Overview of Rolex Submariner 50th anniversary Flat Four MK1 - 16610LV

Marketed for only seven years (2003-2010), the reference 16610LV, also nicknamed "Kermit" by enthusiasts of the brand with the crown, is a rising star in the collection.

This article aims to focus on the very first version of the reference 16610LV released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner, and marketed for only two years.

It is the most sought-after version by collectors, called "Mark 1" "MK1" or "Flat Four," referring to its insert found on Y-series (2003) and F-series (late 2003 - 2004), as well as its first-generation dial. This model has specific characteristics that we will elaborate on in this article.

Another article is available on all the variations (2003-2010) of this 16610LV

The Insert:

The term "Fat Four" or "Flat Four" comes from the flat top of the number 4. In other words, the typography of the number 4 is much flatter than in later versions.

The typography of this insert evolved from the end of the 2004 series, becoming pointed (referred to as "pointed 4" in collector vocabulary). Therefore, F-series exist with MK1 dial and pointed insert (generally after serial numbers starting with F8XXXXX). The value of this reference largely comes from the insert, which is then reduced.

Insert « Flat Four » MK1 of reference 16610LV

The term « Flat Four » comes from the flat top of the number 4.

There are two typography variations of inserts for the Flat 4. The first "B1" with serifs, the second without.

The Case:

Unveiled at Baselworld 2003 with pierced lugs, the 16610LV was finally released with solid lugs. Made of 904L steel, the case guarantees water resistance up to 300 meters.

Note: The lugs of reference 16610 have no longer been pierced since 2003.

Official photo released by Rolex during the Basel 2003 announcement with pierced lugs	16610 T inscription present on the lug. The letter "T" refers to a case with blind holes.

The watch's serial number is located between the lugs at 6 o'clock. The very first late 2003 series has a serial number starting with the letter Y.

Illustration of a Y-series (2003)

The MK1 version was also produced in 2004, and the first letter of the serial number begins with the letter F.

Illustration of an F-series (2004)

The Dial

The indexes on the dial of the 16610LV are larger than those of reference 16610LN. Rolex referred to this for the first time as a "Maxi Dial" on a dial with outlined indexes. The hands are also wider than those of the 16610LN (LN = Black Bezel).

The MK1 dial has several typography-specific features:

The "O" in Rolex is a flattened oval, and the "R" in the word "Oyster" aligns under the "R" in Rolex	The "Swiss Made" inscription extends beyond the 28th and 32nd-minute markers

The Bracelet:

Reference 93250 with so-called "solid" links, the bracelet is shared with the 16610LN. It originally consists of 13 links.

The engraving "93250" is present on the last link of bracelets from 2003-2004 (Removed around 2005).

The reference 93250 is also engraved on the "solid end links." "AD" refers to a production year of 2003.

The only way to verify if the bracelet corresponds to the production year of the watch is through its deployant clasp with a date code:

"AD" corresponds to a manufacturing year of 2003 and is found on Y-series. The number 5 corresponds to May.

"CL" corresponds to a manufacturing year of 2004 and is found on F-series. The number 1 corresponds to January.

NB: Each production change is accompanied by "transition" periods, so it is entirely possible to have a bracelet manufactured in late 2003 with an AD code on an F-series.

The Movement:

Shared with the Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller, and common to the Submariner Date, the automatic caliber 3135 has been used by the Geneva-based brand since 1988. This in-house caliber offers 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a power reserve of 48 hours, proven for reliability and precision.

Illustration of the 3135 movement	Illustration of the caseback, common to the 16610

The Box:

The MK1 reference box is numbered 64.00.02, corresponding to the 2003-2004 period. It is notably shared with the GMT Master II 16710 and the Submariner 16610LN.

The Submariner 16610LV on its original box	The reference 64.00.02 corresponds to the 2003-2004 period

The Certificate:

The certificate does not specify "LV" and only states "16610V" (for the U.S. market), as opposed to a 16610LN (Black Bezel). "16610V" was the second way Rolex identified green bezel Submariner models. Some early series examples sold outside the U.S. market do not indicate on the certificate that the watch is indeed an LV.

NB: Certificates are not always "punched" with the serial number.

Illustration of the certificate of a 16610LV Fat Four, with its tag

The only way to formally identify that the watch is indeed an LV from the time it left the factory is the barcode tag that accompanies it. It states 16610LV as well as its serial number.

If in doubt, a service at Rolex can confirm whether the model is indeed an LV and not an LN.

NB: The model, not having achieved the expected success at its release, could remain on display for several months.

It is thus possible to find Y-series with its certificate manually dated in 2004 (on the day of sale), as well as F-series sold in 2005.

Illustration of the full set of a 16610LV reference from 2003

Illustration of the date code present on the booklet, here from 2003 corresponding to the Y-series

Illustration of the press kit released during the launch of the Submariner 16610LV in 2003

Its Potential in Collection:

With a very short production period of only two years, this Submariner "Fat Four" has very promising potential as a collectible; its value having increased by nearly 200% over the past five years. We can note that the latest auction results in Geneva only confirm sustained appreciation; far from the official prices at its release (€3950 in 2003 and €4140 in 2004).