The Rolex Yachtmaster

[Tools]

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!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

The YM's come in three sizes: 29 - 35 (measured: 34,3 mm) and 40 MM.

YM's in 29 mm (Ladies) and 35 mm ("Midsize") come with the Cal. 2235 movts. (often referred to as one of the best Rolex movts. ever made). The Ladies and midsized YM's have a TWINlock winding crown unlike the men's sized YM that comes with a TRIPlock winding crown.

Like the bezel (unidirectional, btw.), the dials of the SS/PL YM's is made of Platinum 950, too. The back of the dials says "PT 950" (Source).

Like the Sub Date "LV", the dials of the YM's have "semi maxi hands" since only the MINUTE hand is maxi whereas the hour hand is standard sized. The GMT IIc's, however, have FULL Maxi Dials.

The YM's come with a solid centre link bracelet, but the clasp is still of the "bent sheet steel blades" type.

The YM's in TT with a white dial have a special kind of lume construction. The black indices don't glow, but small triangle markers - barely visisible to the naked eye in normal lighting - will glow at night:



(Source unknown; pics from my Photobucket).

[JJ Irani]

Thanks for reviving those amazing pics, Larry.

The Platty is pretty unique in the Rolex line up and is a beauty to behold. Wearing mine right now, guys!!

[Terry Newton]

Wow Larry and Bo:

Your photos are out of this world awesome. The review was excellent. If I was able to afford another Rolex the Yacht master would be it. It is a beautiful watch and the platinum one is tops in my book.

Thanks for the post, review, and wonderful pictures.

Terry Newton

[chadrh]

I am smitten by the platty. Such a clean, classy look.

[GMTII Owner]

Excellent review and fantastic pictures.

[Parachrom]

a 3135 movement same as Sea Dweller. It is rate to 100 ft. Why since it is virtually the same case, movement sealing is it not rated for more??

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Parachrom

a 3135 movement same as Sea Dweller. It is rate to 100 ft. Why since it is virtually the same case, movement sealing is it not rated for more??

Because it's not a professional diver's watch. However, it does have the same TRIPLOCK crown as the Subs and SD.

JJ

[Jack Wayne]

Hi everybody! I bought a Z series 16623 and plan to buy a 16622, just wonder what is the latest series and does come with "ROLEXROLEXROLEX" on the edge along the dial of the watch? TQVM

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Jack Wayne

Hi everybody! I bought a Z series 16623 and plan to buy a 16622, just wonder what is the latest series and does come with "ROLEXROLEXROLEX" on the edge along the dial of the watch? TQVM

Welcome to TRF, Jack.

The very latest is the V-series, but if you can pick up an M-series, you should get it with the Rolex inscription.

JJ

[Jack Wayne]

So i will able to have the ROLEX inscription starting from the M series. Tks JJ!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Jack Wayne

So i will able to have the ROLEX inscription starting from the M series. Tks JJ!

Yes, you should. My Platty is a Z-62XXXX and I have the inscribed ring.

[Jack Wayne]

How come my Z series 16623 does not have the inscribed ring??

[Jack Wayne]

Mine is Z08xxxx

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Jack Wayne

How come my Z series 16623 does not have the inscribed ring??

Originally Posted by Jack Wayne

Mine is Z08xxxx

Probably 'cause it's a very early Z-series. Some of the late Z-series started up with the inscription. I got lucky, I guess.

JJ

[Jack Wayne]

Tks again JJ! U r really great! ;)

[Tony-GB]

Perfect review & pics. Thanks for sharing.

[SirLoki]

wow never knew the YM came inscribed either, good to look out. Do you know if the women's watch comes that way too?

[wmthedirector]

perfect pictures, very nice

[Bisquitlips]

Tremendous write up Tools!!!!! Love it!

[builtforspeed]

Thanks for the great posts. Does anyone know the first year Rolex produced the Yachtmaster SS/PL, and what was the letter for the corresponding serial number? Thanks.

Cheers,

Chris

[Deep Sea]

Great info...and great pictures. I think my wife would love a 35mm YM.

[Supervisor]

Originally Posted by builtforspeed

Thanks for the great posts. Does anyone know the first year Rolex produced the Yachtmaster SS/PL, and what was the letter for the corresponding serial number? Thanks.

Cheers,

Chris

I would like to know this too. Imparticular, the midsize.

Thanks in advance.

[kingblackbolt]

One of the best watch reviews I have yet read and pics are simply oustanding! Makes we want to get one which I think is the highest compliment for a review LOL!

[smith one]

Thanks Tools! Great write up. Thanks to Space Dweller as well for his
detailed imput. Very well done guys. Kudos!!!




Smith one

[vapalux]

Tools

Fantastic write up. It tells me all I need to know. If I could afford one now I would have it. Maybe pick up a pre owned. Awesome watch!

Si

[ECOMANX]

I would like to know what camera you are using...great pics!

[miked10270]

The Ladies Yacht-Master is so beautiful -- I think it's the only ladies model with the winder shoulders?, so it's a "Submariner" for the petite.

Mike.

[build4boost]

The YM is a must have. I felt like I graduated when I bought mine.

[rzielinski]

I have a full size Yacht-Master D series
It has the steel and 18K gold bracelet
Do not be confused
The centre gold links are not solid gold links, there are hollow, only end links are solid gold
It is true the Yacht-Master is the most attractive professional model out there, for this reason it is so expensive

RZ