The Rolex Yachtmaster

[Tools]

Yachtmaster Reference Numbers:
. Stainless Steel/Platinum... 16622
. Stainless Steel/Gold ....... 16623
. Solid Gold ..................... 16628

Date of production:
. 1992 - present, Mens models
. 1994 - present, Ladies and 35mm models

Movement:
. 3135
. 2235 - 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

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr1.jpg

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.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr2.jpg

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.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr3.jpg

The crown guards are more rounded and broader acrosss the top than the Sub.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr4.jpg

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.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr5.jpg

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:
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr6.jpg

The bezel and matching insert are made of platinum with raised and polished numbers and index marks:
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr7.jpg

Solid endlinks, a polished case, and polished center links make for a stunning combination:
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr8.jpg

The bracelet has been upgraded to the solid link model adding to the feel of this substantial time-piece.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr9.jpg

The clasp too has been re-designed, moving the raised crown to the flip-lock rather than on the main clasp.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr10.jpg

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:
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr11.jpg

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.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr12.jpg

The maxi-dial does an excellent job of providing that nighttime lume that is the complaint of the smaller indices.
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/ymr13.jpg

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:
http://www.watchwallpapers.com/3135r.jpg

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..
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa67/LD_album/Uniques/ymrwp.jpg


Photographs:

Links:

Sub VS blinged Sub! (http://www.watchwallpapers.com/yos.htm)

[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). (http://www.watchwallpapers.com/plat.htm)

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:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Wiseled/0966_3.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/Wiseled/is.jpg
(Source unknown; pics from my Photobucket).

[JJ Irani]

Thanks for reviving those amazing pics, Larry.:thumbsup:

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

[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. :cheers:

Terry Newton

[SR3TG]

Question for you guys: does it matter that the Yacht-Master has the 3135 movt vs. the newer watches with the 3136 with Parachrom Bleu? I like the way the watch looks but it doesn't seem like the Yacht-Masters have been a popular series in the Rolex lineup for a long time.

[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]

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]

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]

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.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/JJIrani/008-1.jpg

[Jack Wayne]

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

[Jack Wayne]

Mine is Z08xxxx

[JJ Irani]

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

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 :thumbsup:

[Jack Wayne]

Tks again JJ! U r really great! ;)

[Tony-GB]

Perfect review & pics. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:

[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
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/njman/PICT0257.jpg

[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]

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!!!


:cheers:

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!:thumbsup:

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

[Lion]

Gentleman thanx for the information on a really fine watch and a perfect addition to anyones wrist!!!

[Perpetuator]

Do the 40mm and 35mm Yachtmasters use the same bracelets (are they interchangeable)? Or are the bracelets different widths? I am mainly wondering if the clasps in particular are the same size.

[hflee55]

great review as always.

[slc1310]

great

[Desperado]

very good review...thx

[He Man]

excellent review.

[Abdon]

Awesome review!!! Man, now I'm thinking about getting the YM instead of the GMT IIc....

[marselluswallace]

Ive owned Yachtmasters for the last 12 years.First of all I bought a mid sized bi-metal in 1997 then upgraded to a full sized yellow gold model in 1999.
I still love my full sized yellow gold as much as the day I bought it,and it would be the last of my posessions I would sell if I were ever hard up.

[mbrinitzer]

I love the look of the YM. Hopefully my next Rolex! Don't seem to see that many on the TRF......are they not that popular?:thumbsup:

[hotfire]

Does all YM model come with the Fliplock type?
Will they change to something more simple, such as AirKing 114200 type - One clip to open.

[dddrees]

Just put a yachtmatser SS Platnum on layaway.

Heck of a nice watch.

[Sparcky]

Just to inform you that the YM 2010 (new serial) has a smoother dial....
http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/6811/closen.jpg

[JJ Irani]

Nice macro...............but how come the dial is looking so smooth? :thinking:

Obviously, it's still made of 950 grade Platinum which should give that rough, blasted look.

JJ

[Sparcky]

It has now almost the same smoothness as the background of the bezel.
(it went from a thousand stars to a million ;) )
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7255/starsbw.jpg

[Puffy]

:thinking:

[JJ Irani]

:thinking:

Yes, me too, buddy...............this is what the dial should look like - Platinum blasted!!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/JJIrani/010-3.jpg

[Sparcky]

I had YM "V4xxxxx" and my new "random" around my wrist last week and I remarked directly the difference.
Its like "sandpaper" where it went from extra fine to super fine.
(it's not completely smooth, see my second picture with flash.)

