After our article last September (which you can read here), we had the chance to get hands-on with the new replica Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV, and we are now excited to share our photos and thoughts with our readers.
Due to its ceramic bezel and the green/black color scheme reminiscent of the Super Clone Submariner 16610LV “Kermit” launched in 2003 for the model’s 50th anniversary, the new Submariner Date 126610LV has been dubbed “Cermit” by some collectors and “Starbucks” by others.
When introducing this new model, Rolex highlighted several key updates: – A new 41 mm case diameter (compared to the 40 mm of the previous ref. 116610LV, also known among collectors as the “Hulk”) – Thinner, redesigned lugs – A matte black dial paired with a green ceramic bezel (as opposed to the sunburst green dial of ref. 116610LV) – New Calibre 3235 movement
Handling it for the first time, there’s no noticeable increase in case size. The exact diameter of the new 126610LV is actually 40.8 mm versus 40.3 mm for the previous generation introduced in 2010, making the difference just half a millimeter.
What stands out instead is the streamlined profile and redesigned lugs that harmonize better with the overall design. Not only thinner and more tapered, but they are also slightly concave, creating an appealing play of light.
The external lug width has been reduced from 27.5 mm to 26.7 mm while the bracelet width at the lugs has increased from 20 mm to 21 mm.
Design-wise, we see the new case/lugs/bracelet combination as an improvement over the previous Fake Submariner generation, aligning more closely with the historical models. The wearability is truly excellent.
The case, like the bracelet, is made from Oystersteel, a special Rolex alloy in the 904L steel family that is highly resistant to corrosion and retains its luster over time. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a green Cerachrom insert that is virtually scratchproof due to the ceramic properties. The green hue changes depending on how the light hits the surface.
To monitor diving time and decompression stops, the bezel is engraved with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum and features a luminescent capsule at zero to mark the dive start time, adhering to diver’s watch standards. It rotates with perceptible and precise 120 clicks and offers excellent grip with a knurled edge.
Equipped with a triple waterproofness system and protected by a crown guard integrated into the middle case, the Submariner’s Triplock winding crown screws down against the case, providing water resistance to a depth of 300 meters / 1,000 feet.
The matte black dial retains the typical Submariner layout with large luminescent hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – and broad hour and minute hands, all filled with Chromalight luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow for better legibility in the dark.
At 6 o’clock, a small crown emblem appears in the middle of the “Swiss Made” text. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is fitted with a Cyclops lens to magnify the date.
The solid case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that only allows Rolex watchmakers access to the movement, protecting the new self-winding mechanical Calibre 3235.
Introduced in 2017 and first used in the Sea-Dweller 43 mm, the Calibre 3235 replaces the illustrious Calibre 3135, which had been powering the Submariner Date since 1988.