Aluminum bezel in a sub kermit z series question

[Chazzrolex]

Hi All, I want the knowledge of some expert about the diferences in a generic vs original Rolex aluminum green bezel. I recently got a 16610 LV ...Z series from about 2006 -2007 period and its in very good shape. The bevels are crisp and seems unpolished. My doubts are that the aluminum bezel is almost mint which made me suspect its a replacement or the watch really was a " safe queen" unfortunatelly I dont know how to attach photos but does any one can tell me how to distinguish an original aluminum bezel? I have seen it with a lupe and the paint is almost perfect, no serifs, well aligned fonts, uniform color, etc. I have searched and found that there are two main diferences the " flat 4 " and the pointed one. This is a pointed one. Does anyone have close up photos of the brightness, alinegment etc of an original bezel? Please excuse me if my doubts are silly or worthless. Thank you so much in advance.

[illiguy]

Without high res pictures or ability to see your watch, no one will be able to help confirm authenticity. A good way to check is to bring it into Rolex and have them confirm.

Here is a good article on the “Kermit” - https://www.watchclub.com/curated-by...ry-sub-decoded

Below are pictures of my unpolished and all original Z Serial. Hope this helps.






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[padi56]

The most important bit is than the watch is a genuine 16610LV as inserts are easily changed, although green inserts are more expensive than the black and available from Rolex.

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Without high res pictures or ability to see your watch, no one will be able to help confirm authenticity. A good way to check is to bring it into Rolex and have them confirm.

Here is a good article on the “Kermit” - https://www.watchclub.com/curated-by...ry-sub-decoded

Below are pictures of my unpolished and all original Z Serial. Hope this helps.






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That's a beauty! Thanks for posting, it's really lovely to see 5 digit Rolex on the forum.

[Chazzrolex]

Thankyou very much for your responses and Illiguy for those detailed pictures. It really helped me to do a comparission side by side. Seems mine is an original one; perhaps a slightly different tone but it could be the light and angle from the photo. I'm grateful for your time to response.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Your watch appears in unpolished condition. I’d bet on it. The insert is genuine and of the B2 variety (olive green shade). Over the course of the 16610LVs run, there were 5 different shades of “green” used, ranging from lime all the way to “candy-apple” green. The “flat 4” inserts are on the lighter side of the color scale, and were offered for just a few years ~2003 - late 2004.

Your watch was a safe-queen. What a beauty. Enjoy and wear it well

[Roddypeepa]

What a stunner!


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[jb335]

The bestest Sub LV. Gorgeous!


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[Dom9]

@illiguy - Is your insert seated properly at the '40'? Looks like it needs snapping in more there, to me, from the side pic!

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Chazzrolex

Thankyou very much for your responses and Illiguy for those detailed pictures. It really helped me to do a comparission side by side. Seems mine is an original one; perhaps a slightly different tone but it could be the light and angle from the photo. I'm grateful for your time to response.

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Your watch appears in unpolished condition. I’d bet on it. The insert is genuine and of the B2 variety (olive green shade). Over the course of the 16610LVs run, there were 5 different shades of “green” used, ranging from lime all the way to “candy-apple” green. The “flat 4” inserts are on the lighter side of the color scale, and were offered for just a few years ~2003 - late 2004.

Your watch was a safe-queen. What a beauty. Enjoy and wear it well

Thank you. Yes, it was NOS when I got it. Got to peel all the stickers.

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

What a stunner!



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Originally Posted by jb335

The bestest Sub LV. Gorgeous!

Agree

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Originally Posted by Dom9

@illiguy - Is your insert seated properly at the '40'? Looks like it needs snapping in more there, to me, from the side pic!

I think just the angle of photo!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Without high res pictures or ability to see your watch, no one will be able to help confirm authenticity. A good way to check is to bring it into Rolex and have them confirm.

Here is a good article on the “Kermit” - https://www.watchclub.com/curated-by...ry-sub-decoded

Below are pictures of my unpolished and all original Z Serial. Hope this helps.

[TurgonJ]

Hey Chazzrolex, congrats on your Z-series Kermit! The condition you described could very well mean it's a safe queen, as these were known to be kept in collections for years. However, it's always good to verify if the bezel insert is original, especially on such a classic piece.

For the Kermit, the "flat 4" detail on the early versions (like those from the Y and F serials) is often the quickest tell for originality, but as you mentioned, yours has the pointed 4, which aligns with later runs, including Z serials.

A few key details to look for on an original aluminum bezel insert:

Color Shade: Rolex used multiple shades of green throughout the 16610LV’s production. The Z-series typically has an olive or slightly darker green. If your green looks overly bright or off from this tone, it might be worth a closer look.
Font and Alignment: Originals have consistent, well-defined fonts, especially at "10" and "50." If the fonts appear too thick or slightly misaligned, it could indicate a replacement.
Finish and Paint Quality: Genuine inserts have a smooth, high-quality finish with a durable, even paint application. Under a loupe, you should see crisp edges and minimal, if any, imperfections.
If you’re still unsure, a visit to a trusted Rolex AD or watchmaker can help confirm its authenticity. They can often compare it to known originals to give you more confidence. Enjoy that Kermit – it’s a beautiful piece!