Yachtmaster 16622 dial variations - opinions needed

[Cloitus]

Hello, I am choosing between these two dial variations

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=357602

There are pictures in this old thread on TRF

I have not had the chance to view both of these dials together in real life (i've only seen the newer one), hence why I am asking for the members of TRF to help me out before I purchase.

Apparently the older dial is 16622 and has a more glittery and course dial with thicker red font

The newer dial on late 16622 models and the 116622 has thinner red font and more subdued dial sparkle. It still glitters but not as much

Would any members who have handled both be able to chime in, on which looks better in real life

Much appreciated in advanced

Kind regards, Cloitus

[Paul_I]

Dials aside, I would buy the 116622 for the much improved bracelet.

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by Paul_I

Dials aside, I would buy the 116622 for the much improved bracelet.

Sorry I wasn't clear, both are 16622. One is 2006 (older dial) and one is 2008 (newer dial). So i'm only asking for the opinion for the dial only

Thank you!

[DocHolliday]

Older dial for sure friend. I used to own one and had the opportunity to compare to the newer dial and the difference is night and day with the older dial being the favorite IMO. It’s an excellent piece.


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[joli160]

Actually on the 16622 there were 3 variations;

The early ones with YM in fat font and coarse dial.
(See Jocke's homepage watch wallpapers)

Later ones with YM in fine print and coarse dial.

Latest ones which came around the engraved rehaut fine print and fine blasted Pt dial.

The most beautiful one without contest imo is the early dial variation. I handled all up close and this one in sunlight shimmers like no other dial.

The 16622 was the only Rolex always delivered with solid end links and solid oyster bracelet. No rattling here. The 6 digit version has the upgraded clasp.
I bought a modern DJ clasp to get the same modern feeling whilst enjoying the older more beautiful dial.

There are some more differences between 5 and 6 digit, case geometry, thickness bezel font, protruding end links.

Looking at the market I'd go for an early 5 series and tweek it a little. New clasp and date wheel. Mine has a roulette date.
They can be bought for a steal compared

There are a lot of nay sayers to the YM because of possible scratches on the bezel, I have yet to experience that, but if it does occur given surface time can be easily rectified.

The 5 digit is the most comfortable of Rolex with its early Daytona style shaped case and as such wears a bit small.
It's a pleasure and luxurious feel to wear and to the general public it does not shout Rolex.

You can find one for the Mrs as well, only Rolex sports in ladies size, always a good excuse to buy one

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Older dial for sure friend. I used to own one and had the opportunity to compare to the newer dial and the difference is night and day with the older dial being the favorite IMO. It’s an excellent piece.


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Thank you for your feedback. Can you tell me what you specifically liked about the older dial more? Was it the stuff i mentioned?

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by joli160

Actually on the 16622 there were 3 variations;

The early ones with YM in fat font and coarse dial.
(See Jocke's homepage watch wallpapers)

Later ones with YM in fine print and coarse dial.

Latest ones which came around the engraved rehaut fine print and fine blasted Pt dial.

The most beautiful one without contest imo is the early dial variation. I handled all up close and this one in sunlight shimmers like no other dial.

The 16622 was the only Rolex always delivered with solid end links and solid oyster bracelet. No rattling here. The 6 digit version has the upgraded clasp.
I bought a modern DJ clasp to get the same modern feeling whilst enjoying the older more beautiful dial.

There are some more differences between 5 and 6 digit, case geometry, thickness bezel font, protruding end links.

Looking at the market I'd go for an early 5 series and tweek it a little. New clasp and date wheel. Mine has a roulette date.
They can be bought for a steal compared

There are a lot of nay sayers to the YM because of possible scratches on the bezel, I have yet to experience that, but if it does occur given surface time can be easily rectified.

The 5 digit is the most comfortable of Rolex with its early Daytona style shaped case and as such wears a bit small.
It's a pleasure and luxurious feel to wear and to the general public it does not shout Rolex.

You can find one for the Mrs as well, only Rolex sports in ladies size, always a good excuse to buy one

'The most beautiful one without contest imo is the early dial variation. I handled all up close and this one in sunlight shimmers like no other dial.' That's a very strong opinion there. Thank you for your feedback. Is this shimmering feminine at all?

[Cloitus]

Any more opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to the legends who have commented so far.

Kind regards, Cloitus

[Paul_I]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

Sorry I wasn't clear, both are 16622. One is 2006 (older dial) and one is 2008 (newer dial). So i'm only asking for the opinion for the dial only

Thank you!

