Opinions on this 168000 Triple Zero Sub

[Brian Page]

Hey folks,

I'm entertaining this triple zero trans sub. Obviously a beautiful patina on the dial. What are opinions of the polish that has occurred on the case? I'm not super familiar with the case on the triple zero accept what we all know is that it was the 904 steel transitional model produced from 87 to part of 88. Looking for opinions on whether this case is acceptable for the age and relative scarcity of the model.

Pictures following.

Thanks Guys!

[Brian Page]

Sorry these pics aren't great but you get the idea, not super sure on how sharp the chamfers were originally on this model in 87. Thoughts appreciated

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[Tools]

Looks like it's been cleaned up a few times, but as you say, it is a 30 year old Sub, and the 168000 is scarce.

The 168000 is almost identical to the 16800 and the 16610, so I would say that somebody cut some of the earlier model chamfers along the lugs at some point in it's life. It is basically a 16610 with a 3035 movement.

I would look at the bracelet. One of the photos shows a nice, tight link arrangement, but another seems to show a somewhat worn link-half.

A good sound bracelet and this watch would be ready for another 30 years.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Tools

Looks like it's been cleaned up a few times, but as you say, it is a 30 year old Sub, and the 168000 is scarce.

The 168000 is almost identical to the 16800 and the 16610, so I would say that somebody cut some of the earlier model chamfers along the lugs at some point in it's life. It is basically a 16610 with a 3035 movement.

I would look at the bracelet. One of the photos shows a nice, tight link arrangement, but another seems to show a somewhat worn link-half.

A good sound bracelet and this watch would be ready for another 30 years.

Thanks for your input Larry, It's the dial that I love. I currently have a later model 16610 with swiss made dial, I really have been on the hunt for a decent "T" dial and this one has it for sure. Just trying to decide if I can handle the polish job on the case, would it be a deal killer for you?

[cm70]

in my opinion, that dial is not a 168000 dial but a 16610 dial ...
the case has been polished a lot ...

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by cm70

in my opinion, that dial is not a 168000 dial but a 16610 dial ...
the case has been polished a lot ...

What are you basing your opinion of the dial on out of curiosity?

[cm70]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

What are you basing your opinion of the dial on out of curiosity?

I am considering two elements
1) dimension and shape of Rolex crown
2) shape of M and ft ...
have you got a better picture of the dial ?

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by cm70

I am considering two elements
1) dimension and shape of Rolex crown
2) shape of M and ft ...
have you got a better picture of the dial ?

I will try to take one

[cm70]

a 168000 matte dial (one of the two that I know to be existing)
... crown/M/ft ... and also the Swiss t 25

[16610Swiss]

Originally Posted by cm70

I am considering two elements
1) dimension and shape of Rolex crown
2) shape of M and ft ...
have you got a better picture of the dial ?

16800/168000/16610 t swiss are all the same dials with no change. They both will have a flat font S or round top S included with the two different M's you mentioned... There is no way of telling that the dial came from either reference, unless it had the spidering on the dial... Then we know it's a 16800/168000 and can't be on a 16610... Otherwise picture's are terrible to give a true opinion. From the potato they used as a camera and what I can see. Imsert correct... hands are service. Dial is correct. Bracelet is dead and needs to be fixed... Polished to death maybe? But most important the bracelet end links is the 593 a flat top or round top... Must be round top...

[cm70]

Originally Posted by 16610Swiss

16800/168000/16610 t swiss are all the same dials with no change. They both will have a flat font S or round top S included with the two different M's you mentioned... There is no way of telling that the dial came from either reference, unless it had the spidering on the dial... Then we know it's a 16800/168000 and can't be on a 16610... Otherwise picture's are terrible to give a true opinion. From the potato they used as a camera and what I can see. Imsert correct... hands are service. Dial is correct. Bracelet is dead and needs to be fixed... Polished to death maybe? But most important the bracelet end links is the 593 a flat top or round top... Must be round top...

