In 2003, Rolex celebrated the 50th anniversary of their coveted Submariner by launching the ref. 16610LV fitted with an iconic green bezel nicknamed the Kermit. Appreciated by many and an instant success during its initial launch, the green bezel insert became instantly popular as it was deemed as the firm’s signature color. Paired against its glossy black dial, the Kermit generates a beautiful contrast immediately securing an identity of its own.
Early versions of the Kermit featured a rare “Flat 4” bezel determined by the flat top of the “4” on the “40”. Featured only for one year from the second half of 2003 until the first half of 2004, these examples are certainly rare. Sought after in the market, these early examples of the Kermit command a premium in the market today.
The present example is offered in "like new" condition and still retains its full factory protective stickers on the case with no signs of wear.
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.