Rolex Kermit

In 2003, Rolex celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Submariner by releasing a special edition of the famous diving watch: the Submariner Date ref. 16610LV. This model has two defining features, the most obvious being the green aluminum bezel insert. Rolex also outfitted this timepiece with a black "maxi dial", which is characterized by larger indices. The eye-catching green was the source of inspiration for this watch's nickname, “Kermit.”

From a technical standpoint, the Kermit, which was discontinued in 2010, is identical to the standard Submariner Date ref. 16610. Ten years later, the Geneva-based manufacturer once again launched a Sub Date with a green bezel and black dial. However, the bezel on this new model, the ref. 126610LV, is made of green ceramic. Rolex fans cleverly refer to the new watch as the “Cermit,” but you'll also hear it referred to as the “Starbucks” (due again to the bezel color).

Rolex Kermit: Price Performance

Both variants are highly sought-after and hard to find in brick and mortar stores. As a result, prices for the Kermit on the open market skyrocketed, especially between 2020 to 2022. Since then, the price rally has subsided considerably. By the end of 2024, the cost of a Kermit will be just above its pre-pandemic level. The purchase of a Submariner Kermit may well be worthwhile again.

Reasons to Buy a Submariner “Kermit”

• Special color design with a green bezel and black dial
• Coveted collector's item
• In-house caliber 3135 or 3235
• Ref. 126610LV with a green ceramic bezel

The most affordable Submariner Date with a green bezel and black dial is the current ref. 126610LV. Rolex’s official MSRP as of December 2024 is 10,800 USD. However, due to tight supply and high demand, you may have to wait several months or even years at an authorized dealer. If you don't want to wait that long, you can find what you want on the secondary market. However, you should expect a hefty premium. The watch changed hands on Chrono24 for roughly 16,800 USD in late 2024.

A first-generation Kermit will set you back about 20,200 USD. These versions are mostly watches from the later phase of the production. Although the much rarer “Flat 4” from the early production phase is significantly more expensive at just under 22,400 USD (as of December 2024), these variants were still trading for over 44,800 USD a year earlier.

Rolex produced the Rolex Submariner Date 16610LV “Kermit” from 2003 to 2010. This timepiece has the same 40-mm stainless steel case as the standard ref. 16610, which you can recognize by its narrow lugs and relatively small crown guard. The Kermit is powered by the same caliber 3135 as its counterparts. This movement features a blue anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring, offers a power reserve of 48 hours, and, in true Rolex fashion, is chronometer-certified.

The Kermit ref. 16610LV is the first Submariner to have a “maxi dial.” As opposed to the dials that had been customary up to that point, the applied indices are significantly larger, which makes them easier to read.

The real showstopper, however, is the bezel with the green aluminum insert. Rolex produced nine different versions of this bezel during the seven years that the Kermit was in production. However, you need a sharp eye to tell the difference between them. For example, the shade varies between a light olive green – also called “Bertolli,” after the Italian olive oil brand – to the much darker “Racing Green.”

Kermit vs. Flat 4

Other differences can be seen in the thickness of the minute markers, as well as the shape of the numerals. The most popular variant is probably the “Flat 4.” If you look closely at the “4” in the number 40 on a Flat 4 bezel, you'll see that it's flat at the top. Rolex only used this font for very early Kermit editions, which is why this watch is such a rare find.

Rolex released a new Kermit variant in 2020. Like previous models, the new ref. 126610LV is made of stainless steel and features a maxi dial. However, this watch is 41 mm in diameter and its bezel inlay is made of Rolex's high-tech ceramic, Cerachrom.

Changes were also made inside the case, with the state-of-the-art caliber 3235 now powering the latest Kermit edition. This movement features Rolex's proprietary Parachrom hairspring and Chronergy escapement. The latter is made of a nickel-phosphorous alloy that is especially efficient and less sensitive to magnetic fields. Thanks to the new escapement and an enlarged barrel, the caliber has a power reserve of 70 hours.

The Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV is also known among Rolex fans as “Kermit 2.0,” “Cermit,” or “Starbucks.” It will be interesting to see which nickname sticks.

What’s the difference between the Rolex Kermit and the Rolex Hulk?

The Rolex “Hulk” (ref. 116610LV) is the direct successor to the Rolex “Kermit” (ref. 16610LV). Unlike the Kermit, the Hulk has a green bezel and a green dial. The bezel insert is also ceramic. Another difference is the Hulk’s much bulkier maxi case.

Rolex Kermit vs. Rolex Starbucks

Discontinued in 2010, the Rolex Submariner Kermit bears the reference number 16610LV. The watch features a standard 40-mm case, a green aluminum bezel, and a black maxi dial. The bezel of the “Starbucks” (ref. 126610LV) is also green, but is made of ceramic. With a diameter of 41 mm, the Starbucks is also slightly larger than the Kermit.