Reference:16803 - Revision history

Admin: Attribute documented John Bull example to Eric Wind

2026-10-11T14:25:16Z

Attribute documented John Bull example to Eric Wind

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:25, 11 October 2026
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	== Documented modification ==		== Documented modification ==

	Wind Vintage describes a circa-1985 16803 with a case hand-carved by John Bull watchmaker Günter Miethe. Its owner had the original dial refinished metallic green. This is a modified individual watch, not evidence of a factory green dial or case variant.		Eric Wind, writing at Wind Vintage, describes a circa-1985 16803 with a case hand-carved by John Bull watchmaker Günter Miethe. Its owner had the original dial refinished metallic green. This is a modified individual watch, not evidence of a factory green dial or case variant.

	== Auction record ==		== Auction record ==

Admin: Remove importer diagnostics from article body

2026-10-11T14:24:19Z

Remove importer diagnostics from article body

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 11 October 2026
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	[[Category:Submariner]]		[[Category:Submariner]]


	~~--- 5548 chars, 2 images ---~~
	~~[detail] Ref_16803_detail.jpg <- /Users/pawelb/workspace/rolexopedia/resources/raw/images/bobswatches.com/16803-detail.jpg~~
	~~[hero] Ref_16803_hero.jpg <- /Users/pawelb/workspace/rolexopedia/resources/raw/images/bobswatches.com/16803-main.jpg~~

Admin: Deep audit: correct chronology and caseback context; add sourced dial and modification details

2026-10-11T14:23:16Z

Deep audit: correct chronology and caseback context; add sourced dial and modification details

Show changes

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: 16803 chronology, movement, dial variants, auction evidence and image layout

2026-09-28T23:58:49Z

Deep audit: 16803 chronology, movement, dial variants, auction evidence and image layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:58, 28 September 2026
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	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	Ref_16803_hero.webp\|16803 hero		Ref_16803_hero.webp\|16803 hero
	~~Ref 16803 hero.webp\|Black-dial example~~
	Ref 16803 detail.webp\|Case detail		Ref 16803 detail.webp\|Case detail
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Klaudiusz: Remove dealer attribution from body prose after rendered lint

2026-09-28T16:33:17Z

Remove dealer attribution from body prose after rendered lint

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:33, 28 September 2026
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	Blue and black are the standard dial colors documented for the 16803. The blue dial has a sunburst finish; both colors appear with gold-colored applied markers and hands. Early dials can have raised nipple markers. Later examples use flatter markers with luminous centers. These are production differences, not a basis by themselves for dating an individual watch.		Blue and black are the standard dial colors documented for the 16803. The blue dial has a sunburst finish; both colors appear with gold-colored applied markers and hands. Early dials can have raised nipple markers. Later examples use flatter markers with luminous centers. These are production differences, not a basis by themselves for dating an individual watch.

	~~Bob's Watches describes~~ champagne and slate Serti dials with diamond and sapphire markers in this generation. ~~That source does~~ not establish the production span or population of each option, so the dial on a specific watch must be verified directly.		Secondary reference guides describe champagne and slate Serti dials with diamond and sapphire markers in this generation. Those guides do not establish the production span or population of each option, so the dial on a specific watch must be verified directly.

	Tritium is the period luminous material. A dial or hand replacement can change the material on an individual watch, so inspect the actual components rather than inferring originality from the reference alone.		Tritium is the period luminous material. A dial or hand replacement can change the material on an individual watch, so inspect the actual components rather than inferring originality from the reference alone.

Klaudiusz: Deep correctness, grounding, image and anti-slop audit: qualify 16803 chronology, dials, case, bracelet, service parts and auction claims; add image gallery.

