Updated
Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) vs Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic
Two divers compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $500–$1,000
Quick Verdict
The Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic ($500–$1,000) delivers ETA/Tissot Automatic technology in the tier below the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) ($10,000–$25,000). The Seastar 1000 Automatic measures 40mm and is rated 300m (30 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date. Both represent excellent choices in the diver category.
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Rolex
Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) | Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date | Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 3035, chronometer | ETA/Tissot Automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 42 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 300m (30 ATM) | 300m (30 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Tissot's approach
The Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) features a Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date vs Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)
The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date (Rolex 3035, chronometer, About 42 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Seastar 1000 Automatic uses the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) (ETA/Tissot Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Seastar 1000 Automatic offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) is similarly sized compared to the Seastar 1000 Automatic at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 300m (30 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tissot sits in the lower tier
The Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 42 hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Seastar 1000 Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
300m (30 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)
The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) is rated to 300m (30 ATM) while the Seastar 1000 Automatic handles 300m (30 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) if you prioritize Rolex 3035, chronometer engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonTissot
Seastar 1000 Automatic
Choose the Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic if you value ETA/Tissot Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
View the dossierThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) and Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.