What Is Rolex Rolesium? | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

Rolex has a very strong brand identity, built over its 115 years of history. Aside from ensuring top notch design, materials and construction, one of the many ways they maintain their strong brand is by patenting materials and processes.

Most of these have become common knowledge for watch and Rolex fans. There’s the Oyster, their waterproof case, and the Cerachrom, their ceramic bezel. Among metals, they have the Everose, their patented rose gold alloy, and the Rolesor, the combination of Oystersteel and gold.

One of Rolex’s less popular terms is the Rolesium. Referring to watches made of Oystersteel and platinum, it appears exclusively in the Rolex Yachtmaster line. Let’s explore Rolesium watches and why they’re worth looking at.

Rolex Yachtmaster Steel Platinum Dial Bezel with Rolex Yachtmaster II Steel White Gold

Rolex Yachtmaster 40 Steel Platinum Dial Bezel Mens Watch 16622

Rolex first introduced the Rolesium in 1999, with the ref 16622 Rolex Yachtmaster 40.

It features a 40mm case and bracelet made in 904L stainless steel, with a bidirectional bezel made entirely of 950 platinum. The bezel created interest by combining a matte sandblasted platinum background and raised glossy numerals on top. To complement this, it was also equipped with a sandblasted platinum bezel.

Prior to this, Rolex Yachtmaster models were only made in Rolesor yellow gold or solid yellow gold. The Rolesium model is a more muted version, but no less luxurious with the sparkle of platinum and the resilience of steel.

To complement the 40mm version, Rolex also presented this design in a 35mm midsize version and a 29mm ladies’ version.

Rolex Yachtmaster Steel Platinum Dial Bezel with Steel Platinum Blue and Rhodium Dials

Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Steel Platinum Blue and Rhodium Dial Mens Watch 116622

In 2012, Rolex released the updated ref 116622 Rolesium models. In addition to the sandblasted dial, it became available in two new dial colors – a rich blue dial with red accents and a dark rhodium dial with turquoise accents.

Aside from the new colorways, these models also received Rolex’s Chromalight lume, which glows in blue instead of green. The Oysterlock safety clasp was also updated with the Easylink extension system, which allows the wearer to extend the bracelet by about 5mm when needed.

Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial Mens Watch 126622

Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Steel Platinum Blue and Rhodium Dial Mens Watch 126622

At Baselworld 2019, Rolex unveiled the current-production ref 126622 which replaces its predecessor. Rolex retained the blue and rhodium dial designs, but have stopped producing the sandblasted model. Don’t fret, for they are still available in the pre-owned market.

Moreover, from the Calibre 3135 movement used by the first two generations, the movement was upgraded to the new Calibre 3235, which has an increased power reserve rating of 70 hours.

Both sleek and robust, the Rolesium models of the Rolex Yachtmaster line are highly functional sports watches and classy statement pieces at the same time. Available in different sizes and colorways, there’s a Rolesium watch for just about anyone.

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