Just because: The Rolex LV Submariner
By The Prodigal Fool, published on 17 January 2010
Just because we were surfing over on Jake’s Rolex Watch Blog today and stumbled upon this great shot of the Rolex LV Submariner, we thought we’d doff our caps to this very special watch.
The Submariner 16610 LV, or Lunette Verde was issued in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner. The regular Submariner, as you know, is probably the most famous diver’s watch ever created.
It’s certainly the most popular and most ubiquitous. And perhaps for that reason, we tend to prefer the Sea-Dweller. It’s just that little bit more interesting. But the LV Submariner, with its striking green bezel, fatter hands and Maxi Dial has just enough visual interest to raise it above the rank and file Submariners and promote itself to officer status.
Yes, no doubt about it, we’ve been pretty enamoured by the one we lovingly refer to as The Froggie ever since we first laid eyes on it nearly six years ago.
The only problem with The Froggie is, ironically, the very feature the makes it so desirable: its green bezel. You see, that gorgeous emerald coloured chunk severely limits its wearability day to day. It goes really well with jeans and a T-shirt. With the rest of our clothes? Not so much.
But look, now we’re just being picky. The LV is a wonderful watch, one that, we believe will eventually be elevated to classic, collectable status. With that in mind, the question that’s troubled us since the watch was launched is how long Rolex are going to keep it in production. Although many assumed when it was announced that it would be a limited edition, the guys in Geneva haven’t actually made any public statement as to its retirement date. There are rumours circulating that this year’s BaselWorld may be its last stand but no one knows for sure.
Anyway, we happily salute the Submariner LV and, while we’re feeling all military about it, we’d also like to award Jake’s Rolex Watch Blog another medal. We’ve said it before, there is no better place on the interwebs for amazing Rolex photography and meticulously researched Rolex content. Go check it out.
Just because: The Rolex LV Submariner
Just because we were surfing over on Jake’s Rolex Watch Blog today and stumbled upon this great shot of the Rolex LV Submariner, we thought we’d doff our caps to this very special watch. The Submariner 16610 LV, or Lunette Verde was issued in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner. The [...]
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7 Responses to “Just because: The Rolex LV Submariner”
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[...] the tastiest morsel to come out of that hallowed watch house since the 50th Anniversary Sub (affectionately known to us as the Froggie)…The Tudor Monte [...]
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Straight-Six
19 April 2010
Folks, you should know that Rolex has ceased production of the LV!
While that immediately heightens collector’s interest, they did churn out quite a few of them over the 7 or so years of production. We don’t care, as we think it a fantastic piece that represents the last transition from the discretion of old to the bling of the present range.
It’s great and it’s going to get its green behind into our watch box before the end of the year. Voila!
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[...] In less than five minutes, Alex covers the various Rolex GMT-Master variants, Magnum P.I.’s watch choice, the Huey pilots in the Vietnam war ripping off their GMT bezels, why PanAm ground crew used to replace their white dials with black dials (we bet they regret that now!), the enormous appeal of the Submariner, and why he prefers Rolex’s older models to the latest generation bling fest. Oh, and then – just when we thought he was surely spent – he whipped out a very clever twist on the Submariner LV. [...]
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A Prodigal July « The Prodigal Guide
1 August 2010
[...] number 10 – Just because: The Rolex LV Submariner – In which a post over on Jake’s Rolex Watch Blog prompts us to celebrate one of our [...]
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A Prodigal August « The Prodigal Guide
6 September 2010
[...] number 4 – Just because: The Rolex LV Submariner – In which a post over on Jake’s Rolex Watch Blog prompts us to celebrate one of our favourite [...]
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Watch Wallpapers « The Prodigal Guide
21 February 2011
[...] not secret that we covet the Rolex Submariner LV. And we’ve also already admitted to you that we’re rank amateurs when it comes to [...]
Straight-Six
17 January 2010
I’d go so far as to say the Froggie is the most interesting watch in the current Rolex line-up and the one that best exemplifies the brand’s fast-disappearing elegance and timelessness.
Already there are several dial variations and different shades of green bezels, so the obsessive collectors are already hard at work despite the continued production. For my money, I’d go for the Mk I dial with an oval “O” in “Rolex” and a wider “Swiss Made” line than usual. Yeah, I’m losing it.
Do I intend to add this to my collection of old horological farts? You bet. And if you want to get really rootsy, contemplate putting a black bezel on it. Perfection and the way Rolex should have designed the new Submariner. Period.
No other modern Rolex does it better than the LV, folks!