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SC11 · 17 June 2014, 03:55 PM

Great review Chip, some good comparisons of the changes I was aware of and highlighted some I had never noticed

joli160 · 17 June 2014, 05:04 PM

What a nice write up and comparison of my favourite watch. Thanks for that. Congrats on your new one.

I own a V serie 16622 and sourced an older dial, roulette wheel and new clasp. Now it is nearly exactly the way I like it, still missing the fat fonts of Jocke's, but with the sparkling.
I had to get used to the end links on the older version, but now I prefer those over the newer style.

Go for it and add this extra splash of red on the date wheel. You won't regret.

Andad · 17 June 2014, 05:32 PM

Great comp Chip.

SPACE-DWELLER · 17 June 2014, 06:22 PM

Brilliant comparison and pictures, Chip!

I would also prefer the old style dial and the new end links... latter more from a visual point of view.

I've asked my AD why some Rolex watches sport those "elongated" end links and that (what I would call) "horse shoe" style of the underside of the lugs (= flat at the tip on the underside)...

His reply is that Rolex uses them on "heavy" watches to optain a comfier fit.

Come to think of it, the YM 16622 was a "heavy" watch back when it was introduced back in 1992... it has a solid Platinum dial and bezel, plus it has solid centre links, making it heavier that for instance a Sub Date 16610.

Same end link style is seen on the heavy Rolex watches:

Precious metal Daytonas (plus flat "horse shoe" lugs on the underside)
YM II (also flat tip on the lugs on the underside)
DSSD
SD 116600

But Rolex changed it with the new YM 116622... as we see on Chip's pics, the end links are now level with the lugs but the "horse shoe" underside of the lugs has been kept.

Why? Well, only Rolex knows... but my theory is that Rolex wanted to make the YM more elegant / dressy.

Still, the YM stays a very unique Rolex in the program and was way ahead of its time when it was introduced:

It was the FIRST Rolex with sapphire crystal to sport the "Maxi" dial (including the larger minute hand)... next Rolex model to have those features was the Sub Date 16610LV 11 years later, in 2003!
It was the FIRST sports SS Rolex watch to have solid centre links
It was the FIRST SS sports Rolex to have the elongated end links and "horse shoe" lugs
It was FIRST NON sports Rolex with sapphire crystal and water resistant to less than 300 meters but still having a Triplock crown

travisb · 17 June 2014, 07:24 PM

Great comparison! Thanks!

mailman · 17 June 2014, 08:57 PM

Excellent as always Chip

Thank you

I've always loved the SS/Plat YM and like you I prefer the early versions of the dial with the heavy red writing. Do t get me wrong, I like the new version also. I think it's a killer watch

JJL · 18 June 2014, 12:35 AM

Great post! I have the older one and I basically agree with you on all accounts. I prefer the older dial with the texture and bolder font - but the bracelet, lugs, lume and bezel of the newer one takes the cake.

Thanks for sharing!

GsurgBM · 18 June 2014, 01:21 AM

It's right up on the differences between the two. My wife has the older one, and has really loved it. If I were buying a new one I would probably go with the newer model, but would never trade an old one for the new one for the improvements that have been made. In fact, as was said earlier, I might still buy the older one for the better price, as to me the improvements don't really make a big difference in the look of the watch.

samson66 · 18 June 2014, 01:52 AM

I'm actually shocked at how similar they look. Other than the clasp I can barely see a difference. Always liked this watch, very classy look

SLRdude · 18 June 2014, 02:14 AM

Yeah the differences are very small between the two.

Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro

SLRdude · 18 June 2014, 01:34 PM

Okay... The lugs are most certainly different between the two models. They are shorter on the 116622

Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro

Len S · 19 June 2014, 06:26 PM

Excellent comparison between the two. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Grea watch either way. Congrats to you.

Rolexpharm · 19 June 2014, 10:33 PM

Not much difference just in the face but I really like the clasp and blue luminescence

Rameez-Q · 19 June 2014, 10:51 PM

I like the newer shape, as already said the fatter font of YM would be a great benefit in new YM's and a red date wheel along with the new clasp would make it on my next purchase list.

I prefer the green lume maybe because ive got a BLNR with blue lume and want the best of both worlds.

SLRdude · 21 June 2014, 01:40 PM

Agreed. I wish it had the fat font and a red date or at least alternating like a turnograph would have been awesome.
I think Jocke has the best one since his has all the features we want.

Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro

Firex · 21 June 2014, 04:28 PM

Thanks for the great review! I have and love the 116622 with the cobalt blue dial - both are great choices!

T01 · 21 June 2014, 04:40 PM

Nice comparison and write up, thanks for sharing!

pacific17 · 22 August 2014, 07:42 PM

Great review. Although I have one tiny question, are both bezels the same? Solid platinum from what I have read on the other threads? Just different fonts?

