Rolex 116622

The Rolex 116622, officially known as the Yacht-Master II, is a luxury sports watch released in 2007. This model is a standout within the Rolex collection, known for its innovative features and unique design, which cater to a specific audience.

Overview of the Rolex 116622

The Rolex 116622 Yacht-Master II is a robust and sophisticated timepiece designed for sailing enthusiasts and professionals. This model stands out due to its innovative features, including a regatta countdown timer and a unique bezel design.

Key Features of the Rolex 116622

The 116622 features a 44mm case crafted from 18k Everose gold, a proprietary rose gold alloy developed by Rolex. The watch is equipped with a black ceramic bezel featuring a graduated countdown scale, a prominent feature of the Yacht-Master II. The bezel is rotatable in both directions, allowing for precise setting of the countdown timer.

The watch is powered by the in-house Rolex caliber 4161, a self-winding mechanical movement. The movement boasts a 50-hour power reserve and is certified by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) for its accuracy.

The dial is available in black or white, featuring large, luminescent hour markers and hands for excellent readability in various lighting conditions. The 116622 also features a date window at 3 o’clock.

Significance of the Rolex 116622

The 116622 Yacht-Master II is a significant model within the Rolex collection due to its groundbreaking features and its focus on a specific niche market. The regatta countdown timer, a unique feature for a luxury watch, makes the 116622 a practical tool for competitive sailing.

Target Audience

The Rolex 116622 is designed for a specific audience, namely individuals with a passion for sailing and a discerning taste for luxury timepieces. The watch’s innovative features, robust construction, and luxurious design cater to this specific group.

Design and Aesthetics: Rolex 116622

The Rolex 116622 Yacht-Master II is a sophisticated and stylish timepiece that embodies the brand’s commitment to excellence in both functionality and aesthetics. Its design elements are carefully crafted to deliver a harmonious blend of sportiness and elegance, making it a versatile watch suitable for various occasions.

Case Material and Design

The 116622 features a 44mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, giving it a luxurious and timeless appeal. The case is robust and water-resistant up to 100 meters, ensuring its durability and suitability for everyday wear. The distinctive design incorporates a prominent crown guard and a cyclops lens over the date window, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.

Dial and Hands

The dial of the 116622 is available in several color options, each contributing to the watch’s unique aesthetic. The most common option is a black dial with luminous hour markers and hands, providing excellent readability in various lighting conditions. The dial features a distinctive regatta countdown timer, a key feature of the Yacht-Master II, which allows sailors to accurately time pre-start sequences.

Bezel

The 116622’s bezel is a defining element of its design. It is a unidirectional rotating bezel made of ceramic, known for its scratch-resistant properties and exceptional durability. The bezel features a graduated scale that allows for precise timing of events, making it a valuable tool for sailors and other professionals. The bezel is also available in various colors, adding a touch of personalization to the watch.

Design Comparisons

The 116622 shares design elements with other Rolex models, particularly those within the Yacht-Master line. However, its larger case size and the inclusion of the regatta countdown timer distinguish it from other Yacht-Master models. It also shares similarities with the Rolex Sea-Dweller, particularly in its robust case construction and water resistance, but the 116622 stands out with its luxurious gold case and distinctive bezel design.

Color Options and Impact

The 116622 is available in various color combinations, each contributing to the watch’s overall appearance. The classic black dial with a yellow gold case offers a timeless and sophisticated look, while a blue dial with a white gold case provides a more contemporary and sporty feel. The choice of color ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired aesthetic.

Movement and Functionality

The Rolex 116622 Yacht-Master II is powered by a robust and reliable mechanical self-winding movement, designed for precision and performance. This movement is the heart of the watch, ensuring accurate timekeeping and a smooth operation of its unique functions.

Movement Details

The 116622 is equipped with the Rolex caliber 4161, a highly sophisticated movement developed in-house by Rolex. This movement boasts a number of features that enhance its performance and functionality.

  • Chronometer Certification: The caliber 4161 is officially certified as a chronometer by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), a prestigious Swiss organization that ensures the accuracy and reliability of watch movements. This certification guarantees that the movement meets rigorous standards of precision, with a daily rate of -2 to +2 seconds.
  • Self-Winding Mechanism: The movement is equipped with a self-winding system, powered by the natural movement of the wearer’s wrist. This eliminates the need for manual winding, making it a convenient and practical choice for everyday wear.
  • Paramagnetic Blue Parachrom Hairspring: The caliber 4161 utilizes a patented Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which is highly resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations. This ensures the movement’s stability and accuracy in various environments.
  • Rolex’s Oscillating System: The movement incorporates a high-performance oscillating system, featuring a balance wheel with variable inertia and a high-precision regulating organ. This system contributes to the movement’s superior accuracy and stability.
  • Power Reserve: The caliber 4161 offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, allowing the watch to run for three days without being wound. This is a significant advantage for those who may not wear the watch daily.

Regatta Countdown Function

The Yacht-Master II is renowned for its unique regatta countdown function, which is a key feature of the caliber 4161 movement. This function allows sailors to precisely time their starts in regattas, ensuring they are perfectly synchronized with the race signal.

  • Countdown Mechanism: The regatta countdown function is operated using the crown and pushers on the watch. The user can set a countdown timer for up to 10 minutes, with increments of 1-minute intervals. This provides precise timing for the final moments before the race starts.
  • Visual Indicator: The watch features a bright red hand that moves around the bezel, providing a clear visual indication of the remaining time before the race starts. This allows sailors to easily monitor the countdown and react accordingly.
  • Alarm Function: At the end of the countdown, the watch emits an audible alarm, alerting the sailor to the start of the race. This ensures they are fully prepared and ready to begin racing.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The Rolex 116622 Yacht-Master II is a testament to the brand’s dedication to using high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. From the robust case to the intricate movement, every component is designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring exceptional durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

Materials

The materials used in the 116622 contribute significantly to its exceptional durability and resistance to the elements.

