Robust, timeless and classic in style, the Rolex Submariner is regarded as one of the most affectionately known timepiece of all time. In celebration of the Submariner’s 50th anniversary in 2003, the brand introduced the ref. 16610LV fitted with a striking green bezel insert for the first time. Aptly nicknamed as “The Kermit” with a Rolex green against the Submariner black dial that strongly reminiscent of the beloved muppet Kermit the Frog, the reference 16610LV was an instant success. Sought after by collectors all around the globe, the earliest examples are among the rarest, also known as the “Flat 4” due to the flat top of the “40” marker on the bezel insert. The present specimen bearing a Y serial is from the first year of production in 2003, the reference was discontinued in 2008. An iconic evergreen design and in high demand, Rolex relaunched the ref. 122610LV in 2020 with design aesthetics that remains faithful to the original “Kermit”, but with an extra modest 41mm case size and an upgraded Cerachrom bezel insert for everlasting longevity.
A fantastic opportunity not to miss, the present early specimen is preserved in an absolute stunning new-old-stock condition and retains its partial original factory protective stickers, as well as the untouched original green sticker on its caseback. Offered with its original accessories and guarantee, it is surely an impressive charismatic icon for Submariner collectors.
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.