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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with date

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master Reference 16622

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master, identified by reference 16622 and case number R294770, is a self-winding wristwatch featuring a center seconds display and a date aperture. The construction comprises a three-body stainless steel case with a polished finish, accompanied by a stainless steel Fliplock Oyster bracelet. and a sapphire crystal enhanced with a cyclops lens. The movement is a caliber 3135, rhodium-plated and decorated with fausses côtes, operating with 31 jewels, a lever escapement, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The frosted silver dial includes luminous white gold round, bâton, and triangular indexes, paired with luminous white gold skeleton hands. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master Ref. 16622 showing the silver frosted dial and revolving bezel.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master Ref. 16622 showing the silver frosted dial and revolving bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with date
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16622
Catalogue / lot identifier
288
Source-reported date
1992
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
R294770

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Features

The watch is housed in a three-body case manufactured in stainless steel, featuring polished surfaces. It is designed to be water-resistant and includes a screwed-down case back and a crown equipped with a protected double safety lock. A distinctive feature is the bi-directional revolving frosted white gold bezel, which is graduated to facilitate the calculation of diving times.

The sapphire crystal is integrated with a cyclops lens positioned over the date window to improve readability. The timepiece is attached to a stainless steel Fliplock Oyster bracelet, which maintains the durability consistent with the Oyster collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished, screwed-down case back and crown with protected double safety lock, bi-directional revolving frosted graduated white gold bezel for calculation of diving times, sapphire crystal with”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a frosted silver dial that serves as the backdrop for the various timekeeping displays. The hour markers consist of luminous white gold indices shaped in round, bâton, and triangular forms. The time is indicated by luminous white gold skeleton hands, which enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

A date display is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark, visible through the cyclops lens. The dial text includes the brand name and the model designation, with the 'Yacht-Master' text finished in red, distinguishing it from the remaining monochromatic dial elements. Dial, case and movement are signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Frosted silver with luminous white gold round, bâton and triangular indexes, Luminous white gold”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Movement and Condition

The caliber 3135 movement powers the watch, providing self-winding functionality and center seconds. The movement is finished with rhodium plating and features fausses côtes decoration. Technical specifications include 31 jewels, a lever escapement, and a shock-absorber system. The regulation is maintained by a monometallic balance and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring.

The auction description reports the condition of the watch in accordance with a professional grading system. The overall grade is assigned as AA, with the movement assessed as very good, the dial as very good, and the case as good. The hands are noted as original to the watch, and it is documented as being part of the Mondani Collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 2 Very good Dial: 2-01 Very good”

Open research questions

  • How does the stated 1987 manufacturing date align with the R-series serial number when the reference was officially launched in 1992?
  • To what extent are the bezel materials consistent between this early 16622 reference and later iterations of the Yacht-Master model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master Reference 16622
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, 'Oyster Perpetual Date, Yacht-Master, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified', Ref. 16622.”
Reference16622“Ref. 16622”
Serial NumberR294770“Case No. R294770.”
Production Year1987“Made in 1987.”
Case Dimensions40 mm diameter, 12 mm thickness“Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 12 mm.”
ProvenanceMondani Collection“This watch, part of the Mondani Collection”

Visible details

  • Frosted silver dial with red Yacht-Master text
  • Cyclops magnification lens over the date aperture
  • Bi-directional revolving bezel with embossed numerals
  • Oyster bracelet with flip-lock clasp mechanism

Research qualifications

  • The source date of 1987 contradicts the stated launch date of the reference in 1992
  • The text conflates the reference 16622 with later Rolesium models involving platinum components

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Ref. 16622, 'Yacht-Master' Rolex, 'Oyster Perpetual Date, Yacht-Master, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified', Ref. 16622. Case No. R294770. Made in 1987. Very fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel and white gold gentleman's wristwatch with date and Rolex stainless steel 'Fliplock' Oyster bracelet.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d2b097561f

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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