Submariner 168000

[UKMATT]

Hi there,
I've been offered a "triple zero" Submariner (168000) and was wondering if they're really that sought after. It seems to have good provenance with box and papers and only one owner from new, so I may go for it...
Any views and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Matt

[NKflyer]

They are indeed very rare, having only been produced for a period of about 9-months. But in this case, rare does not necessarily equal desirable and most collectors would rather have a matte dial Submariner any day of the week over a 168000. They are just too similar (virtually indistinguishable) from the common 16610 reference. Perhaps in the future, this will change. It is an interesting reference and if you like it, you should get it. Just don't pay a premium for the "rarity".

[UKMATT]

Thanks for the input!
Pardon my ignorance but which model number is the matte dial Sub?

[NKflyer]

Matte dials don't have the white gold circles around the hour markers so they have a more "vintage" look. They were produced on many different references up until the mid-1980's. Here is a photo of my 5513 (circa 1977) to give you an example of matte:

[UKMATT]

Very nice!!
Thanks again for the info!

[Daytona4130]

Originally Posted by UKMATT

Thanks for the input!
Pardon my ignorance but which model number is the matte dial Sub?

The 16800 (predecessor of 168000) has one of my favorite matte dials.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by UKMATT

Hi there,
I've been offered a "triple zero" Submariner (168000) and was wondering if they're really that sought after. It seems to have good provenance with box and papers and only one owner from new, so I may go for it...
Any views and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Matt

All the extra 0 was for the introduction of the 904L SS not thought of as really collectible but a nice reference to have. But be careful as this reference is often faked by stamping the extra 0 on the case.