Nicolas (amanico) presents his Rolex Yacht-Master reference 16622, categorizing it as an 'Un-Rolex' due to its distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from more conventional models. This article delves into why this particular reference, with its unique blend of sportiness and luxury, continues to captivate collectors and spark discussion within the WatchProSite community.
After the Milgauss 116400G, the Air King 116900, here my third Un-Rolex " Rolex, I mean in the moderns. As for the vintage, I will have to think a bit about that.
The Yacht-Master is the epitome of the " Submariner Chic ".
I love its density and its cold look. And these small touches of Red!
Best,
Nicolas
About the Rolex Rolex 16622 Ref. 16622
Rolex Reference 16622
The Rolex 16622 represents a distinctive configuration within the brand's lineup, featuring a steel case paired with platinum elements. Produced from 1999 to 2012, this reference combines mixed precious metals in a 40mm case format with 100-meter water resistance.
The 40mm steel case houses the automatic Caliber 3135 movement, providing 48 hours of power reserve. Notable specifications include a bidirectional rotating platinum bezel, rhodium dial, and sapphire crystal. The watch is completed with a platinum Oyster bracelet, creating a two-tone precious metal construction.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking mixed-metal Rolex pieces from the early 2000s production era. The combination of steel case construction with platinum bezel and bracelet elements positions the 16622 as a distinctive option for those interested in Rolex's use of contrasting precious metals during its 13-year production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 3135
- Case
- steel
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Dial
- rhodium
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
About the Rolex Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400
The Rolex Milgauss reference 116400 is notable for its resistance to magnetic fields, a characteristic that distinguishes it within the Oyster Perpetual line. This particular reference, introduced in 2007, marked a return for the Milgauss model after a hiatus, reintroducing a watch designed for professionals working in environments with strong magnetic interference. It is recognized for its clean aesthetic and technical purpose, appealing to those who value both form and function in a tool watch.
This model features a 40mm Oyster case crafted from 904L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance. It houses the Rolex Caliber 3131, an automatic movement equipped with a Parachrom hairspring and a paramagnetic escape wheel, contributing to its anti-magnetic properties. The watch is fitted with a smooth stainless steel bezel and a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and legibility. It offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The 116400 is a significant reference for collectors interested in Rolex's technical innovations and its history of producing specialized watches. It was available with a black dial and a distinctive orange lightning bolt seconds hand, a design cue from earlier Milgauss models. This reference represents a period of renewed focus on the Milgauss line, preceding the introduction of the green sapphire crystal variant, and is appreciated for its straightforward execution and engineering.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 3131
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Dial
- black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Rolex Rolex 116900 Ref. 116900
The Rolex Air-King reference 116900, introduced in 2016, represents a distinct departure from previous Air-King models, adopting a more robust and visually striking aesthetic. This reference integrates design elements reminiscent of Rolex's professional instrument watches, particularly with its unique dial layout that features prominent minute markers alongside the traditional hour markers. It stands out within the Oyster Perpetual collection for its specific design language and technical specifications, offering a contemporary interpretation of a long-standing model line.
This reference features a 40mm Oyster case crafted from Oystersteel, a proprietary stainless steel alloy known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The case is fitted with a fixed smooth bezel and a screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance to 100 meters. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 3131, a COSC-certified chronometer movement equipped with a Parachrom hairspring for enhanced shock resistance and magnetic field protection, providing a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial.
The Air-King 116900 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Rolex with a distinctive character. Its unique dial, featuring a combination of large Arabic numerals for the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions and prominent minute markers for the remaining hours, sets it apart from other Rolex sports models. The green Rolex logo and seconds hand, along with the yellow coronet, add subtle color accents. This reference was produced until 2022, making it a relatively recent yet discontinued model within the brand's history.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 3131
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Dial
- black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire