Rolex Kermit Watches

Rolex Kermit: Overview & Key Specifications

You must look at the details to understand this Rolex Kermit watch model. It is a stainless steel sports watch, and most people wear it for its unique look. The combination of a black dial and a green bezel was a risky move by Rolex, but it paid off.

Model Description and Naming

The name “Kermit” did not come from Rolex. It came from the fans and collectors on forums. When the reference 16610LV came out in 2003, the bright green bezel reminded people of Kermit the Frog from the Muppets. The LV is the reference number, which stands for Lunette Verte, which is French for “Green Bezel.”

There is usually confusion between the models. For instance, the original 16610LV launched between 2003 and 2010 is the true Kermit. On the other hand, people usually call the reference 126610LV released in 2020 “Starbucks” or “Cermit (Ceramic Kermit). Some people also call both of these models “Kermit.” The original model is famous for its aluminum bezel insert, which has a softer and more metallic glow compared to the shiny ceramic of the new models. 

Technical Specifications 

Although there are different versions, most Rolex Kermit watches have similar specs, particularly similar to a Submariner Date. These are the fundamental features you will find on both the old and new models of the Rolex Kermit.

• Case Material: The case material is Oystersteel, made of 904L stainless steel, which is very resistant to corrosion and scratching. 
• Water Resistance: Every Kermit is waterproof up to 300 meters and 1,000 feet. A Triplock winding crown system secures it efficiently, thanks to its three sealed zones, which prevent water from entering the watch. 
• Crystal: The Rolex Kermit model uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. 
• Date Function: There is a date window at 3 o’clock covered by the Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date 2.5 times. 
• Bezel Function: The bezel is unidirectional rotatable, which means it only turns one way. Remember, this is a safety feature for divers to track immersion time. 
• Luminescence: All models have glowing markers for the dark, though the color of the flow has changed over the years. 

Main Variants

If you want to buy a Rolex Kermit watch, you must understand the differences between its generations. The differences are in the movement, the bracelet feel, and the bezel material.

The Original Kermit Reference 16610LV

Rolex manufactured this variant between 2003 and 2010. The reference is 16610LV, and this watch feels lighter on the wrist. It uses the Calibre 3135, which is a legendary workhorse movement with a 48-hour power reserve. It also has the older style Oyster bracelet with hollow center links or solid links. However, the clasp is the stamped Oysterlock. It rattles a little bit, which collectors call “jingle.” The bezel of the original Kermit 16610LV is anodized aluminum, which can fade over time or get scratched. 

The Modern Starbucks / Cermit Reference 126610LV

The current model feels more solid and heavy. The movement runs on the Calibre 3235, which is a newer engine with a Chronergy escapement and a longer 70-hour power reserve. It has a fully solid Oyster bracelet with the Glidelock extension system. Thus, you can slide the clasp to make it bigger or smaller without using any tools. Moreover, it has a green Cerachrom bezel, which is a much harder ceramic material than the standard one, and it does not fade and is almost impossible to scratch.

Rolex Kermit Prices: Retail vs Secondary Market

Buying Rolex watches is not as simple as walking into a boutique in Dubai or any other city. Also, you have two prices. The first one is the retail price, and the second one is the secondary market price.

Secondary Market Price Overview

The secondary market means you buy the watch from a private seller like Watch Maestro. The prices are much higher than retail for the Rolex Kermit due to a higher demand. So, this means you can’t just buy a new watch easily. When we look at the data, prices increased significantly in 2022. However, the secondary market prices are now optimal. Several factors affect the secondary market prices of Rolex Kermit watches:

• Condition: An unpolished 16610LV with sharp edges costs much more than a polished watch. 
• Full Set: A watch-only sale is cheaper, and on the other hand, the value is higher if you have the original green box, the warranty papers, and the swing tags. 
• The Flat 4 Premium: It is an important aspect because the number “4” on the bezel is flat at the top on the early 2003/2004 models (Y and F serials). Newer versions have a pointed 4. So, the Flat 4 bezel is very rare and can cost over AED 128,000. 
• Standard 16610LV: A normal aluminum Kermit has a price around AED 57,000. 
• Modern 126610LV: The current ceramic model has a price between AED 58,000 and AED 60,000. 

Official Retail Price List

Rolex Kermit as an Investment

The Rolex Kermit watch is a good investment, particularly the original 16610LV, which is a neo-vintage classic. The supply is fixed because Rolex stopped manufacturing these watches in 2010. So, the company does not make any more aluminum bezels, and this scarcity helps the value go up over the long term. Although prices dropped a bit in 2023 and 2024, the Kermit has still outperformed the original retail price by a massive margin. 

The most important factor for value retention is the anniversary status, which means Kermit is the only 50th-anniversary Submariner. Likewise, the Kermit watch is the first of its kind because it was the first steel Submariner with a green bezel and Maxi dial. So much so that collectors pay good money for an unworn Rolex Kermit. 

Authenticity, Certification & Warranty

You can check the authenticity by examining the rehaut engraving. For instance, models launched after 2007, and all modern watches have the word “ROLEX” engraved on the inner meta ring around the dial (the Rehaut). The serial number is between the lugs at 6 o’clock on the original Kermit. It is on the Rehaut at 6 o’clock on the modern Rolex Starbucks watches. In addition, look very closely at the glass at the 6 o’clock position. You will see a tiny Rolex crown laser-etched into the sapphire. You usually need a loupe to see it. 

All Rolex Kermit watches are a Superlative Chronometer, which means they have passed two tests. First, the COSC has tested the movement. Then, Rolex puts the movement inside the case and tests it again. So, these tests guarantee the watch runs with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, which is very precise for a mechanical watch. 

If you buy a new 126610LV from a dealer today, you will get a 5-year international warranty. Remember, this warranty follows the watch, not the owner. So, if you sell the watch, the next person gets the warranty. Moreover, the warranty for older models like 16610LV has expired. Still, if you buy this model through the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program, you will get a new 2-year guarantee. At Watch Maestro, we offer a limited one-year warranty on Rolex Kermit watches for our customers in the UAE.