Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

Once upon a time before the world went crazy, a Rolex was just another product you could go to the store and buy. You could walk in, say, “One Rolex please,” hand over your dimes and walk out with said Rolex. That, like many other things, is different now. A Rolex shop doesn’t so much sell Rolexes anymore as it does man the phone to let the patient queue on the waiting list know their day has come. But what if I told you there was a forgotten steel sports Rolex that you can buy for less than the RRP? I can understand that you’d treat this statement with the same suspicion as a stranger’s cough, so let me explain.

Before our story even begins, it’s important to establish exactly why the Rolex sports watch has come to earn such an overwhelming reputation. Its looks, its specification, its history is nothing more or less remarkable than any of its competitors, often flagging behind in each category, yet somehow its status can’t be that many floors below the big man upstairs himself.

It’s one of the biggest names in luxury, commanding queues longer than those at Disneyworld on a hot summer’s day—and yet all that prestige and fanaticism comes from a far humbler place entirely. Despite the myth that the name Rolex is an amalgamation of the words “horological” and “luxury”, the brand’s rise to fame was anything but.

Founder Hans Wilsdorf—a name that is burnt into the minds of anyone who’s even remotely interested in watches—had no grand plans for a luxury watch empire, or anything of the sort. All he wanted was to make watches worn by professionals. And I don’t mean that in way that celebrity “professionals” are encouraged to wear a watch by way of a brown paper bag full of lettuce, but in an actual, legitimate, proper use in the workplace kind of way.

It was the only way Wilsdorf had a hope of making a mark. He was buying movements from one place and putting them in cases from another, so he was never going to win any awards for watchmaking excellence. Instead, he focussed his attention on how he could make a product that could survive the rigours of real life.

Rolex was originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis

Rolex was originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis

For divers, he developed water-resistance, for pilots he developed a twin time-zone display, for scientists, anti-magnetic capabilities. The watches themselves, they were crude, simplistic, the solutions basic and their operation unremarkable—but they worked. They did the job, and they did it well. Wilsdorf undercut everyone else with his basic instruments and that was that.

But that wasn’t that, because long after Wilsdorf had passed, so too did the industry he had worked so hard to be heard in. As Swiss watch companies, once strong and mighty, crumbled to the ground, Rolex experienced something different: a resurgence. This was a brand that had never tried to be anything more than a tool for a job, no flash or fancy about it—and there was appeal in that. It was cool, it was casual, the furthest thing from try-hard imaginable, and people went crazy for it.

Here’s where things start to get a bit weird. Through the eighties, the popularity of Rolex began to evolve into something different, something new: it became a status symbol, a badge of cool, and that turned everything about the brand on its head. People wanted these basic tool watches in gold, with diamonds, hanging loosely from their wrists as they motored along in their Sunseekers.

What was Rolex to do? If people wanted Rolex but in luxury form, it could risk losing everything by staying as it was—but then it could do just the same by pursuing that goal as well. It was a stalemate, and eventually the pressure became too much. Rolex cracked, and what emerged was this: the Yacht-Master.

While originally founded in London, Rolex watches are now made in Geneva, Switzerland

While originally founded in London, Rolex watches are now made in Geneva, Switzerland

Rolex is often criticised for being very slow with its developmental process, and perhaps the Yacht-Master will help you understand why this approach is necessary. The Yacht-Master, announced in 1992 in gold, naturally, bombed, and bombed hard. Silly Rolex! People liked the rugged versatility of a Rolex, but in gold with diamonds, not some shiny, over-polished rehash of the Submariner! Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.

There were many avenues explored to address this monstrous mis-decision, changing colours, materials, and even complications to try and find a home for the sore thumb that was the Yacht-Master. But, alongside the Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, it just looked, well, a bit silly. Take this 16622, first seen in 1997. A platinum bezel combined with a platinum dial makes for a very impractical piece of equipment, difficult to read, dazzling in the sun and expensive to dent. Straight to the “no” pile, thank you very much.

But the tables turned again in 2015 when Rolex doubled down on its twenty-three-year-old bet and brought the Yacht-Master back with a bang. In rose gold and with a new hat, I mean, rubber strap, it finally came of age. The audience was just right, the time was just right, and all of a sudden you couldn’t find a rose gold Yacht-Master for love nor money. Mainly money.

What that’s done is relegated the early 16622 watch into a little corner of the Rolex world very few people think to look. It’s the reject bin, where the offcuts and misshapen goods rot in peace. It’s stuck between worlds, neither one thing nor the other, the middle child that didn’t either end up on drugs or go to Harvard. It’s doing ok, quiet and forgotten. Here’s where we find our bargain.

A Rolex Yacht-Master can cost anywhere between five and thirty thousand pounds. The price is dependent on the generation, condition, availability and material used to make the watch

A Rolex Yacht-Master can cost anywhere between five and thirty thousand pounds. The price is dependent on the generation, condition, availability and material used to make the watch

You look at any other steel sports Rolex and you’ll find the same thing: you can’t get one new, and supply and demand have forced the secondary market into appreciation. Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer all want RRP or more. But not the Yacht-Master 16622. A new steel and platinum Yacht-Master is getting on for £10,000 new, with the updated blue and rhodium dials, but not the old faithful 16622. That you can have for closer to £7,000, less if you look hard.

And post 2015, you know what? The 16622 is actually a very handsome watch. The sparkling platinum dial, designed to mirror the sun catching on the waves of the ocean, is a level of detail never previously seen before in a Rolex watch. The polished edges, curved and soft, are more luxurious. The red seconds hand is the Maraschino cherry in a cool Casino. It just needed a quarter-century to be appreciated.

It may not be the latest and greatest, but the appeal of Rolex never should have been that in the first place. It’s about honouring passion, celebrating ingenuity and all in a cool, effortless way. The Yacht-Master was no less an industrial revolution than any other Rolex sports watch before it—only this time the industry was luxury.

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WATCH REVIEW Rolex Yacht-Master 40 mm 16622

Rolex yacht-master 40 mm 16622.

  • an untypical Rolex!
  • a fluid, delicate and light line around the wrist
  • a multitasking use
  • a less good readability than on the sports models
  • the absence of anti-reflection coating on the sapphire glass
  • a more confidential model, which reselling might be less easier than another Rolex.

Technical specifications

Editor's opinion 72/100, a sporty rolex watch.

Once around the wrist, this watch intrigues. Rolex has used us to specific categories, which design has become a reference. Yet, in this case, “the tester at your service”, although familiar with the Rolex, looses its marks. The play is blurred.

Are we in front of a sporty Rolex watch?

Numerous clues indicate so:

  • a 40 mm diameter, an usual size for Rolex, which is nearly rare nowadays, and suits well my 17,5 cm wrist – Yes
  • a triplock screwed crown protected by the caseband – Yes
  • the 3135 caliber, well-known for its legendary robustness – Yes
  • the sapphire glass, with no anti-reflection coating, with its cyclops, magnifying glass that does not get the approval of everyone, but is dreadfully efficient – Yes
  • the revolving bezel (bidirectional) – Yes
  • the Mercedes hands and the circled markers for a good readability – Yes
  • the comfortable Oysterlock strap (reference 78360), fulfilled links with polished/brushed alternation, a lighter buckle but nevertheless solid – Yes
  • the back totally free of any kinds of writings – Yes
  • Certified Chronometer – Yes

Though, there is something more….

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Hence, what is the profile of the case? Something from the Datejust maybe…

A delicate line, with more marked curves and lugs slightly plunging and above all, integrally polished: the famous “Rolex brushed” of the upper part of the lugs is now replaced with a mirror polished.

That’s it: this Yacht-Master benefits a neo-vintage line, rich of unsuspected charms, which subtly makes the difference with the other models of the sports range (and in particular the Submariner).

“Unsual” colors for Rolex watches

Another new element: its light grey dial, enlivened by the red seconds’ hand and the Yacht-Master inscription, also in red (My God! A “Red” could exclaimed a non-used amateur of the brand!), that seems finely glittered and catches the light.

At last, another differencing element: the bezel made of platinum… Nevertheless, it takes up the traditional subdivisions of the Submariner with raised markers and numbers – which exposes it to the scratches of everyday life.

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What risks have I taken to put this Rolex around my wrist for you, The Watch Observer’s reader?

