A Review of a Decade Old Post About the Neo-Vintage Rolex Sub LV

[SubKing]

Maybe a month ago some members revived a 10 year old thread of mine that I did not notice until the thread was locked (because of it's age) and the original bumps were deleted understandably. I thought this would be a great chance to create a new conversation to start where my original thread left off.

The beloved Kermit as we like to call it, has really come a long way in terms of collectability and value. When I made this thread (link below) I predicted that due to the very short run of the sub lv, the values would go up. There were many naysayers in the thread, but 10 years later we see where the market has gone on the LV.

I am interested in everyone's opinions of the LV's today and within the next 10 years where do you see the value and collectability going?

I am placing this thread here because I feel the Kermit is loved and appreciated by the vintage collectors of today.

Link to my decade old post
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=120499

My original post reads like this.
"this is why i think the old sub lv will only go up in value...

and i think this is a very good point..
lots of people around here have been saying that the sub lv has been made too long and there are too many of them out there to ever be worth anything major..

well, first off..
rolex sub lv is a model all by its self... very different to a regular submariner..

the life span of the sub lv "7 years" is not long at all...

look at the old vintage 1680 red subs... look how much those are going for now.. and the 1680 reds were not even an anniversary edition...

the old 16610 subs will go up a little one day and they will be going for what the 1680 white dials are going for... then there will be the vintage lv.. i feel these will get $$$ compared to the regular subs.. just like the red dial.."

I will stand by my original opinion that I had 10 years ago. The value will continue to rise.

With rolex making reiterations of the sub LV, will keep the relevance in place of the original 16610lv's. The LV will continue to be sought after as the "First appearance" commemorative anniversary piece made special to celebrate 50 years of the submariner.

I am speaking generally about the LV pieces and not specifically about the flat four y serial pieces..

Where do you see the LV going in 10 years from now?

[swish77]

You were right! But I think part of it is that ALL Rolexes are still going up, whether they're true vintage, neo-classics, or the anniversary LVs. Heck, look at 16600 SDs, or 16700 GMTs, or even old DJs. Everything is up.

I think there are two main approaches for collectors/hobbyists. Do you like the way the watch looks on your wrist, and/or will the watch increase in value as an iconic reference with longterm staying power? (I've owned three 16610 LVs since 2005, and sold every time, simply because I didn't like that green on my wrist. Maybe that's just me. If I don't love the look, I sell, no matter how good an investment it might be.)

I'd say the LV will definitely continue to increase in value/desirability, probably more than the normal Rolex increase, because of the Sub anniversary status and that they weren't made that long ... and some guys do indeed like that splash of color on their wrist.

[Dan S]

Respectfully, I don't see much of a connection between the value of a Kermit and that of vintage Rolex. It's basically a LE play associated with the anniversary (as Aaron mentioned). As with any brand, some LEs are popular and their prices take off. Some not so much. Personally, the model doesn't interest me.

[forgedblades]

They have and will continue to go up in value. Interest continues to increase. Just an example of that is the NEW Kermit Sub. I have a d serial, not the grail by any means but it has doubled in value from when I bought it and love to wear it and it makes me smile every time I look at it. The Hulk being a variation of the Kermit was and is popular as we all know but the Kermit is understated and great looking. IMO

[springer]

A 16610LV should be on every collector's list. I have a couple myself. They are great value watches!

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by springer

A 16610LV should be on every collector's list. I have a couple myself. They are great value watches!

Agreed. I have a couple myself.

[infinitywatches]

Originally Posted by swish77

You were right! But I think part of it is that ALL Rolexes are still going up, whether they're true vintage, neo-classics, or the anniversary LVs. Heck, look at 16600 SDs, or 16700 GMTs, or even old DJs. Everything is up.



I think there are two main approaches for collectors/hobbyists. Do you like the way the watch looks on your wrist, and/or will the watch increase in value as an iconic reference with longterm staying power? (I've owned three 16610 LVs since 2005, and sold every time, simply because I didn't like that green on my wrist. Maybe that's just me. If I don't love the look, I sell, no matter how good an investment it might be.)



I'd say the LV will definitely continue to increase in value/desirability, probably more than the normal Rolex increase, because of the Sub anniversary status and that they weren't made that long ... and some guys do indeed like that splash of color on their wrist.

Yes, I have the exact same thought. All Rolexes are still adding in value and the next 10 years won't be different for any of it with the LVs included.

It's just a matter of consistency in output and all other factors considered.

[petehk]

Won't comment on value. I bought my full set Kermit new in 2005 and loved it since. I like it even more after Rolex came out with the green ceramic bezel.

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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by petehk

Won't comment on value. I bought my full set Kermit new in 2005 and loved it since. I like it even more after Rolex came out with the green ceramic bezel.

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Yeah, I kind of regret not getting one of these a few (4 or 5) years ago, when you could find them all day, all over town for less than HK$50k.

[petehk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yeah, I kind of regret not getting one of these a few (4 or 5) years ago, when you could find them all day, all over town for less than HK$50k.

I do distinctly remember. But then again if we look back 4-5 years and compare vintage model prices across the board to what they are now....


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