Rolex Starbucks - 126610lv

The legendary Submariner Date is one of the most successful models to leave the factory of Genevan luxury watch manufacturer Rolex. The Swiss brand introduced the current ref. 126610 in 2020. The model is the second generation Submariner to feature a Cerachrom bezel.

Unlike its predecessor, which measures 40 mm across, the 126610 has a diameter of 41 mm. The lug width, like the case, also increased with the new model, from 20 to 21 mm. In return, the once bulky lugs of the Maxi Case have been slimmed down, which gives the watch an overall more discreet look on the wrist.

As with all Rolex sports watches, the case and bracelet of the Submariner Date 126610 are made of the especially corrosion-resistant stainless steel 904L, which Rolex calls Oystersteel. Other attributes include the Maxi Dial, which has been used by Rolex since 2010 and features large hands and indices, as well as the luminescent material Chromalight, which glows blue in the dark. Like all modern Submariner variants, the watch is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft).

Except for its green Cerachrom bezel, ref. 126610LV (LV = Lunette Verte, i.e., green bezel) is technically identical to ref. 126610LN (LN = Lunette Noire, black bezel). Collectors and Rolex fans call the green variant "Kermit," the nickname given to the first Submariner Date with a green bezel (ref. 16610LV), which Rolex released back in 2003.

The 126610 is powered by the chronometer-certified Rolex caliber 3235 introduced in 2016.

Rolex introduced the caliber 3235 in 2016. Along with the Submariner Date, the manufacturer also fits a number of other models with the movement, namely the Sea-Dweller, Yacht-Master and Datejust. The 3235 is equipped with Rolex's patented Parachrom hairspring. Parachrom is especially resistant to jolts, magnetic fields, and changes in temperature. The movement also features a particularly robust Glucyder balance wheel made of a special copper alloy. The balance itself swings at 28,800 vph. The newly developed Chronergy escapement provides increased efficiency and thus contributes to an impressive power reserve of 70 hours.

Quick-Adjust Oyster Bracelet

The Rolex Submariner Date 126610 comes on the classic and much-beloved Oyster bracelet. The three-link bracelet has a lug width of 21 mm, which tapers to 17 mm towards the clasp. The clasp itself is a solid stainless steel Glidelock clasp, which enables the wearer to quickly adjust the length of the bracelet up to 20 mm, in 2-mm increments. As with every modern Rolex sports watch, the 126610 features lugs made of solid stainless steel, and the sold end links (SEL) provide the perfect connection between bracelet and case, without any rattling or play.

The financial performance of refs. 126610LN and 126610LV – as with almost all Rolex sports models – is outstanding. The former reference, for example, increased in value on the secondary market by roughly 1,600 USD within a two-year period, from around 14,000 USD in December 2020 to 15,600 USD in December 2022. The timepiece's MSRP at the end of 2022 was 10,100 USD.

The MSRP for the 126610LV was a few hundred dollars more, a fact that was reflected by a larger margin on the secondary market, where the Submariner Date with a green bezel changed hands on Chrono24 for approximately 19,900 USD at the end of 2022. That's still about 500 USD less than two years before. The 126610LV hit its peak price in April 2022, when the model demanded an investment of around 25,500 USD in mint condition. In comparison to its MSRP, the "Kermit" has maintained its value well.