A Very Rare Rolex OP Submariner Date - Model Ref: 168000 (transitional) in Excellent Condition Issued in 1986/7 and Sold with Original Box, Spare Links and Swing Ticket

A rare and transitional model, the Rolex 168000 is the precursor to the 16610. Produced only for a period of 7-9 months over 1986-1987, making it one of the rarest Rolex models ever produced. 

What’s On Offer 

This specific model is considered to be a very rare variant of the Rolex Ref.16800 model due to its extremely short production run. An extra zero was added to the reference to differentiate it from the 16800 and this also denoted the improvement in the grade of the steel from 316L to 904L. After only about 9 months of production, 168000 was replaced with 16610.

This rare watch is in fantastic preowned condition and boasts an exceptional intense black dial with luminous hour plots framed with white gold, Mercedes hands with luminous inserts and a date aperture underneath a cyclops at 3 o'clock. You will also not the little nuance on the S for Submariner, it is more like a Z than an S and for this reason, it is nicknamed the 'Zorro' or 'Zombie' dial. The aluminium bezel with its black insert has been very well preserved and there are no blemishes to speak of. The watch is paired with the correct 93150 Oyster bracelet and 501B end pieces. 

The watch is sold with its original box, spare links and swing tag. This is a superb example of a rare reference that is very much sought-after especially is such good condition! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Technical specifications

Winding: Automatic

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 3035

Jewels: 31

Waterproof: When New

Power reserve: 48hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: 168000

Date of issue: 1986/7

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 40mm

Lug width: 20mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 47mm

Wrist size: 180mm (approx) plus spare links