[nuyou]

Can someone tell me does the platinum bezel only rotate one way or can you move it in either direction,thanks.

[EPS3]

:thumbsup:

[jnkay]

I've seen side-by-side variation in the texture and sparkle of the dials, but....

[ronin4k]

Great rundown on the Yachtmaster 40mm in Steel and Platinum. I am interested in buying one so your examination of the watch is very helpful. Thanks !

[javentura]

I was actually looking for a Sub but the AD doesn't have one. The AD only has the Deepsea and the YM. I tried both and the YM smiled back at me so I chose the YM. Then I learned about Panerai. I love its unique style. Now I wear my Panerai all the time. If anyone wants to buy my YM, pm me. My next watch will be a Bell and Ross 126 Heritage.

[geronimo509]

This maybe stupid, but I tried searching and I couldn't find anything. Can the YM be had with a different color dial?

[sakuraba]

This maybe stupid, but I tried searching and I couldn't find anything. Can the YM be had with a different color dial?

I've seen them in platinum, blue, white with onyx indices, MOP, and YG. :thumbsup:

[geronimo509]

I've seen them in platinum, blue, white with onyx indices, MOP, and YG. :thumbsup:

Thanks

[pradeep]

Jocke.. you photography is excellent.. thanks

[welem]

Damn this review! Just kidding, it is a fine review with excellent pics

It makes my itch for a YM even worse and if I scratch that itch, the wife is going to kill me, what to do??

[4u2buy89]

Could any one help me? i purchased a SS with platinum bezel yacht master for my partner but for some bizzare reason she prefers to wear her oyster date...strange i know! so i want to sell the yacht master but everry shop i go to seem to think its a casio with the prices there offering,any one know where i could sell this watch? i am in the uk and i know this is mainly a us website but you guys just seem toknow every thing so thought id ask.
thanks Andy

[snowbird]

Great pictures and info in this thread.

Does anyone know how many links there are in the ladies size (29mm) YM bracelet?

[Roxas]

Great picture Sparcky. Thanks.

[deltanut]

Love my YM, the look, the feel, everything bout it!

[rxonmymind]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[JJ Irani]

This maybe stupid, but I tried searching and I couldn't find anything. Can the YM be had with a different color dial?

In the Platinum version that's the only colour you're going to ever get - Platinum!!

In the TT version, you can opt for white, blue, champagne and slate grey.

JJ

[Siddhartha Roy]

Awesome pics. Loved the review. More because of my recently acquired YM in SSYG white MOP dial with rubies. YM is a must have for Rolex lovers.

Siddhartha Roy

[Siddhartha Roy]

Damn this review! Just kidding, it is a fine review with excellent pics

It makes my itch for a YM even worse and if I scratch that itch, the wife is going to kill me, what to do??

Hi, I have mentioned earlier taht YM is a must have for all Rolex lovers. So scratch that itch of yours while the wife is not looking. Anyway, just go for it even at the risk of being killed. YM is certainly a watch to die for. Good luck.

Siddhartha Roy

[kormaking]

Does anyone notice some YM has extra space in the "swiss made" writing on the dial? I mean between the word SWISS and MADE.

[JJL]

Does anyone notice some YM has extra space in the "swiss made" writing on the dial? I mean between the word SWISS and MADE.

Yes I am just noticing that also. Why do some YachtMasters have more/less space than others? Is it a newer vs older model?

For example:

"Swiss_Made"
vs
"Swiss_____Made"

Help?

[kormaking]

You can see mine says: swiss_ . _made
Anyone?

[JJL]

You can see mine says: swiss_ . _made
Anyone?

Yes this is what mine looks like as well. I'm surprised a lot of the experts don't have more to say about it.

I posted something about this on the general board since it gets more viewers but only got a response from "Tools" (who is the one that actually did this review).

He said it could simply be a different printer since they have to change them often to keep the print on the dials sharp and clear. It still seems like a fairly significant difference though and knowing how into detail a lot of these watch experts are, I'm surprised it's not more talked about. Is it just the Yacht-Master or do the others have this same issue (like subs, gmts, etc..)?

