Rolex
Rolex Submariner Date 16803
The Rolex Submariner Date (reference 16803) is a 40 mm steel and yellow gold watch. It runs on the automatic caliber 3035 and is water resistant to 300 m. It was introduced in 1984.
Specifications
Case
- Reference
- 16803
- Collection
- Submariner
- Case size
- 40 mm
- Case material
- Steel and yellow gold
- Case shape
- Round
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Water resistance
- 300 m
- Bracelet / strap
- Oyster, Yellow Rolesor
Dial and bezel
- Bezel
- Aluminum
Movement
- Movement
- Automatic
- Caliber
- 3035
- Frequency
- 28,800 vph
- Functions
- Date, Dive bezel
Production
- Production
- 1984 – today (discontinued)
Dial versions
This reference was made with these dials and finishes.
16803 Champagne
Serti · Diamond hour markers (8) and sapphire (3 at 6, 9, 12); Dial
16803 Slate
Serti · Diamond hour markers (8) and sapphire (3 at 6, 9, 12); Dial
16803 Black Tritium
Tritium (era); dial detail not verified
16803 Black Gold indexes
Gold indexes
16803 Blue
Gold indexes
How it compares within the Submariner family
Side by side with other references in the same collection, from the catalog.
| Reference | Size | Material | Dial | Caliber | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16803 (This watch) | 40 mm | Steel and yellow gold | — | 3035 | 1984– |
| 124060 | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3230 | 2020– |
| 126610LN | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126610LV | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126613LB | 41 mm | Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel/18k yellow gold) | Royal blue | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126613LN | 41 mm | Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel/18k yellow gold) | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126618LB | 41 mm | 18k yellow gold | Blue | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126618LN | 41 mm | 18k yellow gold | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126619LB | 41 mm | 18k white gold | Black | 3235 | 2020–2026 |
About the Submariner family
The Submariner was introduced in 1953 and became the reference design for a dive watch: a black dial with large luminous markers, a rotating timing bezel and a screw-down crown. Vintage references such as the 5512, 5513 and the dated 1680 lead to the sapphire-crystal 16610 and the 116610LN of 2010, with its broader “Super Case” and a ceramic bezel.
In 2020 the case grew to 41 mm with ref. 124060 (no date) and ref. 126610LN (date), using calibers 3230 and 3235. Two-tone and gold models include refs. 126613LB and 126613LN in Yellow Rolesor and 126618LN and 126618LB in yellow gold. The green-bezel 126610LV is a separate variant. Dealers date a Submariner from reference, dial and bezel and check that the bezel insert is original.
Quick answers
- What size is the Rolex Submariner Date 16803?
- The Rolex Submariner Date 16803 has a 40 mm case.
- What movement does the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 use?
- It uses the automatic caliber 3035.
- How water resistant is the Rolex Submariner Date 16803?
- It is water resistant to 300 metres.
- Is the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 still in production?
- Discontinued.
- When did the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 come out?
- It was introduced in 1984.
- What is the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 made of?
- The case is steel and yellow gold. Bracelet or strap: Oyster, Yellow Rolesor.
- Which dials was the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 made with?
- The catalog lists 4 dials: Champagne, Slate, Black, Blue.
Catalog facts checked October 2026.