  • Case: The case of the 116622 is crafted from 904L stainless steel, a proprietary alloy developed by Rolex. This material is highly resistant to corrosion and scratching, making it ideal for a watch designed for both daily wear and extreme conditions. It also has a distinctive brushed finish that gives the watch a sophisticated and sporty look.
  • Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel is made from scratch-resistant ceramic, known for its durability and resistance to fading. The ceramic insert is adorned with platinum markers, enhancing its visibility and providing a luxurious touch. The platinum markers are also highly resistant to fading and scratches, ensuring their longevity.
  • Bracelet: The Oyster bracelet is made from the same 904L stainless steel as the case. It features a polished center link and brushed outer links, creating a striking contrast and adding to the watch’s sporty elegance. The Oysterlock clasp with Easylink extension system provides a secure and comfortable fit, allowing for fine adjustments in length.
  • Movement: The 116622 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 4161, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a flyback function. This highly complex movement is meticulously crafted from a variety of materials, including gold, steel, and ceramic. It features a Parachrom hairspring, which is made from a paramagnetic alloy that is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, ensuring precise timekeeping. The movement is also equipped with a Paraflex shock absorber, which protects the delicate components from impacts and vibrations.

Craftsmanship

The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the 116622 is evident in every detail.

  • Case Construction: The case is constructed using a process called “monobloc,” where the case back is seamlessly integrated into the middle case. This eliminates any potential weak points and ensures the watch’s water resistance. The case is then polished and brushed to achieve its distinctive look.
  • Bezel Assembly: The ceramic bezel insert is carefully crafted and then precisely fitted into the bezel ring. The platinum markers are then applied using a specialized process that ensures their durability and resistance to fading. The bezel is then assembled onto the case, ensuring a secure and reliable fit.
  • Movement Assembly: The Caliber 4161 movement is assembled by hand by skilled watchmakers. Each component is meticulously inspected and tested before being assembled into the movement. The movement is then rigorously tested for accuracy, power reserve, and performance before being incorporated into the watch.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Rolex 116622 Yacht-Master II is built to withstand the most demanding conditions.

  • Durability: The use of high-quality materials like 904L stainless steel, ceramic, and platinum ensures the watch’s resistance to corrosion, scratching, and fading. The meticulous craftsmanship and rigorous testing ensure its durability and reliability.
  • Water Resistance: The 116622 is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). This is achieved through the monobloc case construction, screw-down crown, and highly resistant crystal. The watch is also equipped with a helium escape valve, which allows helium gas to escape during deep-sea dives, preventing damage to the watch.

Price and Value

The Rolex 116622, like other luxury timepieces, commands a significant price, reflecting its craftsmanship, desirability, and status. Understanding its pricing dynamics requires considering factors like condition, rarity, and demand.

Retail and Pre-Owned Prices

The retail price of the Rolex 116622 can vary depending on the authorized dealer and location. However, it typically starts at around $12,000. The pre-owned market offers a wider range, influenced by factors like condition, age, and demand. The prices for pre-owned 116622 models can range from around $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the specific piece and its condition.

Factors Influencing Price

Several factors play a significant role in determining the price of a pre-owned Rolex 116622.

  • Condition: The condition of the watch, including its overall wear and tear, scratches, and the functionality of its components, directly impacts its value. A watch in excellent condition with minimal signs of use will command a higher price compared to one with noticeable wear and tear.
  • Rarity: Limited edition models or those with unique features or complications tend to be more sought-after and, therefore, more expensive. The 116622, while not a limited edition, is still a popular model, contributing to its value.
  • Demand: The level of demand for a particular model can significantly influence its price. Watches that are highly sought after by collectors or enthusiasts tend to appreciate in value more quickly than those with lower demand.

Value Compared to Other Rolex Models

The Rolex 116622, as a professional-grade sports watch, is positioned in a category that includes other popular models like the Submariner, GMT-Master II, and Sea-Dweller. While the 116622 is known for its distinctive two-tone design and its combination of sportiness and elegance, its value generally aligns with other Rolex models in the same category, considering factors like condition, rarity, and demand.

History and Legacy

The Rolex 116622, a sophisticated and robust timepiece, boasts a rich history interwoven with the evolution of the iconic Yacht-Master line. Its journey is marked by continuous innovation and refinement, reflecting Rolex’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Development and Evolution

The 116622’s lineage can be traced back to the original Yacht-Master, introduced in 1992. This groundbreaking model was designed for the demands of sailing and yachting, featuring a distinctive bezel and a robust construction. The 116622, however, represents a significant evolution of this concept, incorporating advancements in materials, design, and functionality.

Cultural Impact

The Rolex 116622, with its iconic design and enduring quality, has transcended its status as a mere timepiece to become a symbol of wealth, status, and success. It has permeated popular culture, leaving an indelible mark on fashion, lifestyle, and the aspirations of many.

Influence on Fashion and Lifestyle

The Rolex 116622 has become a coveted accessory in the world of fashion and luxury. Its presence on the wrists of celebrities, athletes, and business leaders has cemented its image as a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity. The watch’s sleek design, available in a variety of color combinations, complements a wide range of styles, from formal attire to casual wear. Its timeless appeal has ensured its enduring popularity across generations.

Depiction in Media and Art

The Rolex 116622 has frequently been featured in various forms of media, reflecting its cultural significance. It has appeared in films, television shows, and music videos, often associated with characters of high social standing or those pursuing a life of luxury. The watch’s presence in such media serves to reinforce its image as a status symbol and a coveted item.

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