My 168000

[Dalton]

Some pics of my 168000. Just wanted to share pics the crazed dial.

[mfer]

I'm guessing that is going to be looking cooler and cooler with each passing year. It would be really cool if you could take pics of the dials progression over the years.

[Lowflight]

Nice potential Spider Dial there pard

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by Lowflight

Nice potential Spider Dial there pard

Yeah I suppose I should document the life of the Tritium too. I really can't wait for the day I start seeing yellowed indices

[mgm]

Originally Posted by Dalton

Yeah I suppose I should document the life of the Tritium too. I really can't wait for the day I start seeing yellowed indices

I wonder if some never do yellow.

The crazing; is that merely a function of the paint or does it extend to the metal below?

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by mgm

I wonder if some never do yellow.

The crazing; is that merely a function of the paint or does it extend to the metal below?

The 168000 was produced for about 6-9 months but I read somewhere where Jocke had been able to find evidence(I think I read it) that the 168000 only ran for 6 months, thus making it the rarest SS Sub reference. The purpose of the 168000 was to introduce a new look, gloss dial with gold surrounds, and a technological difference to the Sub, which is 904L steel. After 6 months they changed the reference to 16610 and upgraded it to a 3135 movement.

So here's what makes a 168000 just a bit different, besides the reference number and movement. The change from Matte dials to Gloss dial was not a smooth one(No PUN INTENDED). They apparantly didn't have the Formula figured out yet and the enamel began to crack on some or lets just say all of them. So at service time, those watches got matte dials(really effing cool) and some got new reformulated dials(I've only heard this, and haven't seen it, yet).But there are 168000's with their original dials which have yellowed or stayed white with no luminous, of course. The only visual difference, which I really like, is the Crazing of the enamel aka Spider Dial. It takes the appearance of an old Fresco Painting, and that's what really makes a 168000 really nice to look at while trying not to dose off in a company meeting. In seriousness though, the dial is what makes the watch special, and although it's a transitional watch with very little visual stimuli for it to be considered a "Must Have",it has a Story, and that makes it a wonderful Sub to own.

[springer]

Nice watch. Enjoy.

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by springer

Nice watch. Enjoy.

Thank you sir!

[buz-lh]

It's interesting that some craze and some don't. My 168000 doesn't show any hint of crazing but the dial has become less glossy. I'm pretty sure my dial is original but it is taking on more of a matte appearance. I think the crazing is pretty cool and I agree with you Dalton that although this reference doesn't have any special appeal to collectors it is pretty rare because of the short manufacturing run.

[stevemulholland3]

the 168000 is truly an excellent choice to put into your watch portfolio..it is destined to become a collectors choice due to its low production run..
great choice my friend!

[train-time]

Wow Dalton, very nice indeed!! It's a true watch collector's piece and a slice of Rolex history. Cherish that superb piece.