Swiss watch brand Rolex is known for constant iteration rather than reinventions. Dive watches from Omega or TAG Heuer are redesigned every few years. Rolex behaves more like Porsche with the 911. You could put a Submariner from the 1960s next to a 126610 (produced from 2020 until now), and they look the same at a glance. The new models are larger and feature technical upgrades, but the underlying formula hasn't changed. Thanks to a member of my local watch group, I was able to get my hands on the latest Sub, reference 126610LV. With the -LV indicating this is the variant with a green, rather than black, bezel insert. I've seen it referred to as the Kermit, or Cermit, but the most commonly used nickname is "Starbucks."
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV History and First Impressions
For the first 50 years of production, steel Submariners had black bezels. In 2003, Rolex launched a Sub with a green bezel to celebrate its 50th anniversary: 16610LV (known as the "Kermit" in collector circles), with LV standing for Lunette Verte, or green bezel (natch). This model underwent several minor tweaks before 116610LV (a.k.a. "Hulk"). This 6-digit model featured the Rolex Super Case, a ceramic bezel insert, and most noticeably, a sunburst green dial. Hulk remained in production until 2020, when it was replaced with the 126610LV, as you see here.
I found the combination of the green bezel and black dial to be just the right amount of color. Upon its release, some started calling it the Cermit (Ceramic + Kermit). Starbucks is most commonly used now, however, due to its resemblance to the popular coffee chain's logo.
Although pricing on the secondary market has eased since a spike in early 2022, Submariners (and most other Rolex sports models) remain in an imbalance between supply and demand, with a recent slight uptick. Despite Rolex producing many of these, they are highly desirable, with the green bezel commanding a slight premium over the more common black bezel date model and even the no-date model.
Since we're already deep in the weeds here, technically, this is not the latest Submariner. You'd have trouble noticing the difference, however, without seeing them side by side. This 126610LV is a 2022 "Mk1" model. In 2023, Rolex tweaked the shade of green on the bezel, shifting to a slightly warmer hue (a monumental change for Rolex), which is referred to as a "Mk2." I prefer the Mk1 shade, but market prices are similar between the two. I do wonder if this model will become more collectible down the line, as it was only made for a few years.
(image courtesy of watchuseek)
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Details
Although the Rolex Submariner was not the first dive watch with an external uni-directional bezel (we can thank Blancpain for that), it's the watch that is most commonly associated with it. Rolex did, however, pioneer the use of ceramic in bezel inserts, starting with the GMT-Master II. Not only is ceramic itself highly scratch- and fade-resistant, but the markings feature a PVD coating of platinum, said to maintain its lustre for longer than paint would. The lume pip is protected by a sapphire bead.
An also scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial and features an anti-reflective coating on the underside. The iconic "cyclops" magnifier makes the date easier to read (as many Rolex owners likely need).
There is also a crown logo etched at 6 o'clock, barely visible to the naked eye—an anti-counterfeiting countermeasure.
The hour markers and hands (including the traditional "Mercedes" hour hand) are made from white gold to avoid tarnishing.
Rolex's Chromalight lume fills them, glowing blue at night. It's not as bright as a Seiko Marinemaster, but it is still quite effective and long-lasting.
The dial is coated in a gloss laquer, providing a deep black appearance. The typical extraneous text is applied in white, as are the minute markers. The crown between Swiss and Made on the dial indicates that it has the latest series movement (more on that later).
Rolex even upgrades its metals to what it calls Oystersteel. It is said to be extremely corrosion-resistant, with higher hardness than standard steel, to withstand scratches better, and to have a deeper lustre. Many say it is a derivative of 904L.
If you haven't figured it out by now, Rolex has engineered its modern watches to look like new for as long as possible. All materials used are designed to avoid degradation or scratching. The cases are designed to be refinished during service without changing the shape. Vintage models experience patina through different forms of wear or discoloration that occur over decades of use. Think ghost bezels and tropical dials. Collectors love this stuff, but most original owners prefer their watches to maintain their original appearance.
Wearing the Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
When you first pick up a Rolex, you can feel that it is a solidly made product. It has a great weight to it, and the bracelet links have minimal play. You can even hear the quality in the bracelet's sound as it moves around.
The bezel's knurled edge makes it very easy to grip and turn. The feel and sound of the 120 clicks are as I imagine turning the combination lock on a bank vault would feel. Very precise and crisp-sounding.
The clicks while winding the watch also feel more precise than on other watches I've owned, and there is minimal feeling or sound of friction. To do this requires opening the Triplock crown (recognizable by its three raised symbols under the Rolex emblem).
