How does the Yacht-Master compare - old vs new?

[RLROCK]

My first Rolex was a preowned Yacht-Master 16622.

I liked it but didn't love it. The overall look of the bezel with the face being very similar to the bezel seemed dull, as if it was worn and lacking luster.

With the changes made to the 126622, the Yacht-Master has piqued my curiosity.

So my question is how does the new Yacht-Master portray itself when compared to its predecessor with respect to looks and finish. Do the visual upgrades of the bezel and face resolve the "worn and dated" look?

[Master_Grogu]

I think YM will forever live in the shadow of Submariner. Recent iterations with OF bracelets are the interesting ones IMO. The regular line doesn’t bring much besides platinum to the table, which pales in comparison of high tech ceramic IMO.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by RLROCK

My first Rolex was a preowned Yacht-Master 16622.

I liked it but didn't love it. The overall look of the bezel with the face being very similar to the bezel seemed dull, as if it was worn and lacking luster.

With the changes made to the 126622, the Yacht-Master has piqued my curiosity.

So my question is how does the new Yacht-Master portray itself when compared to its predecessor with respect to looks and finish. Do the visual upgrades of the bezel and face resolve the "worn and dated" look?

To my knowledge, if you are strictly speaking about the platinum dial version of the 126622, well there is none. I believe you can only get blue dial (absolutely lovely) and the rhodium which is amazing as well.

Other than that, you get a newer clasp design, and slight changes to the case shape. Not to mention a new movement compared to the 16622.

Regarding the bezel, is it still made of platinum, still prone to the wear you mentioned that the older models have. Easy to restore to new every time you service it, so I would not worry about it and ENJOY!

[telesquire]

If ony they would make a 37 & 40 of the 42 WG in S.S. Much more modern and exciting than a Sub IMHO.

[Etschell]

id say the 37 mm is the one i would go for. i dont care about it being smaller.

[ArtNouveau]

The 16622 is the only watch that I have ever bought twice new. I loved the old grainy looking dial and that it was basically a fancier Sub. Both of those are long gone but
the blue dial version still tempts me at times. I also think if Rolex had come out with the 42mm on Oysterflex in SS for $13K, the waiting list would be long.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Etschell

id say the 37 mm is the one i would go for. i dont care about it being smaller.

But no blue dial version, sadly. That’s the version that makes the YM interesting, IMO. Now, if Rolex would only replace the platinum insert with a blue ceramic one…

[thesharkfactor]

The YM fails to hit the target in my opinion, not sure what it is. Maybe it's too many polished surfaces. If it had brushed links and brushed lugs maybe that would help.

[Tangier11]

I had the older model and friend just bought the new one with the blue dial. Here is what I noticed. The end links were redone and match up MUCH better with the lugs. Also I loved the platinum dial in mine but it did kinda blend in making a bit plain looking. The new one is just WOW!!! Blows the sub out of the water imo. it is now on my wish list!

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Etschell

id say the 37 mm is the one i would go for. i dont care about it being smaller.

i had the 37 in two tone. i really like the yachtmaster but i ended up selling it after like 5 months. it's not so much the size (i wear 36/37mm watches), but since it has a thick bezel it makes the dial much smaller. it wears like a 35mm watch and to me felt really weird because it was a sports model that wore smaller than a dj36. the watch itself fit fine on my wrist but the illusion the bezel and smaller dial causes made it look much smaller

[GST15]

I have both the YM 40 and Submariner. YM is the most comfortable of all my watches and is definitely more dressy (rhodium) than the Sub. I think there is room for both in the collection, and both get considerable wrist time.

[mk2jag]

I have the everrose tt YM 40 back dial and love it... What appeals to me is the comfort, old school case and variety of finishes. I love the matt bezel with glossy numbers...Its a model not often seen and I like that...take a chance and dare to follow your own tastes and dare to be different...

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by huncho

i had the 37 in two tone. i really like the yachtmaster but i ended up selling it after like 5 months. it's not so much the size (i wear 36/37mm watches), but since it has a thick bezel it makes the dial much smaller. it wears like a 35mm watch and to me felt really weird because it was a sports model that wore smaller than a dj36. the watch itself fit fine on my wrist but the illusion the bezel and smaller dial causes made it look much smaller

If you had gone for 40 mm you may have liked it more,,,37 is quite small I think...

