Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2004
    Reference No: 16610LV
    Movement No: 30’340’453
    Case No: F’517’731
    Model Name: Submariner “Kermit”, Flat Four
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93250”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped ‭Leonardo Jewelers, New Jersey dated 19th October 2004, product literature, Rolex steel anchor, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rolex’s pioneering divers’ watch the Submariner, the ref. 16610LV would soon become a cult classic due to its eye-catching green aluminum bezel insert and Maxi dial featuring larger indexes and hands. It was given the nickname “Kermit” for its resemblance to the colour of the Muppet Frog. Highly desirable and worthy of collecting, this reference was only in production for 7 years before it was replaced in 2010 by the ref. 116610LV known as the “Hulk”, which featured a matching green dial with the updated Cerachrom bezel insert in green.

    During the initial few years of its release, the ref. 16610LV was produced with the “Flat Four” bezel and is considered among collectors as a rare gem to find on the market. The present example from circa 2004 bearing a “F” serial with the coveted “Flat Four” bezel is preserved in excellent overall condition and comes with its original accessories. As a model that is increasingly difficult to find, the present watch is a fitting one to acquire for the celebration of the Submariner’s 70th anniversary.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

926

Ref. 16610LV
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, "Flat Four" bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2004
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$90,000 - 180,000 
€10,500-21,000
$11,500-23,100

Sold for HK$165,100

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023