An additional gasket sits at the top of the threaded area, visible when the crown is pulled out. It helps provide the 300m of water resistance offered, and is protected by two large crown guards (present on the submariner since ref. 5512 in 1959).
The current Submariner wears larger on the wrist than other 41mm watches. The large bezel adds to the visual heft, and the case has a large footprint.
The lugs were slightly slimmed on this latest generation, but the material was removed from the inside, stretching the lug width to 21mm.
Its 12.4mm thickness is thin for such a hearty dive watch. Finally, most people aren't buying this watch to blend in, so the size is appropriate, providing a bit of wrist presence without being overly large.
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Bracelet and Replacement Straps
In keeping with tradition, 126610 features the traditional Rolex Oyster bracelet. Because the Submariner is considered a tool watch, the top surface is brushed (other models, such as the GMT Master II, feature polished center links).
It features screwed links. A half link allows fine-tuning, but the main attraction is the Glidelock clasp. This Rolex innovation has 10 notches, each 2 mm apart, allowing the bracelet length to be adjusted by up to 20 mm. I would be willing to give up a few mm of adjustment to make the clasp shorter, but it's a nicer system than many others.
The Oysterlock clasp features a flip-lock and an additional locking mechanism that is released by lifting the end of the clasp itself (rather than the more commonly used release buttons).
The bracelet feels extremely solid with very little play. It also features spring-loaded bearings under the lock, as I had on my Tudor North Flag (they are steel rather than ceramic on the Tudor).
Although it has a 21mm lug width, StrapHabit still offers plenty of options. Below are some straps that would work well with the Starbucks. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Deployant Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Movement
In addition to the external refinements, the 126610 Submariner also received a movement upgrade. The Caliber 3235 movement that powers it is another example of Rolex's continuous improvement philosophy. Compared to the 3135 that came before it (which had been in service since 1988), the 3235 was upgraded with Rolex's more efficient Chronergy Escapement (using thinner pallet stones and double escape wheel teeth to provide 15% increased efficiency), replacing the traditional Swiss Lever Escapement.
The power reserve is increased from 48 to 70 hours thanks to a longer mainspring housed inside a barrel with thinner walls. A new monobloc self-winding module provides the energy. It still operates at 28,800 vph. In addition to being COSC-certified (which tests bare movements), Rolex then tests all of its watches after assembly. It certifies them to an even tighter tolerance of +/- 2 seconds per day.
Rolex movements are designed to be not only accurate, but also reliable and durable. Thanks to upgrades like the Paraflex shock absorber, blue Parachrom hairspring, and Chronergy escapement, it is highly resistant to shocks and magnetism. It also has features that you would expect, like hacking, hand-winding, and instant date change at midnight.
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Conclusion
Collectors often go through a journey that starts with coveting Rolex watches. It's the most well-known luxury watch brand to people who know little to nothing about watches. Collectors then frequently conclude that they are overpriced, and you can get much better value elsewhere, without having to jump through hoops. For the price of a Submariner in steel, with only a date complication, you can get some impressive watches from other brands like Grand Seiko. Its watches feature better finishing and dials, as well as higher accuracy. They can be easily purchased at MSRP or even at a slight discount (see a direct comparison between Seiko and Rolex GMTs here).
This is not helped by the hype and flipper culture surrounding these watches, with many people buying them for image or to try to turn a profit on the secondary market. Wearing a Rolex sends a strong message to other people about you. Some people like this message, and some don't prefer it. Many people (myself included) believe that you should keep investments separate from your hobbies and buy watches that you love.
That said, after owning many watches, I've become very picky. It's uncommon for me to find a watch that doesn't have something about it that annoys me or that I would like to change. For example, Grand Seiko's dive watches are considered by most to be much too big, and their bracelets garner a lot of complaints.
While Rolex watches often don't benefit from the latest tech or style trends, they offer a product that has been painstakingly perfected over decades. What you're getting when you buy a Rolex (besides clout and the chance to increase in value) is a product that has had each detail tweaked and polished (proverbially and physically) to function as well as Rolex can make it. This is why many collectors with enough disposable income end up with a Rolex at some point during their journey.
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Specifications:
Name: Rolex Submariner Date
Reference Number: 126610LV
Price: $10,600 (MSRP, Mk1, 2022), $11,200 (MSRP, Mk2, 2025), $14,027 (WatchCharts.com, Market Value, Dec 2025)
Diameter: 40.6mm
Height: 48.1mm
Thickness: 12.4mm (without cyclops)
Lug Width: 21mm
Movement: 3235
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Water Resistance: 300m
Crystal: Sapphire with magnifier over date
Crown: Screw-down with Triplock
Bezel: Unidirectional, 120 clicks, steel with Cerachrom insert in green ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system