[RLROCK]

Thanks everyone.

I am going to my AD and ask to be put on the waiting list for either dial.

[JonaG]

Can’t compare with the old one as I’ve not owned it but as for bezel and dial blending together, no one ever says that about the sub. But I understand the washed out look, I feel a bit the same way with the old white dial 116520.

I know my YM rhodium gets plenty of wrist time and it’s the only one that my wife would be annoyed if I let go because it’s her favorite and she keeps saying “I could wear that” lol.

[Dr.Stu]

I waited for the 126622 to be released after being offered a 116622 for the new 3235 movement w/better power reserve (72 hrs). The blue dial definitely leans a bit sportier & the Rhodium dial leans dressier & is what I was looking for.

In either case, it is essentially a classier, more refined & slimmed down Sub (w/date). The rhodium dial is absolutely gorgeous & I love the blue second hand and dial lettering, which really picks-up the blue in shirts. Note that I also thought the platinum dial (in the earlier version) was bland and flat/drab.

I love that it flies under the RADAR & is under-appreciated (read: is not a "hype" watch) and that not "everybody" has one. It is a true GADA watch (especially w/the Rhodium dial) & I consider it a bit of a connoisseur's Rolex as with everyone clamoring over the same few models, not many take the time to appreciate that this is a stunning watch.

Here's a link you may find helpful: https://millenarywatches.com/rolex-yacht-master-126622/

[robinmgb]

I'd buy a 116 and never a 126
The 116 has the proven, reliable 31 series movement
The 126 has the proven unreliable, low amplitude problem 32 series movement
I've experienced the issues twice first hand and would never buy any 12 series Rolex again until they acknowledge and fix the problem

[RoRoRo]

I just acquired the YM40 slate dial yesterday.

It’s definitely under appreciated, not by me though. It’s not on the hype train and as mentioned above is a connoisseur’s choice. Remember the Daytona was once a very over looked model.

A lot of people feel comfortable buying things by association, makes their decision more valid. Go with what you like, throw caution to the wind in terms of “investment”, enjoy your timepiece of choice

[yakface82]

The YM 40 (126622) is simply a stunning watch. I have the Rhodium dial and it just looks immense in natural light and particularly on a sunny day. The platinum bezel is awesome and after 2 years does not have one scratch. It is very durable and robust - much more so than the steel bracelets. It is also the only one out of GMT, Sub, YM that my wife actually really likes and would be annoyed if I sold. It wears much nicer on the wrist compared to my 40mm Sub (114060) and feels much more premium to the eyes, feel and touch. A very underrated watch just now, but speaking to my AD last week they are not starting to get lots of interest and long waits


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mailman]

I’ve had both old and new. New was the blue dial which I prefer over rhodium. Super comfy on the wrist. More so than any 6 digit Submariner or GMT Master I had. The blue dial can look a little flat inside at times, but beautiful in the sunlight.

Currently I have a 16622 and I love it for numerous reasons. More comfortable on me, not easily recognized and the dial IMO is just beautiful. Can’t go wrong with either

[telesquire]

Would Rolex via the AD supply a new Slate dial for an old 16622?

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by telesquire

Would Rolex via the AD supply a new Slate dial for an old 16622?

I'm afraid not. They'll swap the platinum dial for the slate dial on the references 116622 and 126622 only.

[alphadweller]

I never owned a 16622 but do own the 116622 with platinum dial since 2015.

Main differences are the fully milled out clasp vs stamped, solid links on the whole bracelet vs end links only, blue chromalight vs green luminova, introduction of the blue parachrom hairspring. Also, in the 16622 the end links are longer than the lugs, whereas they align perfectly in the 116622 and 126622.

I love my pt dial, really dig the all pt albino look. I find it super classy. The slate dial is also very nice. I'm not a fan of the blue dial in the YM, to me the sunburst blue clashes with the sandblasted bezel.