The Comeback of the Rolex Yacht-Master 16622

Not every Rolex hits the mark straight away. Some releases divide opinion at launch—take the modern Milgauss, the Celebration Dial Oyster Perpetual, or even the Daytona, now considered an icon. The Yacht-Master 16622 fits the same mould. Dismissed early on, it has since carved out its own legacy.

When the Yacht-Master 16622 launched in 1999, it raised eyebrows. It shared much of the Submariner’s architecture, but with a polished case, platinum bezel, and shimmering platinum dial, the design leaned more towards flash than function. Collectors used to the tool-watch aesthetic didn’t quite know what to make of it. For years, the 16622 sat in the shadows.

Changing Tastes Among Collectors

Image Source: Watchfinder

Interestingly, the watch itself didn’t change—our perception of it did. In the early 2000s, collector interest leaned heavily towards "proper" tool watches like the GMT-Master II and the Submariner: rugged, practical, no-nonsense. But by the mid-to-late 2010s, priorities shifted. Appearance and individuality began to matter just as much as purpose, if not more. That previously ignored platinum dial? It started to look like one of Rolex’s boldest moves.

The Yacht-Master’s design offered more than just looks. Its 40mm case with shorter, more curved lugs and a slimmer profile made it one of the most comfortable Rolex sports watches to wear. It wasn’t bulky or overbuilt—just well-balanced on the wrist.

How the Market Has Evolved

Curved End Rubber Strap for Rolex Yacht-Master Deployant

Back in 1999, the 16622 retailed for around $5,000—roughly £4,000 at the time. During the pandemic-fueled boom in watch values, it surged to nearly $12,000 (around £9,500). Today, prices have pulled back slightly, hovering around $10,000 or £7,900. That’s a drop of around 35% from the peak, but it still outperforms many other Rolex models from the same period in terms of value retention.

Collectors who went against the grain—trusting their own eye over public opinion—have seen solid returns.

Final Thoughts

The Yacht-Master 16622 didn’t need a redesign—it just needed time. What once seemed like an odd fit in the Rolex lineup now stands out as a refreshing alternative. Among a sea of black-dialled, steel sport models, the 16622 still feels different—and in a good way. It's proof that some Rolex designs just need a few years (or decades) to find their audience.