds per year. On top of that, its three alarms are very loud thanks to a resonating cavity in the case back. This special Omega Seamaster Regatta, at €8,200, is a modern-day competitor to the Rolex Yacht-Master II.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper
Our next pick is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper. This is a modern version of the classic Skipper from 1968, which has become a much-sought-after collector’s favorite. The current Carrera Chronograph Skipper is available in stainless steel and rose gold. Both feature a 39 × 46mm case with a 13.9mm total thickness, including the signature Glassbox domed sapphire crystal that adds great character to the watch.
The Carrera Chronograph Skipper comes with a blue dial with a slightly different color combination and dial layout from the regular Carrera Chronograph models. The register at 9 o’clock is seafoam green, and the counter at 3 o’clock brings back the tricolor five-minute segments of the ’60s original. Furthermore, the central seconds counter is bright orange. As Mike explained, the designers changed the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock to a regatta-appropriate 15-minute version. Other than that, everything else remained the same, including the 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock and the running seconds and date at 6 o’clock.
Making this special regatta timer possible is the TAG Heuer in-house caliber TH20-06. This 33-jewel automatic chronograph movement operates at 28,000 vph, has 33 jewels, and offers an 80-hour power reserve. It is the perfect caliber for this colorful Carrera Chronograph Skipper, which beats much of the competition based on looks alone. At €7,500, the watch is also a far more affordable option than the €19,850 Rolex Yacht-Master II.
Albishorn Marinagraph
Albishorn is a young brand that focuses on creating watches with an “imaginary vintage” concept. After applying that approach to both aviation with the Type 10 Classic and mountaineering with the Thundergraph Himalaya, the brand unveiled the Marinagraph last year. This stylish regatta timer is the brand’s take on a yachting watch that could have been made in the late 1950s. It wasn’t actually the brand’s first regatta timer, as its inaugural release, created with Massena Lab, was also a nautical chronograph. However, that was a take on a 1930s version of the same watch.
The brand released two dial versions of the Marinagraph. The first is the black-dial Classic Racing, and the second is the Paraíba Racing with a sunburst teal dial. Both watches are 41mm in diameter and 13mm thick. The stainless steel mid-case is actually 39mm wide, but the bowl-shaped bezel increases the overall width. Functionally, the watch is a regatta timer, but the special bezel, in conjunction with the central hour hand, lets you monitor tides. It’s a fun additional feature that fits the Marinagraph theme perfectly.
On the left side of the case, you will find the brand’s signature red anodized chronograph pusher at 9 o’clock. Placed right above it at 10 is the screw-down crown, which creates a rather distinct look that stands out immediately. The dial displays hours and minutes in the center, a running indicator at 3 o’clock, and a 10-minute regatta timer on its lower half that stops when the countdown reaches zero.
A standout regatta timer in a small competitive field
Hiding behind the engraved case back is Albishorn’s proprietary ALB01 A that makes all of this possible. Though based on the legendary Valjoux 7750, this caliber is significantly thinner. It operates at 28,800 vph and offers a 64-hour power reserve. The movement comes courtesy of Sébastien Chaulmontet, one of the two founders of the brand alongside Fabien Collioud, who designs the watches.
Chaulmontet is also the head of marketing and innovation at Sellita. With his technical knowledge and industry network, Albishorn can bring these wonderful concepts to life without incurring massive production costs. Albishorn will produce 99 examples of each Marinagraph variant, with a retail price of CHF 3,950 (excluding taxes). Both versions come with two straps. What I love most is that the Albishorn Marinagraph doesn’t look like anything else on the market and combines its unique design with remarkable functionality.
Tissot Sideral
Our next pick is the modern version of the legendary Tissot Sideral S. Technically, the Tissot Sideral is very different from our previous picks. Instead of a chronograph with a countdown timer, the watch features a regatta countdown gauge on the dial. It also has a 60-minute unidirectional dive bezel, so it’s the odd one out on this list. The three available watches take after the classic 1970s Sideral S, which featured a fiberglass case.
For this new series, Tissot switched to a forged carbon case with a 41mm diameter, 14.5mm thickness, and 46.5mm lug-to-lug. Given its dimensions, you might think it’s a big, hefty watch. But thanks to the lightweight carbon exterior and the rubber strap that lacks a traditional buckle, the whole thing weighs only 90 grams.
Capable specs and uniquely designed rubber straps
The carbon case surrounds a stainless steel core to add robustness. Furthermore, the watch has a PVD-treated steel unidirectional bezel with a luminous diving scale. The screw-down crown on the right side of the case ensures 300m water resistance, making it ready for any diving adventure you might have planned. The watch is available in yellow, red, or blue, and all feature the same regatta countdown gauge design in green and red, along with a date window at 3 o’clock.
Powering the watches is the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 caliber. This 23-jewel automatic movement runs 21,600 vph and delivers an 80-hour power reserve. The best thing about these uniquely designed perforated rubber straps is that they are easy to switch thanks to the quick-release system. All considered, the €1,095 Tissot Sideral makes for a perfect colorful summer watch.
Yema Yachtingraf Croisière Meca-Quartz
Our last pick is the Yachtingraf Croisière Meca-Quartz from Yema. The French brand released two versions of this super-affordable regatta timer in 2024. The first is a stylish white-and-teal model, and the second is a blue-and-red one. Both feature a 38.5 × 46mm stainless steel case with a 13.3mm total thickness. The double-domed Hesalite crystal contributes three whole millimeters to that last measurement, as well as a ton of vintage charm.
The triple-register dial features a big-eye regatta countdown timer at 9 o’clock, running seconds at 6 o’clock, and a 24-hour indicator at 3 o’clock. Thanks to different sizes and designs, the regatta countdown timer will immediately draw your eye. It’s a clever visual trick that emphasizes its main function.
The Seiko VK63
Powering the Yema Yachtingraf Croisière Meca-Quartz is the Seiko VK63. This quartz caliber with a mechanical chronograph complication is a popular choice to keep costs down while still offering the functionality and feel of a mechanical chronograph watch. You start, stop, and rest the yellow chronograph hand with a series of satisfying clicks, and when active, the hand sweeps over the dial, like a traditional chronograph.
Finishing the look is a nice stainless steel mesh bracelet that fits the traditional style perfectly. If you are after an affordable regatta timer, the Yachtingraf Croisière Meca-Quartz is a great option. Unfortunately, if you are in the market for one, the blue-dial model has already sold out. But the summery white version with teal accents is still available for €369, making it a perfect summer yachting watch.
Final thoughts on the top five Rolex Yacht-Master II alternatives
There you have it — five alternatives to the Rolex Yacht-Master II. As you will understand, these differ widely in price but focus on the regatta timer functionality. There are undoubtedly more great options, but there aren’t an abundance of them. Which of these five options do you like the best? Or would you go for the Rolex Yacht-Master II? Let us know in the comments section, and we will see you for another list next week!
Jorg Weppelink
2026-05-15 09:00:00