Rolex, Submariner Kermit Bertolli ‘MK I’ Flat 4, Ref. 16610T

In 2003, Rolex launched the Submariner ref. 16610LV to commemorate the 50th anniversary, featuring a green bezel and earning the nickname “Kermit.” The LV in the reference denotes “lunette verte” or “green bezel.” This specimen is a Fat Four “Serifed” with sharp serifs in the classic Rolex style and a slightly lighter, olive green bezel nicknamed “Bertolli,” making it one of the earliest Rolex Submariner “Kermit 50th Anniversary Edition” in the coveted “MK I” or “Flat 4” category.

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.

Adding to its allure, the round shape three-body case of the 16610LV is meticulously brushed and polished, crafted from 18K white gold. Its luminescent features include a Mercedes hours hand, spade minute hand, and stick seconds hand, ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. For precise time setting, the timepiece incorporates a stop-seconds function. The date window at 3 o’clock is equipped with a Cyclops lens for magnification, enhancing readability. Further enhancing its durability, the Submariner features a stainless steel waterproof screw-down crown, a stainless steel screw-down case back, and the 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 10 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. 

THE ANNIVERSARY SUBMARINER DECODING

This F series (F217***) example  belongs to the following category:
Mark I: Serial Y94-F54
Case: C1
Dial: D1
Bezel: B1 

Bezel:
B1: Fat Four “Serifed”, the inside of the four in ‘40’ is squared at the top but all the numbers with internal angles have very sharp, pronounced serifs in the classic Rolex style. The bezel is of a slightly lighter, olive green than the bezels that follow (nicknamed Bertolli).

Dial:
D1: ‘Oval O’ in Rolex.
-Widely spaced ‘Oyster Perpetual Date’ signature where the ‘R’ of Oyster sits between the legs of the ‘R’ in Rolex
-Wide ‘Swiss Made’ with five shortened minute markers underneath its entire length

Case:
C1: The first production LV’s featured the new ‘T’ case with solid lugs and the model number 16610T engraved between the lugs, with “T” standing for “Trou Borgne,” or “blind hole.” It is important to note that the model number engraved on the case does NOT have the suffix LV. The serial number is engraved between the lugs at six o’clock in the traditional Rolex style.
The earliest known so far begin ‘Y94’, so very few were produced before the serial numbers changed to ‘F,’ but ‘Fat Four’ examples with serial numbers below F54 are the grail watches of the LV family.
Produced for only eight years (2003–2010), the reference 16610LV, affectionately dubbed “Kermit” by Rolex collectors, is rapidly increasing in value.
It is here that collectors refer to the most desirable version as “Mark 1,” “MK1,” or “Fat Four,” referring to the insert found on the Y and F series (2003 and 2004), as well as the first generation dial.
The term “Flat Four” is derived from the flat on top of the number four. The typography of the 4 is far more attractive than that of the subsequent versions. Thus, this insert’s typography evolved from the series by becoming more pointed at the end of 2004.

THE SET

This offered timepiece is in fine shape and comes with the Rolex presentation box, the original punched papers, the anchor and Rolex seal tag, and is covered by Twain Time’s 12-month warranty.

For an in-depth look at the intricate features and design elements of this product, explore our detailed article in the blog section.