Yachtmaster Value & History

[aalyu]

Can anyone shed light on why the Rolex Yachtmaster, specifically the 116622 have less resale value and demand in the market today? As compared to the GMTs, Subs and Daytona, this model's price isn't as inflated as the other sports models and resale isnt as good.

What of its history contributed to its value as compared to the other sports models

Thanks!

[Tools]

Any used value is based on what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller.

Yachtmasters simply are not in enough demand to get higher prices.

[Lump]

I think the YM is an underrated gem at the moment. Maybe the fact that the modern YM was supposed to be a ‘new’ Sub variant but Rolex changed their mind and re-used the YM name from the back of the cupboard doesn’t help. Perhaps when we are all used to shiny ceramic coloured bezels the YM looks initially washed out in comparison.
I have one on order and will love it regardless of it’s future value.

[Navarino]

Hard to pit it against the Sub (from a general consumer perspective) because the Sub is the Sub. When people think of Rolex the Sub is one of the models on the shortlist of what comes to mind.

I don’t think the model has benefited as much as others in spite of the recent supply trend because people are so fixated on professional models with ceramic bezels.

[42itus]

All the more reason to get one while you can. It’s truly one of my favorites. Love the blue dial and the red second hand. and that bezel is so different from any of my other watches.
It’s definitely not one of the hot models but who cares? Have you tried one on?

[toneafficianado]

I love everything about the blue dial YM EXCEPT the hugeness of the bezel/numbers on it.
If the bezel was a little thinner and maybe made of just blue aluminium anodised or even steel with BLUE printed lettering [think Exp 2 steel bezel] then I'd have bought one as it is the closest thing to a steel blue sunburst dialled Sub out there.
Does anyone else see the bezel as a deal breaker too?

[bazin]

*****
I believe that the 116680 YM II, being likewise unpopular, will be the hidden gem for Rolex aficionados, collectors and speculators in 10 or so years. Its uncanny how when stuff gets called rare that they become collectible and people want them
I disliked it initially but became attracted by its outstanding appearance more and more......it is a stunning watch when viewed on the wrist.
I've mine for a couple of weeks now and it's by far my favorite watch versus my Explorer II, a classic GMT 1675 and 16610LV.
I've been specially searching for an early series "Blue Hands"; being discontinued in 2017.
This Blue Hands SS version is manufactured only during a couple of years in very low quantities.
Imo this BH is the more characteristic one versus the new version with clear "Mercedes" hands.
The 116680 YM II is an outstanding and differentiating Rolex-model among the masses of Submariners.
Time will come that this different solo style will be appreciated by the people which have enough of all the Submariners you spot in cafes and on terraces and are searching for a characteristic Rolex with a once in a lifetime caliber; the only Rolex with a 44 mm case and with the model type on the bezel/inlay......now commonly unappreciated.....attractive by its distinguishing features soon!

[Vince KSA]

Originally Posted by rudolphwolven

*****
I believe that the 116680 YM II, being likewise unpopular, will be the hidden gem for Rolex aficionados, collectors and speculators in 10 or so years. Its uncanny how when stuff gets called rare that they become collectible and people want them
I disliked it initially but became attracted by its outstanding appearance more and more......it is a stunning watch when viewed on the wrist.
I've mine for a couple of weeks now and it's by far my favorite watch versus my Explorer II, a classic GMT 1675 and 16610LV.
I've been specially searching for an early series "Blue Hands"; being discontinued in 2017.
This Blue Hands SS version is manufactured only during a couple of years in very low quantities.
Imo this BH is the more characteristic one versus the new version with clear "Mercedes" hands.
The 116680 YM II is an outstanding and differentiating Rolex-model among the masses of Submariners.
Time will come that this different solo style will be appreciated by the people which have enough of all the Submariners you spot in cafes and on terraces and are searching for a characteristic Rolex with a once in a lifetime caliber; the only Rolex with a 44 mm case and with the model type on the bezel/inlay......now commonly unappreciated.....attractive by its distinguishing features soon!

Completely agree Rudolph.

Take the Sea dweller SD4k for example. Ceased production as it was too close to the Sub in looks and never sold well due to the premium over a black sub. So in essence just not a popular watch.

Now classed as a collector's piece and priced at a premium.

That's why I always stick to the old adage get what you like even if its not popular, because one day it undoubtedly will be sought after.

Put it this way in 10years time there will be plenty more BNLRs and Sub LVs knocking around than the YM II or blue face 40mm YM.

Just my 0.02 and no more valid than anyone else's.

[Onikage]

The YM is too pretty for some.

[Brew]

There is no accounting for taste.

[rambo99]

because its a two tone watch, it's more expensive and does not hold value as good as ss watches in general.

[bazin]

Originally Posted by rambo99

because its a two tone watch, it's more expensive and does not hold value as good as ss watches in general.

The 16680 YM II is not a 2 tone but SS watch........

[Vince KSA]

Correct again Rudolph.

The 166680 SS Rolex is currently ( at MRSP anyway) Rolex's most expensive all SS sports watch.

[PattayaHammerTime]

I love the yachtmaster so much I gor the platinum and the everose osterflex versions... zero regrets and lots of enjoyment!!!

