Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 16622 Review
Review

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 16622 Review

By Jocke - Bad Santa · Feb 5, 2013 · 21 replies
Jocke - Bad Santa
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Jocke's detailed exploration of the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 16622 offers a comprehensive look at what makes this model distinct within the Rolex lineup. His post highlights unique design elements and material choices, providing valuable insights for both new and seasoned collectors. This article serves as an excellent reference for understanding the specific characteristics that set the Yacht-Master apart.

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ROLEX YACHT-MASTER REF 16622

 

The reference 16622 YachtMaster is made in SS and Platinum is just a little different and a unique Rolex watch.

 

It looks a little different than a diver watch and it´s a little big to call dress watch. In my opinion you can use it to both.

 

 It have the TripLock crown who is good enough down to 1220 meters but because the

YachtMaster is not a diver watch it´s only rated to 100 meters. The TripLock crown

 get a nicer balance and it´s easier to handle than the TvinLock crown when the watch

have crown guards.

 

The crown guards have a more rounded shape than the Submariner.

 

 YachtMaster was the first Rolex with the big index´s, later called MaxiDial at the Submariner

with green bezel insert. The dial is made of Platinum and the YachtMaster is written in red.

YachtMaster even have a little bigger hands than the other Rolex´s except the Submariner

with MaxiDial. The red second hand just stand out in a nice way.

 

The bezel and the insert is made in Platinum with raised mirror polished numbers.

YachtMaster have SEL (solid end links) and the center links are mirror polished.

 

The center links are solid and not hollow like they use to be, so that means the bracelet

now are just so good as a Invicta bracelet. LOL

 

The clasp is a little different too, the raised crown is at the secure lock and not at the clasp like it use to be.

 

The YachtMaster even have a unique case with a more curved lugs than the other Rolex case.

In my opinion this looks really nice and give the case a better balance.

 

The backside of the lugs looks different too, notice the end of the lug.

 

The SuperLuminova do a great work as it use to do.

 

Inside the watch it looks just like it use to do, cal 3135 not looks like a Patek but it will serve you for many years.

 

This watch is awesome in my opinion and it looks better in the real world because it´s hard to get it justice with a camera.

 

Now it´s time to put a Daytona clasp to my Yacht-Master.

Here is the parts.

 

And the extra micro adjustment link.

 

Mmmm nice.

 

Ok we open it up and take a look.

 

The solid part who don´t looks like a regular clasp.

 

And the extra springbar who secure the extra lock.

 

 

Ok I have to pull off the orginal clasp at the Yacht-Master so we can compare then

side by side.

 

 

 

 

 

Then I have to put it on and I have to pull off a link at the bracelet and put it at the

other side to get the clasp in the center of the bracelet. From the start the removable

links at the bracelet only is at one side. Here is the result.

 

 

The secure lock feels real smooth and it looks real nice and clean when it´s closed.

 

Platinum or not?

 

There have been a lot of discussions about the SS/Platinum YACHT-MASTER

if some of the parts is solid Platinum or not. Then I decide to get a little

deeper at this topic and try to clear things out.

 

Here is what I got at the table.

 

 

So now it´s just to pull off the bezel.

 

 

This was a tricky one.

 

 

But hard work will win.

 

 

So we take a close look at the bezel and it should be 2 pieces.

 

 

Here is the backside.

 

 

Closer.

 

 

Closer.

 

 

And even closer.

 

 

I talk to a guy at Rolex Geneva at the phone and he told me the bezel is

made in 2 pieces but only Rolex can separate them with a special machine

when they refresh the bezel. The outer bezel is mirror polished and the

insert is blasted with polished numbers and sticks. Both parts are made

in solid Platinum but I can´t find a hallmark. Maybe it´s one the inserts

backside but that will I not try to check, it´s just a guess.

 

 

Here I weight the complete bezel and it says 10 grams.

 

 

And a Submariner bezel in SS says 4 grams.

 

 

And both says 14 grams.

 

 

Now we have to get inside the watch and made some more observations.

 

 

Caliber 3135 just as it should be.

 

 

So we get a little closer.

 

 

Ans pull off the hands.

 

 

No hallmars here either some says it´s Platinum but I will say white gold.

