May 10, 2023

The Rolex Submariner is a watch that has been on the market for over half a century. It's been a favorite of watch enthusiasts, divers, and celebrities alike. The Submariner has evolved over the years, with several variations, including the Rolex Anniversary Submariners 16610LV, 116610LV, and 126610LV. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between these three models, their retail and market prices, and what makes them unique.

Rolex Submariner 16610LV

The Rolex Submariner 16610LV is also known as the "Kermit," named after the popular Sesame Street character. This watch was released in 2003 and was designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner. It features a green aluminum bezel insert, which was a new addition to the Submariner line. The 16610LV also has a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet, with a black Maxi dial and luminescent hour markers which is 30% larger than the previous generation. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, which has a power reserve of 48 hours. The 16610LV is no longer in production, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

Retail Price: $6,400 Market Price: $14,000 - $18,000

Rolex Submariner 116610LV

The Rolex Submariner 116610LV, also known as the "Hulk," was released in 2010. It features a green ceramic bezel insert and a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet. The dial is also green gold, with luminescent hour markers and hands. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, which has a power reserve of 48 hours. The 116610LV is water-resistant up to 300 meters and features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The 116610LV is no longer in production and remains a popular choice for watch enthusiasts.

Retail Price: $9,050 Market Price: $18,000 - $20,000

Rolex Submariner 126610LV

The Rolex Submariner 126610LV, also known as the "Kermit 2.0," , or "Cermit", was released in 2020. It features a green ceramic bezel insert and a 41mm stainless steel case and bracelet. The dial is black, with luminescent hour markers and hands. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3235 movement, which has a power reserve of 70 hours. The 126610LV is water-resistant up to 300 meters and features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The 126610LV also features a new Oyster bracelet with a Glidelock extension system, allowing for easy adjustments to the bracelet length. The 126610LV is the newest addition to the Submariner line and is already a highly sought-after watch.

Retail Price: $10,800 Market Price: $16,000 - $18,000

Differences Between the Three Models

The three Submariner models we've discussed all have green bezel inserts, but there are some differences between them. The 16610LV has an aluminum bezel insert, while the 116610LV and 126610LV have ceramic bezel inserts. Ceramic is a more durable material than aluminum and is less likely to fade over time. The 126610LV has a slightly larger case size than the other two models, at 41mm compared to 40mm. The 126610LV also has a longer power reserve than the other two models, with 70 hours compared to 48 hours. The 126610LV also features a new Glidelock extension system on the bracelet, which allows for easy adjustments to the bracelet length without the need for tools.

Another difference between the three models is the movement they use. The 16610LV and 116610LV use the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement, while the 126610LV uses the Rolex Caliber 3235 movement. The Caliber 3235 is a newer movement and offers improvements in accuracy, power reserve, and durability.

In terms of design, the 16610LV and 126610LV have black dials and green bezel inserts, while the 116610LV has a green gold dial with a green bezel insert. The luminescent hour markers and hands on all three watches are made of white gold. The 16610LV has a green Super-Luminova luminescent material on its hands and hour markers. While, the 116610LV and 126610LV have what Rolex calls Chromalight, which offers a longer-lasting and brighter glow in low light conditions.

Retail and Market Prices

As mentioned earlier, the retail prices for these watches are $6,400 for the 16610LV, $9,050 for the 116610LV, and $10,800 for the 126610LV. However, due to their popularity and limited availability, the market prices for these watches are often much higher than the retail prices. The market prices for the 16610LV range from $15,000 to $20,000, the 116610LV from $15,000 to $20,000, and the 126610LV from $18,000 to $25,000.

Why Are These Watches So Popular?

The Submariner has been a popular watch for over 60 years, and the popularity of these three models is no exception. One reason for their popularity is their iconic design, which has remained relatively unchanged over the years. The green bezel insert is a unique feature that sets these watches apart from other Submariner models.

Another reason for their popularity is their limited availability. Rolex is known for producing limited quantities of their watches, and the Submariner is no exception. The 16610LV, and 116610LV Hulk, are no longer in production, making them highly sought-after collector's items. The 126610LV is still in production, but its availability is limited, with long waiting lists at authorized Rolex dealerships.

Lastly, the Submariner is known for its durability and reliability. The Submariner was originally designed as a diving watch, and its water-resistant capabilities make it a popular choice for divers and water sports enthusiasts. The Submariner is also known for its accuracy and precision, thanks to the high-quality movements used in the watches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rolex Submariner 16610LV, 116610LV, and 126610LV are all highly sought-after watches for their iconic design, limited availability, and durability. While there are some differences between the three models, such as their bezel insert materials and movements, they all share the same Submariner DNA that has made this watch a classic for over 60 years. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these watches, you can be sure that you're investing in a timepiece that will hold its value for years to come.