Rolex Submariner Kermit

In 2003, Rolex marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner with the launch of the Ref 16610LV. Better known to collectors as the Rolex Kermit. Hold on though, you’re thinking. Isn’t that a year early? I read above that the first Submariner debuted in 1954. Wouldn’t that mean the 50th anniversary would be in 2004? It’s a valid question. But it seems this is another of those delightful quirks of the watch industry.

Development of the Submariner likely started around 1950. And Rolex had working models of the Submariner in testing in 1953. The model was formally announced later that year, in September. But was not actually available for public sale until 1954. In any event, Rolex has determined that the Submariner was born in 1953. Hence the 50th birthday celebrations took place in 2003.

Rolex has long associated itself with the color green. Its logo, boxes, hang tags, etc. are all green. The brand has never offered any official explanation for why this is. The general consensus though is that it’s because green is synonymous with money. And by extension success, power and so on. All things Rolex seeks to represent.

When it comes to the Submariner though, there is no special connection with the color. Which is what made the Ref 16610LV all the more unexpected. Exactly what Rolex was trying to achieve. They were marking a major milestone, so they wanted to create something that would stand out. But that didn’t deviate too far from the model’s core DNA.

The bezel itself is quite striking. It’s lighter, brighter and more eye-catching than the Cerachrom bezel found on the Hulk. And stands in strong contrast to the black dial. The insert is aluminium. That means over time these will fade and age, developing their own unique character. Unlike the Ceramic models, which will look exactly the same 50 years from now.

BRAND: Rolex
MODEL: 16610LV
YEAR: 2010
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WARRANTY: Yes
WATER-RESISTANT: 300
MOVEMENT: Automatic
MATERIAL: Steel
CASE DIAMETER: 40MM
CONDITION: Like New