Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2003 Reference No: 16610LV Case No: F059’391 Model Name: Submariner “Kermit, Flat Four” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93250”, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “AD9” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Oriental Watch Co., LTD, Hong Kong dated 14th November 2003, product literature, hang tags, anchor, plastic bezel protector, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Released to the public in 2003, the Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV was the first Submariner model to feature the emblematic green bezel to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the coveted Rolex Submariner. Instantaneously a success and extremely well-received by collectors, the model earned its nickname the “Kermit” due to its distinctive colours. The reference was discontinued in 2010 and made way for its replacement ref. 116610LV “Hulk”, which featured an upgraded green Cerachrom bezel with a matching green dial.
Early examples of the ref. 16610LV “Kermit” were distinctive as it featured a “Flat Four” bezel insert. Rare and highly sought after, these early examples were only believed to have been produced for one year, with later examples no longer featuring a “Flat Four” bezel insert.
The present example presented in excellent overall condition bears all the right elements of an early specimen of the reference featuring its well-preserved and desirable “Flat Four” bezel, an F serial from circa 2003 and further accompanied by its original guarantee and accessories hailing from the collection of the original owner. With the ever increasing interest in discontinued Rolex Sports watches, the present Kermit is most definitely one to desire.
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.
