Thinking of Platinum YM or Polar Exp2

[Romulux]

It's funny how some watches can just get stuck in your mind for no reason. I spent all last night searching Instagram for the Platinum 1/16622. The Rhodium grey caught my eye when it first came out but handling the 37mm version in a boutique let me down a bit. The dial is hard to read under bright boutique spotlights.

I guess the whole Platinum part got me. To a non-watch guy it would just look like steel and being the non-hot model makes it appeal more. Come to think of it I don't think I've ran into a Pt in the wild. It's monotone, plain but there's an easter egg.

In terms of not-so-hot model comes the 16570 polar. The polar has a GMT but not exactly; with the scarcity of Alum bezel GMT's the 16570 has started to fill the demand hence prices creeping up.

With both 16622 and 16570 the main drawback is the bracelet. 116622 comes with the newer bracelet but will come with added premium. From discussions here I also read that the 5 and 6 digit dials differ ever so slightly?

Another possible drawback is it might be too bling-y for daily wear. For owners, have you considered the PCL's and polished case too bling? For all the debate of PCL's in sport watches I guess I like looking at them on people's wrists. A Daytona or a GMTc looks great on them.

Just some info on my collection to see how either of the 2 might fit, my current watchbox contains a 14060M, a Reverso Grande Taille, a 36mm Tag Heuer Manual Carrera Reissue, a silver dial vintage Grand Seiko, and a vintage Omega Constellation.

[Kiddodoc]

The 16622 or 116622 are great watches. They can be used daily and look beautiful. The scratches are part of owning and using a watch. I love my YM but with the silver dial. It can dress up or down and it is good for water as well.

[Tangier11]

A resounding YES Vote for the YM

[kilyung]

Loved my YM

[SpyShops718]

You can get a YM1 40mm with platinum dial for around $5000 and if you want a 2012 and up than the price is around $8500. You can get a 2007-2011 M-serial that has the triple Rolex in the dial for around $6500. This has all the newer features with the non guide lock clasp.

[VicLeChic]

The YM, a beautiful combination of sandblasted and polished finish,.with a solid platinum dial and bezel (insert and outer bezel).

The 116622 was produced from 2012 till 2016, a short production run and prices have already started to creep up since it was discontinued. It brought the latest generation clasp with easylink, the parachrom hairspring, a butter smooth 120 clicks bi-directional bezel (a joy to operate to time things compared to a diver) and blue lume. The dial is less shimmery than its predecessor 16622 though, requires even more light to pop out.

I like the PCLs, they give a little bit of bling without overdoing it. The case is also mirror polished.

I only wish they would have polished the case between the lugs so that it looks good on regular straps.

Mine says hi!

[joli160]

I prefer the older 16622 with much coarser and sparkling dial. Great reference and a luxurious feel.
The 16622 bracelet is solid and had always solid end links but still has the old style clasp. I bought a modern DJ clasp with easy link for it and now it's perfect for me.
What is too blingy ? It's only a SS watch. Nobody cares. So leave the PCL's alone, part of the charm.

[mahefa]

I like the second time zone and overall practicality of ExpII

[mailman]

Originally Posted by joli160

I prefer the older 16622 with much coarser and sparkling dial. Great reference and a luxurious feel.
The 16622 bracelet is solid and had always solid end links but still has the old style clasp. I bought a modern DJ clasp with easy link for it and now it's perfect for me.
What is too blingy ? It's only a SS watch. Nobody cares. So leave the PCL's alone, part of the charm.

I agree joli. The older dials on the early 16622's are a thing of beauty

OP, I'm also a big fan of the 16570. Either way, you can't go wrong

[Sublovin]

16570, in my opinion, remains one of the best deals in the Rolex secondary market

[904VT]

Both great watches. I’ll add the platinum bezel is going to wear down faster, if that is a concern.

[jsukey]

Love the 16622! Been wearing it almost every day for 4 years now, and it still gets compliments! From suits to shorts, it goes with anything. I'm very active, so it definitely shows on the watch. The fact of the matter is...it's a watch. It's meant for wearing. Scratches and dings are going to happen, no matter how careful you are. Just like my Jeep...it adds character!

[Romulux]

Originally Posted by SpyShops718

You can get a YM1 40mm with platinum dial for around $5000 and if you want a 2012 and up than the price is around $8500. You can get a 2007-2011 M-serial that has the triple Rolex in the dial for around $6500. This has all the newer features with the non guide lock clasp.

There seems to be a big spread on these. Looks like an older model + a good service is the way to go.

Originally Posted by Sublovin

16570, in my opinion, remains one of the best deals in the Rolex secondary market

It is indeed, I kick myself on not getting one long ago. Although prices have crept up.

Originally Posted by 904VT

Both great watches. I’ll add the platinum bezel is going to wear down faster, if that is a concern.

Can you clarify by "wear down". Do they lose their shine? Do they chip/ding easily?

[raulpsanch12]

Go with the yacht master!!

[dr35mm]

In theory PCLs are more blingy than BCLs, but let me tell you something funny, very few people recognize the YM as a Rolex in comparison to a Sub, DJ or GMT. I consider the YM some sort of a special watch, It's like a sub but not quite, its comfortable, its versatile and attractive like a Daytona. Nothing wrong with the ExpII, most specially 16570, but IMHO, YM is on a whole different league.

[dr35mm]

Here goes the enabling photo...



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[CLTRolex]

YM is a perfect accessory for the wife!

[AK797]

I'd get the YM, plat dial and bezel are a bit special, for white dials I prefer the D500 if that is possible.

[chrito]

YM for me

[skkali168]

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[BentleyReese]

16622 for the more sparkle on the dial versus the 116622. It is an all SS watch and is actually a conservative undestated watch. And most important for me is that it is not in the wild that much ...you rarely see it. Most people are looking top down on the watch so...doesn't matter to have the easy clap newer buckle unless you need it for functionality.

[BentleyReese]

the ultimate YM would be the 116622 with the 16622 platinum beaded dial.

[watchdoc123]

I agree. Has anyone done this? If so, pics?

[RichM]

Originally Posted by BentleyReese

the ultimate YM would be the 116622 with the 16622 platinum beaded dial.

And a red date wheel.

[whizz]

16570 for me, the last rolex real tool watch

[watchwatcher]

I would go YM and spring for a 6 digit for the new bracelet.

[BentleyReese]

well to be clear...the ultimate grail YM would be the 116622 Blue sunray dial with a red date wheel!!! kinda like a YR2006+ turn-o-graph on steroids.

[BentleyReese]

next time I will go to Rolex Service Center in Beverly Hills and ask if they can do a Red Date wheel on the YM. and the cost of it. I will report back.

[Firex]

I love my YM blue dial - the bezel is just so classy. Agree with previous comments...flies under the radar and gets noticed less than my BLNR...love it. I like how the YM is a dressy sports watch since I haven't been able to bring myself to purchase a DJ yet...always something holding me back with those ones.

[Robbmill]

I absolutely love my YM Rhodium dial. I have had mine for 2 months now. It can be dressed up or down very easily. It definitely flies under the radar, but ironically, it is my only rolex that anyone has ever noticed and inquired about out in public!