Before we dig into this article, do note that this is not the reference 116622 but rather the reference 126622. But if you are interested in the 116622, this article will be helpful still.
The Rolex Yacht-Master reference was released a Baselworld 2016. The Yacht-Master model has always established itself as a luxury sports watch in Rolex’s range, which is a bit more elegant than a Submariner, but a little more sporty than a Datejust.
It is a great combination of elegance and sportiness – a combination which a lot of people really enjoy.
The two-sided personality Yacht-Master 116622 is meant for yacht-owners, and thereby its name. In this article, we’ll go into detail about the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622.
As mentioned a new Yacht-Master version was released in 2016, but at Baselworld 2019, Rolex found that the model needed to be updated once again. This time, no major visual differences were done, as in 2016 when Rolex introduced a new dial, among other things. This time, the change was simply a step into the direction of moving to Rolex’s new generation movements. This year, it was the Yacht-Master 116622’s time for an update.
The previous generation Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135. This is considered Rolex’s workhorse and has been used by the brand since 1988. While this caliber has proven the test of time, there is always room for improvements, and this time, Rolex gave Yacht-Master to the new movement, which is the Caliber 3235. Remember, Rolex is about evolution, not revolution, and while this change of movement can’t be seen as a huge update to the model, it does improve its reliability and quality. And this is what Rolex is all about.
The previous caliber 3135 provides a power reserve of around 48 hours and as of 2015—a year before the launch of the Yacht-Master ref. 116622—Rolex redefined its “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation to guarantee an impressive accuracy rating of -2/+2 seconds per day. The self-winding caliber also boasts the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and daily knocks.
Now, with the new caliber 3235 and Yacht-Master 126622, things have been updated. And therefore, thanks to a new barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3255 extends to three days. This is an increase of 1 day of power reserve.
The 3255 is a new-generation mechanical movement with 14 patents, which sets new standards of performance for the core characteristics of a watch movement: precision, power reserve, reliability, resistance to shocks and magnetism, as well as the ease and convenience of its adjustment.
The Chronergy escapement’s efficiency has been improved by 15%, it is 2x more precise than an official chronometer. Like the previous 3135, it has a Parachrom hairspring which is insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature variations, and up to 10 times more resilient to shocks than traditional hairsprings.
As you have noticed, the reference has changed to start with 12 instead of 11 for this new model, and this is to demonstrate the use of the new generation caliber.
For some, these slight improvements in the movement of the Yacht-Master may not seem like a lot. But the fact of the matter is that it is because of improvements like these that Rolex is what it is today.
As you would expect, the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 features a quickset date function where the date us adjusted independently from the center timekeeping hands in order to make adjusting the date quick and effortless. It is also equipped with hacking seconds which means the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out in order to allow for precise time-setting.
Now, the Rolex Yacht-Master 126622 is not a full-blooded dive watch, but it does have a water-resistance of 100-meters (330 feet). Think of the Submariner as a robust tool watch and the Yacht-Master as the yacht-owners watch who may just satisfy with a relaxing morning swim from the yacht.
To keep dust and water out from the case, the watch features a Triplock screw-down winding crown and a robust casebook.
The update from 116622 is obviously not huge from a visual perspective. But the fact of the matter is, that’s not what Rolex about. Evolution, not revolution. At the end of the day, the update of the movement was due because of the many years it has been used. Ultimately, this will lead to a more reliable and qualitative timepiece that will last through generations.