[VicLeChic]

The main reasons of a lower demand for the 40mm Y-M that come to mind:

1/ too young to be iconic : first model released to the general public in 1992 which is after the toolwatch era for Rolex where professional watches were designed to cater for real needs from professionals, they were not glorified luxury objects

2/ while belonging to the professional range and being a luxury “toolwatch”, it is technically less capable than the Sub yet more expensive, which makes it a “worse” deal (similar price to the steel Daytona) to those who have such considerations when buying a luxury product

3/ the name is not good, leads to confusion among the general public as if you needed to own a yacht, when really what a yachmaster qualification means is the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat in certain conditions (coast, offshore, open ocean), like a “driving” license for boats. Yacht-Racer would have been a better name considering what the watch was originally intended or rather marketed for.

4/ bezel is polarising: looks larger than Sub’s although same size; also it’s less scratch resistant than ceramic

5/ looks feminine to some

All of the above won’t stop me from loving mine!!!

[bazin]

I purchased the 116680 YM II mainly as an investment.....did not expect that it became my favorite watch...
It is never boring; each time wearing it is very attracting, besides it wears very comfortable...

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by rudolphwolven

I purchased the 116680 YM II mainly as an investment.....did not expect that it became my favorite watch...
It is never boring; each time wearing it is very attracting, besides it wears very comfortable...

I agree with everything you've said. I bought mine in 2016 despite all the negative comments, purely because I love its looks. It was my favorite watch then, and still is now.

[Singslinger]

As for the YM1, I think the reason for the relatively lower demand is

a) a scratched bezel is expensive to replace because it's platinum;

b) although the bezel is marked as if it was meant for diving, it rotates in both directions;

c) the watch is rated to only 100m unlike the Sub, which is rated to 300m.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I agree with everything you've said. I bought mine in 2016 despite all the negative comments, purely because I love its looks. It was my favorite watch then, and still is now.

I know what you meant since I have same experience. The YM love will slowly grow and become your favorite. I dislike the PCL bracelet of YM at first but I like it now. The bracelet is solid link instead of the hollow link on other oyster bracelet.



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[bazin]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I agree with everything you've said. I bought mine in 2016 despite all the negative comments, purely because I love its looks. It was my favorite watch then, and still is now.

BTW....the "Blue Hands" versions of the 116680 YM II (production suspended) are already, as expected, offered with a premium compared to the "Mercedes Hands" variant
For instance: Chrono24....Watchshopping.com....$ 17.999,- versus $ 17.569,-
A small difference admittedly, but the start is there....

[greywolf617]

Such an underrated watch, yachtmaster 116622

[bazin]

Beautiful watch...!

[greywolf617]

Funny, all those wishing for a blue stainless sub, Rolex essentially already makes it under the Yachtmaster reference.

With Red lettering too!

[rolexinfl]

The 16622 YM has already gone up in price almost $1000 on the grey market since 2018.

The model, much like the Explorer II, is catching up to other SS models in popularity due to the "black on black" submariner shortage.

The 16622 YM is the BEST deal in SS sport subs right now given how its virtually identical to the 116622 model less the new clasp and is almost $3000 less on the grey market.

Some feel the YM is 'too blingy' for them so they settle for the more dull black submariner, but if you like the YM - jump on it!

[saskmh]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

The 16622 YM has already gone up in price almost $1000 on the grey market since 2018.

!

I'm not seeing this in Canada...just the opposite in fact. Yachtmasters are impossible to sell up here. You would be lucky to sell a 16622 for $4800-$5500 USD. Even 116622's are well below what you might see in the US.

[rolexinfl]

Originally Posted by saskmh

I'm not seeing this in Canada...just the opposite in fact. Yachtmasters are impossible to sell up here. You would be lucky to sell a 16622 for $4800-$5500 USD. Even 116622's are well below what you might see in the US.

In 2018 there were a dozen 16622 for sale for about $5500 USD

Now on watchrecon there isnt a single YM 16622 under $6500 for sale:

https://www.watchrecon.com/?query=16622

New ones are posted around $6900 and sell for no less than $6500

YMMV of course as a private seller.

[greywolf617]

my AD always has a 116622 in their case, most of the time one in both colors. Even the day I purchased one, they pulled it from the safe opposed to selling me the one in the display case.

The reasons are debatable, but the 116622 just isn't as hot as other stainless models. It's a buyer's market if you like the reference.

[AdamW]

I've not owned one but have tried on many. I think it wears incredibly comfortably. The only thing that keeps me from buying one is that the bezel tends to pick up oil from your fingers and that makes it looked stained. It's a weird phenomenon. It comes off with a cleaning but it's always been something that really bugs me. If they had a bezel that wasn't sand blasted, I would grab on in an instant.

[SN13]

When I first started hunting Rolex watches, I was drawn to the 16622. I liked the bezel, dial, etc. The fact that it was a Rolex selling for $1000 less than the 16610.... what I Didn't end up loving was the case... Until i found the early 16628's shared the midcase with the 16618 Subs.... Oh man. Lug holes too? Love me some Holes for my Spring Bar.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by SN13

When I first started hunting Rolex watches, I was drawn to the 16622. I liked the bezel, dial, etc. The fact that it was a Rolex selling for $1000 less than the 16610.... what I Didn't end up loving was the case... Until i found the early 16628's shared the midcase with the 16618 Subs.... Oh man. Lug holes too? Love me some Holes for my Spring Bar.

Stunning watch and look really good on you.

I am fan of early YM five digits model 16622. The platinum dial and red second hand are winner for me and unique enough to own and keep it in collection.




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