The Rolex Yachtmaster

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Yachtmaster Reference Numbers:
. Stainless Steel/Platinum... 16622
. Stainless Steel/Gold ....... 16623
. Solid Gold ..................... 16628
. 35mm - 1686xx and 29mm - 1696xx

Date of production:

. 1992 – Introduction of the Yacht-Master ref. 16628 (18kt gold)
. 1994 – Midsize (35mm) 168628, and lady’s (29mm) 169628, size models in 18kt gold.
. 1999 – Introduction of the ref.16622, 168622 (35mm), 169622 (29mm) Rolesium model (stainless steel/platinum)
. 1997 – Introduction of the ref. 16623, (2000) 168623 (35mm) and 169623 (29mm) Rolesor model (stainless steel/gold)


Movement:
. 3135
. 2235 - 35mm and Ladies

Case Size:
Men's - 40mm
Mid-Size - 35mm
Ladies - 29mm

Weight:
40mm - 146 grams
35mm -
29mm -

Power Reserve:
. ~44 hours

The Rolex Yachtmaster 16622
Platinum and Stainless Steel
Photography by Jocke

The Rolex Yachtmaster is a unique watch. Born from the Submariner, perhaps with an eye to capture the Yachtsmen of the day who enjoy a fine time piece, but spends their time on deck as opposed to under the waves. The YM is a blend of the practical and sturdy Sub movement, bezel idea, and then "kicked up another level' with a solid platinum bezel and dial.


The YM is fitted with Rolex patented Triplock Crown, a piece of engineering that, despite being tested to depths of 1220 meters, is still used on this time-piece that is not a diver and only rated at a depth of 100 meters ! The Triplock does balance out the heavy bezel and the large crown guards. It also fixes an issue many have with the size and feel of the smaller Twinlock crown fitted to most other non-dive watches.


The crown guards are more rounded and broader acrosss the top than the Sub.


The Yachtmaster was first fitted with the larger gold surround indices that has become known as the maxi-dial and is now fitted only to the LV Sub. The dial is made of platinum with Yachtmaster written in red. A very striking combination.


Larger hands are also fitted to the maxi-dial which gives the entire watch better perspective and a more balanced look. The striking red hand also plays off the red lettering and platinum dial:


The bi-directional bezel (the YM is not a diver's watch) and matching insert are made of platinum with raised and polished numbers and index marks:


Solid endlinks, a polished case, and polished center links make for a stunning combination:


The bracelet has been upgraded to the solid link model adding to the feel of this substantial time-piece.


The clasp too has been re-designed, moving the raised crown to the flip-lock rather than on the main clasp.


the YM also gets a unique look to it's case. Not only is the entire case polished but the lugs have been reshaped to give a more agressive look and perhaps a better flow around the wrist. It is a very nice look and doesn't leave the impression of a flat fit, but more of a fitted and custom tailored look:


Here you can see the backside of the lug and notice that the bracelet end-pices extend out more from the case than those of the Sub.


The maxi-dial does an excellent job of providing that nighttime lume that is the complaint of the smaller indices.


At the heart of the YM is the venerable, robust, and time-tested ca. 3135 movement. This movement will mean that your YM will have many years of trouble free operatioin and give you COSC certified accuracy:


Over-all, Rolex has come up with a winner in the Yachtmaster. A combination of good looks, precious metals, and a heritage any Lord or Baron could be proud of. This is a watch that will be comfortable at a board meeting just as easily as it will be upon the boards of the finest yacht, sleekest sail-boat, or lowliest dingy..



Photographs:

Links:

Sub VS blinged Sub!