Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More
Property of a Japanese Collector

4

Rolex

Ref. 16610LV

Submariner “Kermit”

An attractive “new-old-stock” stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, green bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Read Conditions of Sale
The Japanese watch collectors are known for their eye for quality, refined taste of details and appreciation for craftmanship. A nation who is not only rich with culture, but collectively puts equal attention to preservation. With Rolex being one of the most celebrated manufacture in Japan, one can get an idea just by the vast amount of magazines and books published in Japan demonstrates their in-depth research and knowledge. So essential, that the Japanese created the demand of Rolex Bubbleback market back in the 80s. And for them, condition is paramount.

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.

A time capsule example from circa 2005, this “Kermit” is preserved in “new-old-stock” by the Japanese standard. Protected with factory stickers throughout including its desirable Japan import sticker on the caseback, this ref. 16610LV comes with all its accessories as well as translated Japanese booklets by Rolex.

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.

Browse Maker