Ahhh, okay, I like the older dial as well.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

'The most beautiful one without contest imo is the early dial variation. I handled all up close and this one in sunlight shimmers like no other dial.' That's a very strong opinion there. Thank you for your feedback. Is this shimmering feminine at all?

No, it is not like a diamond pave dial
Below pics of my coarse dial with fine print YM.

[EDL7]

Looks like snow!

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by EDL7

Looks like snow!

They are quite the pretty watch!

[Kiddodoc]

Had a Z series that I just traded for a new blue dial. My Z series had a gorgeous dial. Older is more sparkly.

[shalako]

I have owned an early 2004 YM and currently have the later less sparkly V serial with engraved rehaut. Whilst I agree that the early sparkly dial model is more beautiful in some lighting conditions the later models also look terrific as well.
I like having an engraved rehaut and of course it’s harder to find an older model in as good a condition as a newer model which might also comes into it.
I would try and find one in the best pre-owned unpolished condition as possible with the early/late model factor as a secondary consideration.

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by kiddodoc

Had a Z series that I just traded for a new blue dial. My Z series had a gorgeous dial. Older is more sparkly.

Oh wow, congrats on the trade. Did your Z serial have the more sparkly dial?
And did you prefer the sparkly dial over the newer platty dial ones?

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by shalako

I have owned an early 2004 YM and currently have the later less sparkly V serial with engraved rehaut. Whilst I agree that the early sparkly dial model is more beautiful in some lighting conditions the later models also look terrific as well.
I like having an engraved rehaut and of course it’s harder to find an older model in as good a condition as a newer model which might also comes into it.
I would try and find one in the best pre-owned unpolished condition as possible with the early/late model factor as a secondary consideration.

Thanks for your opinion, much appreciated.
Yes I completely agree, I have seen a V serial in real life a few days ago, and it was a beauty. However I have not seen the slightly more older ones with the sparkly dial.
I too like the engraved rehaut
If both were in the same condition, which variation would you go for?
Thanks again, Cloitus

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

Thank you for your feedback. Can you tell me what you specifically liked about the older dial more? Was it the stuff i mentioned?

Yes, it was basically the things you mentioned. The older dial is so much more dynamic in bright light because of the coarser grain. The newer dial, while still very nice, just doesn’t reflect light in the same way. The newer dial just looks flat in my opinion while the old dial had much more depth.




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[LuminousMaximus]

I feel that the prices on the 16622 will increase dramatically in the next months or so. cost now for an early model 16622 is like $6500

Wait a few ticks, and it will be $9500

[BigBlue1]

They are a beautiful watch. Especially when the light hits it. It especially looks nice with the Red Date Disc.I have been tempted my self every now and then.

[Jim M]

When faced with your choice I went with 16622F. No looking back as it will be a keeper in the stable.

[shalako]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

Thanks for your opinion, much appreciated.
Yes I completely agree, I have seen a V serial in real life a few days ago, and it was a beauty. However I have not seen the slightly more older ones with the sparkly dial.
I too like the engraved rehaut
If both were in the same condition, which variation would you go for?
Thanks again, Cloitus

Given that scenario I would probably still go for the later variant but I’m in the minority judging by all the other replies.

[rolexinfl]

I went with the 16622 Y-Serial (2002/3) and it's amazing. Dial is really unique.

[Cloitus]

Thank you everyone for your input, you opinions are valued. I will post next week which one I end up getting.

Kind regards, Cloitus

[Cloitus]

https://ibb.co/BNPVYHY

Hello guys. I’m looking at this yacht master. It is a 2007 z serial. Does this mean it doesn’t have the more sparkly dial and fatter red font?

Thanks in advanced!

[Runnin' Rebel]

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

https://ibb.co/BNPVYHY

Hello guys. I’m looking at this yacht master. It is a 2007 z serial. Does this mean it doesn’t have the more sparkly dial and fatter red font?

Thanks in advanced!

Edit: didn’t see your link at first it looks pretty sparkly Large font

[Cloitus]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Edit: didn’t see your link at first it looks pretty sparkly Large font

Thanks. I’m a bit confused. I thought the sparkly and thicker font were only for the earlier ones.

[Cloitus]

I have acquired this yachtmaster. Z series. Are you able to tell me if this is the more sparkly older dial with thicker red font?

Cheers

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Older dial for sure friend. I used to own one and had the opportunity to compare to the newer dial and the difference is night and day with the older dial being the favorite IMO. It’s an excellent piece.


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[Cloitus]

. Here is a picture. Not sure if it’s working.

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Cloitus

. Here is a picture. Not sure if it’s working.

Can’t see it on Tapatalk or the web view


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