[Rolex] A thorough comparison of the three generations of the Yacht-Master, old and new!

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The Yacht-Master is a high-end model targeted at people who enjoy marine sports such as yacht cruising. With its elegant design using high-quality materials such as platinum and gold, it has continued to gain popularity both in Japan and overseas since its introduction in 1992.

This time, we will go back three generations and thoroughly compare the most representative models of the Rolex Yacht-Master (Ref. 16622, Ref. 116622, and Ref. 126622)! If you want a Yacht-Master but are unsure which model to buy, or if you want to know the history of the Yacht-Master, this is a must-read, so be sure to read until the end.

Introducing the three generations of the Yacht-Master

First, we will introduce the three models we will be comparing: Ref.16622, Ref.116622, and Ref.126622.

Two generations ago Ref.16622
Specifications
Case diameter 40mm Bezel SS×PT
Dial Silver Luminous Luminova
material SS,PT bracelet SS
Waterproof 100m Drive system Automatic
Cal 3135 Power reserve Approximately 48 hours

"Ref. 16622" was manufactured from around 1999 to around 2012. This model was the first to use a material that combines stainless steel and platinum, commonly known as "Rolesium," for the bezel, and platinum was also used on the dial, creating a sense of luxury not found in other sports models. As this model is reminiscent of the sea, it is often recognized as a diver's watch, but it is designed for use on yacht cruises, and the bezel rotates in both directions. Although the model numbers (Ref.) are different, there is a lineup of boys' sizes (35mm) and ladies' sizes (29mm), and it is also popular as a model that can be worn as a pair.

Previous generation Ref.116622
Specifications
Case diameter 40mm Bezel SS×PT
Dial Silver or Blue or Dark Rhodium Luminous Chromalight
material SS,PT bracelet SS
Waterproof 100m Drive system Automatic
Cal 3135 Power reserve Approximately 48 hours

The "Ref. 116622" was manufactured from around 2012 to around 2019. The design has hardly changed from the previous model, but there are improvements in the specifications. The dial variations have been increased to three types: "silver", "blue", and "dark rhodium", but only the "silver" was discontinued in 2017.

Current model Ref.126622
Specifications
Case diameter 40mm Bezel SS×PT
Dial Blue or dark rhodium Luminous Chromalight
material SS,PT bracelet SS
Waterproof 100m Drive system Automatic
Cal 3235 Power reserve Approximately 70 hours

The "Ref. 126622" was released in 2019. The design has also changed very little from the previous model, but the movement specifications have been upgraded and various parts and designs have been changed.

Spec comparison between "Ref.16622" and "Ref.116622"

Let's start by comparing "Ref.16622" and "Ref.116622".
The main specifications are as follows:

Reference 16622
Reference 116622
40mm Case diameter 40mm
SS×PT Bezel SS×PT
Silver Dial Silver or Blue or Dark Rhodium
Luminova Luminous Chromalight
SS,PT material SS,PT
SS bracelet SS
100m Waterproof 100m
Automatic Drive system Automatic
Cal.3135 Cal Cal.3135
Approximately 48 hours Power reserve Approximately 48 hours

❶【Dial】

Dial Color

Reference 16622 Silver
Reference 116622 Silver or Blue or Dark Rhodium
Starting with "Ref. 116622," it was available in two colors, silver and blue, and in 2016 a new color, dark rhodium, was introduced, but the silver dial was discontinued in 2017.

Luminous

Reference 16622 Luminova
Reference 116622 Chromalight
While Luminova emits a "green" light, Chromalight emits a bright blue light called "peacock blue." Chromalight's glow time is said to be twice as long as general phosphorescent paints, lasting for more than eight hours.

❷【Movement】

Hairspring

Reference 16622 Traditional balance spring
Reference 116622 Blue Parachrom hairspring
The movement is the same, but it uses a blue Parachrom balance spring that is highly resistant to magnetism and 10 times more shock resistant than conventional springs.

❸ [Flashfit Buckle]

Flash Fit

Reference 16622 Length beyond the lug
Reference 116622 Length that fits in the lug
The flash fit that connects the case and bracelet has been changed to a length that fits inside the lugs, resulting in a sleeker silhouette.
Spec comparison between "Ref.116622" and "Ref.126622"

Next, let's compare "Ref.116622" and "Ref.126622".
The main specifications are as follows:

Reference 116622
Reference 126622
40mm Case diameter 40mm
SS×PT Bezel SS×PT
Silver or Blue or Dark Rhodium Dial Blue or dark rhodium
Chromalight Luminous Chromalight
SS,PT material SS,PT
SS bracelet SS
100m Waterproof 100m
Automatic Drive system Automatic
Cal.3135 Cal Cal.3235
Approximately 48 hours Power reserve Approximately 70 hours

❶【Dial】

Dial Color

Reference 116622 Silver or Blue or Dark Rhodium
Reference 126622 Blue or dark rhodium
As mentioned above, the silver dial, which was discontinued in 2017, was not included in the "Ref. 126622" lineup.

Logo at 6 o'clock

Reference 116622 SWISS MADE
Reference 126622 Added a crown mark between SWISS and MADE
The "SWISS MADE" lettering at the 6 o'clock position has been changed to include a crown mark between "SWISS" and "MADE". There are also slight differences in the font.

❷【Movement】

Movement

Reference 116622 Cal.3135
Reference 126622 Cal.3235
The "Ref.126622" is equipped with the new generation movement "Cal.3235" that uses the proprietary Chronergy escapement. The overall specifications have been improved, such as magnetic resistance, precision, and stability, but what is particularly noteworthy is that the power reserve has been increased to approximately 70 hours. Considering that the power reserve of the previous model was approximately 48 hours, this is a significant increase in specifications.
summary

What did you think?

This time, we compared three generations of the Rolex Yacht-Master, and we hope you can see how it has evolved over the years.

[Rolex] The Ref. 16622 was the first model to use stainless steel and platinum, and it was the catalyst for today's popularity of the Yacht-Master. The Ref. 116622 gained even more popularity with improved details and the introduction of a dark rhodium dial, and the Ref. 126622 saw the overall functionality of the watch improved by a change to the movement. Each Yacht-Master has its own unique charm.

Please come and find your favorite model.

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