Rolex Submariner 16610LV

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About the Rolex Submariner 16610LV (Kermit)

The Rolex Submariner 16610LV, known to collectors as the "Kermit," is the original green bezel Submariner. Rolex released it in 2003 to mark the Submariner's 50th anniversary, breaking from the all-black bezel that every stainless steel Submariner had worn since 1953. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 16610LV watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the Kermit is, the details that define it, what it costs, and how it compares to the green Submariners that followed.

What Is the Rolex 16610LV "Kermit"?

The 16610LV is a Rolex Submariner Date produced from 2003 to 2010 in a 40mm Oystersteel case. It pairs a black Maxi dial, with enlarged hour markers and hands, with a bright green aluminum bezel insert. 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. It is fitted to an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp and rated to 300 meters of water resistance. The Kermit nickname comes from the green bezel's resemblance to Kermit the Frog, with the large round Maxi dial markers sometimes compared to the character's eyes.

One detail separates the Kermit from the green Submariners that came later: the bezel is aluminum, not the Cerachrom ceramic used on the Hulk and Starbucks. Early examples are prized for the "Flat 4," a flat-topped numeral 4 in the "40" on the bezel insert, found on the first production batches before Rolex switched to a curved 4. Flat 4 Kermits with original parts and complete documentation command the strongest premiums.

Rolex 16610LV Kermit Price

Pre-owned Rolex 16610LV Kermit watches at WatchGuys typically range from $15,000 to $18,000 or more, well above the original retail of roughly $8,000. Where a specific piece lands depends on production year, condition, whether it is an early Flat 4 example, and whether it includes the original box and papers. As a discontinued reference with a fixed secondary-market supply, the Kermit has appreciated steadily since leaving production in 2010. For a hands-on breakdown, read our Rolex 16610LV Kermit review, and for current market context see our Rolex Kermit price guide. For pricing on a specific piece in our inventory, contact our team directly.

Kermit vs. Hulk vs. Starbucks

The Kermit is the first of three green Submariners. The Rolex Hulk (ref. 116610LV, 2010 to 2020) replaced it and extended the green from the bezel to the dial, switching to a Cerachrom ceramic bezel and the Maxi case. The Rolex Starbucks (ref. 126610LV, 2020 to present) is the current green Submariner in a 41mm case, returning to the Kermit formula of a black dial with a green bezel but running the newer Caliber 3235. The Kermit remains the only one of the three with an aluminum bezel, and as the original it holds a distinct place in the lineage. For a full side-by-side, read our green Rolex Submariner comparison. If you prefer the standard black-bezel version of this generation, see the Rolex Submariner 16610.

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Why Buy a Rolex 16610LV Kermit From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 16610LV Kermit for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. Here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 16610LV Kermit FAQ

• Why Is the Rolex 16610LV Called the "Kermit"?

  The nickname comes from the bright green aluminum bezel, which collectors compared to Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Show. The large round Maxi dial markers are sometimes likened to the character's wide eyes. Rolex never used the nickname officially, but it stuck within the collector community and is now the standard way the 16610LV is referenced.

• What Is a "Flat 4" Kermit?

  The Flat 4 refers to the shape of the numeral 4 in the "40" printed on the bezel insert. Early production Kermits used a flat-topped 4, while later examples switched to a rounded version. Flat 4 examples are rarer and the most sought after, so they trade at a premium over standard Kermits when condition and documentation are comparable.

• Is the Rolex 16610LV a Good Investment?

  As a discontinued reference with a fixed secondary-market supply, the Kermit has appreciated well above its original retail since leaving production in 2010. Its status as the first green Submariner gives it lasting collector appeal. No watch is a guaranteed investment, but the Kermit's history, scarcity, and demand make it one of the more resilient discontinued Submariners.

• What's the Difference Between the Kermit and the Hulk?

  The Kermit (16610LV) has a black dial with a green aluminum bezel and runs the Caliber 3135. The Hulk (116610LV) replaced it in 2010 with green on both the dial and the bezel, a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, and the Maxi case. Both are 40mm. The Kermit is the original green Sub; the Hulk is the all-green follow-up.

• Does the 16610LV Have a Ceramic or Aluminum Bezel?

  The 16610LV has a green aluminum bezel insert, not Cerachrom ceramic. It is the only one of the three green Submariners that uses aluminum. The ceramic bezel arrived with the Hulk in 2010. The aluminum insert can show fading and wear over years of use, which is part of the vintage character collectors look for.

• How Much Does a Rolex 16610LV Kermit Cost?

  Pre-owned Kermit prices at WatchGuys typically range from $15,000 to $18,000 or more, against an original retail of roughly $8,000. Production year, condition, Flat 4 status, and whether the original box and papers are included all affect where a piece lands. Contact our team for current pricing on a specific 16610LV in our inventory.

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