Identifying future classic Rolex from the 1990-2018 era - Part 6/6: Rolex Submariner 168000
The Rolex Submariner 168000 represents a different style of addition to the “future classic” concept. The 168000 is, in fact, essentially identical to the Submariner 16800 that had been produced in very high numbers. The 168000, however, differs in two very specific ways that make it one of the rarest production Submariners ever made. Not “THE” rarest, but certainly one of them.
2) The first Submariner to use the upgraded Stainless Steel 904L in a Rolex.
Prior to the 168000, the steel used by Rolex was the Grade 316L. The upgrade to 904L saw a steel that was less prone to erosion. One day, I will tell the horror story of what happened to a Daytona 6239 that I owned that had the older 316L steel. A true horror story. But that will be for a later day.
So, in 1987, the 16800 was replaced with the 168000 and the latter model was in production for a maximum of 9 months before it was replaced by the 16610 that saw a movement upgrade. The 168000 came with a glossy dial and was on a serial number from the late 9 million through to the R-series.
The 168000 has all the mod cons of a typical modern Rolex with sapphire crystal and caliber 3035 workhorse movement. The original oyster bracelet is the 93150 with 593 end links. A Rolex workhorse made for wearing.
There is a degree of uncertainty relating to the 168000. I have not found any official literature from Rolex with the 168000 mentioned. One can speculate, of course, that Rolex were using the 16800 with the experimental steel and called it the 168000 as a prototype. I am guessing that we will never know for sure.
There are a couple of quirks that typically come with the 168000. The first is that the gloss dial has inevitably oxidised. I would guess that 80+% of the dials I have seen have spidering or quite significant oxidation. The second quirk concerns the S in Submariner. For some reason (and this also applies across a few other Submariners) The top and bottom of the S can be flat making it more like a Zubmariner. There are few and far between examples of 168000. The “Z” appears in about 1 in 10 of the ones that I have seen. Finding a 168000 with original dial and box and papers is a true test. Finding one with a Zubmariner dial……well, good luck!
This Submariner is a worthy candidate for my future modern classics and definitely sits in that Top 10 future classics list.
1) Production run of just 7-9 months in 1987/8.
Prior to the 168000, the steel used by Rolex was the Grade 316L. The upgrade to 904L saw a steel that was less prone to erosion. One day, I will tell the horror story of what happened to a Daytona 6239 that I owned that had the older 316L steel. A true horror story. But that will be for a later day.
So, in 1987, the 16800 was replaced with the 168000 and the latter model was in production for a maximum of 9 months before it was replaced by the 16610 that saw a movement upgrade. The 168000 came with a glossy dial and was on a serial number from the late 9 million through to the R-series.
The 168000 has all the mod cons of a typical modern Rolex with sapphire crystal and caliber 3035 workhorse movement. The original oyster bracelet is the 93150 with 593 end links. A Rolex workhorse made for wearing.
There is a degree of uncertainty relating to the 168000. I have not found any official literature from Rolex with the 168000 mentioned. One can speculate, of course, that Rolex were using the 16800 with the experimental steel and called it the 168000 as a prototype. I am guessing that we will never know for sure.
There are a couple of quirks that typically come with the 168000. The first is that the gloss dial has inevitably oxidised. I would guess that 80+% of the dials I have seen have spidering or quite significant oxidation. The second quirk concerns the S in Submariner. For some reason (and this also applies across a few other Submariners) The top and bottom of the S can be flat making it more like a Zubmariner. There are few and far between examples of 168000. The “Z” appears in about 1 in 10 of the ones that I have seen. Finding a 168000 with original dial and box and papers is a true test. Finding one with a Zubmariner dial……well, good luck!
The 168000 falls into that category of watch that can be considered a transitional Rolex. It comes at (or just before my 1990 era analysis) but must be considered as a worthy candidate for being a future classic. It ticks several of the boxes. It is sapphire. Its movement is thoroughly usable in today’s environment. It has an innovation courtesy of the upgraded steel. And it is extremely rare thanks to its truncated 7-9 month production period. I am not sure I can think of any Rolex that has a shorter official production run…..
The mark of Zorro
Funny, the inverse Z. Well done, Joe. I agree with you, this is a version which always attracted me, but I am running after one complete, in great condition, and with a nice patina... [nt]
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I can imagine very well. As I am trying to build a collection of Transitional Rolex... ;) [nt]
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Guido Mondani surely has one on sale but his ask prices are always very ambitious. [nt]
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Yep
He does have one. Not sure the price. I bet it’s at or lower than a brand new Sub
Another one of your very informative posts !.. I've again bookmarked it for reference.. :))
.. Your series have been helpful & are great write-ups !
Thx for your comprehensive informations,
Best, hs
PS: In addition to my humble current Vintage Subs,
(such as 1680/SR, 5513 in various versions)
maybe one day such might be considered,
but as you wrote clearly, these apparently
are really quite rare..
Thx for your comprehensive informations,
Best, hs
PS: In addition to my humble current Vintage Subs,
(such as 1680/SR, 5513 in various versions)
maybe one day such might be considered,
but as you wrote clearly, these apparently
are really quite rare..
I put it on the list.....
......but the reality is that finding one in great condition is almost impossible
"It is not impossible. It is neccessary" a qoute from the movie Interstellar ;-)
But I am willing to make compromises in condition and papers and boxes. If it has papers missing but a Rolex service receipt than I am confident to buy.
I'm not sure what to say except 'thank you'. These are a really great series of posts.
I'm not sure where my interest will fall in terms of a chase for a future classic but i do like/prefer the 5 digit subs. And now here I see a 6 digit sub that's a 5 digit sub!
Your posts are gems!
Thanks Baron. There is so much rarity is such an ubiquitous timepiece as the Sub that watch nerds like us could seek to hold and to have!
I think what I am trying to do....
....is find Rolex rarities at prices that just haven't recognised that rarity yet.
I think a Top 10 list is needed now!
I think a Top 10 list is needed now!
Would be great if you post that list for us that like me have a lack of knowledge about the brand [nt]
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Just ensure you’ve cornered the market on numbers 1 through 10 before publication 😉 [nt]
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Another outstanding review and insight! The mark of Zorro has been carved! [nt]
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Another great one.
The Zubmariner is fascinating and I can imagine how hard it is to find one. I still prefer the Long Good F for its no date and cooler name, but this is also great.
Thanks for educating us.
CC
Thx for e never ending story!
LOL. It has been complicated enough to locate a nice 14060M serial M LGF. And now that 😂😎👍🏻
Predictions are always difficult, especially when they affect the future!
Very interesting post Joe, never heard from this Zubmariner. Searching all my pictures and i dont find my watch now, this post always makes me crazy.
Thanks!
Thanks!
When I see a post from you with that head title
I freak out,Literally.Last time I read your post I lost a significant amount of cash,Who knows how many more future classics can you come up with ?! 🤣
