The Rolex Submariner ref. 168000 is both very rare and transitional and combines the best elements of both the vintage and modern Rolex Submariner into one complete package. The Rolex Submariner ref. 168000 was only produced in for about 7-9 months between 1987-1988 making it a very rare reference. The ref. 168000 is one of the most undervalued Rolex Submariners in the transitional range.

The ref. 168000 model is considered to be a very rare variant of the Rolex ref. 16800 model due to a very short period of production and simple but substantial improvements. Hence the extra "0"  was added to the reference to differentiate this short-lived model. The main difference would be the improvement in the quality of the stainless steel, which was upgraded from grade 316L to grade 904L. After only about 9 months of production, the ref. 168000 was replaced with 16610 which is a very similar watch upgraded with the new Cal. 3135 movement.

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case exhibits honest wear from use with thick and symmetrical lugs that display subtle chamfers. No notable evidence of previous polishing is present. The original bezel insert remains deep black in coloration with signs of gentle use and retains its tritium pearl that matches the dial patina perfectly and remains stable despite showing a subtle crack. The original Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces retains 10 links that show light stretch and signs of use. The bracelet will fit up to a 7-inch wrist and comes with one additional link.

DIAL & HANDSc

The original glossy black dial with white gold surround markers is in exceptional condition, showing no damage, and features an absolutely beautiful speckled patina that is even throughout. The original tritium lume plots have aged to a charming eggshell color, under UV light inspection there is some superficial cracking present in the 12 o'clock triangle marker and it remains stable, the rest of the lume plots exhibit no imperfections. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under UV light inspection. The white date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, serialized Rolex guarantee paper, booklets, Rolex Anchor, Rolex cloth, and chronometer seal tag. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.