ROLEX SUBMARINER KERMIT 16610LV

Introduced in 1953, the Rolex Submariner revolutionized diving watches with its groundbreaking 100-meter water resistance, a feat unmatched by any timepiece at the time. Designed with a rotating 60-minute bezel for precise underwater timing and a dial made for optimal visibility in low-light conditions, the Submariner was conceived by Rolex director René-Paul Jeanneret, who envisioned a versatile sports watch capable of excelling both in deep-sea exploration and at formal events.

Driven by this vision, Rolex meticulously crafted a timepiece renowned for its exceptional water resistance, precision, and durability. Originally designed for professional divers, the Submariner’s depth rating eventually reached 300 meters. Its ascent to iconic status was further accelerated by its appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in the first four James Bond films. This cinematic connection transformed the Submariner from a functional tool watch into a global symbol of luxury and sophistication, solidifying its place as one of the most coveted timepieces in the world.

In 2003, Rolex celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Submariner with the introduction of the 16610LV, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history. This model, now known as the Kermit, boldly deviated from Rolex's typically conservative design updates with its green aluminum bezel. While green had long been associated with Rolex’s corporate identity, its use on a stainless steel sports watch was an unorthodox move at the time.

The nickname “Kermit” emerged from the green bezel’s resemblance to the famous Muppet character, quickly overtaking the less flattering “Vomit Sub” used by early critics. As the Kermit’s value and collectibility soared, it solidified its place as one of the most iconic models in Rolex’s history. The 16610LV also marked the first time Rolex added color to a stainless steel sports watch outside of the GMT-Master collection.

The Kermit set a new tradition for Rolex, with green becoming a signature feature in special anniversary models. It proved to be a bold and successful marketing move, with collectors adopting the nickname alongside other nicknames for Rolex models, such as the “Smurf,” “Batman,” and “Pepsi.” Though the green bezel was initially met with skepticism, it’s now regarded as a defining moment in Rolex’s history.

During its 7-year production run, the Kermit underwent several design variations. A notable difference between generations of the 16610LV is the “Flat 4” found in early models, referring to the 40 marker on the bezel. In these initial versions, the top of the number 4 is flat, in contrast to the pointed end found in later models, known as the “Pointed 4”. The “Flat 4” bezel is most commonly associated with the first edition, or Mark I, dials of the Kermit, which are considered the “true” anniversary models. Due to their rarity, Kermits with the “Flat 4” bezel sell at a premium and are highly sought after by collectors.

In addition to the variations in bezel fonts, the bezel color of the Kermit evolved throughout its production. Four models have a deep green, while one stands out with a lighter, olive-green hue. This specific color is found on the Flat 4 Mark I dials, earning it the nickname “Bertolli Kermit,” after the Italian olive oil brand with a similar green bottle. The “Bertolli” bezel was produced for only a short time, making it the rarest version of the Flat 4 dial.

The Kermit was discontinued in 2010 after a 7-year production run, making way for another green-hued Submariner: the “Hulk” 116610LV. While the Kermit featured a green bezel paired with a black dial, the Hulk introduced a combination of both a green bezel and a matching green dial, marking the next chapter in Rolex’s green dive watch legacy.

We currently have one Rolex Submariner Kermit 16610LV in stock:

2005 Pre-owned Submariner Kermit 16610LV

https://www.davidandsonstimepieces.com/products/rolex-pre-owned-submariner-kermit-16610lv-3