Porsche · 22 August 2014, 07:55 PM

Thanks Chip, great pics and great side-by-side comparison.

I just picked up my new blue dial, and I am also a little underwhelmed by the new blue lume. My GMTii has green lume shines much brighter.

aleeboy · 22 August 2014, 08:41 PM

Excellent photographs. Thanks!

busytimmy · 22 August 2014, 08:50 PM

Great review and photos, thanks!

One thing's for sure: the YM is probably one of the biggest sleepers in the Rolex lineup today. What a watch. I am now considering picking one up.

SLRdude · 23 August 2014, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Great review and photos, thanks!

One thing's for sure: the YM is probably one of the biggest sleepers in the Rolex lineup today. What a watch. I am now considering picking one up.

I can't take it off my wrist, and just a few months ago I didn't care for that watch.

SLRdude · 23 August 2014, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacific17

Great review. Although I have one tiny question, are both bezels the same? Solid platinum from what I have read on the other threads? Just different fonts?

Same. Solid platinum, just slightly thinner font.

venom43 · 23 August 2014, 04:57 PM

Great comparison...thank you.

Nobody.Move · 23 August 2014, 05:06 PM

Excellent pictorial representation and personal write-up/POV. I've never understood the Y-M, it's reason for being. Nevertheless, I thoroughly appreciated your post. Good stuff.

luvsub · 23 August 2014, 05:10 PM

Nice photos

SLRdude · 23 August 2014, 05:10 PM

I didn't understand it either until I had it on my wrist.

I was very surprised but I had to have it.

Jake B · 23 August 2014, 05:11 PM

Funny that they fixed that SEL issue with the updated YM & did the opposite with the SD 4000, giving the updated watch the crummy fitting SELs.

SLRdude · 23 August 2014, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake B

Funny that they fixed that SEL issue with the updated YM & did the opposite with the SD 4000, giving the updated watch the crummy fitting SELs.

Yeah a good friend just picked up an SD and he had to remove the diver link to make it wearable.

Go figure. They probably did that on purpose so they can release a new model down the road, for more money, that fits well lol.

pacific17 · 23 August 2014, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLRdude

Same. Solid platinum, just slightly thinner font.

Just the insert though right?

17 June 2014, 05:32 PM	#33
Andad 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 36,834	Great comp Chip. __________________ E

17 June 2014, 06:22 PM	#34
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Brilliant comparison and pictures, Chip! I would also prefer the old style dial and the new end links... latter more from a visual point of view. I've asked my AD why some Rolex watches sport those "elongated" end links and that (what I would call) "horse shoe" style of the underside of the lugs (= flat at the tip on the underside)... His reply is that Rolex uses them on "heavy" watches to optain a comfier fit. Come to think of it, the YM 16622 was a "heavy" watch back when it was introduced back in 1992... it has a solid Platinum dial and bezel, plus it has solid centre links, making it heavier that for instance a Sub Date 16610. Same end link style is seen on the heavy Rolex watches: Precious metal Daytonas (plus flat "horse shoe" lugs on the underside) YM II (also flat tip on the lugs on the underside) DSSD SD 116600 But Rolex changed it with the new YM 116622... as we see on Chip's pics, the end links are now level with the lugs but the "horse shoe" underside of the lugs has been kept. Why? Well, only Rolex knows... but my theory is that Rolex wanted to make the YM more elegant / dressy. Still, the YM stays a very unique Rolex in the program and was way ahead of its time when it was introduced: It was the FIRST Rolex with sapphire crystal to sport the "Maxi" dial (including the larger minute hand)... next Rolex model to have those features was the Sub Date 16610LV 11 years later, in 2003! It was the FIRST sports SS Rolex watch to have solid centre links It was the FIRST SS sports Rolex to have the elongated end links and "horse shoe" lugs It was FIRST NON sports Rolex with sapphire crystal and water resistant to less than 300 meters but still having a Triplock crown __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

17 June 2014, 08:57 PM	#36
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,368	Excellent as always Chip Thank you I've always loved the SS/Plat YM and like you I prefer the early versions of the dial with the heavy red writing. Do t get me wrong, I like the new version also. I think it's a killer watch __________________ JJ

18 June 2014, 01:21 AM	#38
GsurgBM "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: USA Watch: Not enough Posts: 3,758	It's right up on the differences between the two. My wife has the older one, and has really loved it. If I were buying a new one I would probably go with the newer model, but would never trade an old one for the new one for the improvements that have been made. In fact, as was said earlier, I might still buy the older one for the better price, as to me the improvements don't really make a big difference in the look of the watch. __________________ Rolex • Tudor • Omega • Panerai

18 June 2014, 02:14 AM	#40
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Yeah the differences are very small between the two. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

17 June 2014, 03:55 PM	#31
SC11 Banned Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Sam Location: UK Watch: AP ☠️ Posts: 6,151	Great review Chip, some good comparisons of the changes I was aware of and highlighted some I had never noticed

17 June 2014, 07:24 PM	#35
travisb 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 32,250	Great comparison! Thanks!

