Rolex 168000 - what serial numbers are legit?

[gsusned]

Hi, I'm purchasing a 168000 and the serial # starts with R59

There is original box but no papers.

Also, the seller told me that they have another Rolex 168000 with papers but the papers only say 16800 and he says that is "normal"

Can anyone validate these claims? The seller is a trusted seller and gets good reviews per this forum.

Thanks for the help, it's my first watch and I just want to make sure!

Edward

[Kooteepee]

Coincidentally in a similar situation. Would be keen to find out more infomation with regards to serial number. From what i understand the papers and caseback is printed 16800 but only the side case is printed 168000.

[sdimi]

I would like to see more discussions about the 168000. Fascinating references in my opinion. My S/N is 986xxxx and it has 168000 stamped between the lugs and 16800 on the case back.


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[photoguy]

I have a 168000 that I bought new in 1988. The watch is stamped with the extra 0 on the case, but the accompanying paperwork reads: R16800A

[gullabaa]

I bought a 168000 in 1987 my S/N: 937XXXX. All this time, I thought it is a 16800 but today when a Rolex watchmaker from Ben Bridge showed me the case, it was showing 168000. What a nice find. I will keep mine and pass it to my son someday.

[Cubdrick]

Per Bob’s Watches:

“ROLEX SUBMARINER 168000

The Rolex Submariner reference 168000 was only produced for a short time in 1989. Its predecessor, the reference 16800 is often referred to as a transitional model and is credited with introducing the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and high beat calibre 3035 self-winding movement to the Submariner line. These features are maintained in the reference 168000 with the only difference being the addition of a stronger, more resilient 904L stainless steel used throughout the 40mm Oyster case, Oyster bracelet, and Oysterlock clasp. The reference 168000 is an important piece of the Submariner history. The Submariner that is offered here today boasts a resistance to depths of up to 1,000 feet, a strong 3-piece case with a Triplock screw-down crown, a black unidirectional bezel, and a matching black dial with luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands, creating the ultimate divers watch.”

[jvmartin]

9 and R only from my experience.

[dmau9600]

Resurrecting an old thread here, but I just took the bracelet off my 963XXXX Submariner. The papers state its a 16800, but the case reads 168000. So I started doing some research and found this thread instead of making a new one.

Can anyone knowledgeable confirm that it is indeed normal 168000 papers to read 16800? The serial from the watch, hangtag and papers all match, so it appears confirmed in this case.

Pretty pumped to find what I thought was a 16800 is indeed a 168000, and it's a birth year watch, full box and papers to boot!

[Tools]

Yes, it is normal.

At the time Rolex was ready to change to the 16610 with 904L steel and a 3135 movement, but the movement was not ready to go.

They stamped 16610 cases (904L steel) with 168000 because they were a continuation of the previous 16800/3035 movement, retaining all the other 16800 parts and pieces.

Physically there is no difference between the cases or looks except the stamp.

[dmau9600]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, it is normal.

At the time Rolex was ready to change to the 16610 with 904L steel and a 3135 movement, but the movement was not ready to go.

They stamped 16610 cases (904L steel) with 168000 because they were a continuation of the previous 16800/3035 movement, retaining all the other 16800 parts and pieces.

Physically there is no difference between the cases or looks except the stamp.

You’re the man, thank you for the detailed and conclusive response!

[SLWoodster]

I also have a 168000, 93xxxx serial. I love mine - unpolished, still got caseback sticker. But I always debate selling it because it is just 1 year away from my birth year. But when the patina is lit just right... all is forgotten.

[cm70]

in my opinion, the 168000 serial range is 93x/R81x ...
all the papers show 16800 as reference ... 000 in the case ... 16800 in the case-back, adding a Rolex logo ....

[baumare]

Originally Posted by cm70

in my opinion, the 168000 serial range is 93x/R81x ...
all the papers show 16800 as reference ... 000 in the case ... 16800 in the case-back, adding a Rolex logo ....

Exactly, looking at the logo inside the case back is the safest way to tell if is a 168000, but I don't think many people know about this!

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by cm70

in my opinion, the 168000 serial range is 93x/R81x ...
all the papers show 16800 as reference ... 000 in the case ... 16800 in the case-back, adding a Rolex logo ....

Brilliant.

Thank you - that sums it up concerning triple zero's case back.