Rolex Submariner 168000 'Zubmariner' Guide

The Rolex 6239 represents a black dial variant within this reference, produced from 1963 to 1969. This reference occupies a specific position in Rolex's chronograph offerings of the period, distinguished by its black dial configuration and manual winding operation.

The watch features a 37mm stainless steel case fitted with a fixed tachymeter bezel and acrylic crystal. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters. The manual winding movement utilizes the Valjoux 72 caliber, providing a 45-hour power reserve. The timepiece is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on vintage Rolex chronographs from the 1960s production era. The black dial variant offers an alternative to other dial configurations within the 6239 reference range. The manual winding Valjoux 72 movement and 37mm case size reflect the technical specifications typical of this production period.

The Rolex Submariner reference 16610 is a robust and functional diver's watch, representing a key evolution within the Submariner lineage. It succeeded the reference 168000 and introduced incremental updates while maintaining the core design principles of the professional tool watch. This reference is distinguished by its use of 904L stainless steel and a sapphire crystal, enhancing its durability and water resistance for demanding use. It remained a cornerstone of the brand's sports watch offerings for many years.

This reference features a 40mm case crafted from 904L stainless steel, housing the automatic Caliber 3135 movement. This self-winding mechanical movement is known for its reliability and precision, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet), secured by a Triplock winding crown. The unidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with an aluminum insert.

The 16610 appeals to collectors seeking a modern classic Submariner that bridges the gap between vintage and contemporary iterations. It represents the last generation of Submariners with an aluminum bezel insert before the introduction of ceramic bezels. Variants primarily involve minor dial changes over its production run, such as lug hole cases versus no lug hole cases, and the transition from tritium to Luminova luminescence. Its long production period makes it a widely recognized and accessible reference.

The Rolex Submariner reference 16800 represents a significant transitional model within the Submariner lineage, bridging the gap between vintage and modern iterations. It introduced several key advancements while retaining the classic Submariner aesthetic. This reference is notable for being one of the first Submariner models to incorporate a sapphire crystal and a quick-set date function, marking a departure from earlier plexiglass crystals and non-quick-set movements. It maintained the robust tool watch identity that defines the Submariner series.

This reference features a 40 mm stainless steel case, providing a durable and functional housing. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 3035, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours and includes the aforementioned quick-set date complication. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, enhancing its scratch resistance and water integrity, contributing to its 300-meter water resistance rating. The unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel facilitates timing intervals.

For collectors, the 16800 is valued for its blend of vintage appeal and modern utility. It is often sought after by those who appreciate the classic Submariner design but desire the practical benefits of a sapphire crystal and a quick-set date. Early examples of the 16800 can feature a matte dial with tritium lume, which later transitioned to gloss dials with white gold surrounds for the hour markers, offering distinct variations for collectors.

The Rolex Submariner reference 168000 is a transitional model, produced for a very short period, bridging the gap between the five-digit Submariner Date references 16800 and the subsequent 16610. Its primary distinguishing feature is the use of 904L stainless steel for the case, a material Rolex would later adopt across its entire steel watch production. This reference is often referred to as the "triple zero" due to its unique six-digit reference number, a rarity in the Submariner lineage before the widespread adoption of six-digit references. It retains many characteristics of the 16800 while subtly introducing the advanced steel alloy.

This reference features a 40 mm Oystersteel case, equipped with a unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel. It is powered by the automatic caliber 3135, a robust movement known for its precision and reliability, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, providing enhanced scratch resistance over the acrylic crystals of earlier models, and maintains a water resistance rating of 300 meters (1000 feet), suitable for professional diving.

For collectors, the 168000 holds particular interest due to its brief production run, estimated to be only about nine months, making it one of the rarer modern Submariner references. It represents a significant material upgrade in the Submariner's evolution, marking the introduction of 904L steel. Its short availability and the technical advancements it introduced make it a noteworthy piece for those interested in the incremental development of Rolex's professional tool watches.