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Old 12 October 2024, 11:54 PM   #1
www777
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Kermit flat 4 questions?

I’m considering picking one up. Any idea what years these were produced compared to the regular Kermit? Any questions I should be asking the dealer about? Thanks
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Old Yesterday, 12:14 AM   #2
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A flat-4 is a "regular Kermit"

When the LV came out back in 2003, the first few runs were part of that era of bezel insert. It is indicative of a time period, not some special accessory that only the LV got.

The first year or so would be flat 4 insert and oval O in Rolex. If original these are the cream of Kermit Subs.
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Old Yesterday, 01:10 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
A flat-4 is a "regular Kermit"

When the LV came out back in 2003, the first few runs were part of that era of bezel insert. It is indicative of a time period, not some special accessory that only the LV got.

The first year or so would be flat 4 insert and oval O in Rolex. If original these are the cream of Kermit Subs.

And, if I might add to the comments from Tools, you will find the flat 4 16610LV variation from the years 2003-2004.

As collectors key in on subtle variations of their favorite collector model, the Submariner
16610LV didn't let them down.

The following post provides information and other links that discuss the 16610LV variations.

https://gmtforum.com/viewtopic.php?f...1d76c3a7999c33
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Old Yesterday, 08:40 PM   #4
geoach
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get one with white hang take or papers..........I have a late Y the first of the lv flat 4 mark 1 dial.with what hand tag..........I seen a flat 4 here f0 but oddly the dial is 3. tics swiss made which came later.......the dial was changed at some point..........I think
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Old Yesterday, 11:45 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by www777 View Post
I’m considering picking one up. Any idea what years these were produced compared to the regular Kermit? Any questions I should be asking the dealer about? Thanks
Once you determine that the LV is a legit flat 4 variation, ask yourself if it’s worth all that extra money for such a minuscule difference.

I went down this road, and I just couldn’t bring myself to spend thousands of dollars more for a “4” that has a slightly different font that you need a loupe to notice.

I’d much rather put my money into overall condition and a full set was all correct. It’s a great reference, with or without a flat 4 bezel insert.
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Old Yesterday, 11:48 PM   #6
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the point of the flat 4 is that it quickly identifies it as a first year production, aka the true 50th Anniversary Sub.
Found only in Y (pre run) late 2003, and F0xxxxx (first run) 2004
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Old Yesterday, 11:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swish77 View Post
Once you determine that the LV is a legit flat 4 variation, ask yourself if it’s worth all that extra money for such a minuscule difference.

I went down this road, and I just couldn’t bring myself to spend thousands of dollars more for a “4” that has a slightly different font that you need a loupe to notice.

I’d much rather put my money into overall condition and a full set was all correct. It’s a great reference, with or without a flat 4 bezel insert.
Variations and subtle differences - isn't that what drives collectors. No matter what you collect, we love those variations which drives us crazy if we don't have it. I could list all kinds of variations on the several Rolex models that bring substantial premiums. Enough to fill a whole page.

With that said, go for the flat 4 variation if that's what you seek. It is undoubtedly one of the most collectable Rolex watches from the past 20 years.
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Old Today, 12:05 AM   #8
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the point of the flat 4 is that it quickly identifies it as a first year production, aka the true 50th Anniversary Sub.
Found only in Y (pre run) late 2003, and F0xxxxx (first run) 2004
If you must have the "flat 4" collectors should realize the first year of production is not limited to Y and F0 serial numbers. I have no idea what a pre run is but all of the first run or early anniversary Submariners had the same similarities and have been found in much later serial numbers than F0. Additionally, the Y serial numbered anniversary Subs as a "must have" is promoted by dealers to hype their sales. But, if you feel the need to have an early serial numbered flat 4, the earliest known serial numbers begin with Y9.
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