Rolex
Yacht-Master 40
116622
The Oystersteel-and-platinum Yacht-Master that redefined nautical sport elegance.
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Overview
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 reference 116622 pairs a 40 mm Oystersteel case with a platinum bezel and dial, occupying a distinctive position between the brand's tool-sport and dress-sport categories. Produced across much of the 2010s, it was offered in several dial variants — most notably a rich blue and a cool rhodium slate — each complementing the subtle contrast of steel and platinum. The calibre 3135 movement, a long-established Rolex workhorse, powers the reference with the brand's characteristic reliability and precision.
History
The 116622 was introduced in 2012 as part of Rolex's ongoing evolution of the Yacht-Master line, which had first appeared in the early 1990s as a more refined companion to the Submariner. The use of Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel — a 904L stainless steel alloy — combined with a solid platinum bidirectional rotatable bezel gave the reference a material distinction uncommon in the broader sport-watch segment. It remained in production until 2019, when Rolex transitioned the 40 mm Yacht-Master lineup to updated references, leaving the 116622 as a well-regarded chapter in the model's history. Its relatively long production run allowed a wide variety of dial configurations to reach the market, making it a versatile reference for collectors.
Notable points
- The bezel is crafted from solid platinum — not merely platinum-coated — providing a measurable weight and lustre difference compared to standard steel bezels.
- Oystersteel, Rolex's 904L stainless steel alloy, offers superior corrosion resistance and a distinctively bright polish that sets it apart from the 316L steel used by most competitors.
- The bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised pip at 12 o'clock is a defining Yacht-Master trait, distinguishing it functionally and visually from the unidirectional dive bezels of the Submariner.
- Calibre 3135, beating at 28,800 vph with a Parachrom hairspring, was one of Rolex's most refined self-winding movements at the time of production and carries a COSC-level chronometric certification.
- The blue dial variant became particularly associated with the reference, its tone chosen to harmonise with the platinum bezel and evoke the nautical heritage of the Yacht-Master line.
