Rolex Kermit: An icon on the wrist

In 2003, the Rolex Submariner diver's watch celebrated its 50th anniversary, and more than half a century after its initial release, the watch from the Swiss manufacturer remains highly sought-after. In this article, we focus on a very special reference, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 16610LV, also affectionately known as the Submariner Date "Kermit." We take a look at what makes the 16610LV timepiece with its maxi dial and frog-green bezel so special and discuss its technical specifications, availability, and purchasing details, among other things.

The most important things in brief

The following information about the Rolex model Kermit is explained in more detail in this article:

• Unique design: The black dial of the Rolex with reference number 16610LV is complemented by a striking green bezel. Another hallmark of the watch is its maxi-dial design.

• Collector's item: The Rolex Submariner Date with green bezel enjoys high demand and offers potential for appreciation. This also makes it an attractive investment for investors.

• Technical precision: Made from the finest materials and equipped with a chronometer-certified mechanical caliber, the Rolex Kermit impresses with its high quality, reliability, and precision.

The Rolex Submariner: An Overview

Designed for professional divers, snorkelers, and water lovers of all kinds, the Rolex Submariner has been the epitome of a luxurious, high-quality diving watch for many decades. For a long time, the chic timepiece was manufactured exclusively with a dial and bezel in understated black, but for about twenty years, the Submariner's color palette has steadily expanded, and the watch is available in significantly more colorful versions.

The Rolex Submariner Date Kermit

The model with the reference number 16610LV is one of the aforementioned "color splashes" of the Rolex Submariner collection. While the dial is bathed in familiar black, the bezel stands out in a fresh green, earning the model the nickname "Kermit" on its elegant Oyster bracelet. Also new is the maxi-dial design with enlarged hour indices.

Production of the Rolex Submariner Date 16610LV was discontinued in 2010, and at first, it seemed as if the story of the Submariner Kermit had come to an end. But around ten years later, the Rolex Submariner Date with the reference 126610LV saw the light of day. It also features the green bezel, but this time it's made of ceramic instead of aluminum. The "Kermit 2.0," also known as the Rolex "Starbucks," features a case that's one millimeter larger and features wider lugs, making it a worthy successor to the original Rolex Submariner Kermit.

Design and aesthetics

When comparing the watch with the Ref. 16610LV with other Rolex Submariner Date models, the color scheme is naturally the most striking difference. The green of the bezel isn't muted or subdued, but rather absolutely rich and made to be seen. The same could be said of other Submariner references, which have also received nicknames due to their color. For example, the black dial of the Submariner "Smurf" is framed by a blue bezel, while the "Hulk" is entirely green.

Technical details and specifications

The Rolex Kermit models feature the tried-and-tested Oyster case and are made of pure stainless steel as standard. The bezel is made of aluminum on older models and high-quality ceramic on newer watches. The black dial of the watch with the Ref. 16610LV features Maxi-Dial indices that harmoniously fit the dial and ensure optimal legibility. The Rolex Submariner Kermit's distinctive signature – the green bezel – wraps elegantly around the understated dial and is undoubtedly an impressive eye-catcher.

The case is fitted with a classic Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp, also made of stainless steel and offering exceptional comfort. The design of the watch is rounded off by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a triple-gasket winding crown, ensuring water resistance to depths of approximately 300 meters.

The heart of the Rolex Kermit: The caliber

Inside the Reference 16610LV ticks the in-house Caliber 3135. This is a chronometer-certified mechanical caliber with a 48-hour power reserve and an anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring. The more recent models with the Reference 126610LV are equipped with the Caliber 3235, which features a Chronergy escapement and an enlarged mainspring barrel, offering a full 70 hours of power reserve. Both movements are considered extremely reliable and meet the highest standards of precision and accuracy.

Market and availability

The Rolex Submariner Date Kermit watch 16610LV isn't an item that's always in stock, something you can simply add to your shopping cart and order. Since the manufacturer no longer produces this reference and is only producing its successor in limited numbers, the supply is very limited. At the same time, the diver's watches with the cheerful green bezel are enjoying great popularity.

When such high demand meets a limited supply, it's practically guaranteed that the price on the secondary market will skyrocket. This is also the case with this model: While the Kermit was still available for around €6,000 in 2015, the usual retail price now ranges between €15,000 and €25,000, depending on whether the watch is unworn and comes with all the papers.

The availability of this model could be much better, but that's precisely what makes the Rolex Submariner Date with reference number 16610LV so attractive to collectors and investors. While the model is relatively hard to come by and is offered at hefty prices, it also promises stable value.

Generally speaking, caution is advised when purchasing watches from Rolex and other major brands. We recommend purchasing only from reputable, reputable German sellers, carefully reading the description, including information on condition, warranty, and delivery (box, papers, and certificates), and being wary of overly cheap offers. With a watch as expensive as the Rolex Submariner Kermit, it is also essential, in terms of buyer protection, to verify the authenticity of the item and insure the shipment upon purchase.

Buying and selling

If you're looking for a Rolex watch on the secondary market, you'll come across both used and new models. Which one you choose depends on your personal preferences and expectations. New timepieces are naturally more expensive, but they often still come with a warranty and are in immaculate condition. Used watches, on the other hand, often show signs of wear that reduce their value, but are significantly less expensive.

If you know you're planning to resell your watch at a later date, you should pay attention not only to its condition but also to the presence of the box and papers. Whether these "accessories" are present also has a significant impact on the value of the watch.

Rolex Kermit in the European Union and Germany

In Germany, Rolex watches are available both from authorized retailers and on the secondary market. As already mentioned, the stainless steel Rolex Kermit with the reference number 16610LV is no longer in production and must therefore be purchased on the secondary market. Its successor can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, with delivery times averaging between three and six months.

Conclusion

The Rolex Submariner Date scores points with its reliability, robustness, practical functions, and attractive appearance. Both the "original Kermit," the model with the reference 16610LV, and the more recent interpretation offer everything a diver's watch needs to impress across the board. It's no coincidence that the Rolex Kermit is one of the brand's most coveted models—a true icon.