1987 Rolex Submariner Ref. 168000 "Triple Zero"
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1987
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1987 Rolex Submariner reference 168000 is a stainless steel diver's wristwatch featuring a black glossy dial with yellowed tritium lume plots and hands. Produced for approximately 7 to 9 months between 1987 and 1988, the reference 168000 is identified as a transitional model representing a change in manufacturing materials, specifically the upgrade from grade 316L to grade 904L stainless steel.
The timepiece is fitted with a sapphire crystal and a trip-lock crown, providing water resistance. It is mounted on a Rolex 93150 oyster bracelet with 593 end pieces. The auction description reports the watch is running at COSC specifications and remains in unpolished condition. The date wheel features open 6 and 9 numerals. This specific example retains its original green Rolex case back sticker and is noted for its short production window before being superseded by the reference 16610.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Diver's wristwatch
- Model
- Submariner Ref. 168000
- Bracelet
- Rolex 93150 Oyster
- Material
- 904L Stainless steel
- Performance
- COSC spec
- Production Date
- 1987
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- It features tritium-filled hour markers which have aged to a yellow coloration. The date window is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark and is magnified by a cyclops lens. The hands are original to the piece and contain tritium material. The date wheel displays the open 6 and 9 numerals.
- Visible features
- • Yellow-toned tritium lume plots on the dial • Date aperture with magnified cyclops lens • Unidirectional rotating bezel with luminous pearl • Triplock crown marked with Rolex coronet
- Case and Bracelet
- The watch is constructed in stainless steel, with the vendor noting an upgrade to 904L grade material for this specific reference. The case is described as unpolished, retaining original factory finishing, and is equipped with a triplock winding crown. A green Rolex sticker is present on the case back. The bracelet is a stainless steel Rolex 93150 oyster model, complete with original links and 593 end pieces. The vendor reports minimal stretch in the bracelet components and notes that the bezel insert displays light wear while retaining its original tritium pearl.
- Technical Specification and History
- The reference 168000 was produced for a short span of roughly 7 to 9 months between 1987 and 1988. It served as a transitional bridge between the 16800 and the subsequent 16610. The model introduced updated steel grades and transitioned from the earlier movement architecture to later variants. It utilizes a sapphire crystal to protect the dial and is rated for water resistance via the triplock system.
Identification
- Reference
- 168000
- Serial number
- R5XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact production window is estimated by the vendor rather than confirmed by archival manufacturing data
- Research required: The condition of the internal movement components is not documented in the source text