Rolex
*Unpolished* 1987 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 168000) "Triple 0"
This specific 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.
Stock # | RLXSUB87168000-5 | |
Brand | Rolex | |
Style | Submariner | |
Model | 168000 | |
Serial | 96XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Black Glossy | |
Millimeters | 40 | |
Bracelet | Rolex 93150 Oyster Bracelet W/ 593 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The extremely crisp, unpolished case is in exceptionally well-preserved condition, showing sharp factory finishing and chamfers with only very gentle signs of use. The original uni-directional click spring bezel and insert are original with almost no wear present and the tritium pearl remains fully intact. The case back retains the original Rolex factory green sticker. The original Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces retains 10 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDSc
The orginal glossy dial with white gold surround markers has developed a gorgeous galaxy-like speckled patina throughout and remains in exceptional condition with no real damage present on the dial. The tritium lume plots have achieved a deep golden patina color, with some of the lume plots exhibiting a white spot which is common to see in original lume from this era, under UV light inspection the dial lume displays no degradation. The original tritium hands have aged to a lighter cream color than the dial, matching the overall aesthetic of the watch and exhibiting no degradation under UV light inspection. The white date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.