168000 Submariner?

[cronos]

A local jewlery store has this 1988 Rolex 168000 for $9,300. Know anything about this model or how much they usually sell for?

The store's description says

"This is an unusual “transitional” Rolex Submariner with the reference number 168000. The “Triple Zero” Submariner was briefly produced between the 16800 and the 16610 models, and it was the first Rolex watch to feature a 904L or “Oystersteel” case. A subtle but very cool and rare version of a classic model! This watch was just fully serviced and is in great condition. Sorry, no box or papers with this one."

[Brian Page]

Yes I know a bit about this model. It was a transition model made in 1987 and part of 88 bridging the gap into what we all know as the five digit sub. There cool in the fact they weren't around long so there aren't a bunch of them. More of a discussion piece than anything else in my opinion, at one point I almost traded my five digit sub for this model based on two things the watch in question had a great tritium dial with nice patina and I thought it woukd be cool to have the odd transitional model. Is it worth a lot more than a great condition 5 digit? Maybe to a select few that want an example of the bridge between the four and five digits for a collection etc...

If you like it, get it.

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[ltmgeller]

I believe it was only available for a few years in the late 80's and they made the switch to the 904L SS on this model. Seems super rare.

[accountank2000]

Remember 'super rare' doesn't mean the watch is better, or is more in demand than other watches either side of the reference:

- If fewer people are aware of what it is, the market for people to take it off your hands at the amount of money you paid for it, is going to be limited.

- Sure, there will be some people who do know what it is and consider it somewhat special for their collection. But if they are real collectors and think they really want or need it, they will already have got if from somewhere else.

So the bottom line is that although *you* might think it's intriguing enough to pay extra money to get, you might find that the other market participants don't want to pay out to get it today, even if they acknowledge that it's 'special' in some way.

And hence if you can't guarantee to sell it for an inflated amount, you probably shouldn't buy it for an inflated amount either :)

[golftime]

Great photo of a beautiful watch.

[Tavli3]

That’s about what they go for. I have one and think it’s a real sleeper. But only buy it if you like it cause as stated above it can stay asleep if the general watch buying crowd remains unaware of it. Rare does not always equal desirable or valuable.


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[cronos]

Thanks this jewelry store is a Rolex AD. is this watch overpriced? Does the fact that they say "This watch was just fully serviced" add to the value? what is the average price of similar used subs?

[freefly]

Originally Posted by accountank2000

Remember 'super rare' doesn't mean the watch is better, or is more in demand than other watches either side of the reference:

+1

And in this particular case, there is a higher probability of shenanigans. Years ago there was a lot of hype regarding these. As such, several 16800s with an added "0" started showing up on the used market.

That said, the OP watch appears to be a nice example, regardless.

[cronos]

Originally Posted by freefly

+1

And in this particular case, there is a higher probability of shenanigans. Years ago there was a lot of hype regarding these. As such, several 16800s with an added "0" started showing up on the used market.

That said, the OP watch appears to be a nice example, regardless.

Thanks,This watch is at respected Rolex authorized dealer near where I live and it has had a recent full service from Rolex so I don't think it is fake.

[Nick9]

I have a 168000. Unfortunately a previous owner had the full Rolex “renovation”, and sadly there’s not a lot of original left. It’s a great looking watch, but ...

From what I’ve learned since, I’d call these uncommon, but not rare.

I think it’s reasonable to pay a small premium for that extra zero; there is some fun value in it.

I can’t comment on the price except to say that, obviously, the recent service (and warranty) has some value.

[cronos]

[cronos]

[cronos]

Thanks for all the info.I am not going to buy this watch but I was just curious about this model because I had never heard about it before.

[PRSWILL]

Why is this in the "watchout" section? Authorized AD watch? Nice piece.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by PRSWILL

Why is this in the "watchout" section? Authorized AD watch? Nice piece.

The Watch Out Board is for members to get feedback on watches they are looking to purchase or have questions about.

Why would this Thread not be in the watchout section?

[GGGMT]

Looks good!


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