Join us in this blog as we discover some of Rolex's most well-known and important anniversary models, including the Green Submariners, Olive Dial Day-Date, Platinum Rolex Daytona, and so much more.
The Green Rolex Submariners.
Rolex Kermit 16610LV
One of the most well-known anniversary models Rolex produces is the "LV" Submariner (Lunette Vert is French for green glasses). Rolex introduced green to the Submariner in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the range. This 50th-anniversary watch was crowned the Kermit and featured a green bezel (instead of the standard black).
During the first year of production, the Kermit had what is known as a flat 4 bezel. The "4" on the diver's bezel had a flat top; at the time, this went unnoticed, and it wasn't announced by Rolex. It was corrected to in 2004, which means that a flat four Kermit is a true anniversary watch as it was only released for the 50th year.
Is there a new version of the flat-four Submariner?
Rolex Hulk 126610lv
The Rolex Kermit (16610lv) was discontinued in 2010 and replaced by the most well-known Rolex Submariner, the Hulk 116610LV. The Hulk has both a green bezel and sunburst dial; when the Hulk was first released, Rolex authorised dealers had them stacked up and struggled to sell them; fast forward to 2020, when it was discontinued, both the demand and price spiked immensely. The Hulk is now a must-have for any collection and one of the most in-demand steel sports watches.
Rolex Starbucks 126610LV
In 2020, the Hulk was replaced by the newest model of the Submariner, the 126610LV, also known as the Starbucks. The Rolex Starbucks features a dark green bezel and a black dial, which greatly resembles the logo of the well-known coffee company, hence the nickname. The Rolex Starbucks is still in production, and in March of 2023 (when Rolex released new watches), they changed the colour of the bezel to be slightly lighter. Rolex did not announce this change, however, 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner, and for that reason, many professionals speculate that the mark two bezel could be a limited edition release to commemorate the Submariner and if the mark two bezel is discontinued if there's no doubt that prices will surge, similar to the flat four Kermit.
60th anniversary Day-Date
The Rolex Day-Date 40 was introduced in 2015, and just one year later, the green olive dial was introduced to the Day-Date 40 range in 2016 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Day-Date collection. The dial is configurable on both the Everose gold model and the white gold model. The modest olive dial has a complex and sophisticated sunburst effect, which allows the watch to appear differently in different lighting; the dial is complete with gold Roman numerals. When this dial was first released it was extremely sought-after and commanded a high premium on the secondary market.
50th anniversary Platinum Daytona
The Platinum Rolex Daytona (116506) was introduced in 2013 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of Rolex's most popular models, the daytona. The platinum used to craft the case, clasp, and bracelet has a unique fresh white hue, unlike white gold or steel. All platinum Rolexes are exclusive to a sunburst ice blue dial. The ice blue dial pairs perfectly with the freshness of the platinum and is contrasted seamlessly by the chestnut brown ceramic bezel, which can appear burgundy or black, depending on the lighting. In 2023 (the 60th anniversary of the Rolex Daytona), Rolex released a new reference for the Daytona, which features an updated movement and minor aesthetic changes. The new reference platinum Daytona (126506) particularly stands out as it features an open case back; this feature is only available for the new platinum Daytona and the extremely rare Le Mans Daytona, which brings us to our next timepiece.
To learn more about the Platinum Rolex Daytona click here!
Rolex Le Mans Daytona
In the summer of 2023, Rolex surprised everyone with a new white gold Daytona. The watch was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans race. The number "100" stands out on the bezel in red; the watch is also equipped with a unique movement that allows the chronograph to function over 24 hours; calibre 4132 can be viewed through the open case back on this watch. The Rolex Le Mans Daytona is incredibly rare and can cost over £160,000 on the secondary market despite the retail cost being just £45,100.
Rolex GMT 50th anniversary
The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rolex GMT. Rolex released a GMT watch crafted entirely from yellow gold to commemorate the anniversary. The highlight of this timepiece is the green dial, which greatly resembles the brand's colours. This piece was the first ever Rolex to feature a ceramic bezel, and it was also the first Rolex to feature a maxi case (a larger proportioned case). Reference number 116718LN is truly a piece of history and is desired by many collectors because of its influence on Rolex's catalogue and designs today.
50th anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller
The Rolex Sea-Dweller was introduced in 1967, and it was designed to be an extension of the Submariner line that boasts higher specifications for professional diving. 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller, and Rolex released the 126600. The 126600 Sea-Dweller replaced the 116600. The new reference is still in production and features an updated movement, cyclops lens, gloss black dial, a larger case size of 43mm and red writing on the dial. Meanwhile, the 116600 Sea-Dweller had a 40mm case size, no cyclops lens, a satin black dial, and white writing.
Where can I buy anniversary Rolex models?
Rolex has released many interesting and unique anniversary models; some are extremely hard to find, while others are relatively easy to locate. No matter what Rolex you are interested in please feel free to contact us, as we source watches on a daily basis. Our exclusive and large network spans globally, allowing us to source Rolex watches promptly.
Leave a comment