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 we have here possesses a V serial, which hails from one of the last batches of Kermits ever produced. It features an engraved rehaut ring, a feature Rolex introduced circa 2007. While this piece is considered an ordinary Kermit, the earlier examples with the famed ‘Flat Four’ bezels are highly collectable, as are the B3 Lime inserts that featured a faded lime green, only produced in the mid-2000s- you can imagine how nuanced and intricate just one reference can get.
Needless to say, the Rolex Submariner's enduring appeal is evident, particularly with colourful variants like this Kermit Submariner, which introduces a captivating splash of color and intrigue to this timeless and quintessential tool watch.
