Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 168000

Pre-owned Rolex 40mm Submariner Date, Black Dial, Oyster Bracelet, Ref. 168000

The Rolex Submariner references 16800 and 168000 are both important pieces in the history of the Submariner.  Produced for a short time, they are considered transitional models as they introduced to the submariner the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and high beat caliber 3035.  When Rolex upgraded the case to the 904L stainless steel, they added an extra zero to the 16800 reference, giving us the reference 168000.  This Submariner has a water  resistance to 1,000 feet, a Triplock screw-down crown, a black unidirectional bezel, and a matching black dial with luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands.  The dial featured the metal bezel rings around the hour marker dots, which would carry forward to the next model.  Most dials on reference 168000 do not age well and are often distressed.  This dial is very good condition relative to other examples.  The original lume shows some cracking and has turned an attractive dark tannish-brown color, (a portion of the lume at the 12 hour marker has degraded.).  The hands are Super-luminova and the original sapphire crystal is in generally good condition with a few smaller scratches.  Attached to the watch is the Oyster bracelet with Oyster-lock clasp. The reference 168000 is a nice mix of vintage and modern, making it a good choice for your first Submariner or to have in a collection.