Input appreciated!

[kormaking]

Mine is K serial. What's yours?

[Tunacan26]

Here is a M serial....Received by AD in August 2010. Does this help?

Oh yeah, it's for sale....:banghead:

[JJL]

Here is a M serial....Received by AD in August 2010. Does this help?

Oh yeah, it's for sale....:banghead:

Is that 35mm? You SWISS MADE is close unlike ours. Mine is an F

[kormaking]

Is that 35mm? You SWISS MADE is close unlike ours. Mine is an F

Could F be the last YM with swiss_._made dial? All YM with D,M and Z serial that I've seen are close.

[Tunacan26]

Is that 35mm? You SWISS MADE is close unlike ours. Mine is an F

Nope, Ladies, 29mm.

[JJL]

Could F be the last YM with swiss_._made dial? All YM with D,M and Z serial that I've seen are close.

That could definitely be possible, but I was hoping that some experts would chime in with the definite explanation. Feel free to help us out gurus! :)

[sea-dweller]

Nice review !

[L-16610]

look at the listprice and the price for a used one
It is without doubt the most under appreciated sportsrolex

[codester]

For what it's worth I have a V and "Swiss Made" is close.

[solesik]

I have a M and (SWISS MADE) is far apart.

[codester]

I should say it's like this--"Swiss_._Made" I think that's far apart but I'm new at this.

[kormaking]

I should say it's like this--"Swiss_._Made" I think that's far apart but I'm new at this.

You can compare my pic and Tunacan.

[codester]

You can compare my pic and Tunacan.

Looks just like your pic kormaking

[kormaking]

Apparently it's not just the "swiss made" writings that has variation, the red yachtmaster font also came with either bold or thinner font. A gentleman in the other forum just made me notice it. Thought of sharing this as a fellow YM owner :cheers:

[richierich37]

great wee thread and write up on the YM!
i have had mine for almost 4 years now and am still enjoying it!
only problem i have is the crown adjuster doesn't click/stop at the date setting zone!
a tad annoying and one day i will pop it in to the store to be fixed.
i know nothing about watches/rolex's so please excuse my poor terminology and any questions i ask!!!!!
my YM serial no. doesn't match any that the OP put up.............why is this?
my no. is 78750 what does this tell me?
TIA

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/richierichie37/DSC09466.jpg

[SpeedDman1]

I had a friend ask me about this... Have any yachtmasters ever come with diamond-dials? Or are all these yachtmaster diamond-dials that I see after-market modifications? I was under the impression that none ever came with diamonds on the face.

Thanks in advance.

[Puffy]

Here are a few pics of my K serial YM, note the fatter YM font - believe post D dials now have the thinner font :cheers:

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x473/puffy2/YM/6YM1.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x473/puffy2/YM/DSC_1519.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x473/puffy2/YM/DSC_1517.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x473/puffy2/YM/DSC_1501.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x473/puffy2/YM/DSC_1457.jpg

[Gaijin]

Just picked up a 35mm for my girl from DavidSW.

She will be thrilled. :clap: She caught the Rolex bug hard when she tied the YM on at an AD here.

Should be here in a few days and I will take pics and start a thread.

[santiagoe]

the bracelet of ym platinum its all steel or plat and steel?

[dddrees]

the bracelet of ym platinum its all steel or plat and steel?

The SS/PT version is all steel. The TT version is steel and gold, nothing diffrent from amy other Rolex other than the clasp on the YM has yet to receive the latest upgrade that most of the others have recieved.

[dysondiver]

i have ym hands fitted to my 16613 , the fatter min hand really balances things up , in my eyes . had to fit a full set of hands for the lumes to match .
i read somewhere its the thinner case back that makes the different water proof rating.

[djprice35]

Nice pics. You were really able to bring the reds out

[santiagoe]

ah!!!!!

[MCLady]

SUPER Review!!!

Does the "rolexrolexrolex" in the bezel come only in the 40mm? Or does it also come in the 35mm and 29mm?

Thanks in advance!

[RolexPete]

I have one of these on its way. Cannot wait!

[SWIMPRUF]

Great read.

[Coldcuts113]

Great read.:thumbsup::thumbsup: