Rolex replica watches

 In-depth look at the Green Bezel Rolex Submariner, Kermit 16610LV vs Starbucks 126610LV battle

 

So close yet so different…we compare two generations of the black dial/green bezel Submariner. perfect replica watches

Rolex…whether you like the brand or not, whether you appreciate its watches or not, whether you understand the hype or not, it’s hard to objectively deny the sheer quality and aura of its timepieces. The reasons for its success are obvious, making it the number one Swiss watch brand. Next up is the Submariner, probably the most iconic Rolex and one of (if not the) most famous dive watches, not to mention the green version of this popular model. Today, since we had the chance, we decided to compare the two most famous versions of the Rolex Submariner, both with green bezels and black dials, both very familiar and almost identical, yet so different. Let’s compare the Kermit 16610LV vs the Starbucks 126610LV.

Perhaps one of the main factors in Rolex's success lies in its evolutionary strategy for product development. Nothing needs to be radically changed for the sake of change. Everything is the result of the continuous improvement of its timepieces, bringing better quality, more robust materials, more comfort, superior functionality or greater accuracy, but always with the same, highly recognizable design. Evolution, not revolution. The best way to understand this is to look at two different watches separated by not one, but two generations.

One was first introduced in 2003, the other was released in 2020. Yet, from a distance, they look almost identical. Until you take a closer look at each best swiss replica watches and put them on your wrist. Then you understand how different they are. That's what we're comparing today with two of the most iconic modern Rolex Submariner models, both with green bezels paired with black dials (yes, the full green Hulk is intentionally omitted here). It’s time for the neo-vintage Submariner Kermit 16610LV to face off against the contemporary Submariner Starbuck 126610LV.

The first green SUBMARINER, the KERMIT 16610LV
It took Rolex 50 years to introduce its signature green colour to the Submariner collection. 50 years, to celebrate half a century of the most iconic watch in its entire portfolio. Introduced at Baselworld in 2003, the Rolex Submariner 16610LV (later nicknamed Kermit) was a special edition model – not a limited edition – celebrating the collection’s 50th anniversary. The main difference is, of course, the green insert on the bezel. But that’s not all, because the 16610LV (L unette V erte, green bezel) introduced other subtle changes compared to all other Submariner models of the time, including a revised dial with enlarged applied hour markers and reinforced hands, which later became known as the “Maxi Dial”.

For the rest, the Rolex Submariner Kermit 16610LV uses the same technical base as the black Submariner Date (16610LN), with a 40 mm 904L steel case, 300 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops, an in-house 3135 automatic movement and an Oyster bracelet (reference number 93250) with solid end links and a folding steel clasp.

However, this is just the general case, the Submariner Kermit 16610LV has several versions. Reportedly, throughout its lifecycle (2003-2010), the Kermit was equipped with 2 different cases (with or without engraved inner edge), 5 different bezel inserts (with Flat 4, with Slim 4, with or without Serif and in different shades of green) and 5 different dial variations. We are talking here about the minimal evolution that some people consider important for the value of certain references on the second-hand market, but we are not here to discuss such details – that would require a whole in-depth article. luxury replica watches

Current Green/Black SUBMARINER, Starbucks 126610LV
Before the Submariner Starbucks 126610LV came out, the Kermit 16610LV was replaced by another watch, the Submariner Hulk 116610LV. In 2008, Rolex introduced a completely new generation of the Submariner (the 6-digit generation), which for the first time featured a ceramic bezel inlay (the so-called Cerachrom), all with the Maxi Dial concept of Kermit (large markers/hands). Presented for the first time in gold and Rolesor, in 2010 Rolex introduced the 116610LN and 116610LV, respectively the date Submariner with black bezel and the direct successor to Kermit, the Hulk. Featuring a new Maxi case (large shoulders and lugs), it not only featured a green ceramic bezel, but also a sun-brushed green dial.

Fast forward to 2020, and Rolex has completely updated its Submariner collection, this time not gradually but all references at once. The collection includes a new green steel Submariner Date, the 126610LV, which immediately earned the nickname Starbucks (we’ve also heard of Cermit, short for Kermit and Ceramic, but less often). Besides the redefined design, getting rid of the maxi case, a new generation movement (caliber 3235), a redesigned bracelet and modestly updated proportions, the Starbucks 126610LV also revisits the green bezel and black dial combination, becoming the spiritual successor to the 2003 Kermit.

