THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16610LV
YEAR: 2003
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES(SERVICE)
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 16610LV. The “LV” stands for Lunette Verte, meaning “green bezel.” This was the first Rolex to feature a green bezel and, shortly after its release, it was quickly and aptly nicknamed the “Kermit.” Now considered neo-vintage, the model shows far more variation across its production run than most modern Rolexes. Let’s take a closer look.
During 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 changes for a watch of this era. Bezel-wise, two feature the infamous “flat four” font, with one often fading to a lighter shade of green than the other. The remaining three bezels have slimmer “4s” and progressively darker tones of green, with the final B5 bezel resembling the modern “Starbucks” colour.
The dials were also subject to minor evolutions. From the “Swiss Made” signature shifting from wide to narrow, to spacing adjustments and font changes, the Kermit offers endless details for collectors to study.
The present example is the very first Mk1 version with the earliest bezel type, the serif flat four. This was produced only between Y and F54 serial ranges. In fact, this Y-serial watch was among the very first Kermits to leave the Rolex factory. It remains in excellent condition: the case has been polished in the past, but sympathetically; the dial is flawless; and the original DE-stamped bracelet (one link short) shows minimal stretch. There is a scratch on the serial number side between the lugs (invisible when worn). The serial number is also stamped on the caseback.
The movement is in great health, running at +1 s/d, 320 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.2 ms. Included are the original inner and outer boxes, booklets, tags, anchor, and wallet, as well as a Rolex service paper.