Yacht-Master 16622 Dial Variations

[Albatross]

Hello TRF,

I have searched the forum for this and it's probably out there somewhere but I can't find an answer, so if the experts here could enlighten me, I would appreciate it very much.

In looking at the reference 16622, unless my eyes are deceiving me, it sure seems like there are 2 different platinum dial variations which came with this model. One has thicker red writing where it says "Yacht-Master" than the other one. And, the one with the thicker red writing also seems to have more of the platinum "glittery material" on the dial...like those glitter more in the light than the ones with the thinner red writing, based on the pictures I have seen.

I hope this makes sense. I like this reference and may want to look for one to buy, but I really like the glittery look of the dial a lot more than the ones I've seen that just seem to be kind of a flat gray without much sparkle.

So...am I crazy and they are actually the same and I am being fooled by pictures? Or were there actually 2 dial versions of this watch under the same reference. And, if there are 2 versions...what do I look for if I want the glittery one. Like, did they switch in a certain year or with a certain serial number series?

For anyone who might know this, I appreciate your help very much.

[joli160]

There were actually three for this reference;

1. The early ones and the most beautiful imho is with the text Yachtmaster in fat font red and the coarse sparkling Pt dial.
On the site of Jocke (watch wallpapers) you can see some amazing pictures of this watch.

2. See also pictures of mine below. Yachtmaster in fine red print with the same coarse sparkling dial. A roulette date wheel is fitted.

3. The last variety is with a complete new and very fine structured Pt dial. This one was introduced more or less at the time when the rehaut engraving did it's entry.
Personally I find this dial less appealing.

The 16622 is a very nice watch, smooth case, wears very comfy and always has had the solid end links and bracelet long before the Sub and GMT.
For a more contemporary feel I fitted a modern DJ easy link clasp and alternate the Oyster with a Super Jubilee bracelet.
Find an early one.

[Albatross]

Thanks, joli160!
Man, your watch is beautiful and I love the red on the roulette date wheel and it looks awesome on the jubilee. So, versatile and cool.

So, to recap, the fat red font seems to always have the coarse sparkling dial. The thinner red font could have the same coarse sparkling dial (your watch), or, later ones with that same thinner font have the finer, less coarse dial (the ones you find the least desirable and so do I). So, be careful on the thin letter ones because they could be either...need to look close at those.

It seems that yours has the coarse dial as well as the engraved rehaut, which is another Rolex feature that I find desirable. I guess basically I'm saying that I want your watch!!

So, if I wanted to look for that piece, is there a year or a serial number prefix that would steer me that direction?

[faimag]

Well said by joli160. The two dials (coarse and flat) are very easy to distinguish. I have seen coarse dials in 16622s up to Z series (2007, with engraved rehaut). Most of the subsequent model 116622 are flat.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Albatross

Thanks, joli160!
It seems that yours has the coarse dial as well as the engraved rehaut, which is another Rolex feature that I find desirable. I guess basically I'm saying that I want your watch!!

Sharp observer
I wanted the engraving as well but it came only with the finer Pt dial so I bought that one. I don't remember the year, have to check the papers.
I was not really aware of the different dial options when I bought it.

Was lucky to be able to buy an older original dial in mint condition later and had my watchmaker fit it. Flipped the original one.
Now the watch is exactly how I like it.

[Albatross]

Thanks guys. Awesome info. Much appreciated.


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[EDL7]

Mine is the flat dial..still sparkles in the sun though..

[joli160]

Beautiful picture Ed

[faimag]

Originally Posted by EDL7

Mine is the flat dial..still sparkles in the sun though..

That's not the flat dial. It's the coarse. See here how the flat looks.

[myporsche]

Nice Yachmasters guys.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by faimag

Well said by joli160. The two dials (coarse and flat) are very easy to distinguish. I have seen coarse dials in 16622s up to Z series (2007, with engraved rehaut). Most of the subsequent model 116622 are flat.

There's no such thing as flat dial. All sparkle under the sun, although the latest iterations less so. Here's my 116622.

[BentleyReese]

the 16622 sparkles more than the 116622. there was a nice comparison one of the members did. search 16622 versus 116622

[Bladeshot]

The 16622 was the first Rolex I noticed and I always wanted one, but I then shifted to TT Subs, and others. I finally added this to my collection last month.

I specifically wanted the coarse dial and bold red font. Joli160 and Jocke, among others, lent me their perspective through their wonderful photos and posts. And I loved the idea of a red date wheel. As soon as I bought it I opened it up and changed to an aftermarket red date wheel.

Cheers.

[fskywalker]

Nice!


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[dvatlanta]

Yup - that is what mine is: The 'finer' Yacht-Master type with course dial; 'Z' serial # 2007

[BentleyReese]

love the red date wheel!

[Aaronlche]

Hello guys,

Coming back on the different versions of the dial.
What’s about the « Swiss Made » ? I can notice on some dial there is a space between Swiss and Made while on other it is not the case. Is it linked to the three variations of the dial mentioned above ?

Best regards,
Aaron

[padi56]

In the real world seeing dials are made in three different factories now all owned by Rolex,there will be and always will be tiny variations on most all Rolex dials.Much like it's been over the past fifty odd year's,once sellers home in to these miniscule variations then they want to charge more for those willing to pay.