There are two generations of the Submariner Date 126610LV Starbucks, distinguished by the bezel inlay. The first generation (MK1), as you can see in this post, features a rather subtle and darker green ceramic hue. In 2023, Rolex quietly updated the 126610LV with a new bezel ceramic inlay with a brighter and more saturated green hue (closer to the original Kermit), becoming the so-called MK2. replica Chopard Alpine Eagle Watches

Overall Appearance
My words here will certainly sound predictable, but from a distance, for those who don't like watches (my mother, most of your friends...), both watches are Rolex sports watches with green bezels and look similar. I can’t prove them wrong, the Kermit 16610LV and the Starbucks 126610LV are very close when viewed quickly from a distance. Of course, if you’re reading MONOCHROME here, that means you have a more advanced knowledge of watches than the average person, and you’ll notice obvious differences.

Despite the fact that these two watches are based on architectures that were separated by more than 30 years (the 16610LN was introduced in 1988), their similarities are still fascinating, even more so if you consider the first 5-digit Submariner models. A Submariner is a Submariner, no matter which generation, and it can be identified in milliseconds. These two watches are very close in design, specifications, overall proportions, dial elements, colors… and yet, as we’ll explore later, there are significant differences between them that are more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It has a lot to do with how these watches feel. It’s like looking at a timeline of Porsche 911s… show a non-fan a 997 and a 991, and they’ll tell you that, aside from minor design tweaks, they’re identical. Fans know that there is more to it than meets the eye. The same is true of the different generations of Submariner watches.

Case and Proportions
Despite the close relationship between these two watches, there are some important differences. But we need to delve into the details of each model to highlight its evolution. At first glance, the 16610LV and 126610LV retain the formula that made the Submariner the most iconic dive watch on the market. While it took a while for the series’ design to stabilize, and the first generation feels very different today than the current series, the 5512 and 5513 models introduced in the late 1950s and early 1960s somehow nailed the overall design. Since then, aside from the evolution of materials and small design details, the overall shape of the Submariner has barely changed – this incredible longevity and continuity of the formula is both the reason for the model’s success and the reason some people tend to reject it…

In my opinion, the Submariner Kermit 16610LV is the perfect example of a neo-retro or youthful timepiece watch, as it incorporates the design and overall feel of previous generations while incorporating modern elements like sapphire crystals and a more luxurious dial. The case is made of 904L stainless steel and is water-resistant to 300 meters, retaining the classic thin lugs and pointed/thin crown guards of the old models, as well as an aluminum bezel. The case is topped by a flat sapphire crystal with a cyclops above the date (the latter being the only element with AR coating). The profile is fairly thin, with a slim midcase and a more pronounced domed profile on the caseback. patek philippe replica

At first glance, the Submariner Starbucks 126610LV doesn’t look any different. However, a closer look reveals important differences. First, this is an overall more rugged watch. It feels (and is) slightly bulky, though the proportions aren’t too big. Everything about the Starbucks screams modern Rolex style and a careful choice of durable materials. The case is still made of 904L steel, it’s still water-resistant to 300 meters, and it has a more “square” look, but slightly less so than the previous Hulk model. The reason for this is that Rolex shaved off the inside of the lugs, widened the width of the bracelet, and somehow the vintage look was brought back.

You can see that, although the case has a typical Rolex Submariner look, it has changed over the years, with slightly taller sidewalls and a larger and rounder crown guard. The caseback is still domed, but slightly smaller than before. Of course, the bezel now has a ceramic insert, and the sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating. Both watches have screw-down crowns with the Triplock system. As an older watch, the crown on the Kermit is slightly less secure and precise, but this may have more to do with its age than the mechanism (although machining tolerances have improved over time).

Same thing from Kermit to Starbucks. The 126610LV is a better watch on almost every quantifiable level. It is stronger, more tightly constructed, more accurate, has a better clasp, and is extremely finely crafted and precisely finished. However, the emotional factor of the Kermit 16610LV is immeasurable… the oddly pleasant rattle of the bracelet, the unique vintage appeal of the aluminum bezel, and the visually more compact, thinner case. The new one is cooler and more technical, while the old one takes full advantage of its flaws and becomes the ineffable reason we call it charm.

As said, so similar yet so different. In fact, I wear both watches with great satisfaction, but for different reasons and with different pleasures. https://www.proreviewwatch.co