Today's offering showcases this very rare and cool "triple zero" Submariner. The 168000, or triple zero, was a very short-lived model Rolex made for only approximately six to nine months in the late 1980's. It is arguably the rarest modern Rolex.

And also one of the most underappreciated. Perhaps because it visually is hard to spot a 168000, prices haven't risen as quickly for this reference. While I am almost always loathe to make value predictions, I'll make an exception here to say that it would surprise me if the prices of these don't climb at least to some extent as right now they are only fractionally more expensive than their successors which were made in huge numbers.

This transitional reference was created when Rolex upgraded the steel they used in the Submariner case from grade 306L to grade 904L while still using the last of their 3035 movements. They added a zero to the existing model 16800, to differentiate this new version. After only a few months Rolex began using their new 3135 movements in the Submariner, making the ubiquitous ref. 16610.

This very rare "triple zero" is an R serial number. It has sporty and classy Rolex style with gloss dial and raised indices.

Here are a few of its features:

• Original gloss black dial with raised indices, in mint condition
• Original ref. 93150 Oyster bracelet with correct 593 end links and flip-lock clasp for extra security while diving.
• Graduated bi-directional revolving black bezel for assistance with decompression times

This Certified Pre-Owned Rolex is in gorgeous condition and was purchased from Rolex authorized dealer Tourneau.

It appears to be unworn since being serviced and purchased. All of its parts are genuine Rolex down to the spring bars. Accompanying it are its Rolex boxes and booklet.

Tourneau is not allowed to using anything other than Rolex parts when servicing it and they're not allowed to sell anything that contains any aftermarket parts, so purchasing this watch is like purchasing it from Rolex. We have included several photos from the original Tourneau listing attesting to the fact that it's unaltered since they're servicing.

Tourneau fully serviced the watch and provided a two-year warranty at the time of their sale. We have timed it in five chronometer positions on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to keep perfect time on par with a brand new Submariner.

It is part of a discerning collection we are selling from of a renowned pediatrician.

Included with the purchase is a new one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function (we are unsure if Tourneau warranties are transferable), and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Rolex Submariner:
Rolex, known for exposing their wristwatches to extreme circumstances, took their testing to a new level on September 30, 1953, when they strapped one of their new prototype Submariner diving watches to the famous Piccard family's bathyscaph FNRS-2 for its world record setting dive to 10,336 feet. The watch survived the testing unharmed and watertight.

• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Maker: Rolex
• Model: Submariner, Ref. 168000
• Serial no.: R812086
• Year made: c. 1988
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Date, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition
• Dimensions: 40mm in diameter without the crown
• Dial: Gloss black, signed Rolex Submariner, luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute division. Original, excellent condition. Luminous steel skeleton hands.
• Hands: Luminous steel 'Mercedes' skeletons
• Movement type: Cal. 3035, rhodium-plated, 27 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism
• Band: Original, Rolex Oyster bracelet #93150 with 593 end pieces, locking deployment clasp, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. 7.7 inches, fairly mild stretch and finish presents as just short of mint condition with only light remnants of wear and a strong and clear coronet on the class
• Crystal: Sapphire, mint condition
• Servicing: Tourneau fully serviced the watch and provided a two-year warranty at the time of their sale.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to keep perfect time on par with a brand new Submariner.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Rolex inner and outer boxes; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide