Rolex Kermit

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Kermit

The Rolex Kermit is ref. 16610LV, the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner released at Baselworld 2003 with the first green bezel in the model's 50-year history. Until the Kermit launched, every stainless steel Submariner since 1953 had shipped with a black bezel. The Kermit broke that pattern and opened the door for every colored-bezel Submariner that followed, including the Hulk, the Starbucks, and the Smurf. Production ran only seven years, from 2003 to 2010, ending when Rolex introduced Cerachrom ceramic bezels with the 116610 generation. The Kermit is therefore the last aluminum-bezel Submariner Rolex will ever make, and it is also the first Submariner to feature the now-standard Maxi dial with enlarged hour markers and hands. WatchGuys carries authenticated pre-owned Kermit examples, including both the early Flat 4 and later Sharp 4 bezel variants, each backed by a 2-year warranty and our Buyer Protection program.

What Is the Rolex Kermit?

The Rolex Kermit is the collector nickname for the Rolex Submariner Date reference 16610LV, released in 2003 to mark the Submariner's 50th anniversary. It features a 40mm Oystersteel case (904L stainless steel), a black Maxi dial with enlarged hour markers and hands, and a bright green aluminum bezel insert that gives the watch its nickname. Rolex's internal suffix "LV" stands for Lunette Verte, French for green bezel. Inside is the Caliber 3135, Rolex's workhorse automatic movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 48-hour power reserve and COSC chronometer certification. The Oyster bracelet pairs with the Oysterlock clasp. Water resistance is 300 meters. The Kermit nickname comes from the green aluminum bezel's resemblance to Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Show, with the large round Maxi dial markers sometimes compared to the character's wide eyes. For a detailed breakdown, see our Rolex Submariner 16610LV Kermit Review.

The 2003 Submariner 50th Anniversary

Rolex launched the Kermit at Baselworld 2003 to celebrate 50 years since the original 1953 Submariner ref. 6204. Before the Kermit, colored bezels had appeared on the GMT-Master for practical dual-time-zone use, but the Submariner had always carried a black bezel. Using green, the color most associated with the Rolex brand itself, for the anniversary piece was a deliberate departure from tradition. Early reactions were mixed: some collectors embraced the bold anniversary statement, others initially dismissed it with the less-flattering nickname "Vomit Sub" for what they saw as a break from the tool-watch aesthetic. History has been kind. The Kermit is now recognized as the watch that opened the door for every colored-bezel Submariner that followed and as the direct ancestor of the modern Starbucks, which revived the black-dial-green-bezel combination for the current generation. For the complete Submariner lineage, see our Submariner Models guide.

Rolex Kermit Flat 4 vs. Sharp 4

The most important collector detail on the Kermit is the shape of the "4" in the "40" marker on the bezel insert. Early production examples (roughly 2003 Y-series serial numbers and some 2004 F-series serials) came with the original "Flat 4" bezel, where the "4" has a squared-off, flat-top digit. Later production examples received the "Sharp 4" bezel, where the "4" has a pointed top. The Flat 4 insert was only produced for a short window before Rolex switched to the Sharp 4 as the standard. Because the Flat 4 is limited to those early serial numbers and is considered more historically authentic to the 50th anniversary launch, it commands a meaningful premium. Standard Sharp 4 Kermits typically trade between $15,000 and $18,000. Flat 4 examples trade between $25,000 and $30,000 for good condition, and top examples with strong provenance can reach $45,000 or higher. The Flat 4 distinction matters enormously at this reference, which is why every WatchGuys Kermit listing specifies which bezel variant the watch carries.

Rolex Kermit Price

Pre-owned Rolex Kermit prices at WatchGuys vary significantly by bezel variant and condition. Standard Sharp 4 examples typically trade between $15,000 and $18,000, with unworn full-set pieces at the top of the range. Early Flat 4 examples trade between $25,000 and $30,000, with exceptional Y-series 2003 examples with original box and papers reaching $45,000 or higher. The Kermit's original retail price in 2003 was approximately $8,000, meaning even standard examples have roughly doubled in value over two decades. Production ran only seven years before the Kermit was discontinued in 2010, which creates a fixed supply that continues to support pricing. The Kermit sits across our Rolex under $20,000 and Rolex over $20,000 segments depending on the variant. For live market context, see our Rolex Market Report.

