Watch reference library
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 126622
Specifications
- Case size
- 40mm
- Case material
- Oystersteel case and bracelet with a 950 platinum bezel (Rolesium)
- Bezel
- Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute bezel in 950 platinum with raised numerals
- Dial
- Slate (126622-0001) or bright blue (126622-0002), with a Chromalight display
- Movement
- Rolex calibre 3235, automatic, Superlative Chronometer
- Power reserve
- Approximately 70 hours
- Water resistance
- 100 meters, with a Triplock screw-down crown
- Crystal
- Sapphire, with a Cyclops lens over the date
- Bracelet
- Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links, Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension Part number, lug width and links
The story
Rolex launched the Yacht-Master in 1992 as a watch for sailors, and its newsroom describes the brand's ties to sailing as stretching back to the 1950s. The Rolesium version, with an Oystersteel case and bracelet and a platinum bezel, arrived at the Basel fair in 1999 as the reference 16622, according to Fratello's history of the line. Rolex describes Rolesium as a combination specific to the Yacht-Master.
The 116622 followed in 2012. Fratello says its biggest changes were dropping the platinum dial and the old-style Oyster bracelet in favor of a newer clasp with the Easylink extension. The 126622 later replaced it as the Yacht-Master 40 in Oystersteel and platinum, with the new calibre 3235 and its extra power reserve. Time+Tide reports that Rolex released the calibre 3235 in 2015 and that it first appeared in the Yacht-Master in 2019. Rolex lists the 126622 today with a slate dial or a bright blue dial.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the generation on the paperwork. The 126622 sits close to the 116622 it replaced, and the clearest differences are the calibre 3235 inside and the reference itself. Fratello notes the 16622 had a platinum dial and the 116622 dropped it, so a platinum dial on a Yacht-Master 40 points to the older generation. Rolex lists the 126622 with a slate dial (126622-0001) or a bright blue dial (126622-0002).
The bezel is solid 950 platinum with raised numerals, and Fratello points out that scratching or bumping a platinum or gold bezel is an expensive mistake, so look along it closely under good light. On the bracelet, check that the Oysterlock clasp closes firmly and that the Easylink 5mm extension opens and closes as it should.
Buying or selling a 126622?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands. For live market pricing on this reference, Moda-lytics tracks real Rolex sales data.
Common questions
What is Rolesium?
Rolex describes Rolesium as a combination specific to the Yacht-Master: an Oystersteel case and bracelet with a bezel made of platinum.
What movement is in the 126622?
The Rolex calibre 3235, a self-winding movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, certified as a Superlative Chronometer.
What did the 126622 replace?
The 116622. Fratello says the 116622 was introduced in 2012 and has since been replaced by the Yacht-Master 40 reference 126622, which has the newer calibre 3235.
What dials does the 126622 come with?
Rolex lists a slate dial (126622-0001) and a bright blue dial (126622-0002), both with a Chromalight display.
How water resistant is it?
It is waterproof to 100 meters, 330 feet, and it has a Triplock screw-down winding crown.
Related references
Sources
The facts on this page come from the brand and from established watch publications.
- Rolex: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 watch: Oystersteel and platinum, m126622-0001
- Rolex: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 watch: Oystersteel and platinum, m126622-0002
- Rolex Newsroom: The Rolex Yacht-Master Models
- Fratello: 5 Rolex Watches To Wear: No Boxes Or Papers Required
- Fratello: Rolex Yacht-Master History
- Time+Tide: The long-awaited Rolex Yacht-Master in RLX Titanium