Produced over a period of only five years (2003-2008), the reference 16610LV also nicknamed "Kermit" by aficionados of Rolex is a rising value in the collection.
It is here the version most sought after by collectors called "Mark 1" "MK1" or "Fat Four" referring to its insert present on the Y series (2003), as well as to the first generation dial.
The name "Fat Four" comes from the flat on the top of the number 4. The typography of the 4 is much more flattering than in the later versions.
The typography of this insert has thus evolved from the series at the end of 2004 by becoming pointed.
Presented at the Baselworld 2003 edition with the lugs pierced, the 16610 LV will finally be released with the lugs full. Manufactured with 904L steel, the case guarantees water resistance to 300 meters.
The serial number of the watch is located between the lug at 6 o'clock. The very first series from late 2003 bears the serial number starting with the letter Y.
The indexes of the 16610LV dial are larger than those of the reference 16610LN, Rolex is talking for the first time of “Maxi Dial” on a dial with circled indexes. The hands are also wider than the hands of the 16610LN.
The MK1 dial has several typographical features:
The Rolex O is a flattened oval, the letter "R" of the word "Oyster" is aligned below the "R" of Rolex
The inscription "Swiss Made" exceeds the indexes of the 28th and 32nd minute
The bracelet, reference 93250 with so-called "armored" links, is common with the 16610LN, it is originally composed of 13 links.
The engraving "93250" is present on the last link of the bracelets during the period 2003-2004 (Discontinued circa 2005)
The only way to check if the bracelet corresponds to the year of production of the watch is its folding clasp with a date code :
AD corresponds to a year of manufacture in 2003 and is found on the Y series, the number 5 corresponds to the month of May.
Shared with the Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller and common to the Submariner Date, the automatic caliber 3135 has been used by the Geneva house since 1988. Manufacture caliber, it offers 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a power reserve of 48 hours. having proven itself in terms of reliability and precision.
The green leather box of the reference MK1 has the reference 64.00.02 corresponding to the period 2003-2004. It is notably shared with the GMT Master II 16710 and the Submariner 16610LN.
The reference 64.00.02 corresponds to the period of 2003-2004
The certificate does not have a reference stipulating "LV", and only includes the mention "16610V" (for the US market) in opposition to a 16610LN (Black Lunette). "16610V" then being the second way for Rolex to identify the submariner models with green bezel. Some copies of the first series that were not sold on the U.S market then have no indication on the certificate confirming that the watch is indeed an LV.
The papers are not always "punched" with the serial number. This copy for the U.S market confirms it to us.
Another way to formally identify that the watch is indeed an LV since its release from the manufacture is the tag with the barcode that accompanies it. It states 16610LV as well as its serial number.
With a very short production period of only two years, this Submariner "Fat Four" has a very promising potential in collection.
