The Rolex Yachtmaster collection epitomizes the harmony of elegance with robustness, a testament to Rolex’s unmatched craftsmanship. Born from the need to cater to sailing enthusiasts, its creation has transcended its original intent, evolving into a versatile timepiece equally suitable for the rugged adventures at sea and the sophisticated ambiance of urban life.
Its signature lies in its distinct sport luxe aesthetic, where the resilience of the Oyster bracelet and the precision of the unidirectional bezel come to life. Yet, amid its many standout features, there’s a unique element that truly sets the Yachtmaster apart: the exclusive use of Rolesium.
This proprietary blend, characterized by a union of stainless steel and platinum, is emblematic of the Yachtmaster’s ability to merge the utilitarian with the luxurious, creating a timepiece that’s both functional and fiercely stylish.
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What is Rolesium?
Rolesium, a term both coined and patented by Rolex, is a brilliant marriage of two of the most revered metals in watchmaking: 904L stainless steel and 950 platinum. Introduced to the world in 1932, the term “Rolesium” elegantly encapsulates this blend where the resilience of stainless steel forms the body of the watch, and the luster of platinum graces the bezel and selected dials. This innovative combination gives the Yachtmaster Rolesium a characteristic glow, resulting in a watch that radiates a sense of luxury while retaining a rugged charm.
The juxtaposition of these materials not only offers an unmatched aesthetic appeal but also serves as a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovation, quality, and durability. In essence, Rolesium stands as an embodiment of the brand’s ethos, seamlessly merging opulence with durability.
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Rolex Yachtmaster Rolesium Models
Reference 16622
Introduced in 1999, the Reference 16622 was the inaugural model that showcased the brilliance of Rolesium. Housing a steel body, it set itself apart with its sandblasted platinum bezel that perfectly matched the platinum dial, radiating a subtle yet luxurious sheen. The 40mm size was the most popular among its variants, but Rolex, ensuring to cater to a range of preferences, also offered this reference in 35mm and 29mm ladies sizes.
The movement within this model was the dependable Rolex Caliber 3135, renowned for its precision and reliability. As for the dial, besides the captivating sandblasted platinum, the model came with a classic Maxi dial, characterized by larger hour markers and broader hands, enhancing legibility and visual appeal.
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Reference 116622
Making its debut in 2012, the Reference 116622 ushered in a new era for the Rolesium models. Its stainless-steel body was retained, but numerous updates were infused. One notable addition was the Oysterlock clasp on the bracelet, ensuring more security on the wrist. Internally, the watch received a significant boost with the inclusion of the Parachrom hairspring, enhancing its resistance to shocks and temperature variations. The dial, luminescent with Chromalight, ensured easy reading in the dark, emitting a lasting blue glow. This model offered a wider range of aesthetics with its dial colors.
The 40mm edition, in particular, flaunted new entrancing shades: a sunburst blue dial with contrasting red accents, and a rhodium dial highlighted with turquoise accents. Both these dials provided a fresh, modern look while maintaining the Yachtmaster’s classic appeal. Powering this reference was the tried and tested Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, ensuring precision and durability.
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Reference 268622
With its introduction in 2015, the Reference 268622 marked a pivotal moment in the Rolex Rolesium series’ evolution. Rolex made the strategic decision to discontinue the 35mm and 29mm sizes, focusing more on broader wrist preferences. Another significant change was the discontinuation of the sandblasted platinum dial, signaling the end of an era for this distinct look. However, Rolex wasn’t done with innovations.
They introduced a 37mm size, perfectly bridging the gap between the previously available sizes, offering a size that catered to a wider audience. This 37mm variant became especially enticing with the introduction of two fresh dial options: the sunburst blue dial, enriched with red accents, and the rhodium dial, which was gracefully highlighted with turquoise accents. Both of these new dials, besides being visually captivating, showcased Rolex’s commitment to evolving aesthetics. Powering this reference was the dependable Rolex Caliber 2236, ensuring precision while offering a generous power reserve.
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Reference 126622
Emerging in 2019, the Reference 126622 represents the zenith of Rolex’s dedication to continuous improvement in the Yachtmaster Rolesium range. One of the model’s standout features is its movement. The 40mm variant comes fitted with the new-generation Caliber 3235 automatic movement. This movement is not just a testament to Rolex’s horological prowess but also offers an impressive power reserve of 70 hours. On the other hand, the 37mm size boasts the Caliber 2236, promising a power reserve of 55 hours.
Aesthetically, Rolex chose to streamline the available dials for this reference. While previous models boasted a range of dial options, the Reference 126622 prioritized the sunburst blue dial with its striking red accents and the elegant rhodium dial enhanced by turquoise highlights. This refined choice indicates Rolex’s confidence in these particular designs’ appeal and their alignment with contemporary tastes.
With each reference, the Yachtmaster Rolesium models have demonstrated Rolex’s commitment to innovation, capturing the essence of luxury and functionality.
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Final Thoughts
The Rolex Yachtmaster Rolesium, throughout its various iterations, stands as a perfect example of Rolex’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and timeless design. Each reference, from the 16622 to the latest 126622, tells a story of horological evolution, with every iteration being a response to both the demands of time and the desires of the Rolex aficionado. The use of Rolesium, a blend of robust stainless steel and luxurious platinum, embodies the dual essence of the Yachtmaster—both a rugged tool watch and a statement of luxury.
Furthermore, trusted retailers such as SwissWatchExpo have played a pivotal role in making these timepieces accessible to watch enthusiasts around the globe. Their vast collection and commitment to authenticity ensure that watch enthusiasts can experience the legacy of the Rolex Yachtmaster Rolesium firsthand.
Explore our selection of Rolex Yachtmaster Rolesium models, along with thousands of authentic, pre-owned watches from the world’s best brands, at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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