Rolex Yacht-Master "Rolesium" 16622 automatic 40 mm 2009

The story

Rolex rarely introduces new models to its collections, so when the brand with the crown presented its brand-new Yacht-Master in its professional range in 1992, collectors wondered! This first model, reference 16228, is Rolex's youngest and flashiest! It's a "light diver" entirely in yellow gold, which according to rumor (if you want to believe it), was supposed to replace the Submariner. of course, that didn't happen!

This Yacht-Master then shared many design elements with its Submariner contemporaries, so much so that some enthusiasts criticized it for being nothing more than a color variant with diminished water-resistance! In many ways, this statement is quite accurate, as its overall design and movement are shared with those of the "Sub". However, the Yacht-Master features a number of minor variations, including softer shoulders, an Oyster bracelet with polished center links and a bidirectional rotating bezel with raised markings that subtly distinguish it.

As is Rolex's wont, we've seen progressive updates to the Yacht-Master's stylistic language. Indeed, in 1994, the brand introduced two references with diminished diameters: a 29mm ladies' model and a 35mm medium model.

But in 1999, Rolex impressed with an evolution of the Yacht-Master with an extravagant blend of steel and platinum! This new Yacht-Master, presented under reference 16622, was then known as the "Rolesium", a creation specially designed for the Yacht Master. While the case and bracelet are made of robust Oystersteel, the bezel and dial are in platinum. The watch was an international success

Let's get to know each other

On the wrist, this Yacht-Master is surprising! Those who have never tried this model will be surprised by its weight, heavier than a Submariner even though they share the same 40mm-diameter 904L steel case! This difference and substantial feel, quite different from other Rolex watches, is due to its "massive" bracelet, platinum dial and bezel.
For the record, this reference is the only one to feature a platinum dial, as current Yacht-Masters no longer do.

This dial is just sublime! It features a "Maxi" configuration, with a date aperture featuring a "cyclops" magnifying glass, large "Mercedes" hands and white gold hour markers, as well as the Yacht-Master collection's signature color accents, red. What's more, it features a unique "grained" finish, playing with the light.

As for the bracelet and clasp, they are similar to those used on the 5-digit GMT-Master II, Explorer and Explorer II. The only difference is that the Yacht-Master's central links are polished and solid.

Inside, the 16622 is powered by the now mythical Rolex caliber 3135, an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve, an incredibly reliable, chronometer-quality movement widely used by the brand.

The package

This Yacht-Master is in very good condition! It will be delivered with its original case as well as its 2009 warranty. This model has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex-approved watchmaker and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty. A free engraving (case back) is available on request.