Submariner Date (5-Digit, Gold & Two-Tone)

Rolex Submariner Date 16803

5-digit two-tone Submariner Date (Rolesor)

  • 40mm
  • Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold
  • Cal. 3035
  • 1984 to 1988
  • Men's
The Rolex Submariner Date (5-Digit, Gold & Two-Tone), reference 16803. Produced 1984 to 1988. The reference breaks down as: 168 = Submariner Date case generation (sapphire, 300m); 03 = Rolesor (stainless steel + 18k yellow gold). Cal. 3035. Preceded the 5-digit 16613. Below are the full specifications, plus what each part of the reference number means. If you own this reference and want to know what it is worth today, we buy it outright and appraisals are complimentary.

Rather talk to someone? Call (619) 236-9603 Mon to Sat, or walk in at 907 Sixth Ave

GIA-trained appraisers · 20 years in downtown San Diego · 100% certified authentic

Full specifications

Case

Case size40mm
Case materialStainless steel with 18k yellow gold (Rolesor)
Lug width20mm
CrystalSapphire with Cyclops over date
Water resistance300m

Bezel

Bezel typeAluminum insert
Bezel materialAnodized aluminum insert on 18k yellow gold bezel

Dial

Dial variantsBlack or blue dial; aluminum bezel insert
LumeTritium

Band

Bracelet typeOyster
BraceletTwo-tone Oyster, steel and 18k yellow gold
ClaspFolding Oysterlock safety clasp with diver's extension

Movement

MovementCal. 3035, automatic, date
Caliber3035
Power reserve42 hours
Beat rate28800 vph
Jewels27
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, date, unidirectional rotating dive bezel

Reference

Wears asMen's
Produced1984 to 1988

What reference 16803 means

168 Submariner Date case generation (sapphire, 300m)
03 Rolesor (stainless steel + 18k yellow gold). Cal. 3035. Preceded the 5-digit 16613.

How the 16803 compares

Side by side with the other Rolex Submariner Date references we document. Only the specs that actually differ are listed.

16803 vs 116610

Spec16803 116610
Lug width 20mm 21mm
Power reserve 42 hrs 48 hrs
Jewels 27 31
Produced 1984 to 1988 2010 to 2020

16803 vs 116610LN

Spec16803 116610LN
Lug width 20mm 21mm
Power reserve 42 hrs 48 hrs
Jewels 27 31
Produced 1984 to 1988 2010 to 2020

16803 vs 116610LV

Spec16803 116610LV
Lug width 20mm 21mm
Power reserve 42 hrs 48 hrs
Jewels 27 31
Produced 1984 to 1988 2010 to 2020

Common questions about the Rolex Submariner Date 16803

How big is the Rolex Submariner Date 16803?

The case measures 40mm across, with a 20mm lug width. Case material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold (Rolesor). Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

What movement is in the 16803?

Cal. 3035, automatic, date. Power reserve is 42 hours. It beats at 28,800 vph. The movement uses 27 jewels.

Is the 16803 water resistant?

It is rated to 300 meters, about 984 feet. That is a diving rating: it is built for scuba use, not just for getting wet. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

When was the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 made?

Rolex produced this reference from 1984 to 1988. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

What does the reference number 16803 mean?

168 = Submariner Date case generation (sapphire, 300m); 03 = Rolesor (stainless steel + 18k yellow gold). Cal. 3035. Preceded the 5-digit 16613.. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Does the 16803 have a nickname?

5-digit two-tone Submariner Date (Rolesor). Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Does San Diego Jewelry Buyers buy the Rolex Submariner Date 16803?

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.

Explore more

  • GIA-trained watch buyer
  • BBB A+ accredited
  • Family-owned in San Diego since 2006
  • Paid on the spot, in person

Interested in a Submariner Date (5-Digit, Gold & Two-Tone) 16803?

Inquire Tell us what you are looking for

Own a Submariner Date (5-Digit, Gold & Two-Tone) 16803?

We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it. Bring it to our Gaslamp showroom or start online. Appraisals are complimentary and there is no obligation to sell.

Get my complimentary appraisal