To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, Rolex released the reference 16610LV in 2003. This special edition, known among collectors as the “Kermit,” featured a green aluminum bezel paired with a black dial, a bold design choice that marked the first time Rolex added color to a stainless steel sports model outside of the GMT-Master line. The “LV” in the reference number stands for Lunette Verte, French for “green bezel.” The introduction of green, a color deeply associated with Rolex’s brand identity, was a fitting tribute to one of its most iconic timepieces.

While Rolex never explicitly stated why it used green for this anniversary model, it had long been linked to the brand through its logo, packaging, and presentation materials. Still, the green bezel was an unexpected and somewhat polarizing choice at launch, contrasting with the black dial and diverging from the brand’s traditionally conservative design palette.

The watch featured the same 40mm Oystersteel case and 13mm thickness as the standard Submariner Date, equipped with the reliable Caliber 3135 automatic movement. Water resistant to 300 meters, it incorporated Rolex’s Triplock screw down crown system, a solid caseback, and a sapphire crystal with the signature Cyclops lens over the date window. The “Kermit” also introduced the “Maxi Dial,” characterized by larger hour markers and broader hands, enhancing legibility and providing more luminous surface area for improved visibility underwater.

Despite its distinctive look and commemorative significance, the 16610LV had a relatively short production run, discontinued in 2010 after seven years. Over time, however, it evolved from a divisive release into one of the most celebrated modern Submariners, appreciated for its balance of heritage and its role as a reference between vintage and contemporary Rolex design.