And I will say it´s whithe gold at the index surrounds at the dial too, but

I can be wrong with that.

 

 

So we pull off the dial too.

 

 

And the backcase says ROLEX 2 and PT 950

 

 

The guy at Rolex says the dial have only a Platinum surface but I will

say that is not correct. The dial is made in solid Platinum in my opinion.

If I should guess so have the guy mixed things up here and maybe he

 have thinking of rhodium instead of rolesium. Rolex watches with

a rhodium dial is not a solid dial, it´s only a rhodium surface.

 

At the next project we start to pull off the backcase at the Yachtmaster.

Then we start to do some serious work.

Out with the heart.

And next step is to pull out a new one. Parachrome, me like.

There we go with the balance at the balance bridge.

It looks ok to me.

After a perfect adjustment it's spot on.

So I have to pull out a glassback so I can enjoy the movement.

And finally we start to pull off the bracelet.

Then the backcase

After that so will the crown and the rotor go off

There we go.

Now we will pull off the hands.

The old fashion way.

There we go.

Then the dial.

And what did we found.

Some new parts, he are very careful, he even use the loupe when he open the envelop. LOL

Me like.

I guess this will be very nice.

Or what?

Back with the dial.

And the hands.

Line up perfect.

And the final result.


This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-02-07 15:34:36 This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-02-10 02:11:14

About the Rolex Bubble Back Ref. 3135

The Rolex Yacht-Master reference 126655 is a contemporary expression within the brand's nautical-inspired sports watch collection. Positioned as a luxury sports timepiece, it combines robust construction with refined aesthetics, distinguishing itself from the more utilitarian professional models. This reference is notable for its use of Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary pink gold alloy, paired with a matte black ceramic bezel and a matching matte black dial.

This 40mm model is equipped with the self-winding caliber 3235, a chronometer-certified movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, offering enhanced precision and resistance to shocks and temperature variations. The case is crafted from Everose gold, complemented by a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised 60-minute graduation. It is fitted with the innovative Oysterflex bracelet, which consists of flexible metal blades overmoulded with high-performance elastomer, secured by an Oysterlock safety clasp with the Glidelock extension system.

The 126655 holds relevance for collectors seeking a Rolex sports watch that balances functionality with a distinct luxury appeal. Its combination of Everose gold, matte black elements, and the Oysterflex bracelet provides a unique aesthetic and wearing experience, setting it apart from other gold sports watches in the Rolex catalog. The inclusion of the Glidelock system on the Oysterflex further enhances its practical wearability.

Specifications

Caliber
3235
Case
Everose Gold
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Matte Black
Water Resist.
100 meters
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Feb 5, 2013
You know I am not very keen on some tuning when it comes to watches.

BUT I have to say that the red date is a gorgeous idea! In fact, it should definitely be like that, in my opinion. As for your observations on the platinum parts of the YM, thank you very much. It is said that the Pt parts are the bezel and the dial. we have an evidence for the dial, and the difference of weight suggests that it is also the case for the bezel. Brilliant post, my friend. Best, Nicolas;

FE
fernando
Feb 5, 2013
Enjoyed that. Thanks! :) [nt]

SU
Subexplorer
Feb 6, 2013
Super post! Super Photos! Great! Thank you Jocke!! [nt]

SH
sham1
Feb 7, 2013
Ultra thorough!

What a review! To the point of disecting the watch and putting it all back perfectly together! I must say this is the only Rolex I like with its combination of stainless steel and platinum and your article has reaffirmed this. Thanks again and keep up the wonderful work!

ST
SteveW
Feb 6, 2013
Thank you, great pictures. I agree about the YM...

...it's my favorite Rolex. Don't agree about the new Daytona-style clasp though. Seems a bit thick and unwieldy to me, and reduces the amount of adjustment you can make.

SA
Sandgroper
Feb 6, 2013
Fabulous Jocke, superb pictures too, as usual.....

does the new balance wheel with Parachrome improve the accuracy? I love the red date it gives the watch more dynamic, perhaps Rolex could propose different "options", either way this is a little like changing the normal tyres on your car for wider ones or adding a super chip to your engine management to get better performances I guess..... and why not! Cheers, Francois

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