It is not a dressy Rolex !

We know the delicate and small diameter Datejust, or in the sports range, some models with noble metals such as gold or gold/steel combined.

No, here, we deal with an untypical model.

Its detractors can devoice:

  • this light grey dial makes the readability less intuitive than with a black dial!
  • or: the bezel with its raised numbers engraved within the mass is little readable
  • or even: there is a “Canada Dry effect” = it looks like a Rolex withouth looking like the model people have in mind…

And they will be right. Let them go back to their first loves : The Yacht-Master is not the Rolex made for them.

What to remember

Finally – and here I stake my all – this Yacht-Master is dedicated to a particular amateur of Rolex: the one that will not be afraid to assume what will be perceived by some purists of the brand as an heresy, but that merely corresponds to another type of Rolex, just a little more confidential… Let’s be a good gambler and recognizes it.

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Rolex Yacht-Master Watch Review

Rolex yacht-master review.

Rolex has built a reputation on their classic and timeless designs. They’re not one to release a new model every other year. In fact, after the launch of the Daytona in 1963, it would be nearly another 30 years before they’d debut an entirely new model. That model was the Rolex Yacht-Master. Here, we’ll provide a Rolex Yacht-Master review, including key features of the Rolex Yacht-Master, the history of the Rolex Yacht-Master through the years, and notable wearers.

yacht master 16622 review

List of Key Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master

  • Case: Available in three different sizes – 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm – and two materials – gold or two-tone gold and platinum
  • Bezel: Bidirectional, rotatable, 60-minute graduated bezel
  • Crown: Screw-down, Triplock, water-resistant crown system
  • Depth Rating: 100 meters of water resistance
  • Movement: Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding movement manufactured by Rolex
  • Band: Offered with either an Oyster bracelet or Oysterflex strap

History of the Rolex Yacht-Master through the Years

The very first  Rolex Yacht-Master  was the Reference 16628. The brand only offered the model in a 40mm, 18-karat yellow gold case with a white dial. The Ref. 16628 also came equipped with a screw-down, Triplock crown and boasted 100 meters of water resistance. Inside, it housed the Caliber 3135 movement.

For the first several years, Rolex only made minor changes to the Yacht-Master line. In 1994, they released a slightly different iteration of the Yacht-Master: the Reference 68628. This variation was smaller, with a 35mm case. That same year, they also added a women’s version of the Yacht-Master: the Reference 69628. It showcased an even more modest case size, measuring just 29mm.

In 1999, Rolex introduced the first major update to the Yacht-Master collection. That year, they debuted an all-new, patented combination of metals created specifically for the Yacht-Master. They called this two-tone combination of stainless steel and platinum, Rolesium . At the annual Basel World Fair, Rolex launched the material in three different sizes. These included the 40mm Reference 16622, 35mm Reference 168622, and the 29mm Reference 169622.

The next update to the Yacht-Master collection came in 2005. That year, Rolex added another two-tone variation to the line, this time in stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold. They offered the new colorway in the 40mm Reference 16623. Two years later, Rolex made the most significant change to the Yacht-Master line with the addition of the Yacht-Master II . However, the lineage of the original Yacht-Master has continued.

Rolex Yachmaster Crown view

In 2012, Rolex released the next notable upgrade for the Yacht-Master with the Reference 116622. While the model retained its 40mm sizing, it featured an all-new “super case” with different styling. In addition, it boasted an all-platinum bezel as opposed to a combination of platinum and stainless steel. Last but not least, it came equipped with a refined version of the Oyster bracelet featuring an upgraded clasp.

Three years later, Rolex debuted another first for the brand in the Yacht-Master collection’s Reference 116655. This time, instead of a new metal, they introduced their own rigorously designed and tested variation of the rubber strap. The Oysterflex bracele t marked the first-ever rubber strap for the brand. Ever since, it’s become a staple of the Yacht-Master collection.

In the past several years, Rolex has continued to make subtle updated and additions to the Yacht-Master line. One of the latest releases is the Yacht-Master 40 with a multi-color, gem-set bezel. More recently in 2019, Rolex introduced the first 42mm time-and-date Yacht Master Reference 226659.

Deep Dive on Key Features of the Rolex Yacht-Master

For years, 40mm was the standard sizing for the Yacht-Master. The smaller, 35mm variation was the only alternative up until around 2016. Rolex has since replaced it with the 37mm iteration for a smaller option. In addition, it’s only been since 2019 that Rolex has made a larger, 42mm option available.

Rolex Yachtmaster Blue Dial

One of the most notable key features of the Rolex Yacht-Master is the bidirectional, rotatable, 60-minute graduated bezel. Its design helps skippers measure and anticipate the crucial countdown interval leading up to the start of a regatta or sailing race. The screw-down, Triplock crown is another key feature of the Rolex Yacht-Master. This water-resistant system has been a staple of the model since its inception.

With only 100 meters of water resistance, the Yacht-Master is perfect for enjoying a day on the water as opposed to scuba diving. Yet, its in-house, perpetual, mechanical, self-winding movement makes it a robust watch for any occasion. In addition, the option of Oyster bracelet or Oysterflex strap made it versatile enough to take from land to sea.

Who Wears the Rolex Yacht-Master?

The Yacht-Master is a popular choice among many of today’s top entertainers, athletes, and chefs. Some of the Yacht-Master’s famous wearers include TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and film icons like Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis . Athletes across an array of modalities also appreciate the Yacht-Master. You can find it on the wrist of star players like former pro-footballer David Beckham, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan , and former World Number One golfer Justin Thomas. Last but certainly not least, the legendary chef Emeril Lagasse is among the Yacht-Master’s celebrity fans.

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All Aboard with the Rolesium Yacht-Master

yacht master 16622 review

Perfectly suited for the captain of the ship

Fashioned with pure luxury in mind, the Rolesium Rolex Yacht-Master models are the ultimate in refined sports watches. First unveiled in 1999, they enjoyed great success, especially among the jet set, and were very much in demand for their casual chic, yet ultra luxurious appeal. That year, the Rolesium Yacht-Master was made available in a trio of sizes – 40mm for gents, 29mm for ladies, and the midsize option in 35mm. Plenty of celebs were seen snapping them up, from Brad Pitt to Bruce Willis, Emeril Lagasse and champion golfer, Lorena Ochoa.

Yacht-Master 168622

Is The Yacht-Master 168622 Unisex?

The Yacht-Master ref. 168622, the midsized 35mm model, perfect for both men and women and it is still part of the brand’s current collection. The 29mm ladies’ version has been discontinued, while the 40mm ref. 16622 has been replaced with the newer Yacht-Master ref. 116622 . The beauty of the midsize option, however, is that it is well suited for both genders – a restrained, elegant size for men and an oversized dynamic look for women.

Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 168622

Rolesium is the term coined by Rolex – and patented in 1932 – to refer to the combination of stainless steel and platinum found on some of their watches, and on these particular Yacht-Masters, both the bezels and dials are crafted from 950 platinum. Mixing a more mainstream and rugged material like stainless steel with the noblest of all metals, platinum, is something that Rolex does best, and is one of the many aesthetic hallmarks of the Swiss brand.

Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 168622

On The Surface

The platinum bidirectional bezels on the Yacht-Master features a sandblasted surface on which the raised graduated polished large numerals and the first 15-second markings sit for a very attractive contrast. The sandblasted platinum look carries onto the dial as a striking backdrop to the large lume plots and luminescent Mercedes style hands. The red seconds hand and matching red “YACHT-MASTER” label give a pop of color to the otherwise monochromatic design of the watch. Powered by the Rolex proprietary Caliber 2235 automatic mechanical movement, the date aperture sits at the 3 o’clock position and naturally, it is magnified by the Cyclops lens affixed to the sapphire crystal.

Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 168622

The stainless steel Oyster case of the Yacht-Master 168622 is equipped with the screw-down winding crown enforced with the Triplock system for water resistance down to 330 feet. This is half of the water resistance of a Rolex Submariner, but the Yacht-Master is probably more at home aboard the decks of a plush ship, rather than diving to the depths of the ocean anyways.