I will continue later on with a clearer explanation of different tritium dials on 168000 with some pics I do not have here ... I can say that the first dial on 16610 was also used on last R triplezeros ... the two references share one dial ...
yes.. a correct insert ... case looks like an egg (chamfers are gone) and bracelet need to be checked also in clasp code ...

[Filipão]

Here's my "good condition" 16800's case for comparison.

Good luck Brian!

[baumare]

As already been said it is in poor condition,
I'm not sure about the dial, the early one have the S of Submariner that look like a reverse Z, after that they have a larger crown, can't tell from this picture

Also if they ask a premium because is a 16800-0 make sure the serial number is in the correct range (1987-88) but the only way to be sure is the extra stamp inside the case back, you need to open it and check

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Thanks for your input Larry, It's the dial that I love. I currently have a later model 16610 with swiss made dial, I really have been on the hunt for a decent "T" dial and this one has it for sure. Just trying to decide if I can handle the polish job on the case, would it be a deal killer for you?

No, it would not kill the deal for me, as long as I know what I am getting, and what I want.

The days where you can find a watch only made for a year in pristine condition are pretty much gone.

Through holes are clean and round, pivots stay inside, I would expect a 168000 to have the gold-surround dial. Many folks like the wider chamfers and so they are something to retain... a good shop can make this into a very nice example of the era of early subs.

[mcch2233]

The bottom left lug seems to be a bit thinner and over polished than the rest.

That said, I personally have an overpolished 168000, but I still love it. Got it for a fairly good price, and I recently just ordered a new bracelet and end links to replace the beaten up one it came with, which really rejuvenated the watch for me. One day I'll be sending it off to Rolliworks to get all properly fixed up.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, it would not kill the deal for me, as long as I know what I am getting, and what I want.

The days where you can find a watch only made for a year in pristine condition are pretty much gone.

Through holes are clean and round, pivots stay inside, I would expect a 168000 to have the gold-surround dial. Many folks like the wider chamfers and so they are something to retain... a good shop can make this into a very nice example of the era of early subs.

Thanks Larry, I appreciate your wisdon!

[cm70]

white gold markers dial

16800



168000



16610

[Tavli3]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, it would not kill the deal for me, as long as I know what I am getting, and what I want.

The days where you can find a watch only made for a year in pristine condition are pretty much gone.

Through holes are clean and round, pivots stay inside, I would expect a 168000 to have the gold-surround dial. Many folks like the wider chamfers and so they are something to retain... a good shop can make this into a very nice example of the era of early subs.

I also think the days you can find a watch made for less than a year for the same price as a new mass produced one are going to soon be gone. Not sure why the price for these has languished but good for us collectors while it lasts especially for the Mark 1 z dial that seems to be only about 10% of production.

[cm70]

I would like to add that
a) 2 R81xx 168000 were founded with tritium circular maxi index dials ... one of these 2 with "Moro di Venezia World Champion 1988" in the outer case back
b) a marvellous R38 168000 is a Comex

[spoilsofwar01]

Brian, Fella,

to the point, it looks like a Vgc vintage 168000, its been worn as it should, if the price is right .... Go for it!

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by mcch2233

The bottom left lug seems to be a bit thinner and over polished than the rest.

That said, I personally have an overpolished 168000, but I still love it. Got it for a fairly good price, and I recently just ordered a new bracelet and end links to replace the beaten up one it came with, which really rejuvenated the watch for me. One day I'll be sending it off to Rolliworks to get all properly fixed up.

Thanks for the input!

[RolexBrian]

Nice patina

[Deepsea Florida]

My 168000 was bought by my Dad new for me from Mayors Aventura when I was 21, and given to me on my 21st birthday, in 1986. Watch is a 168000, so the 168000 also had to be produced in 1986. (Still have the box and papers).

[Tavli3]

Originally Posted by Deepsea Florida

My 168000 was bought by my Dad new for me from Mayors Aventura when I was 21, and given to me on my 21st birthday, in 1986. Watch is a 168000, so the 168000 also had to be produced in 1986. (Still have the box and papers).

That's interesting, is your birthday by any chance towards the end of the year?

[Deepsea Florida]

Birthday is right in the middle of the year.