You instantly know it when you see it; however the Yacht-Master is a relatively new edition to the Rolex lineup. With that in mind, the Yacht-Master 268622 is a particularly distinctive model for a few reasons. Given that Rolex is known for its sporty and often flashy aesthetics – think two tone bracelets and blue bezels – at first glance, the Yacht-Master 268622 seems understated and monochromatic. But everything from its unisex 37mm sizing, to the coveted Rolex Yacht-Master exclusive ‘Rolesium’ construction helps set it apart… Except for the fact that it is essentially the ref. 116622 but smaller, of course.
Below we’re going to explore the details that make the ref. 268622 unique from the other Yacht-Master 37’s. But, let’s quickly highlight everything else here – like the in-house, Caliber 2236 chronometer-certified movement. It not only keeps you on time but displays the date too, and keeps time to -2/+2 a day. There’s also the standard screw-down Oyster case with 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance, and the Oyster bracelet with flat three-piece stainless steel links. But let’s get to the fun stuff.
The Rolesium Bezel
The biggest differentiator of the Yacht-Master 268622 is its unique Rolesium construction – Rolex’s term for the combination of a 950 platinum bezel and 904L stainless steel case and bracelet. At first glance the bezel gleams – iridescent and light like a precious metal, yet the bracelet and case still have that tough steel tone to them. A beautiful detail of the bezel is how Rolex has finished the metal with two different surface finishes: the bezel itself boasts a sandblasted texture, while the raised Arabic numerals are given a glossy finish. Did we mention it’s bi-directional and totally functional, too?
Rolex says this combination provides “an unmistakable sense of luxury” and we have to agree; the unique finish of the bezel catches your eye and instantly makes you wonder what it is. Surprisingly, this beautiful combination of metals is only dedicated to the Yacht-Master collection. It works here well though, as it’s kind of the perfect combination of rugged and rich.
The Dark Rhodium Dial
While reading the Rolex description for this watch, they talked about the dial being the distinguishing factor on all their watches. I think that’s arguable to an extent, but if you agree with this line of thinking, then the Rhodium dial definitely makes this Yacht-Master distinguished.
Rhodium isn’t a Rolex alloy (although it sounds like it could be). It is a noble metal that falls into the platinum group, and has this beautiful silvery-white finish that Rolex has used as the inspiration for this dial, which they have darkened in color and added their signature ‘sunburst’ finish, which just oozes mystique and handsomeness. Additionally, the large, white luminous plots with 18k white gold surrounds pop against the dark Rhodium dial, as does the striking turquoise seconds hand and matching turquoise-colored ‘Yacht-Master’ text scrawled across the bottom of the dial above six o’clock.
