Entrepreneur Dimitris Giannakopoulos spotted wearing a Rolex

Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the Greek entrepreneur, recently appeared in an interview wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116689, a specialized chronograph designed for competitive yacht racing. The watch sat prominently on his wrist as he held binoculars, a contextual pairing that emphasizes the tool-watch heritage of this reference.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116689 debuted in 2012 as the white-gold variant of Rolex's flagship regatta chronograph. Its 44mm case is crafted from 18K white gold, offering both durability and aesthetic refinement. The standout feature is the bidirectional platinum rotating bezel with a 60-minute countdown timer—crucial for yacht racing protocols. The dial is a pristine white with applied indices and three subdials: a 30-minute recorder at 3 o'clock, a small running seconds at 6 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock. Water resistance reaches 100 metres, adequate for deck use but not deep-water exploration. The Ref. 116689 houses the Calibre 4130, Rolex's in-house chronograph movement with 4 Hz frequency and a 72-hour power reserve.

This reference commands respect among watch collectors for its exclusivity and technical precision. The Ref. 116689 has remained in production for over a decade, though white gold production runs are considerably tighter than steel variants. Its platinum bezel—a material upgrade from the standard steel version—adds significant collector appeal. Variants with different dial colours exist, but the white dial with platinum bezel remains the most recognizable.

Giannakopoulos's choice reflects a preference for haute horlogerie paired with functional complexity. The Yacht-Master II appeals to entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals who value engineering transparency and maritime heritage. Unlike fashion-forward sports watches, the Ref. 116689 signals serious watchmaking credentials and an understanding of regatta sport.

Retail pricing for the Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116689 typically hovers near the upper end of Rolex's steel sports-watch range due to precious-metal construction. Grey-market examples trade with premiums reflecting demand and platinum bezel scarcity. Waiting lists at authorized dealers remain long for this reference.