Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2003
    Reference No: 16610LV
    Case No: Y965708
    Model Name: Submariner "Flat Four Kermit"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet ref 93250, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, anchor, plastic bezel protector, product literature, wallet, calendar, presentation box, outer packaging and original 16610LV launch press kit

  • Catalogue Essay

    In a bold move to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Submariner in 2003, Rolex presented the reference 16610LV with an original and striking green bezel.

    The new reference featured a black “maxi-dial”, referring to the large luminescent hour markers and an all new bezel color. It was this charismatic green bezel or “Lunette Verte” that added a new, eye-catching dimension. Nicknamed the “Kermit” by enthusiasts after the much-loved Sesame Street celebrity frog puppet, the green color was a logical choice for this model as green is the official color for Rolex.

    This model became an instant favorite amongst collectors and the earliest versions of the “Kermit”, like the present wristwatch, became known as the “Flat 4” due to the flat top of the “40” numeral of the bezel. Models with this font were produced for about just one year before Rolex switched to a different font as well as a slightly different color for the bezel, making these earlier examples highly sought after.

    The present example is preserved in excellent condition and retains all original factory specifications, it is furthermore offered with its original accessories such as guarantee, wallet, calendar card, anchor, product literature, presentation box and original press kit of launch.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 16610LV
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with "flat four" bezel, guarantee, presentation box and press kit

2003
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,100-13,600
$10,900-16,300

Sold for CHF44,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021