Rolex
yatch-master - millenium forty platine bezel

Rolex Yacht-Master Millennium sports watch, reference 116622 from 2006. With its original white-dial Explorer model, Rolex initially aimed to create a versatile timepiece suitable for nautical activities. However, since that model was better suited to the world of travel, luxury, and land-based exploration, the popularity of the Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller collections led the brand to rework its offering. Thus, the Yacht-Master line was developed to establish a more coherent design identity dedicated to the maritime universe.

The result is a 40 mm watch with a bold aquatic character, expressed through its rotating bezel and distinctive dial — two essential elements that define the spirit of a watch collection. In the case of the Yacht-Master, these features share a silhouette with Rolex's dive watches, but are not identical. The brand reinterpreted the concept with a light-toned dial for better legibility in low light, a striking red seconds hand for added contrast, and a specially designed notched rotating bezel with an oversized triangular marker for precise course tracking.

The “black-tie in Monte Carlo” look of the final result makes the Yacht-Master fully compatible with the luxurious evenings of this refined world. Its design, layout, and craftsmanship position it more as a timeless classic than a professional dive instrument, even though it boasts all the technical capabilities required for underwater exploration.

This chronometer-certified timepiece features a 31-jewel automatic movement with manual winding, tested and certified by the COSC in Geneva. The Yacht-Master is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135, offering a power reserve of 48 hours once fully wound. The case is water-resistant to 10 ATM, equipped with a screw-down case back and a Triplock winding crown protected by robust crown guards. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal includes a Cyclops magnifier over the date window positioned at 3 o'clock.

Visit our Watch Stories section to discover more articles about the brands and their iconic models.