Rolesium Yacht-Master ref. 168622

Rather than a tool watch, the platinum Yacht-Master is more about a lifestyle. Its sleek style can perfectly be worn on its own, but the platinum and stainless steel piece also lends itself well to further accessorizing with additional jewelry, beads, or cords. A superb addition to your cruise collection wardrobe, the Yacht-Master 168622 is an ultra sharp luxury Rolex watch to lavish your wrist game .

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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yacht master 16622 review

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Review of Rolex Yacht-Master ref.16622

ym_review_title

I never quite understood the attraction of the Yacht-Master before – or even its purpose in the Rolex lineup. As I already stated in my 5-digit Rolex Reference Guide, I always felt it was just a blinged out Submariner that you had to be careful not to scratch.

Which 5-digit Rolex to buy?

I’ve owned almost all 5-digit sports models during the years but I never a Yacht-Master.  I had one in my possession once but I just imported it for a friend of mine. One of my close friends has owned one for a while and he allowed me to borrow his Rolesium version and photograph it. I thought I might use that opportunity and write a quick review of it to my blog too – and who knows, maybe even change my mind about the watch.

And I did. “Useless blinged out Sub” was definitely an unfair statement. I’ve always desired only the brushed, hardcore stainless steel sports Rolex models, like the Submariner, GMT, Sea-Dweller and Explorer. but that doesn’t make me right. Only a guy with rather monotonous taste. Spending a day with my friend’s Yacht-Master made me realize that I’ve been wrong all along. It’s a beautiful watch!

ym_review_lightbox

When Yacht-Master came to Rolex lineup in 1992 it was the first “new” model Rolex had introduced since 1964 when the first Daytona was released. Back in 1992 it was probably fair to say that it really was just a “blinged out” Sub. It had the same case, same movement, same crown guards and had nothing that really made it stand out of its own, except for the larger minute hand and different bezel insert.

There is a midsize version available as well. That 35mm variation, reference 69628 was introduced only 2 years later. Rolex also introduced Yacht-Master II references 116688 and 116689 in March 2007. It became one of the most controversial designs ever made (among the Rolex enthusiasts).  Example pictures from Amazon.com.

review_ym_models

The later contemporary models include “Everose” and “Rolesor” variations which further separate Yacht-Master from the Submariner lineup. My personal favorite is the blue dial variant (reference: 116622BLSO). Picture courtesy of a fellow Finnish Rolex enthusiast, Teemu.

wrist_small3

Based on how few early YM’s there are for sale in the second hand market it’s safe to guess that Yacht-Master wasn’t initially a great seller. Perhaps I wasn’t alone in my observations that it wasn’t enough of a departure of the gold Submariner.

But in 1999 Rolex introduced new Yacht-Master in Basel World Fair. It had changed crown guards and it was the first Rolex watch that had a “maxi dial”. That meant bigger hands, hour markers and thus, improved luminous visibility. 

yacht master 16622 review

This platinum and steel mix used on the Yacht Master was new and unique to the model and Rolex would later patent this mix as “Rolesium”.

My friend’s watch is that very model, the Rolesium version 16622. It’s the most popular Yacht-Master. It’s very tough watch to capture in photographs. The watch shines a lot and the bi-directional platinum bezel along with a bit sparkling platinum dial have to be witnessed in the flesh. Both dial and bezel are made of solid 950 platinum. Impressive!

review_ym_dial

Bracelet and clasp look similar that were used on 5-digit GMT Master II, Explorer and Explorer II. The only difference is that that center links are solid, not hollow and the middle links on the Yacht-Master are polished – and the solid end middle link is a little big taller and unlike on the other 5-digit sports models, Yacht-Master SEL protrudes over the lugs.

ym_clasp

The movement of 16622 is the COSC-certified Rolex caliber 3135. It was first introduced in 1988 and became Rolex’s main movement and it was used in many models. Experts agree that it is one of the most reliable automatic movements ever made. It’s a high beat movement that oscillates at 28.800 bph.

The balance features two pairs of adjusting system, known as the “Microstella”. It has four screws at symmetrically spaced positions along the balance wheel.

It doesn’t have any decoration as it’s designed to be hidden inside the Oyster case to withstand the most extreme conditions. Movement picture courtesy of Rolex USA.

3135_movement

My old friend from Sweden, Jocke, is a fellow Rolex collector and a hobbyist watch photographer. He changed much nicer Daytona clasp to his Yacht-Master. Here is Jocke’s old pictorial (remember to check his Watch Wallpapers collection too, he’s one of the best watch photographers out there!)

Jocke’s pictorial of his Yacht-Master Rolesium

It wears pretty much similar to the 16610 Submariner , just a little bit thinner and dressier. The size is perfect.

It’s not hard to see the attraction of the Rolesium Yacht-Master. It’s a more dressier and more luxurious model for someone who thinks ordinary Submariner date is too mundane, common or rugged. YM is quite unique mix of a sports and dress watch.

“Rolesium” version is also a good alternative to someone who doesn’t want to wear a yellow gold watch, like the famous two-tone “Bluesy” Submariner. I owned one and while I liked the watch and its looks it always felt a bit ostentatious. If you’re a sharp dresser and wear suits a lot, Yacht-Master could be a great option for you.

As a Yacht-Master owner “VicLeChic” from WatchUSeek Forum puts it nicely (and with “tongue in cheek”):

“Take the blue pill, buy the Sub and sleep with the peace of mind you have what everybody else wants (my precious). If everyone aspires to wear one, it must be good, right?

Take the red pill, buy the Yacht-Master and step into another dimension, a world of fine connoisseurs who can appreciate the countless subtleties of such an exquisite timepiece (there’s a reason Rolex charge 3 grand more). No one will understand it but you don’t follow the herd. Instead you go your own way.”

After the changes Rolex made in 1999 to the model series finally helped the Yacht-Master finally find its own character and personality – and eventually earn its place in the Rolex model lineup.

yacht master 16622 review

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9 thoughts on “ review of rolex yacht-master ref.16622 ”.

  • Pingback: Which 5-digit Rolex to buy? Reference Guide to the models – Luxury Watch Reviews

Great review!!

Like Liked by 1 person

Thanks franscisco!

Great review JP!! I had a question about the bezel and thought you might have the answer. There’s a discrepancy about if the entire bezel is solid platinum. I’m seeing a lot of comments about 16622 being a platinum insert on top of the stainless steel ring and the 116622 being solid platinum. I assumed that there are no differences in the bezel between the 2 models (Jocke confirmed both models use the same bezel part # 314-16622). Appreciate your help. John

Great review JP!! I had a question about the bezel and thought you might have the answer. There’s a discrepancy about if the entire bezel is solid platinum. I’m seeing a lot of comments about 16622 being a platinum insert on top of the stainless steel ring and the 116622 being solid platinum. I assumed that there are no differences in the bezel between the 2 models (Jocke confirmed both models use the same bezel part # 313-16622). Appreciate your help. John

Hi John, I was always under the impression that both bezel and the insert are made of solid platinum. I asked this once at The Rolex Forum and it was confirmed by many.

Thanks JP for the quick response. That’s my thoughts as well. Even with Jocke deconstructive of 16622 and comparing the bezel with a Sub and being 6g heavier would imply the outer ring bezel is not stainless steel (10g bs 4g respectively).

Follow me… Your friend Jocke weighed both bezel: Sub is 4 gr, YM 10 grams. I presume that the Sub bezel is made of 904L Steel, and that the volume of both bezels is the same. Density of 904L Steel is 8gr/cubic cm. So, if the bezel (of the Sub) weighs 4 gr, the volume of bezel itself is 1/2 cubic cm. Density of 950 Platinum is 21gr/cubic cm, and half a cubic cm of platinum weighs 10,7 gr!!! After this, we can state that YM bezel is made of solid Pt. It’s phisics, mate…

Yes indeed. You’re right. Actually I got confirmation from another sources as well. It’s definitely solid platinum. Cheers!

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The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 White Gold 226629

Instagram: @rolex

In the year 1992, Swiss watchmaker Rolex would debut a new model line at the Baselworld show that was strikingly similar to the already-popular Submariner. It featured the same 40mm Oyster case with a rotating bezel, the same chronometer-certified caliber, and the same Oyster bracelet.

Seemingly the only difference between the two was the white dial of that first Yacht-Master, a style which has never been an option on a Sub, and the inferior depth rating of 100m when compared to the Sub’s 300m.

