Rolex Submariner "Kermit"

About the Watch

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of an iconic dive watch, Rolex introduced the 16610LV featuring a black dial and a distinctive green aluminum bezel. This green hue, now a hallmark of anniversary pieces, echoed the commemorative spirit seen in the Milgauss model's green crystal. Notably, the use of green marked a departure for Rolex, being the first instance of incorporating color into a stainless steel sports watch outside the GMT-Master collection; prior to this, blue had been reserved for two-tone and yellow gold models. While Rolex has not explicitly disclosed the rationale behind choosing green for certain anniversary releases, the bold color has become synonymous with the brand over the years. Green is pervasive in Rolex's logo, boxes, and tags. Universally associated with nature, green symbolizes stability, endurance, proactive engagement, prosperity, and wealth, particularly in deeper shades. The selection of green was unconventional for Rolex and stirred a division among collectors initially. The vivid green created a striking contrast against the black dial, surpassing even the Rolex blue found on other Submariner models. The 16610LV retained the compact 40mm case common to other Submariner models, maintaining a thickness of 13mm. Featuring a 'maxi-dial' style, the watch showcased larger markers and hands for enhanced visibility and increased luminescence for night-time reading. Like all contemporary Submariners, the Kermit boasted a 300m water resistance and housed the Calibre 3135 movement. The release of the 16610LV caught the watch world by surprise, and some collectors initially dubbed it the 'Vomit Sub' due to its unconventional color. However, the nickname that endured and is widely used among collectors today is the more endearing 'Kermit.' The green aluminum bezel, distinct from later fade-resistant Cerachrom inserts, is somewhat lighter in color. Collectors affectionately referred to the 16610LV as the 'Kermit' due to the resemblance between the Muppet character and the Submariner's bezel color.

About the Brand

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.