SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner 50th Anniversary "Kermit" Flat 4 - No Holes Case
Reference Number: 16610T aka 16610LV
Movement: Automatic
Gender: Men's
Condition: Very good, with minor surface scratches due to normal wear and age.
Time Period: 2003
Box: Yes
Papers: Yes
THE CALIBER
Caliber: 3135
Jewels: 31
THE CASE
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Waterproof: 1000 ft./ 300 m./ 30 ATM
Bezel Material: Stainless steel green unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, Arabic numerals every 10 minutes, and graduations
Glass: Sapphire Crystal
Caseback: Solid
Dial: Black - MK 1
Dial Numerals: 18K white gold and luminescent round hour indices, white painted minute markers around the outer rim
THE BRACELET / STRAP
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel - Oyster 904L - 93250 - 12 links
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp
Clasp material: Stainless Steel engraved 93250 AD 10 (2003)
THE FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes, center sweep seconds, date aperture at 3 o'clock, 48-hour power reserve
FURTHER READING
In 2003, Rolex introduced the Submariner ref. 16610LV to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Submariner. Notably, this model marked the debut of a green bezel for the Submariner, earning it the endearing moniker "Kermit," inspired by the vibrant green frog. The LV in the reference number, 16610LV, signifies "lunette verte," translating to "green bezel" in English. This particular specimen is a Fat Four “Serifed,” with the inside of the four in '40' squared at the top, and all numbers featuring sharp, pronounced serifs in the classic Rolex style. The bezel, affectionately nicknamed "Bertolli," boasts a slightly lighter, olive green hue compared to subsequent bezels. This example is among the earliest of the Rolex Submariner "Kermit 50th Anniversary Edition" and falls into the coveted "MK I" or "Flat 4" category, showcasing distinctive design elements.
The 16610LV featured the same 40mm diameter and 13mm thickness as other Submariner models. In addition, the 'maxi-dial' features larger markers and hands for enhanced legibility and more lumen for nighttime reading. Produced only for seven years, Rolex discontinued the Submariner reference 16610LV in 2010 to make room for the "Hulk" reference 116610LV.
Round shape three-body case is brushed and polished
18K white gold and luminescent Mercedes hours hand, spade minute hand, stick seconds hand
Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o'clock
Stainless steel waterproof screw-down crown, stainless steel screw-down case back, Triplock triple waterproofness system
THE MOVEMENT
As with all modern Submariners, the Kermit has a water resistance of 300 meters and houses the Rolex Calibre 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3135 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. It is fitted with a Parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations. In common with all Oyster watch movements, its architecture makes it singularly reliable. The mechanism oscillates at the frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz).
THE BRACELET
The bracelet, reference 93250, is similar to the 16610LN in that it was originally composed of 13 links. The folding clasp with a date code is used to determine whether the bracelet matches the watch's production year:
AD 10 denotes the manufacturing year of 2003 and is found on the F series; the number 1 denotes the month of October.
The older Submariner model 16610 productions had holes drilled through the sides of the case to accommodate the spring bars. With the newer model 16610 watches, there are no holes on the sides of the watch, giving the Submariner a cleaner and more refined look.