Yet, the Yacht-Master was well-received upon launch, and with the passing of time, the yachting-inspired model has evolved and pioneered its own path within Rolex’s catalog.

Read on with us as we go back to the beginning and track the catalysts that paved the way for the most recent Yacht-Master release, the Yacht-Master 42 (226659), to become one of the hottest sports timepieces of the year.

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History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

We’ve broken down our overview of the Yacht-Master into the following segments:

  • Release Of The Yacht-Master

The Submariner/Yacht-Master Theory

  • Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master
  • Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The Maxi Dial Yacht-Master

  • Two-Tone Rolesor Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master II

  • Six-Digit Yacht-Master

The Oysterflex Yacht-Master

Keep scrolling to read this guide from its beginning, or use the links above to jump down to a specific point.

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The Release Of The Yacht-Master

The first Yacht-Master watch was launched in 1992 under reference number 16628. It featured a yellow gold case, a bidirectional graduated bezel, and a matching full-gold Oyster bracelet. Its dial was white with black hour indices, while at center were gold Mercedes hands, and beating inside was the 3135 movement.

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628 Yellow Gold

Rolex ref. 16628. Instagram: @m_j_watches

Previous to the Yacht-Master’s introduction, Rolex had not released a new model line in a quarter century. So, why did they go with the Yacht-Master, a design that risked being a detractor from their existing Submariner? Let’s take a look at the inspiration.

The sport of yachting is one which demands precise timing and extreme coordination of the entire crew for optimal performance, particularly in offshore competitions.

Vintage Rolex Daytona Yacht-Master Prototype

Prototype Daytona Yacht-Master ref. 6239. Image: Christies.com

Rolex believed their waterproof and chronometer-grade timepieces to be more than qualified to handle the knocks of a regatta and keep ticking accurately. The brand is also notorious for their marketing prowess, which led them to act quickly in establishing an association with the sport.

Beginning in 1958 with their first sponsorship of a race, the relationship has endured until today, when the brand sponsors over a dozen international yachting events.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that there exists a large gap between first contact in 1958 and the release of the yacht-inspired timepiece in the early ’90s. Why wasn’t the Yacht-Master released earlier on?

Well, Rolex played around with the idea of yachting chronograph early on, though it never materialized. All that’s left of these trials are an extremely limited number of Daytona ref. 6239 chronograph prototypes with a 39mm case (vs standard 36mm) and modified regatta dials.

Unfortunately, the Yacht-Master concept was scrapped and would not reappear until decades later.

Rolex Submariner With Date Window

When it did return, none of the previous Yacht-Master’s DNA was there. Furthermore, the 1992 Yacht-Master was bizarrely similar to the 16610 Sub of the time.

Interestingly enough, Rolex folklore tells of a time in the ’80s when the brand sought to update their Submariner . What resulted was less of an update and more of an overhaul, manifested as what we know now as the first Yacht-Master.

Apprehensive of the repercussions that making such aggressive design changes to their staple offering could bring, the brand chose instead to release the watch intended to be a new Submariner as the reborn Yacht-Master instead.

The move worked, and the new Yacht-Masters started flying off the shelves. The Yacht-Master was perceived as a more luxurious Sub, though its bidirectional bezel proved useful for on-the-fly countdowns which are critical in sailing competitions. The waterproof nature of the Oyster case further cemented the Yacht-Master as the ideal first mate.

Mid-Size & Ladies’ Yacht-Master

In 1994, just two years after the debut of the 16628, Rolex would introduce the same design but in smaller case sizes. These were:

  • Ref. 68628: Yacht-Master “Mid-Size” in 35mm
  • Ref. 69628: Yacht-Master Ladies’ in 29mm

This marked the first time that Rolex ever offered one of their sports models in a smaller case size; all previous instances of case size changes were increases as opposed to reductions. It has been speculated that the smaller cases were intended for the Asian market.

Rolex Yacht-Master Yellow Gold 16628

Yacht-Master ref. 16628. Instagram: @thewatchcentre

In the same year, Rolex also offered the same 16628 but this time with a deep blue dial. Blue dials tend to make for broadly-liked watches, and coupled with the gold case and bracelet, the new version was once again a hit.

The Platinum (Rolesium) Yacht-Master

The next update to the model line would come in 1999 with yet another home-run: the Rolesium Yacht-Master. The new watch featured a stainless steel case and bracelet with a platinum dial and platinum-insert bezel. Rolesium, a term registered by Rolex back in the ’30s for a combination of steel and platinum in a watch, was finally put to use.

The new platinum Yacht-Master ref. 16622 was not only more accessible than the previous all-gold varieties, it was also more versatile. This would lead the 16622 variety to become the face of the Yacht-Master line.

In fact, many online resources erroneously label it the first Yacht-Master ever; this should offer an idea of how emblematic it is in the watch industry.

The 16622 also presented a new dial and hand style that would mark Rolex as a whole through to the modern day. The new Yacht-Master boasted what is now recognized as the “maxi dial”.

Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16628

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628 w/ maxi dial. Instagram: @kellokonttori

The maxi dial is characterized by oversized hour indices as well as larger hands at center. To the untrained eye, the difference may be difficult to spot, though experienced collectors will note the change instantly.

The maxi dial became the style of choice for all modern Rolex sports watches, though it got its start in the 1999 platinum Yacht-Master. A Submariner would first feature a maxi dial in 2003, with the release of the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner “Kermit” (16610LV).

All versions of the Yacht-Master produced after the introduction of the maxi dial would also feature the new dial design. This included the blue, gold, and white dial versions from years past.

The Two-Tone (Rolesor) Yacht-Master

Six years after the Rolesium Yacht-Master came to be, Rolex would once more put on display their mixed-metal Rolesor style in the two-tone Yacht-Master 16623.

Two-Tone Rolex Yacht-Master Blue Dial 16823

Yacht-Master ref. 16623. Instagram: @v.davidofftimepieces

The 2005 debuts possessed a 40mm steel case, a yellow gold bidirectional bezel, and a two-tone Oyster bracelet. As far as dials, many of the previous styles were also available like the black-on-white, though mother of pearl version were also introduced.

It was during Baselworld 2007 when Rolex would introduce the Yacht-Master’s younger and much larger sibling, the Yacht-Master II. Whereas the original Yacht-Master was very close functionally to the Sub, the Yacht-Master II was completely the opposite.

It can be said that the only overlap between the YM and the YMII is be the name, as the second iteration looks like a whole new watch. This time, though, it’s clear that the watch has been designed with the needs of yachting professionals in mind.

Rolex Yacht-Master II In Yellow Gold

The first Yacht-Master II were marked by a 44mm Oyster case, an Oyster bracelet, a white dial,  and a blue Cerachrom (ceramic) Ring Command bezel. The first two references, 116688 and 116689, were made of yellow gold and white gold, respectively.

Powering the YMII was another innovation – Rolex’s in-house calibre 4161. It features the COSC-chronometer certification and 72-hour power reserve that are today’s standard, though they were industry-leading at the time. Most notable, though, was the 4161 movement’s functions.

The new caliber boasted a “ programmable countdown with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronization. ” Naturally, the programming of the movement required the use of the Ring Command bezel, a feature which had also never been encountered on a Rolex watch before.

In later years, Rolex would go on to release Rolesor and full-steel versions of the Yacht-Master II, both of which have been relatively successful. The Yacht-Master II has certainly earned a spot in the brand’s catalog, and is sure to stick around for next couple of decades.

The Six-Digit Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Cobalt Blue Dial j

Yacht-Master 116622

Twenty years after it debuted as the 16628, the Yacht-Master would see in 2012 the modernization that had been sweeping Rolex’s other model families.

Aside from receiving a new six-digit reference number (116622), subtle aesthetic changes were also present, as was an outstanding new dial option – the Cobalt Blue dial.

The case was now a “super case”, which retained the 40mm diameter but was styled differently. The bezel was now completely platinum, where previous versions were made of steel with a platinum insert. The Oyster bracelet had likewise been upgraded.

A platinum bezel / platinum dial option was still part of the collection and therefore received the same upgrades. Unfortunately, this iconic “albino” look would be completely discontinued in 2017.

The subsequent and most recent significant change to the Yacht-Master family took place in 2015, when Rolex first introduced the Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655.

