The Rolex Submariner 16610LV, affectionately known as the "Kermit" for its striking green bezel, is a highly sought-after watch amongst collectors. But within the world of Kermit collecting, a seemingly insignificant detail can dramatically impact a watch's value: the Flat 4 bezel. While many might overlook this subtle difference, understanding the nuances of the Flat 4 bezel and its significance in early-production Kermits is crucial for anyone navigating the complex and often volatile market of vintage Rolex sports watches. This article delves deep into the world of the Rolex LV Flat 4, exploring its history, identifying its characteristics, and examining its profound effect on the resale value of the 16610LV.
The Rolex Submariner 16610LV, introduced in 2003, marked a significant shift in the Submariner's history. Prior to its release, the green bezel was exclusive to the limited-edition "military" Submariners. The 16610LV, however, democratized the green bezel, making it a standard offering and instantly catapulting it to iconic status. However, even within the realm of the 16610LV, subtle variations exist, and it's these variations that fuel the intense interest and high prices commanded by certain examples.
One of the most coveted variations is the watch fitted with a Flat 4 bezel. This refers to the specific profile of the bezel insert. Early production 16610LVs, produced in the early 2000s, often featured a flatter bezel insert, hence the name "Flat 4". Later production models, however, transitioned to a bezel insert with a slightly more pronounced slope, leading to a less flat profile. This seemingly minor difference in the bezel's profile is the cornerstone of the significant price disparity seen in the market.
The Significance of the Flat 4 Bezel:
The difference in price between a 16610LV with a Flat 4 bezel and one with a later-style bezel can easily reach several thousand dollars. A budget of $18,000 to $20,000 is typically considered a starting point for a well-preserved, early-production Kermit with a Flat 4 bezel in excellent condition. This price can climb significantly higher depending on the overall condition, box and papers, and provenance of the watch. In contrast, a later-production 16610LV with the more sloped bezel insert will typically command a considerably lower price, often falling in the $12,000 to $15,000 range, again depending on condition.
This drastic price difference is driven by several factors:
* Rarity: Early production runs of any watch are generally more scarce than later production runs. The Flat 4 bezel is intrinsically linked to these earlier models, making it a rarer characteristic. The transition from the Flat 4 to the sloped bezel occurred gradually over the production lifespan of the 16610LV, meaning the precise timeframe for the Flat 4 bezel's production is relatively short.
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