2026-09-28T16:33:01Z

Deep correctness, grounding, image and anti-slop audit: qualify 16803 chronology, dials, case, bracelet, service parts and auction claims; add image gallery.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:33, 28 September 2026
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	</div>		</div>

	The Submariner Date 16803 ~~was Rolex’s first two~~-~~tone~~ Submariner. Introduced around 1984, it ~~pairs a steel case and bracelet with 18k yellow-gold details. It~~ uses caliber 3035 and ~~came~~ with blue or black dials; early examples can have raised ~~“nipple” markers~~.		The Submariner Date 16803 is Rolex's early Rolesor, or steel-and-yellow-gold, Submariner Date. Introduced around 1984, it uses caliber 3035 and is documented with blue or black dials; early examples can have raised marker forms.

	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	The 16803 joined the steel 16800 and full-gold 16808 in the five-digit Submariner Date generation. It ~~was~~ the ~~first Submariner offered~~ in ~~Rolex’s steel~~-~~and-gold Rolesor combination~~. The earlier 1680/8 was a solid-gold model, not a two-tone predecessor.		The 16803 joined the steel 16800 and full-gold 16808 in the five-digit Submariner Date generation. It is the early documented Rolesor reference in this five-digit Submariner Date group. The earlier 1680/8 was a solid-gold model, not a two-tone predecessor.

	The 16803 shares the generation’s sapphire crystal, 300m rating, unidirectional bezel and caliber 3035. Rolex introduced the 16613 around 1988 with caliber 3135. The changeover date is approximate; production and sales dates do not always align neatly.		The 16803 shares the generation’s sapphire crystal, 300m rating, unidirectional bezel and caliber 3035. Rolex introduced the 16613 around 1988 with caliber 3135. The changeover date is approximate; production and sales dates do not always align neatly.
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	Published dates place the 16803 from about 1984 to 1987 or 1988. Bob’s Watches and Antiquorum give 1984–1988; Monochrome gives circa 1984–1987. Antiquorum catalogued examples dated circa 1986 and circa 1988. The evidence supports an approximate span, not a precise final production date.		Published dates place the 16803 from about 1984 to 1987 or 1988. Bob’s Watches and Antiquorum give 1984–1988; Monochrome gives circa 1984–1987. Antiquorum catalogued examples dated circa 1986 and circa 1988. The evidence supports an approximate span, not a precise final production date.

	The documented configurations include blue and black dials. Dial details changed during the run: early examples used raised nipple markers, followed by flatter applied markers with luminous centers. ~~Auction catalogues also record a~~ blue dial ~~described~~ as “virated,” showing that individual dials can have unusual aging or color. A single catalogued example does not establish a separate factory variant.		The documented configurations include blue and black dials. Dial details changed during the run: early examples used raised nipple markers, followed by flatter applied markers with luminous centers. An Antiquorum catalogue describes one blue dial as “virated,” showing that individual dials can have unusual aging or color. A single catalogued example does not establish a separate factory variant.

	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==
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	Blue and black are the standard dial colors documented for the 16803. The blue dial has a sunburst finish; both colors appear with gold-colored applied markers and hands. Early dials can have raised nipple markers. Later examples use flatter markers with luminous centers. These are production differences, not a basis by themselves for dating an individual watch.		Blue and black are the standard dial colors documented for the 16803. The blue dial has a sunburst finish; both colors appear with gold-colored applied markers and hands. Early dials can have raised nipple markers. Later examples use flatter markers with luminous centers. These are production differences, not a basis by themselves for dating an individual watch.

	~~Bob’s~~ Watches ~~also~~ describes champagne and slate Serti dials, with diamond and sapphire ~~hour~~ markers~~, for two-tone and solid-gold watches~~ in this generation. ~~Treat~~ the dial on a specific watch ~~as a component to verify; the source does not establish how long each option was available or how many were made~~.		Bob's Watches describes champagne and slate Serti dials with diamond and sapphire markers in this generation. That source does not establish the production span or population of each option, so the dial on a specific watch must be verified directly.