Rolex Everose Yacht-Master On Oysterflex Bracelet

Rolex Everose Yacht-Master on Oysterflex bracelet

The newest iteration of the YM possessed some new features. The case was made of Everose, and the bezel now boasted a black Cerachrom insert. Securing the watch to the wrist was another Rolex first – the Oysterflex rubber ‘bracelet’.

Before the 116655, no Rolex watch had ever sported a rubber band. The brand still refers to it as a bracelet given the metal elements within the band, but these are not obvious even with the watch in the hand.

This same style of Yacht-Master would receive the next update in 2019, when Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master 42 in white gold.

What’s Next?

With the recent changes that the Yacht-Master line has had, it is clear that Rolex intends to keep this model family alive and well for years to come. Consumers are likewise responding to each new release, offering plenty of feedback with their pocketbooks.

If you’d like to read up on any of Rolex’s other model families, make sure to check out some of our extensive watch guides below:

  • History Of The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
  • Overview Of The Most Luxurious Pilot’s Watch: The GMT-Master
  • How Did The Day-Date Become The President’s Watch?
  • Review Of Rolex’s Longest Running Watch Model
  • Rolex Watches That Could Become The Investment Of A Lifetime
"I have always been a fan of the Yacht-Master, but I had no idea that it didn't exist until the 1990s. Thanks for the information, and thanks for keeping it entertaining. Well done!"

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Rolex Yacht Master (16622) Review

The yacht-master was not the first of rolex’s watches to be designed with sea adventurers in mind. however, rather than focusing on the usability of the watch as a tool, as they did with the submariner, rolex seems to have set out to create a tool for boating, while focusing on the luxury and aesthetic look of the watch. when the yacht-master was first introduced in 1992, it seemed to capitalize on the success of rolex’s first nautical inspired watch, the submariner. the original yacht-master may have been a redesign of the submariner, though it looks like early rolex daytona models. there were many changes, including the size, which was slightly bigger than the dayton’s 36mm, at 39.5mm. other changes included an etched bezel insert that was permanently soldered to the bezel, larger hands and maxi-markers, and smooth, rounded edges..

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Owner Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622

What's it like to wear the rolex yacht-master.

ricetime.g

| Wrist Size: 7 inch

Rolex Yacht-Master 126622

Before we get to my Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 review, we need some background. In 1992 Rolex introduced a watch that shared the silhouette of their beloved Submariner but in solid 18k yellow gold, embossed YG bezel insert soldered to the bezel, funky white dial, and the unusual name “Yacht-Master” written where “Submariner” would normally live. People then and now still wonder.. “Why?”.

Rumor has it Rolex wanted to drastically update the Submariner but were scared that the changes were too extreme. The Submariner was essentially their poster child and arguably their most iconic watch. Fearing backlash, they created a whole new line. Rolex rarely creates completely new watches, the last time they made a new watch before the Rolex Yacht-Master was in 1964 when the Daytona was introduced. Luckily it paid off as the Yacht-Master was pretty well received!

Even though the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 at first glance looks very similar to the Submariner it’s a totally different wearing experience. The case shape is completely different from the Sub. Its case profile is composed of compound curves with the lugs swooping downwards very similar to a Daytona, the case is also fully polished. My particular Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 being Roleisum (Rolex’s term for the combination of Platinum and Steel which was first introduced in 1999 with the ref. 16622), in combination with the blue sunburst dial and red accents, gives it such a unique aesthetic it sets it apart in Rolex’s catalog. Rolex I think perfected their blue dials, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Pictures do not do it justice whatsoever. In person, it appears much darker, almost black however in direct light that’s when the striking blue hue pops. The date function is also very convenient!

Rolex Yacht-Master

What is it like to wear a Rolex Yacht-Master? I would describe it as the most comfortable and stressful watch I have ever worn and owned. What most people don’t realize is that it’s a thin watch and I mean THIN. At 11.5mm it’s just as thin or even thinner than a 34mm 114200 Air-King! Like what? The case hugs your wrist amazingly while the oyster bracelet seems to caress you. It makes you want to wear it every single day, I mean how could you not? Thin, sporty, beautiful, comfortable and low key a strap monster. Until you see a scratch or nick on the solid Platinum bezel insert, call up Rolex Service Center to see how much it would be to replace it and they slap you in the face with a $2500 (before taxes) quote for JUST the bezel/bezel insert assembly (they’re soldered together remember?). Then you think “Okay, okay which Seiko ’s do I sell to cover the cost of a freaking bezel”. Did I mention the case is fully polished?

Has this ever happened to me? No, because I’m extremely OCD, however I was curious and called RSC, I also used to own the 16622 and was trained to wear long sleeves only, only wear it sparingly, cover my wrist when walking through doorways, never let it touch denim (yes, denim will scratch it apparently), and for all I know never sneeze near it or even look at it too long because for all I know that could probably scratch it too. To top it all off, of COURSE the bracelet and clasp has Polished Center Links! While I am exaggerating the fragility of the Rolex Yacht-Master, the stress of potentially scuffing it is real.

Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 is arguably one of my favorite watches ever made. I never thought I’d ever get to own one. It’s beautiful, ridiculously comfortable, relatively uncommon, however so stressful to wear. I have owned it for almost exactly one year and I personally try to enjoy every second I wear it; I even strap changed it with zero scuffs! I have and I do but my OCD and extreme caution lends itself to be a difficult one to fully appreciate without worry. I’ve debated if this watch was right for me all the time. However, I would recommend this watch to anyone minutely interested. I have no regrets having owned two of them like an insane person, but who in the watch collecting world isn’t insane?

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622

  • Very comfortable to wear.
  • Beautiful aesthetics.
  • Has many color ways.
  • Stressful to wear.
  • Scratches relatively easily.
  • Difficult to even buy.

Review Breakdown

  • Wearability 0%

yacht master 16622 review

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Is The Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 126622 Officially Cool Now?

Is the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 126622 a cool watch? I get asked this question – or a variation of it – with increasing frequency these days.  There was a time, not so long ago, when I didn’t give much thought to this model. And to be fair, neither did anyone else. The Yacht-Master was always kind of the odd one out in the Rolex sports watch collection. You couldn’t fault its credentials per se, but it didn’t quite belong.

In recent years though, Rolex has worked to improve the Yacht-Master’s positioning. Making it a little less luxe and a little more utilitarian. The overwhelming demand for steel Rolex sports watches has also played a big part. If you can’t get your first choice, you go for your second and so on. Now though, the Ref 126622 is becoming the first choice for more and more watch lovers. Not the third or fourth. And this is being reflected in its pricing on the secondary market. So, can we say the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 126622 is officially cool now? As always, I’ll lay it out and you can make up your own mind.

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A (Very) Brief History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

By Rolex standards, the Yacht-Master is quite a modern addition to the collection. Yacht-Master dial prototypes first appeared in the 1960s. But the inaugural production model didn’t make its debut until the early 1990s. That said, the brand has been present in the world of sailing for decades. Forging an alliance with the New York Yacht Club in 1958. Many more such partnerships would soon follow and still continue to this day.

The first Yacht-Master was the Ref 16628 and it was only available in solid yellow gold. There’s nothing unusual about that per se. Introducing new models in gold cases first is a common strategy for Rolex. The Smurf is a good example of this, after which the Hulk followed in steel. But with the Yacht-Master there was an added reason for doing so. Rolex wanted to position it more as a sporty yet luxurious watch as opposed to a practical tool watch. In line with this the Ref 16628 was also offered with several Serti dial options. (Rolex speak for gem-set dials.)

Rolex Yacht-Master 16628

Fancy dials aside, the Yacht-Master is very much styled after the Submariner . Rumour has it that Rolex was even considering an overhaul of that model. But cooler heads prevailed and instead a new collection launched. Regardless, the spec sheets read very similar. 40mm case. Mercedes hands. Upside down triangle at 12 o’clock. Circular and rectangular markers for the hours. Date with cyclops. Rotating bezel with 60-minute markings. (Although on the Yacht-Master it’s bi-directional. Whereas on the Submariner – and all dive watches – it’s uni-directional.)

