We are pleased to present this Rolex Submariner Date reference 16610LV “Lunette Verte”, known as the “Kermit”, in steel, produced in 2006 (serial number D963xxx), entirely consistent in all its components, and preserved in excellent overall condition.
In 1953, the first Submariner was launched, the reference 6204: a diving watch water-resistant to 100 metres, which became the most famous watch model in the world. Fifty years later, at the 2003 edition of the Baselworld fair, the brand marked the anniversary with no commemorative inscription or limited series, but with an unprecedented gesture: the bezel of the steel Submariner, black since the very beginning, was given a green anodised aluminium insert, the house colour. Rolex’s nomenclature named it “LV”, for “Lunette Verte” (green bezel), and collectors immediately nicknamed it “Kermit”, after the Muppet Show frog.
The bezel was not the only novelty. The 16610LV is the first modern Submariner with a “Maxi” dial: markedly enlarged luminescent hour markers and broader Mercedes hands, giving the watch a greater wrist presence than the classic 16610. Vintage Rolex enthusiasts will recognise a nod to the “Maxi” dials of the 5513 and 1680 of the late 1970s; the black Submariner, for its part, would only adopt this design in 2010, with the following generation. Glossy black lacquered dial, “SWISS MADE” inscription at 6 o’clock, Super-LumiNova: a historic design, dressed in modern technology.
The 40 mm Oyster case in 904L steel retains the Submariner’s traditional slim, satin-finished lugs. The “Kermit” nevertheless introduces so-called “undrilled” lugs: the “T” of the “16610 T” engraving between the lugs thus refers to the “trou borgne” (blind hole) that characterises them. The watch is water-resistant to 300 metres, fitted with the Triplock crown, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and the caliber 3135. Introduced in 1988, this 31-jewel automatic movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 48-hour power reserve, a Breguet overcoil hairspring, a quickset date and hacking seconds; chronometer-certified, it is undeniably the most reliable movement ever produced by Rolex, and remained in production for more than thirty years. The Oyster bracelet reference 93250, with solid end links, diver’s extension and safety clasp, completes the ensemble.
The Kermit’s career was short: barely seven years, from autumn 2003 to 2010, when the 116610LV known as the “Hulk”, with a ceramic bezel and green dial, succeeded it in a more massive case. It would take until 2020 and the 126610LV for Rolex to return to the original formula, black dial and green bezel – proof that the Kermit had got it right. In the meantime, the 16610LV has become the quintessential “neo-vintage” Submariner: the only green Submariner with an aluminium insert, in the classically proportioned case, with the reliability of a modern watch.
Over time, the collector community has identified multiple sub-variants within the production of the reference 16610LV. The very first series of 2003-2004 feature the famous “Flat Four” insert, with the “4” of the 40 having a flat top, and dials with an oval “O”; from around 2005, the “4” becomes pointed and the “O” round. Our D-serial example features the dial known as the “Mark III” and the insert of the “B3” variant, a light green leaning towards “Lime” – markedly brighter than the forest green of later inserts, giving this watch a character all its own that we find particularly attractive. The rehaut is still plain – the so-called “RRR” engravings only appeared in 2007 – and the reference and serial numbers are engraved between the lugs. The bracelet’s buckle code, OP3 for March 2006, is perfectly consistent with a case produced the same year.
Green aluminium inserts, sensitive to sunlight, are often faded or scratched, when they have not been transplanted onto black 16610s – betrayed by their slim hands. Service dials and cases rounded off by polishing are legion. Not so here. The insert has retained its light green, even and unique in character. The dial and hands are perfect. The case band is remarkably strong and its edges are sharp; the chamfers are clearly delineated, and the engravings between the lugs deep and legible. The movement has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs perfectly; its water resistance has been checked. The Oyster bracelet 93250 is complete and in excellent condition. The watch comes with our Steel Warranty Card.
The first steel Submariner to depart from the “100% black” look, the only 16610 with a “Maxi” dial, the last green Submariner before ceramic: the Kermit condenses the history of the Submariner into seven years and heralds what was to follow. An ideal watch for everyday wear as well as for collecting, in a “Lime” variant like no other.