The Green Submariner Lineage: Kermit, Hulk, Starbucks

The Kermit is the original green Submariner, the watch that started a lineage of three green references across two decades of Rolex design. The Kermit (ref. 16610LV, 2003 to 2010) introduced green to the Submariner with an aluminum bezel insert and a classic black dial with the first-ever Maxi markers. The Hulk (ref. 116610LV, 2010 to 2020) replaced the Kermit and extended green to both the dial and the Cerachrom ceramic bezel, making it the only Submariner ever produced with an all-green colorway. The Starbucks (ref. 126610LV, 2020 to present) returned to the Kermit-era formula of green bezel with black dial, now in a 41mm case with the Caliber 3235, earning it the informal sub-nickname "Cermit" (ceramic Kermit) among some collectors. Each reference represents a specific era in Submariner history. For a detailed side-by-side of all three, see our Kermit vs. Hulk vs. Starbucks guide.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Rolex Kermit From WatchGuys

The Kermit is one of the most complex neo-vintage Submariners to authenticate because of its multiple dial variations, bezel variants, and the significant pricing gap between Flat 4 and Sharp 4 configurations. Dealer expertise matters more here than on most modern references. Every pre-owned Rolex Kermit for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated in-house by our watchmakers, with bezel variant and dial generation verified and documented.

Common Questions

Rolex Kermit FAQ

• What Is the Rolex Kermit?

  The Rolex Kermit is the collector nickname for the Rolex Submariner Date reference 16610LV, released in 2003 to mark the Submariner's 50th anniversary. It features a 40mm Oystersteel case, a black Maxi dial with enlarged hour markers and hands, and a bright green aluminum bezel insert that gives the watch its Muppets-inspired nickname. Inside is the Caliber 3135 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. Rolex's internal suffix "LV" stands for Lunette Verte, French for green bezel. Production ran from 2003 to 2010.

• How Much Does a Rolex Kermit Cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Kermit prices at WatchGuys vary by bezel variant and condition. Standard Sharp 4 examples typically trade between $15,000 and $18,000, with unworn full-set pieces at the top of the range. Early Flat 4 examples trade between $25,000 and $30,000, with exceptional Y-series 2003 examples with original box and papers reaching $45,000 or higher. The original 2003 retail price was approximately $8,000, meaning even standard examples have roughly doubled in value over two decades.

• What Is the Difference Between Flat 4 and Sharp 4?

  The Flat 4 and Sharp 4 refer to the shape of the "4" in the "40" marker on the bezel insert. Early production examples (roughly 2003 Y-series serials and some 2004 F-series serials) came with the Flat 4 bezel, where the "4" has a squared-off, flat-top digit. Later examples received the Sharp 4 bezel, where the "4" has a pointed top. The Flat 4 was only produced for a short window before Rolex switched to the Sharp 4 as the standard, making it the more collectible variant. Flat 4 examples trade at a $10,000 to $30,000 premium over standard Sharp 4 examples depending on condition and provenance.

• Why Is It Called the Rolex Kermit?

  The nickname comes from the green aluminum bezel's resemblance to Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Show. The comparison extends beyond the color: the large round Maxi dial markers (a Kermit first in the Submariner line) are sometimes likened to Kermit the Frog's wide eyes. Collectors coined the term shortly after the 2003 Baselworld launch, and it stuck quickly. Rolex itself has never officially used the nickname. An early, less-flattering alternative nickname "Vomit Sub" was used by collectors who disliked the green bezel at launch, but that name faded as the Kermit became established.

• What Is the Difference Between the Kermit and the Hulk?

  The Kermit (ref. 16610LV, 2003 to 2010) has a black Maxi dial with a green aluminum bezel in a 40mm Oystersteel case, running the Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve and Oysterlock clasp. The Hulk (ref. 116610LV, 2010 to 2020) extends green to both the dial and the Cerachrom ceramic bezel, also in a 40mm case with the same Caliber 3135 and 48-hour power reserve, but with broader lugs, larger crown guards, and the upgraded Glidelock clasp. The Kermit has aluminum bezel charm and neo-vintage character. The Hulk has ceramic durability and a more modern wrist presence. Pricing runs similar on standard Kermits, but Flat 4 Kermits trade well above most Hulks.

• Is the Rolex Kermit Discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex discontinued the 16610LV Kermit in 2010 when the 116610 generation introduced Cerachrom ceramic bezels to the Submariner, replacing the Kermit's aluminum insert. The Kermit is available only on the pre-owned market. With a seven-year production window and no service replacements entering circulation, supply is fixed and continues to support pricing. The Kermit is also the final Submariner Rolex will ever produce with an aluminum bezel, giving it a distinct historical position at the end of the neo-vintage era and the beginning of the modern ceramic era.

Browse More