Rolex 168000 (Pre-owned - Good) — USD 12,895 on eBay

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.