1986 168000 Submariner with a Tiffany & Co. Dial

[jd0lzz]

Hello Rolex Folks,

I actually joined rolexfoums about two years ago after my father generously gave me his 1986 168000 Submariner with Tiffany & Co. Dial (Purchased new from Tiffany's in November of 1987). Not knowing anything about Rolex watches, aside from their name and reputation, I decided to try to find out as much as I could about this watch. This is what I have learned. The double branding makes it more valuable to a collector. It being a 168000 rather than a 16800 illustrates the fact that the Stainless Steel used for the case was changed from grade 316 to grade 904. I have heard rumor that some of the 168000 and some of the 16800 models were prone to "spider cracking" on the dial due to a bad paint mixture. The watch that I have also has fallen victim to the "spider cracking" (although it is very subtle - actually looks kind of cool). So long story short, I have a double branded watch with oddball SS with an original "spider cracked" dial that could possibly be worth a fair amount of money. It would be nice to know its value even though I am not looking to sell this watch. It has a great deal of value to me on it's own. More importantly, I need to get it serviced. I can safely say that my father never had the watch serviced. With the exception of one lug pin, I know that the watch is 100% original, and I would like to keep it that way. Can anybody make some recommendations as to who should service this watch. I just want a service (lube, gaskets, etc...), that is it. I have heard that if I send it to Rolex, they might change the dial, hands, etc.... on me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. (I have heard good things about Bob Ridley in Texas)