If your in the market for a high end luxury watch, there is no better place to look then Rolex. The Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Yachtmaster Model 16628 is just one of their brilliant time pieces, among others such as the Day-Date and Submariner. This watch is considered expensive, at least for the majority of watch buyers, but you probably already know that if your looking at this review.
Owning any model of Rolex is a luxury, let alone the higher end model such as this Yachtmaster Model 16628. Wearing this watch around, literally anywhere will garner you all kinds of attention. This watch was created for exclusive use on a Yacht, but can be worn pretty much anywhere. The style of the watch being an all yellow 18k gold is not too gaudy looking in my opinion, but looks more like a royal piece of jewellery, which is what you want with such an expensive timepiece from Europe.
I won’t go into too much detail here as to the quality of build that you get with this piece, as I’m sure you can imagine that it’s the best of the best. Let’s take a look below as some specifics.
Model 16628 Build and Style
What you see in the photos is pretty much what you get, with an even added sense of quality, as this Rolex Model 16628 has a nice heft to it. I will say with confidence that the build on this yatchmaster is second to none. The links on the band are crafted with excellence and fit together seamlessly, to meet at the face of the watch in a streamlined manner.
The connecting piece for the band to the face is thick and strong, there is literally no skimping when it comes to Rolex craftsmanship, rather they over indulge. The bezel is no different and will impress you and many onlookers. The bezel on the Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Yachtmaster has a brushed background, with hand indicators and numbers that have been engraved and polished in, giving off a style of prestige that is well recognized worldwide.
The dial window is of course anti scratch, made of polished sapphire. The dial itself is white and is also marked with hand indicators in the form of circular shapes, a triangle, and a rectangle. The hands on the Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Yachtmaster Model 16628 are quite extravagant and have some really beautiful detail work done. If you look closely enough at them they resemble something you find on a time travel machine! Equipped with three hands, you will find an array of designs, ranging from one long skinny hand with a loop, a medium hand in somewhat of a spear shape, and a short stout hand with what looks like the international piece sign.
The movement on the Yachtmaster Model 16628 is automatic, and is very smooth. You can also wear this watch to the beach, on your boat, or literally anywhere to do with the ocean, as the Yachtmaster is water resistant for up to 330 meters. I would advise you to not take it off on the beach or when out in public, and to avoid submerging in hot tubs or pools with chlorine for fear that the alloys mixed with the 18k gold will weaken.
As for the style of this watch, it comes down to personal taste, especially in this price range! I personally think it has amazing style. One thing I would probably change on this model would be the dial color to 18k yellow, to match the rest of the watch. Doing a change like this is fairly inexpensive, and can be done after purchasing.
Rolex Yachtmaster Comfort
As for the comfort on the 18k Yellow Gold Yachtmaster Model 16628, again its going to depend on what you like. The watch is pretty heavy because it’s made of solid 18k yellow gold, so be prepared for that. I like the weight on it, as it still has a very nice snug fit like most Rolexes do, so it doesn’t roll around my wrist at all, making it quite an enjoyable wear.
Of course the band length is fully adjustable so that should not an issue when it comes to sizing. What you want to look out for is the width of the face and the band, and for me with small/medium sized wrist it fairs just fine (the case diameter is 40 millimetres). If you don’t mind the little bit of weight that comes with a high end solid 18k gold watch then this could be the Rolex model you have been long waiting for.
When did this Rolex model 16628 cease production?