CIRCA: 1987
REF.: 168000
CASE NUMBER: 9869533
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 40 mm in diameter
DIAL: Black with tritium luminous markers, date at 3 o'clock
BRACELET MATERIAL: Rolex stainless steel Oyster bracelet with fold-over safety clasp, ref. 93150
BRACELET SIZE: 7-1/4 inches
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time and date
CALIBER: 3035
The reference 168000 is the successor to reference 16800, and was produced for only a short span between 1987 and 1988, making it extremely rare. What sets this reference apart from the 16800 was Rolex's use of stronger 904L stainless steel for the first time in the Submariner range rather than the more conventional 316L steel used previously, and still used today by most other watch brands.
This current example features a dial that has tritium luminous material applied to the glossy dial with white gold "surrounds", or circles, surrounding the luminous plots, a feature evident on current Submariner models. With a more desirable sapphire crystal and a dial that still has the warm charm of vintage tritium luminous material, such examples of the Submariner reference 168000 have been growing in popularity.
Accompanied by a Rolex presentation box, outer box, Rolex hang tag, Rolex 1987-1988 pocket calendar, suede travel pouch, Rolex Submariner booklet, and Rolex polishing cloth.
Condition
Dial and hands in excellent condition, though minute hand is later replacement. Luminous material on dial and hands is intact and without flaws. Case lightly polished with some light scratches. Bezel insert nice but likely replaced. Bracelet exhibiting some stretch but in nice condition overall. Movement running at the time of cataloging.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.