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 first appearance, the watch from the Swiss manufacturer is still highly sought after. In this article, we will focus on a very special reference, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 16610LV, which is also affectionately known as the Submariner Date "Kermit". We will look at what makes the 16610LV timepiece with maxi dial and frog-green bezel so special and talk about technical features, availability and purchase, 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 accompanied by a striking green bezel. Another trademark of the watch is its maxi dial design.

• Collector's item: The Rolex Submariner Date with green bezel is in high demand and has the potential to increase in value. This also makes it an interesting investment object 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

Made 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 only made with a dial and bezel in subtle black, but for around twenty years the Submariner color palette has been steadily expanding and the watch is available in much more colorful versions.

The Rolex Submariner Date Kermit

The product with the ref. 16610LV is one of the aforementioned "splashes of color" in the Rolex Submariner collection. While the dial is bathed in familiar black, the bezel stands out clearly in fresh green, earning the model on the elegant Oyster bracelet the nickname Kermit. 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 reference number 126610LV saw the light of day. It also has the green bezel, but this time it is no longer made of aluminum but of ceramic. The "Kermit 2.0", also known as the Rolex "Starbucks", has a case that is one millimeter larger with wider lugs and is a worthy successor to the original Rolex Submariner Kermit.

design and aesthetics

If you compare the watch with the Ref. 16610LV with other Rolex Submariner Date models, it is of course the color scheme that stands out as the biggest difference. The green of the bezel is not muted or subdued, but absolutely rich and made to be seen. The same could be said of other Submariner references, which have also been given nicknames due to their color. For example, the black dial of the Submariner "Smurf" is framed by a blue bezel, while the "Hulk" is completely green.

Technical details and specifications

The Rolex Kermit models come with the tried and tested Oyster case and are made of pure stainless steel as standard, with the bezel being made of aluminum in the older versions and high-quality ceramic in the newer watches. The black dial of the watch with the ref. 16610LV features the Maxi-Dial indices, which harmoniously fit into the dial and ensure optimal readability. The clear identifying feature of the Rolex Submariner Kermit - the green bezel - is wrapped around the understated dial in an elegant, shiny manner and is undoubtedly an impressive eye-catcher.

The case extends into a classic Oyster bracelet with folding clasp, which is also made of stainless steel and is very comfortable to wear. The design of the watch is rounded off by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a triple-sealed winding crown, which ensures water resistance to depths of around 300 meters.

The heart of the watch: The Rolex Kermit caliber

Inside the reference 16610LV ticks the manufacture caliber 3135. This is a chronometer-certified mechanical caliber with a 48-hour power reserve and an anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring. The newer models with the ref. 126610LV are equipped with the caliber 3235, which is equipped with a Chronergy escapement and an enlarged barrel and has 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 is not an item that is always in stock and that you just have to put in your shopping cart and order. Since the manufacturer no longer produces this reference and only produces the successor in limited quantities, the range is very limited. At the same time, the diving watches with the cheerful green bezel are enjoying great popularity.

When such high demand meets a limited supply, it is virtually a guarantee that the price on the secondary market will skyrocket. This is also the case with this model: In 2015, the Kermit was still available for around 6,000 euros, but the usual retail price is now between 15,000 euros and 25,000 euros, depending on whether the watch is unworn and comes with all the papers.

The availability of the model could be much better, but that is precisely what makes the Rolex Submariner Date with the reference number 16610LV so interesting for collectors and investors. The model is relatively hard to get hold of and is offered at hefty prices, but it also promises a stable value.

Basically, if you want to buy watches from Rolex and other big brands, you need to be careful. We recommend that you only buy from reputable, reputable sellers from Germany, read the description carefully, including information on condition, guarantee and scope of delivery (box, papers and certificates), and be wary of offers that are too cheap. With a watch as expensive as the Rolex Submariner Kermit, it is also essential to check the authenticity of the item and insure the shipping when purchasing in order to protect the buyer.

buying and selling

If you look for a Rolex watch on the secondary market, you will come across both used and new models. What you should choose depends on your personal ideas and expectations. New timepieces are obviously more expensive, but they often still have a guarantee and are in impeccable condition. Used watches, on the other hand, often show signs of wear that reduce their value, but are much cheaper.

If you know that you want to sell the watch at a later date, you should not only pay attention to its condition, but also to whether the box and papers are present. Because 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 from recognized retailers as well as on the secondary market. As already mentioned, the stainless steel Rolex Kermit with the reference number 16610LV is no longer produced 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 with reliability, robustness, practical functions and an attractive appearance. Both the "original Kermit", i.e. the model with the reference 16610LV, and the more recent interpretation offer everything a diving watch needs to impress across the board. It is not for nothing that the Rolex Kermit is one of the brand's most sought-after models - a true icon.