The Rolex Submariner stands as one of the most iconic and widely recognized watches globally, requiring little introduction, much like many other Rolex models. Originally conceived in the 1950s with a focus on evolutionary refinement rather than radical change, the Submariner has maintained its enduring appeal, its design language remaining largely unchanged to this day.
The Submariner Ref. 16610 debuted in the 1990s and remained in production for over two decades. Initially, the standard model featured the classic black dial paired with a black bezel. However, in 2003, Rolex surprised the watch world by unveiling the Ref. 16610LV. The 'LV' designation, short for Lunette Verde (Green Bezel in French), distinguished this model with its vibrant green bezel, departing from the traditional black. This version was created to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Submariner line. This development is significant within the context of the watch industry, where other brands frequently modify their models. Rolex, on the other hand, is known for its steadfast approach to design continuity and continuous technical refinement. This spirit and level of consistency explains why a Submariner from the 1950s bears a striking resemblance to its modern counterparts today.
Nicknamed the ‘Kermit’ for its green bezel, the Ref. 16610LV was produced for 7 years only (2003 – 2010) before it was discontinued. Furthermore, as the production of the Kermit had numerous variances throughout its lifetime, there were several marks of the Kermit, all subtle, but exactly the recipe of making something collectable.
This particular example is an early serial of the Submariner Ref. 16610LV. It features the highly sought-after ‘flat 4’ bezel insert, which is characterized by what collectors like to call, a ‘Bertolli’ olive oil color and is exclusive to early production models like this one. The distinguishing feature of the 'flat 4' bezel is that the numeral '4' has a flat top, contrasting with later production models where the '4' has a sharper top with a triangular void inside.
Needless to say, the Rolex Submariner's enduring appeal is evident, particularly with early serial Kermits like this one, which introduces a captivating splash of color and intrigue to this timeless and quintessential tool watch. When it comes to collecting Kermit Submariners, this example stands as the definitive reference to collect, period.
