THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16610LV
YEAR: 2006
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

In 2003, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Submariner, Rolex released the reference 16610LV. The “LV” stands for Lunette Verte—French for “green bezel.” This was the first Rolex to feature a green bezel, and it was quickly and aptly nicknamed the “Kermit.” Now considered neo-vintage, the model displays far more variation across its production run than most modern Rolexes.

Over its seven-year tenure, the Kermit was produced with five bezel variants and five dial variants, plus a service dial—an impressive number of subtle evolutions for a watch of this era. Of the bezels, two feature the well-known “flat four” font, with one often fading to a lighter shade of green than the other. The remaining three have slimmer “4s” and progressively darker tones, with the final B5 bezel closely resembling the modern “Starbucks” colour.

The dials, too, underwent incremental changes. From the Swiss Made signature shifting from wide to narrow, to subtle adjustments in spacing and typography, the Kermit offers a rewarding study in detail for collectors.

The present example is fitted with a Mk3 dial and Mk3 bezel. It remains in excellent condition: the case has previously been polished, though sympathetically; the dial is flawless; and the original OP-stamped bracelet shows minimal stretch. The bracelet is one link short but will accommodate a 19.5 cm wrist.

The movement is in excellent health, running at +2 seconds per day with 300 amplitude and a beat error of 0.4 ms. Included with the watch are its original inner and outer boxes, booklets, tags, wallet, punched papers, calendar, and original bill of sale.