The Rolex Submariner is perhaps the most iconic sports watch ever made. For decades, it existed almost exclusively in black. That changed dramatically in 2003 with the introduction of the first Submariner to feature a green bezel, creating a unique lineage that divides collectors today.
This week, we compare the original icon, the Submariner Date 40mm 16610LV (Kermit), against the current production model, the Submariner Date 41mm 126610LV (Starbucks). Are they battling for wrist time, or do they simply appeal to two different generations of collectors?
The Origin Story: The Kermit's Trailblazing Genesis
The Kermit (Ref. 16610LV)
The original green Submariner, nicknamed the Kermit for its lively green aluminum bezel, was released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Submariner. This was a landmark moment, as Rolex introduced a non-monochromatic color to their most famous tool watch.
The Kermit, produced for a limited run of only seven years (2003–2010), immediately became a collector's item. Its scarcity and historical significance as the first green Submariner are key factors that drive its value on the secondary market today.
The Starbucks (Ref. 126610LV)
The current production model, nicknamed the Starbucks for the green bezel/black dial color combination resembling the coffee chain’s logo, was introduced in 2020. It represents the culmination of Rolex’s modern technical refinements and design updates for the Submariner line.
Design and Material Philosophy: The Tale of Two Greens
The most obvious difference between the two watches is the bezel material, which fundamentally changes their aesthetic identity.
|
Feature |
16610LV 'Kermit' (Neo-Vintage) |
126610LV 'Starbucks' (Modern Refined) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bezel Material |
Anodized Aluminum |
Cerachrom Ceramic |
|
Bezel Finish |
Metallic, vibrant, prone to developing a unique patina over time. |
Virtually scratch-proof, glossy, with a deep, consistent color. |
|
Case Size |
Classic 40 mm (20mm lug width) |
New 41 mm (21mm lug width) |
|
Case Lugs |
Thicker "Maxi Case" generation lugs (pre-2020 look). |
More refined and classic lug profile for a better wrist-to-bracelet proportion. |
The Kermit's aluminum bezel offers a "neo-vintage" feel, often developing a lighter, unique patina with age that collectors adore. The Starbucks' Cerachrom bezel, Rolex’s proprietary ceramic, is virtually indestructible, offering a more modern, clinical perfection and a deeper, glossy green tone.
The subtle shift from 40mm to 41mm on the Starbucks, combined with a crucial change in lug geometry (and an increase to a 21mm lug width), provides a wider stance and a more balanced wrist presence than the previous generation of Submariners.
Technical Evolution: The Movement Leap
The biggest difference between the two watches is found inside, with the generational leap in Rolex’s movement technology.
|
Feature |
Kermit (Caliber 3135) |
Starbucks (Caliber 3235) |
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
48 hours |
Extended to 70 hours |
|
Chronometer |
COSC Certified (-4 to +6 seconds/day) |
Rolex Superlative Chronometer (+2 to -2 seconds/day) |
|
Key Tech |
Workhorse movement since 1988. |
Includes Chronergy escapement and improved Parachrom hairspring for greater efficiency and magnetic resistance. |
|
Bracelet |
Older clasp design. |
New bracelet with Glidelock extension system for precise, tool-free micro-adjustments. |
The Caliber 3235 in the Starbucks is a huge technical step up, offering an almost three-day power reserve and superior real-world accuracy. The addition of the Glidelock system on the bracelet is also a major functional improvement, allowing the wearer to adjust the bracelet length perfectly without tools—an essential feature for a dive watch.
The Verdict: Complementary Icons
These watches do not compete as much as they satisfy different collector appetites.
The Starbucks (126610LV) is the pursuit of modernized perfection: it is technically superior, more comfortable to wear due to the bracelet and case refinements, and utilizes virtually scratch-proof materials. It is the ideal, technically refined daily wearer.
The Kermit (16610LV) is the collector's neo-vintage piece: its value is driven by its historical significance as the 50th Anniversary model and its limited production run. It offers the charm of the anodized aluminum bezel and the pleasant, lighter feel of the older bracelet.
While the Starbucks is the newer watch, the Kermit often trades for a comparable or sometimes higher price on the secondary market due to its scarcity and heritage. You choose the Starbucks for its technology and the Kermit for its history.
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For a detailed look at the craftsmanship and feel of this exquisite watch, be sure to watch the full video review below.
