Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 16622 Steel

The last of the five-digit Yacht-Master, this Rolex ref. 16622 was introduced in 1999 and remained in production until 2012, when it gave way to the six-digit 116622. The model introduced Rolex’s distinctive Rolesium combination to the 40mm Yacht-Master, pairing a stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet with a platinum rotating bezel and matching platinum dial.

The monochromatic dial is given just enough contrast through luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands, while the red Yacht-Master signature and matching red seconds hand add a subtle flash of color. A magnified date window sits at 3 o’clock.

Powered by the Rolex caliber 3135 automatic movement, the watch is fitted with its stainless steel Oyster bracelet and folding Oysterlock clasp. The scrambled serial places it within Rolex’s later production era but cannot be used to determine an exact year.

Sporty without looking overly utilitarian, the 16622 has a character all its own, with the platinum dial and bezel giving it a distinctive look among Rolex sports watches.