Introduction
Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time thanks to its legendary status as Rolex's flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, this Rolex has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late '60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.
Released in 2003 as the Submariner's 50th-anniversary model, the Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV "Kermit" is perhaps the most highly coveted 5-digit Submariner on the market. Like most Rolex models, the Kermit has some intricacies that set specific variants apart, much like the mark 1 "Flat Four" variant, so-called for the flat-four found in the '40' on its bezel. Produced for just a year before the four was changed to what remained until the model's discontinuation in 2010, the Mark 1 "Flat Four" is an exceedingly rare variant of the Kermit that is extensively sought-after by collectors. Rolex fitted the Kermit with a green anodized aluminum bezel (which is where the model's nickname comes from) to celebrate its anniversary status. This was also the first time Rolex would use a color other than black on a stainless-steel Sub. Featuring vintage aspects like hollow center links but modern elements too, like solid end links and maxi-plot hour markers, the Kermit is a transitional timepiece that, for many collectors, marks the end of Rolex's golden period and the beginning of their move into the modern watches we see today.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 10
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner 'Kermit'
Movement
Automatic cal. 3135
Reference
16610LV
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
2004
Condition
Like-New (new old stock)
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, papers and accessories
Dial Color
Black

THE BEZEL
Sporting an unusual green anodized aluminum bezel (for the time), the ref. 16610LV was the first stainless steel Submariner to feature a colour other than black anywhere on its construction. Additionally, as the first iteration of the ref. 16610LV, its bezel features a "Flat Four" whereby the 4 in '40' has a flat top, which contrasts the pointy top that would replace the 'Flat Four' bezel after the ref. 16610LV's first year of production.

THE CONSTRUCTION
While famed for introducing a new bezel color to the steel Submariner, the ref. 16610LV also introduced solid end links and maxi-size hour markers to the stainless steel side of the collection too.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in new old stock condition with plastic still affixed to the case and bracelet. Watch was previously auctioned at Antiquorum and a printout of the sale is included. Bracelet has 2 removable links and fits a 7 1/2" wrist.
Our Perspective
An incredibly special piece of the Submariner's history, the ref. 16610LV, or "Kermit" as it is now known, paved the way for some of Rolex's most popular models such as the recently discontinued 116610LV "Hulk" and its recent replacement, the 126610LV "Starbucks."