Rolex 16803 Review: The First Two-Tone Submariner Watch | Bob's Watches

Today, we’re discussing the very first two-tone Submariner: Ref. 16803. Shop this intriguing Rolex here: www.bobswatches.com/rolex/sub...
Are you interested in learning more about the Submariner 16803? Including its history, pricing, and feature set? Check out our comprehensive 16803 Rolex review here: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blo...
When Rolex released the Submariner in 1953, it was only offered in stainless steel and with a black dial and bezel. Early references also featured lower water resistance than we’re accustomed to today, a bi-directional 60-minute bezel (compared to the safer uni-directional bezel mounting on modern references), and a time-only dial.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Rolex recognized the desire among collectors for a Sub in a metal finish other than steel, and an all-gold option was added to the lineup. With the gold Rolex Submariner also came the option for a blue dial or bezel option. The Submariner was no longer solely a professional diver’s tool watch. It was also quite the statement piece that many luxury watch enthusiasts strived to own.
It was also during this time that Rolex finally added a date mechanism to the dial. Further sealing the Submariner’s fate as more than just a dive watch, it was also suited for daily wear. Although gold was now an option within the series, it still wasn’t available in two-tone, and the blue dial and bezel options were not added to the stainless steel references.
Shop the pre-owned Rolex Submariner: bobswatches.com/rolex-submariner-1.html
The subject of today’s video, reference 16803, didn’t hit the market until 1984. It combined every modern amenity available at the time into a stylish and versatile steel and gold watch, including the date mechanism on the dial. It was possible to invest in a gold Submariner without paying the premium attached to an all-gold watch. Reference 16803 is also arguably more wearable and less flashy than all-gold options.
Gold watches were incredibly popular in the 1980s, and reference 16803 couldn’t have come at a better time. It was well-received by collectors who were keen on investing in an affordable edition of the gold Submariner.
16803 DESIGN SET
Reference 16803 utilizes 18kt yellow gold on the bezel mounting, winding crown, hour markers, hands, and center links on the bracelet. While the middle case, case back, and side links on the bracelet are constructed from stainless steel.
Like the all-gold Submariner, the two-tone series is also available with your choice of either a black or blue dial and bezel. Even decades later, two-tone Submariners are still produced in either dial and bezel colorway.
Reference 16803 includes other modern amenities, such as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a uni-directional timing bezel calibrated to 60-minutes, water resistance up to 300 meters, and the cal. 3035 Perpetual movement with a Quickset function.
Early editions of reference 16803 feature a “nipple” dial, including solid gold faceted hour markers. However, this design option was quickly replaced with the more traditional gold-trimmed luminous hour markers that continue to characterize the series today.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROLEX 16803 AND 16613
Rolex discontinued ref. 16803 around the late 1980s, replacing it with ref. 16613. At first glance, both watches are incredibly similar in design, with both Subs featuring two-tone finishes, sapphire crystals, water resistance up to 300 meters/1,000 feet, and a date mechanism on the dial.
What sets the two steel and gold Rolex dive watches apart is the movement that beats within the case. Rolex equipped ref. 16613 with the higher-beat cal. 3135 Perpetual movement. While reference 16613 is more well-known and easier to find on the pre-owned Rolex market, ref. 16803 holds the distinction of the very first two-tone Submariner. That fact alone makes it an incredibly prized collector’s item.
ROLEX 16803 PRICE
Considering its place in Rolex history, reference 16803 is a relatively affordable edition of the used Submariner. In some cases, it might even be one of the most affordable Submariner watches on the secondary market, making it irresistible for many collectors who seek a Rolex with the most investment potential.
Brand new, a two-tone Submariner will set you back significantly more than an all-steel reference. While ref. 16803 commands around the same price as its 5-digit all-steel counterparts, and even less in some cases.
When you consider the rarity of reference 16803 - it was only produced between 1984 and 1988 - and its title as the first two-tone Sub, its attractive price might come as a bit of a shock.

[@watching5811]

always a pleasure to see you presenting Rolex watches. Hope this will continue many years.

[@KenJencks]

My dream watch.

[@luke5584]

I love the two tone submariner like this. Does Rolex make one like this but the face in green instead of black? I've been searching it online but couldn't find any.

[@candice9862]

Great video! Love the two tone!!

[@Insta-PICXPRESS]

Thanks for making this video. i watched this video many time and was helpful in deciding to get one. Today i got one from bob's watch.

[@paulsymonds820]

Very interesting and a great watch!

[@nadeemengr9026]

Is this same model have quartz moment I have Rolex CL5 but it have quartz movement can you tell me is it real or fake

[@bobswatches]

The 16803 does not have a quartz movement but I recommend taking it to your nearest Rolex service center.

[@Giovan_Nino]

What model number did you say it was?… : )

[@Ranger-Rico]

How many times can she say 16803 in 5 minutes.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

It’s Emily the true Queen of watches so it’s all good!