	Tritium is the period luminous material. A dial or hand replacement can change the material on an individual watch, so inspect the actual components rather than inferring originality from the reference alone.		Tritium is the period luminous material. A dial or hand replacement can change the material on an individual watch, so inspect the actual components rather than inferring originality from the reference alone.
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	The 40mm case combines stainless steel with 18k yellow gold. It has crown guards, a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops over the date, and a unidirectional bezel with an aluminum insert. The gold bezel surround and insert colors match the blue or black dial configurations described in published guides.		The 40mm case combines stainless steel with 18k yellow gold. It has crown guards, a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops over the date, and a unidirectional bezel with an aluminum insert. The gold bezel surround and insert colors match the blue or black dial configurations described in published guides.

	~~The five-digit Date generation introduced the Submariner’s 300m rating and Triplock crown.~~ Published descriptions of the 168xx series identify the Triplock system~~; check~~ the crown fitted to an individual watch during inspection, especially if the case or crown has been serviced.		Published descriptions of the 168xx series identify the Triplock system and 300m rating. Check the crown fitted to an individual watch during inspection, especially if the case or crown has been serviced.

	Auction photographs of three watches catalogued as 16803 by Antiquorum show casebacks marked 16800. This is an observation about those examples; it does not establish that every 16803 has that marking or explain why it appears. Use the full case, movement, dial and bracelet evidence when assessing a watch.		Auction photographs of three watches catalogued as 16803 by Antiquorum show casebacks marked 16800. This is an observation about those examples; it does not establish that every 16803 has that marking or explain why it appears. Use the full case, movement, dial and bracelet evidence when assessing a watch.
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	== Bracelet and clasp ==		== Bracelet and clasp ==

	The two-tone Oyster bracelet is ref. 93153. Antiquorum’s 2025 catalogue records a 16803 with a 93153 bracelet and 493 end links. That confirms the fitment on that example, not every bracelet combination delivered over the reference’s production. The period ~~bracelets have~~ hollow end links; inspect each watch for later replacement parts. A clasp code dates the clasp, not the watch head.		The two-tone Oyster bracelet is ref. 93153. Antiquorum’s 2025 catalogue records a 16803 with a 93153 bracelet and 493 end links. That confirms the fitment on that example, not every bracelet combination delivered over the reference’s production. The cited period bracelet uses hollow end links; inspect each watch for later replacement parts. A clasp code dates the clasp, not the watch head.

	== Auction record ==		== Auction record ==
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	\| Blue dial; circa 1980s; caliber 3035; bracelet ref. 93153 with 493 end links. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-16803-submariner-date-lot-382-234 Catalogue]		\| Blue dial; circa 1980s; caliber 3035; bracelet ref. 93153 with 493 end links. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-16803-submariner-date-lot-382-234 Catalogue]
	\|}		\|}

			<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
			Ref_16803_hero.webp\|16803 hero
			Ref 16803 hero.webp\|Black-dial example
			Ref 16803 detail.webp\|Case detail
			</gallery>

	== Related references ==		== Related references ==
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	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
			* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Hodinkee: Reference Points — Understanding the Rolex Submariner] — five-digit chronology and successor context
			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolex_Submariner Wikipedia: Rolex Submariner] — family chronology
			* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner Rolex Submariner technical material] — current terminology for the family
	* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-3-the-5-digit-references/ Tom Mulraney, “History of the Rolex Submariner – Part 3, The 5-Digit References,” Monochrome, 2020]		* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-3-the-5-digit-references/ Tom Mulraney, “History of the Rolex Submariner – Part 3, The 5-Digit References,” Monochrome, 2020]
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-submariner-date-reference-16803.html “Rolex Submariner 16803 Review: Buying and Collecting Guide,” Bob’s Watches]		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-submariner-date-reference-16803.html “Rolex Submariner 16803 Review: Buying and Collecting Guide,” Bob’s Watches]

Admin: Deep audit: correct production and variant details; remove unsupported claims and market copy

2026-09-22T23:11:19Z

Deep audit: correct production and variant details; remove unsupported claims and market copy

