16610LV 50th Anniversary Submariner Kermit
May 01, 2020
At Baselworld 2003 Rolex unveiled the Submariner's 50th anniversary 16610LV timepiece. The green and black Reference 16610LV is a distant cousin of the all black Reference 16610LN but it has some differences. The Maxi dial features larger hour markers and larger hands, creating better legibility. Also the lugs are more tapered than the later cases, making it quite a bit smaller than the more bulkier cases. But most notably the "Kermit" green bezel helps this timepiece stand out from it's all - black (bezel and dial) sibling.
The interest in the Kermit is the fact that Rolex discontinued this mixed color Submariner. On the Rolex site you can see that they have gone to the all black model or the all green (Hulk). They also have the all blue version 116619LB nicknamed the "Smurf", but the mix Black and Green version is gone.
Most notably is the difference in green between the Hulk and Kermit. The green color of the Kermit is clearly darker and even appears more matted and less shiny. Whenever Rolex discontinues a Rolex model, interest soars in the model left behind. The Kermit already had good interest in it, but now that interest is heightened. It is unclear whether Rolex will ever release another Kermit model again.
Early versions of the Kermit have no engravings of the repeated "Rolex" around the inner ring of the rehaut. That didn't start appearing until 2008.
Most notably is the difference in green between the Hulk and Kermit. The green color of the Kermit is clearly darker and even appears more matted and less shiny. Whenever Rolex discontinues a Rolex model, interest soars in the model left behind. The Kermit already had good interest in it, but now that interest is heightened. It is unclear whether Rolex will ever release another Kermit model again.
The Kermit 16610LV holds a special place in the hearts of Rolex owners, primarily because the same color green is adopted by Rolex in much of its branding. The Rolex logo, the tags, the boxes and even the certification documents of authenticity are all the same dark green color.
The Kermit came out one year earlier than the actual 50 years since the first Rolex Submariner was launched in 1954. But nobody was complaining. The Kermit green bezel stands in sharp contrast to the black dial. The combination made a huge hit for Rolex, and ushered in other colors into the Submariner lineup which had traditionally been only all-black.
The Green aluminum bezel will age over time on the Kermit, creating a unique look over time. This is quite different from the Cerachrom bezels engineered to hold its identical look well into the future.
Early versions of the Kermit have no engravings of the repeated "Rolex" around the inner ring of the rehaut. That didn't start appearing until 2008.
The Kermit is made with 904L stainless steel, and is made with a standard 40mm diameter. It has 18ct gold hour luminescent hour markers and hands. It is water resistant to 1000 feet and features the Rolex Glidelock system on the band with clamshell clasp. It is powered by the caliber 3135 which has a 48 hour power reserve. Although many suspect Rolex will upgrade the caliber to a 72 hour power reserve model soon, it hasn't done so yet. As such, we know that the 3135 is a reliable and dependable timepiece that has literally stood the test of time.
The Kermit has at least tripled in value - up from its original selling price of $5,000. Considering the slimmer form factor of the Kermit, collectors will continue to drive the prices up. The Kermit had a limited 7 years of production, limiting the inventory for collectors to acquire. If Rolex does not release another Kermit option, this will continue to add fuel to the fire.
1 comments
Cool watch. My watch winder don't have this guy.Thx for your article.
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