Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1999 Reference No: 16622 Movement No: 38’284’925 Case No: A617769, inside case back stamped “2180” Model Name: Yacht-Master Material: Stainless Steel and Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal.3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78760”, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless Steel Rolex deployant folding clasp stamped “78760” X10 Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, clasp and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated December 1999 stamped Bucherer AG, hang tags, fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
First unveiled in 1999 at Baselworld, the Yacht-Master reference 16622 captured the heart of sports luxury jetsetters and enjoyed great success. The monochromatic design exemplifies a perfect blend of the rugged steel and the luxurious platinum. The reference features a Rolesium bi-directional bezel and dial, patented by Rolex in 1932 to mark the innovation of the combination of the metals. The dash of red on the seconds hand and the “Yacht-Master” inscription pops with attractive contrast and a refined sports appeal.
Offered in excellent condition, and the original case back sticker with the reference number remains perfectly intact, the present example is a perfect addition for a weekend wardrobe both on land and at sea.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
