-
Maybe I'm missing something about this particular model here but there are 25 168000 on Chrono24.
But sure, its an incredibly collectible watch and a full set one must be even rarer. It looks pristine. I'm just trying to work out if it is as rare as some say it is, or whether its just very collectible.
This one, for example has the cracked dial that seems to affect lots of them
https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/submariner-date-168000-transitional--id7451015.htm
Stonehedge-
Its a bit of both, not too surprised to see 25 on C24, that's where I do most of my buying/selling. Big jump from ebay though.
Cracked dials plagued this generation, it's almost to be expected, now depending on how bad it is, Rolex will demand it gets replaced during a service. Replacing the dial can really kill the value.
It is rare, but the real hype is yet to begin, it's too early. It's still a black bezel sub at the the end of the day. Give it 10+ years, then things will really pick up.
On C24 you might notice the 10k+ listing, that's from the first batch of 168000, that has a matte dial. Notice all the others are gloss, it will just take a bit longer for the gloss models to catch up to the price of the matte.
Antidotes
Put it like this, I just had a quick browse on ebay for 168000, considering this is a submariner, the ford escort of Rolex watches, there are TWO listed in the world. Both in the US.
Now it's only a matter of time before instagram strikes with the 168000. At some point James Dowling aka misterrolex or another vintage collector is going to mention and hashtag the ref. 168000, alerting every potential vintage submariner buyer to it's existence. The supply will dive and demand will go though the roof.
Although you can manufacture your own hype by posting a glossy picture with "look how rare this (insert model here) actually is because (insert facts here). And then tag every collector on instagram.
They will want to be the first to break the new hype so they will all repost it or buy their own and then post that and so the madness begins.