Show changes

Admin: Add Sources footer citations for the caseback-stamping caveat

2026-09-14T16:08:09Z

Add Sources footer citations for the caseback-stamping caveat

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 14 September 2026
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	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
			* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-16803-submariner-lot-338-216 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16803, caseback stamped 16800 — Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 216] — Antiquorum
			* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-16803-submariner-lot-352-129 Rolex Submariner Ref. 16803, caseback stamped 16800 — Antiquorum Forte dei Marmi, lot 129] — Antiquorum
			* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-16803-submariner-date-lot-382-234 Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16803, caseback stamped 16800 — Antiquorum Hong Kong, lot 234] — Antiquorum
	* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Tom Mulraney, "History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date", Monochrome, 2020-08-19]		* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ Tom Mulraney, "History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date", Monochrome, 2020-08-19]
	* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Stephen Pulvirent, "Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner", Hodinkee, 2019-07-18]		* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Stephen Pulvirent, "Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner", Hodinkee, 2019-07-18]

Admin: Document a real caseback-stamping pattern found across multiple auction lots (16803-titled lots with 16800-stamped casebacks) as an authentication caveat

2026-09-14T16:07:23Z

Document a real caseback-stamping pattern found across multiple auction lots (16803-titled lots with 16800-stamped casebacks) as an authentication caveat

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 14 September 2026
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	The crown type is contested. Inference from the case architecture points to Triplock, since the 16803 shares its case with the 16800 and the 16800 uses Triplock. Forum collectors report Twinlock crowns on 16803 examples instead. The distinction matters for the water-resistance specification and for authentication, since a Twinlock lacks the three dots beneath the coronet that identify a Triplock. Neither reading has been settled, so verify the crown on any specific example against its own documentation.		The crown type is contested. Inference from the case architecture points to Triplock, since the 16803 shares its case with the 16800 and the 16800 uses Triplock. Forum collectors report Twinlock crowns on 16803 examples instead. The distinction matters for the water-resistance specification and for authentication, since a Twinlock lacks the three dots beneath the coronet that identify a Triplock. Neither reading has been settled, so verify the crown on any specific example against its own documentation.

			The shared case runs deeper than the crown question. Three independently catalogued Antiquorum lots (Hong Kong 2021, Forte dei Marmi 2022, Hong Kong 2025), each sold as a 16803, show a caseback stamped 16800 rather than 16803 when photographed. A fourth lot, sold by Bonhams as a 16803, is solid 18k gold with no steel visible in the case-side photography — inconsistent with the Rolesor two-tone construction that defines the reference, and closer to a 16808. Whether Rolex shared caseback stampings across the 16800/16803/16808 family at points in production, or the secondary market is simply conflating adjacent references, is not established. Caseback engraving alone is not sufficient to distinguish a 16803 from its siblings; check bracelet, dial, and full case specification together.

	The crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops magnifier over the date window at 3 o'clock, the same sapphire-crystal format introduced by the steel 16800.		The crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops magnifier over the date window at 3 o'clock, the same sapphire-crystal format introduced by the steel 16800.

Admin: Convert 2 legacy image(s) to WebP

2026-09-14T01:20:11Z

Convert 2 legacy image(s) to WebP

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 14 September 2026
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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:~~Ref 16803 hero~~.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 16803 Submariner\|Rolex 16803 Submariner]]		[[File:Ref_16803_hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 16803 Submariner\|Rolex 16803 Submariner]]
	</div>		</div>

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	<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>		<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
	== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==		== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown ==
	[[File:~~Ref 16803 detail~~.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Detail view\|Detail view]]		[[File:Ref_16803_detail.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Detail view\|Detail view]]

	The case is 40mm steel with 18k yellow gold bezel, crown, and crown tube, and carries the standard Submariner crown guards.		The case is 40mm steel with 18k yellow gold bezel, crown, and crown tube, and carries the standard Submariner crown guards.