18 June 2014, 12:35 AM	#37
JJL "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: US Watch: 1680 Red & 16622 Posts: 2,449	Great post! I have the older one and I basically agree with you on all accounts. I prefer the older dial with the texture and bolder font - but the bracelet, lugs, lume and bezel of the newer one takes the cake. Thanks for sharing!

18 June 2014, 01:52 AM	#39
samson66 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Mike Location: Eastern Shore, MD Watch: my money leaving! Posts: 12,918	I'm actually shocked at how similar they look. Other than the clasp I can barely see a difference. Always liked this watch, very classy look

18 June 2014, 01:34 PM	#41
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Okay... The lugs are most certainly different between the two models. They are shorter on the 116622 Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

19 June 2014, 06:26 PM	#42
Len S "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Len Location: SoCal Watch: 116610LN Posts: 987	Excellent comparison between the two. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Grea watch either way. Congrats to you.

19 June 2014, 10:33 PM	#43
Rolexpharm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Bensalem, Pa Posts: 638	Not much difference just in the face but I really like the clasp and blue luminescence

19 June 2014, 10:51 PM	#44
Rameez-Q "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: UK Watch: Rolex Day Date, Posts: 666	I like the newer shape, as already said the fatter font of YM would be a great benefit in new YM's and a red date wheel along with the new clasp would make it on my next purchase list. I prefer the green lume maybe because ive got a BLNR with blue lume and want the best of both worlds.

21 June 2014, 01:40 PM	#45
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Agreed. I wish it had the fat font and a red date or at least alternating like a turnograph would have been awesome. I think Jocke has the best one since his has all the features we want. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

21 June 2014, 04:28 PM	#46
Firex "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 94	Thanks for the great review! I have and love the 116622 with the cobalt blue dial - both are great choices!

21 June 2014, 04:40 PM	#47
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,481	Nice comparison and write up, thanks for sharing!

22 August 2014, 07:42 PM	#48
pacific17 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Owie Location: MNL/SFO Watch: G-Shock DW003 Posts: 1,504	Great review. Although I have one tiny question, are both bezels the same? Solid platinum from what I have read on the other threads? Just different fonts?

22 August 2014, 07:55 PM	#49
Porsche 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: John Location: ɹǝpun Watch: and learn Posts: 2,984	Thanks Chip, great pics and great side-by-side comparison. I just picked up my new blue dial, and I am also a little underwhelmed by the new blue lume. My GMTii has green lume shines much brighter. __________________ Obey Gravity, it's the Law! ROLEX --- SEIKO --- HEUER TRF REHAUT T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M

22 August 2014, 08:41 PM	#50
aleeboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Russel Location: N/A Watch: N/A Posts: 755	Excellent photographs. Thanks!

22 August 2014, 08:50 PM	#51
busytimmy "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 3,745	Great review and photos, thanks! One thing's for sure: the YM is probably one of the biggest sleepers in the Rolex lineup today. What a watch. I am now considering picking one up.

23 August 2014, 04:57 PM	#54
venom43 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NOR-CAL Watch: Grail Daytona Posts: 1,306	Great comparison...thank you. __________________ ROLEX:(116200)SS DATEJUST,(216570)SS EXPLORER II "POLAR",(116518-0073)YG DAYTONA,(116718)YG GMT MASTER IIc,(16610)SS SUBMARINER 50th LV,(16623)TT YACHT-MASTER ~BREITLING:SUPER OCEAN 44 ~JLC:NAVY SEALs ~OMEGA:PLANET OCEAN "LIQUIDMETAL LE" & (2201.51),SPEEEDMASTER PRO "METEORITE DIAL",SEAMASTER PRO GMT "GREAT WHITE" ~TUDOR:BLACK BAY(R)

23 August 2014, 05:06 PM	#55
Nobody.Move "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 266	Excellent pictorial representation and personal write-up/POV. I've never understood the Y-M, it's reason for being. Nevertheless, I thoroughly appreciated your post. Good stuff.

23 August 2014, 05:10 PM	#56
luvsub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SF, south bay Posts: 5,179	Nice photos

23 August 2014, 05:11 PM	#58
Jake B "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hong Kong Watch: Gold Sub 116618LN Posts: 2,820	Funny that they fixed that SEL issue with the updated YM & did the opposite with the SD 4000, giving the updated watch the crummy fitting SELs. __________________ Things are more like they are now than they ever were before.

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