The Ref 16628 even used the same movement as the Ref 16610. The Calibre 3135. The only practical difference (aside from the bezel) was that it was only water resistant to 100m. Which is why a lot of collectors weren’t that enamoured with the Yacht-Master. It was like buying a Submariner-junior.

This perception wasn’t helped by the addition of 29mm and 35mm Yacht-Masters in 1994. Rolex has never offered any of its other Professional watches in reduced cases sizes. Before or since. It’s not a bad thing per se. But it made it clear the Yacht-Master was more of a ‘lifestyle’ watch.

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 16622

Things started getting a little more interesting for the Yacht-Master collection in 1999. That’s when Rolex unveiled the steel Ref 16622. I say steel but the technical name (at least the one Rolex invented) is Rolesium. This signifies – in Rolex speak – that the case combines both steel and platinum. The Yacht-Master was the first to debut this pairing. And Rolex has kept it exclusive to the collection ever since.

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 16622

I’m not sure why Rolex chose platinum for the bezel of the steel Yacht-Master. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say it was all about differentiating it as “luxury-first” watch. Whatever the reason, the end result is actually pretty cool. The bezel itself has a sandblasted finish. While the raised numerals have a high polish. Combined with the sandblasted, platinum dial it creates a very attractive monochromatic effect. (And yes, the dial is actually made from platinum.) The seconds hand and the “Yacht-Master” text in bright red add just the right level of contrast.

These days you can pick up a good quality Ref 16622 for around US$10,000 . Which is quite reasonable for a steel Rolex. The reference still doesn’t get that much love from collectors. But it is practical for daily wear and still offers chronometer precision. If you’re in the market for one, check out our retail partner WatchBox . ( Affiliate link. )

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 116622

In 2012, Rolex introduced the upgraded Ref 116622. This is the Yacht-Master most people are familiar with. It’s not too different from its predecessor although there are some key changes. The main one being the introduction of a rich blue dial with sunray finish. I don’t know what it is but platinum cases and blue dials go together like ham and cheese. Even when the use of platinum is sparing, as in the case of the Yacht-Master. Both dials (the platinum and the blue one) also feature Chromalight for the first time.

Rolex retired the platinum dial in 2016. In its place came the now familiar rhodium dial with light blue contrasts. For some it was the wrong decision. After all the platinum dial was one of the USPs of the Yacht-Master. Others welcomed the change, saying it gives the model more modern appeal. Plus the watch doesn’t feel quite as weighty on the wrist. I can see it both ways although I do think the grained platinum dial is very cool.

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 116622 Bright Blue Dial

Another upgrade is the solid link bracelet with the spring-loaded Oysterlock clasp. This was a big improvement over the clasp on the Ref 16622. Rolex also added a new bezel which has 120 clicks in both directions. Not a game-changer but noticeable none the less when compared against previous models. Inside was the same Calibre 3135.

There’s no doubt the Ref 116622 is an upgrade on its predecessor. Which is why you can expect to pay a considerable amount more for one. Somewhere in the vicinity of US$13,500 – US$15,500 depending on age and condition. Keep in mind Rolex produced this reference right the way up to 2018.

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 126622

The current reference of the Rolex Yacht-Master is the Ref 126622. Debuted in 2019 this watch looks like a carbon copy of its predecessor. And from a visual standpoint, it is. Rolex had already tweaked the Yacht-Master quite a bit by this point. So, there was not much left to improve on the case and bracelet. And the blue and slate dial options have become synonymous with the model.

yacht master 16622 review

One thing that did change though is the movement inside. Rolex added its upgraded Calibre 3235. The same movement that would find its way into the new Submariner a year later. Rolex was already using it in the Datejust 41 and the Sea-Dweller . This self-winding mechanical movement boasts 14 patents in total. Including the Chronergy escapement, combining high energy efficiency with greater dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. New barrel architecture and superior efficiency means a power reserve of 70 hours.

Rolex Calibre 3235

Like the 3135, the 3235 gets the Superlative Chronometer certification. Meaning it is very accurate (−2/+2 seconds per day) and reliable. It also features an instantaneous date at 3 o’clock with secure rapid-setting.

Price & Availability

The recommended retail price for the Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref 126622 is around US$11,800 . Making it quite a bit more expensive than a Submariner. Of course, that means nothing as neither watch is available at retail. At least not to the average joe walking in off the street with no buying history.

As such, you can expect to pay closer to US$16,000 – US$17,000 on the secondary market for a Ref 126622. Still competitive compared to what some other steel Rolex watches are trading at. But a tough pill to swallow none the less. Again, if you’re in the market check out our retail partner WatchBox . ( Affiliate link. )

Is The Yacht-Master Ref 126622 Officially Cool Now?

This is a tricky one. Rolex has definitely evolved the Ref 126622 to become an attractive standalone package. And there’s no doubt it’s a good-looking watch. But it’s hard to know how much of the appeal is being driven by hype. And the lack of availability of other steel Rolex alternatives. Versus watch lovers discovering a genuine appreciation for this model.

Ask yourself this question. If you had the option of buying any steel Rolex model at retail, would the Ref 126622 still get a second look? I’m not so sure the answer would be yes. But then again, there’s no denying the Yacht-Master has its own unique appeal. Which could be the reason it’s stayed in the Rolex line-up for close to 30 years.

Technical Specifications: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref 126622

  • Case:  Oyster – 40 mm – Oystersteel and platinum – monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown – 950 platinum bidirectional rotatable bezel, 60-minute graduated with raised numerals– twin-lock double waterproof crown – waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet.
  • Dial: slate or bright blue – hour markers and hands in white gold, all filled with Chromalight material – running seconds hand in light blue or red.
  • Movement: Calibre 3235 – bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor – paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring – Chronergy escapement with optimized energy efficiency – 70-hour power reserve – certified as Superlative Chronometer.
  • Price: USD 11,200

This article by TheWatchLounge has been sponsored by our partner WatchBox.

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Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Rhodium Grey Dial Automatic Men's Watch 16622

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Rhodium Grey Dial Automatic Men's Watch 16622

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Maxi-Open Mangusta Yachts presented at Boat Shows in Palm Beach and Moscow

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Two important events saw the Mangusta Maxi Open by the prominent Italian builder Overmarine again protagonist on the nautical scene: Marine Max exclusive partner for the United States attended the Palm Beach Boat Show , running from March 22 to 25 with the spectacular motor yacht Mangusta 92 and the Mangusta 130 superyacht on display. Burevestnik Group, on the other hand, was the star of the Moscow International Boat Show , taking place from March 20 to 25 exhibiting the scale models of the luxury yacht Mangusta Oceano 148, the superyacht Mangusta 92, the Mangusta 165 as well as Mangusta 130 yachts.

Mangusta 92 Superyacht

Mangusta 92 Superyacht

MANGUSTA 92 ( an example of Mangusta 92 is the motor yacht ILLUSION ) Stylish and fast luxury motor yacht Mangusta 92 represents perfect proportions. She offers an ambitious layout that permits for 3 beautiful staterooms and a relax room or 4 staterooms, each with high-tech entertainment centers. Run by twin MTU 16V2000M94 of 2600Hp each and Kamewa 56S3 jet drives, the Mangusta 92 achieves the exciting speed of 37 knots.

Luxury motor yacht Mangusta 130

Luxury motor yacht Mangusta 130

MANGUSTA 130 ( for example the charter yacht Ability ) Mangusta 130 superyacht combines pleasure and performance. Her lower deck provides 4 lovely staterooms and a salon or 5 staterooms. When the twin 3640-hp MTU16V4000 M93L are fired up and bring the vessel to a full speed of 39 knots, the peaceful as well as relaxing feeling remains, as there is no noise or vibration.

Megayacht Mangusta 165

Megayacht Mangusta 165

MANGUSTA 165 ( an example can be the luxury charter yacht ZEUS ) The biggest fiberglass Open Yacht ever built, the luxury megayacht Mangusta 165 brings together state of the art technology with extreme comfort. With a speed of 39 knots, the Mangusta 165 exceeds all expectations in terms of performance, with the stabilizers that provide the smoothest ride. This majestic and elegant vessel offers extraordinarily spacious interiors with four or five staterooms and a living space.

