Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2010 Reference No: 16610LV Case No: 6F’2K1’415 Model Name: Submariner “Kermit” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max. length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Dickson Watch & Jewellery Co., Hong Kong dated 23 July 2010, hang tag, card holder, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In production from 2003 – 2010, the ref. 16610LV was developed to celebrate the Submariner’s 50th anniversary. Nicknamed the “Kermit”, the reference is revered for its semblance to the Muppet Frog. In addition to its special green bezel insert it is also the first instance of a Submariner with a glossy maxi dial featuring enlarged hour indices and slightly wider hands than the standard black dial ref. 16610. Replaced by the ref. 116610LV known as the “Hulk” in 2010, the “Kermit” remains ones of the most sought-after Submariner models on the market.
The present example from circa 2010 is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire the iconic “Kermit” in “new-old-stock” condition with all of its factory protective stickers intact, and further accompanied by its full set of accessories.
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.
Ref. 16610LV A very fine and rare, “new-old-stock” stainless steel diver's wristwatch with center seconds, date, green bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Circa 2010 40mm diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed