Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 16610LV
    Case No: Z952’142
    Model Name: Submariner “Kermit”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
    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 Javaheri Brother Co., Iran dated 28 February 2008, hang tags, green card holder, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In production from 2003 to 2010, the Rolex reference 16610LV was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner. Affectionately nicknamed the “Kermit” due to its resemblance to the beloved Muppet frog, this model is highly regarded for its distinctive green bezel insert. It also marks the first instance of a Submariner featuring a glossy maxi dial, which includes enlarged hour indices and slightly wider hands compared to the standard black dial of the ref. 16610.

    The “Kermit” was eventually replaced by the ref. 116610LV, known as the “Hulk” in 2010. However, the “Kermit” remains notable for its aluminum bezels and is one of the most sought-after Submariner models on the market today.

    The present example from circa 2007 offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire the iconic “Kermit” in “new-old-stock” condition, complete with all of its factory protective stickers intact. It is further accompanied by a full set of accessories, making it an exceptional find for any enthusiast.

  • 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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945

Ref. 16610LV
A “new-old-stock”, very fine and rare stainless steel diver's wristwatch with center seconds, date, green bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2007
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,400-18,700
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$139,700

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024