Superyacht Mangusta Oceano 148

Superyacht Mangusta Oceano 148

MANGUSTA OCEANO 148 Mangusta Oceano 148 superyacht is built to provide her Owner with the utmost in luxury and comfort aboard by integrating the latest technology processes with the most advanced marine equipment available in the market. Her interiors can be built in any kind of wood and with the style (design) selected by the Owner.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Maxi-Open Mangusta Yachts presented at Boat Shows in Palm Beach and Moscow".

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Everything you always knew about the Soviet Union is wrong. Lenin was poisoned by Stalin's order; before he died he drafted...

READ REVIEW

THE MOSCOW CLUB

by Joseph Finder ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1990

Everything you always knew about the Soviet Union is wrong. Lenin was poisoned by Stalin's order; before he died he drafted a letter condemning the USSR as proof of communism's failure; and the obligatory KGB head who now wants to depose Gorbachev is a mole placed years before by a group of CIA adventurers--in this overblown, entertaining first novel by Kremlin-watcher Finder (Red Carpet, 1983). Soon after Charlie Stone, a patrician CIA analyst whose father did time in the McCarthy days for passing information to the Soviets, first hears about the ""Lenin Testament,"" he becomes convinced that knowing what happened to the letter in 1953 will help clear his father; so even though he's warned off by both Alfred Stone and well-connected godfather Winthrop Lehman, he lures his beautiful, brainy TV newscaster wife, Charlotte Harper, back from separation to help him rifle Lehman's secret files. The files disclose red-hot information about the trail of the letter (which would undermine the entire basis for the Soviet Union if made public) and also ignite a firestorm of murders--his father, his boss, everybody who has any knowledge of the letter's contents or existence. While Stone races from Boston to Washington to Chicago to Paris dodging the police and CIA-financed KGB assassins (touching evidence of warmer superpower relations), and while Finder works like a beaver to emphasize how important this all is (""This was it. At last, after all these decades""), that KGB head is laying a false trail of terrorist violence in Moscow in preparation for his plan to blow up both Gorbachev and a visiting US delegation headed by the President--and to blame the whole plot on the CIA. Hyperbolic and overscaled--but compulsively readable: The elaborate links between the family history of Finder's man-on-the-run and the history of Soviet Russia turn Stone into a think-tank Rambo--an irresistible figure of unbridled fantasy--and his adventures into an escapist knockout.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1990

ISBN: 1427211728

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1990

Categories: FICTION

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yacht master 16622 review

Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

Once upon a time before the world went crazy, a Rolex was just another product you could go to the store and buy. You could walk in, say, “One Rolex please,” hand over your dimes and walk out with said Rolex. That, like many other things, is different now. A Rolex shop doesn’t so much sell Rolexes anymore as it does man the phone to let the patient queue on the waiting list know their day has come. But what if I told you there was a forgotten steel sports Rolex that you can buy for less than the RRP? I can understand that you’d treat this statement with the same suspicion as a stranger’s cough, so let me explain.

Before our story even begins, it’s important to establish exactly why the Rolex sports watch has come to earn such an overwhelming reputation. Its looks, its specification, its history is nothing more or less remarkable than any of its competitors, often flagging behind in each category, yet somehow its status can’t be that many floors below the big man upstairs himself.

It’s one of the biggest names in luxury, commanding queues longer than those at Disneyworld on a hot summer’s day—and yet all that prestige and fanaticism comes from a far humbler place entirely. Despite the myth that the name Rolex is an amalgamation of the words “horological” and “luxury”, the brand’s rise to fame was anything but.

Founder Hans Wilsdorf—a name that is burnt into the minds of anyone who’s even remotely interested in watches—had no grand plans for a luxury watch empire, or anything of the sort. All he wanted was to make watches worn by professionals. And I don’t mean that in way that celebrity “professionals” are encouraged to wear a watch by way of a brown paper bag full of lettuce, but in an actual, legitimate, proper use in the workplace kind of way.

It was the only way Wilsdorf had a hope of making a mark. He was buying movements from one place and putting them in cases from another, so he was never going to win any awards for watchmaking excellence. Instead, he focussed his attention on how he could make a product that could survive the rigours of real life.

Rolex was originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis

Rolex was originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis

For divers, he developed water-resistance, for pilots he developed a twin time-zone display, for scientists, anti-magnetic capabilities. The watches themselves, they were crude, simplistic, the solutions basic and their operation unremarkable—but they worked. They did the job, and they did it well. Wilsdorf undercut everyone else with his basic instruments and that was that.

But that wasn’t that, because long after Wilsdorf had passed, so too did the industry he had worked so hard to be heard in. As Swiss watch companies, once strong and mighty, crumbled to the ground, Rolex experienced something different: a resurgence. This was a brand that had never tried to be anything more than a tool for a job, no flash or fancy about it—and there was appeal in that. It was cool, it was casual, the furthest thing from try-hard imaginable, and people went crazy for it.

Here’s where things start to get a bit weird. Through the eighties, the popularity of Rolex began to evolve into something different, something new: it became a status symbol, a badge of cool, and that turned everything about the brand on its head. People wanted these basic tool watches in gold, with diamonds, hanging loosely from their wrists as they motored along in their Sunseekers.

What was Rolex to do? If people wanted Rolex but in luxury form, it could risk losing everything by staying as it was—but then it could do just the same by pursuing that goal as well. It was a stalemate, and eventually the pressure became too much. Rolex cracked, and what emerged was this: the Yacht-Master.

While originally founded in London, Rolex watches are now made in Geneva, Switzerland

While originally founded in London, Rolex watches are now made in Geneva, Switzerland

Rolex is often criticised for being very slow with its developmental process, and perhaps the Yacht-Master will help you understand why this approach is necessary. The Yacht-Master, announced in 1992 in gold, naturally, bombed, and bombed hard. Silly Rolex! People liked the rugged versatility of a Rolex, but in gold with diamonds, not some shiny, over-polished rehash of the Submariner! Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.

There were many avenues explored to address this monstrous mis-decision, changing colours, materials, and even complications to try and find a home for the sore thumb that was the Yacht-Master. But, alongside the Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, it just looked, well, a bit silly. Take this 16622, first seen in 1997. A platinum bezel combined with a platinum dial makes for a very impractical piece of equipment, difficult to read, dazzling in the sun and expensive to dent. Straight to the “no” pile, thank you very much.

But the tables turned again in 2015 when Rolex doubled down on its twenty-three-year-old bet and brought the Yacht-Master back with a bang. In rose gold and with a new hat, I mean, rubber strap, it finally came of age. The audience was just right, the time was just right, and all of a sudden you couldn’t find a rose gold Yacht-Master for love nor money. Mainly money.

What that’s done is relegated the early 16622 watch into a little corner of the Rolex world very few people think to look. It’s the reject bin, where the offcuts and misshapen goods rot in peace. It’s stuck between worlds, neither one thing nor the other, the middle child that didn’t either end up on drugs or go to Harvard. It’s doing ok, quiet and forgotten. Here’s where we find our bargain.

A Rolex Yacht-Master can cost anywhere between five and thirty thousand pounds. The price is dependent on the generation, condition, availability and material used to make the watch

A Rolex Yacht-Master can cost anywhere between five and thirty thousand pounds. The price is dependent on the generation, condition, availability and material used to make the watch

You look at any other steel sports Rolex and you’ll find the same thing: you can’t get one new, and supply and demand have forced the secondary market into appreciation. Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer all want RRP or more. But not the Yacht-Master 16622. A new steel and platinum Yacht-Master is getting on for £10,000 new, with the updated blue and rhodium dials, but not the old faithful 16622. That you can have for closer to £7,000, less if you look hard.

And post 2015, you know what? The 16622 is actually a very handsome watch. The sparkling platinum dial, designed to mirror the sun catching on the waves of the ocean, is a level of detail never previously seen before in a Rolex watch. The polished edges, curved and soft, are more luxurious. The red seconds hand is the Maraschino cherry in a cool Casino. It just needed a quarter-century to be appreciated.

It may not be the latest and greatest, but the appeal of Rolex never should have been that in the first place. It’s about honouring passion, celebrating ingenuity and all in a cool, effortless way. The Yacht-Master was no less an industrial revolution than any other Rolex sports watch before it—only this time the industry was luxury.

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IMAGES

  1. Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Rolex Watch Review

    yacht master 16622 review

  2. Rolex Yacht-Master Review (Ref: 16622)

    yacht master 16622 review

  3. Owner review: Rolex Yacht Master 16622

    yacht master 16622 review

  4. Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Platinum Dial

    yacht master 16622 review

  5. Rolex Yacht Master (16622) Review

    yacht master 16622 review

  6. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master Blue Dial in Rolesium (Ref. 16622

    yacht master 16622 review

VIDEO

  1. Remarkable Yachts ordered 2016-2018

  2. Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

  3. Yacht-Master 126621

  4. Yacht-Master 226659

  5. Rolex Yacht Master Ref. 16622

  6. 第34集 Rolex Yacht Master 16622

COMMENTS

  1. Owner review: Rolex Yacht Master 16622

    The Review Rolex Yacht Master 16622 85 % Score. Buy this watch Review your watch. PROS. One of the cheapest and best value Rolex sports models out there, or less than a new Submariner or the Submariner of its time, the yacht master is a great deal, especially if you want your first expensive piece. For collectors, this would fit collections ...

  2. Why I Bought The Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 (Again)

    I bought my Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 in 2007, a pre-owned model from 2004. In my collection were already a GMT-Master II, Sea-Dweller, and Datejust, so I thought the Yacht-Master would be something different. It was a bit of a weird choice and was, back then, regarded as a bit of an unloved watch by collectors.

  3. Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

    The Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 has a 40mm case, the dial is made of 950 platinum. Hour markers are dots, with batons at the 6 and 9 hour marks and a triangle at the 12 O'clock location. The 3 O'clock position has a date aperture with cyclops for easy reading. The Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 bezel is also 950 platinum, sand-blasted, with polished ...

  4. Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

    Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622. Once upon a time before the world went crazy, ... GMT-Master, Explorer all want RRP or more. But not the Yacht-Master 16622. A new steel and platinum Yacht-Master is getting on for £10,000 new, with the updated blue and rhodium dials, but not the old faithful 16622. That you can have for closer to £7,000 ...

  5. WATCH REVIEW Rolex Yacht-Master 40 mm 16622

    Rolex Yacht-Master 40 mm 16622. Ref.: 16622. $8,255.00 US retail price September 13th, 2010. Pros. an untypical Rolex! a fluid, delicate and light line around the wrist. a multitasking use. Cons. a less good readability than on the sports models.

  6. 【F】 Wearing The Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

    Origins of the Rolex Yacht-Master 16622. The first Yacht-Master looks like the epitome of 1990s style. The 40mm yellow gold watch (reference 16628) was just as brash, bold, and flashy as the printed silk Versace shirts of the era. With its white dial and Daytona-like case, the Yacht-Master was also way more svelte and smooth than the more ...

  7. Rolex Yacht-Master Watch Review

    This Rolex Yacht-Master review assesses both the history of the Yacht-Master as well as its signature design. Learn more in this Yacht-Master review from Crown & Caliber. Call Now: 1 (888) 807-0325 ... These included the 40mm Reference 16622, 35mm Reference 168622, and the 29mm Reference 169622.

  8. Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Rolex Watch Review

    Contact [email protected] for pricing and availability; Either I have it, or I can get it!Shop all Rolex watches: https://bit.ly/2uUNJD9SKU: 4339081 The...

  9. All Aboard with the Rolesium Yacht-Master

    The Yacht-Master ref. 168622, the midsized 35mm model, perfect for both men and women and it is still part of the brand's current collection. The 29mm ladies' version has been discontinued, while the 40mm ref. 16622 has been replaced with the newer Yacht-Master ref. 116622. The beauty of the midsize option, however, is that it is well ...

  10. Review of Rolex Yacht-Master ref.16622

    The movement of 16622 is the COSC-certified Rolex caliber 3135. It was first introduced in 1988 and became Rolex's main movement and it was used in many models. Experts agree that it is one of the most reliable automatic movements ever made. It's a high beat movement that oscillates at 28.800 bph. Advertisement.

  11. Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Luxury Watch Review

    Watchuwant is now WatchBox! Subscribe for the best luxury watch content.In many ways, the 1992 Rolex Yacht-Master represented the first of the modern Rolex l...

  12. Rolex Yacht-Master (16622) Review

    Rich from http://www.grayandsons.com reviews the Rolex Yacht-Master in stainless steel with a platinum rotating bezel. Gray & Sons Jewelers specializes in bu...

  13. The Watch Of The Open Seas: History Of The Rolex Yacht-Master

    The new platinum Yacht-Master ref. 16622 was not only more accessible than the previous all-gold varieties, it was also more versatile. This would lead the 16622 variety to become the face of the Yacht-Master line. ... Review Of Rolex's Longest Running Watch Model; Rolex Watches That Could Become The Investment Of A Lifetime;

  14. Rolex Yacht Master (16622) Review

    SALE $11,990. ARTICLE DATE 01/10/2015. The Yacht-Master was not the first of Rolex's watches to be designed with sea adventurers in mind. However, rather than focusing on the usability of the watch as a tool, as they did with the Submariner, Rolex seems to have set out to create a tool for boating, while focusing on the luxury and aesthetic ...

  15. Owner Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622

    My particular Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622 being Roleisum (Rolex's term for the combination of Platinum and Steel which was first introduced in 1999 with the ref. 16622), in combination with the blue sunburst dial and red accents, gives it such a unique aesthetic it sets it apart in Rolex's catalog. Rolex I think perfected their blue dials ...

  16. Is The Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 126622 Officially Cool Now?

    Rolex Yacht-Master Ref 16622. Things started getting a little more interesting for the Yacht-Master collection in 1999. That's when Rolex unveiled the steel Ref 16622. I say steel but the technical name (at least the one Rolex invented) is Rolesium. This signifies - in Rolex speak - that the case combines both steel and platinum.

  17. Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Men's Watch 16622

    The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 16622 is a luxurious timepiece crafted from the finest materials. It features a stunning Rhodium Grey dial with dot and index hour markers, as well as a date display at 3 o'clock. The 40mm stainless steel case is complemented by the platinum bezel, while the Oyster Bracelet and deployment buckle provide a comfortable ...

  18. Rolex Yacht-Master 40 16622

    Serviced Nov 2022 Yacht-Master Ref: 16622 40mm 2007 Box & Papers $ 12,728 + $111 for shipping. UK. Rolex Yacht-Master 40. Ref.16622 - Rolesium Dial - Year 2002 $ 12,057 + $223 for shipping. IT. Rolex Yacht-Master 40. 40mm Silver Dial Steel FULL SET 2004 $ 9,478 + $99 for shipping. NL. Promoted. Rolex Yacht-Master 40. 16622

  19. Maxi-Open Mangusta Yachts presented at Boat Shows in Palm Beach and

    Two important events saw the Mangusta Maxi Open by the prominent Italian builder Overmarine again protagonist on the nautical scene: Marine Max exclusive partner for the United States attended the Palm Beach Boat Show, running from March 22 to 25 with the spectacular motor yacht Mangusta 92 and the Mangusta 130 superyacht on display.Burevestnik Group, on the other hand, was the star of the ...

  20. THE MOSCOW CLUB by Joseph Finder

    Everything you always knew about the Soviet Union is wrong. Lenin was poisoned by Stalin's order; before he died he drafted a letter condemning the USSR as proof of communism's failure; and the obligatory KGB head who now wants to depose Gorbachev is a mole placed years before by a group of CIA adventurers—in this overblown, entertaining first novel by Kremlin-watcher Finder (Red Carpet, 1983).

  21. Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

    Review: Rolex Yacht-Master 16622. Once upon a time before the world went crazy, ... GMT-Master, Explorer all want RRP or more. But not the Yacht-Master 16622. A new steel and platinum Yacht-Master is getting on for £10,000 new, with the updated blue and rhodium dials, but not the old faithful 16622. That you can have for closer to £7,000 ...

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    Pekin. Unclaimed. Review. Save. Share. 17 reviews #12 of 28 Restaurants in Elektrostal $$ - $$$ Asian. Lenina Ave., 40/8, Elektrostal 144005 Russia +7 495 120-35-45 Website + Add hours Improve this listing. See all (5) Enhance this page - Upload photos!

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    Get directions to Yuzhny prospekt, 6к1 and view details like the building's postal code, description, photos, and reviews on each business in the building