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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding diver’s wristwatch

Rolex Submariner Reference 16610LV

Partially verified

This Rolex Submariner, reference 16610LV, is a stainless steel self-winding diver’s wristwatch released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner model. Delivered in September 2004, this example is part of the first series, characterized by the 'flat four' bezel insert where the numeral four displays sharp angles and serifs. The watch is presented as New Old Stock, retaining its original factory hologram caseback sticker, protective case stickers, and plastic bezel ring. It is powered by the caliber 3135 movement with 31 jewels. The piece features a black dial with center seconds and a date display at the 3 o'clock position, housed within a 40 mm stainless steel case matched with a reference 93250 Oyster bracelet.

Rolex Submariner reference 16610LV, serial number F391565, complete with original box, warranty, anchor, and seal.
Rolex Submariner reference 16610LV, serial number F391565, complete with original box, warranty, anchor, and seal. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding diver’s wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16610LV
Catalogue / lot identifier
407
Source-reported date
2004
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
F391565

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Rolex Submariner reference 16610LV is a stainless steel professional diver's watch, recognized for its specific green bezel insert. This particular example is identified as belonging to the first series of production, which spanned from 2003 to 2004. A distinguishing feature of this series is the 'flat four' bezel, characterized by a numeral '4' that exhibits distinct serifs and sharp angles, rather than the pointed design found on later iterations.

The watch retains a black dial with center seconds and a magnified date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The case is fitted with the original plastic bezel ring and protective stickers, and the caseback features an untouched original hologram sticker. The stainless steel Oyster bracelet, reference 93250, remains with the watch, which has an approximate overall length of 177 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “recognisable as being part of the first series of the flat four series by its style of the 4 in the bezel that is serifed and showing sharp angles”
  • “still featuring its untouched hologram caseback sticker, protective case stickers all in place and its plastic bezel ring”

Movement and Accessories

Internally, the timepiece is equipped with the Rolex caliber 3135 self-winding movement, which contains 31 jewels. The auction documentation states that the watch is in 'As new' condition, both in terms of its external case finish and its internal movement, having been preserved as a New Old Stock item.

The package includes a comprehensive set of original accessories associated with the purchase. These items are presented as they were at the time of the watch's original sale in September 2004 at the Bonvicini retailer in Lodi.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 3135, 31 jewels”
  • “comes with the correct Rolex box (reference 64.00.02) and all its accessories as the day it was sold”
  • “delivered at Bonvicini in Lodi in September 2004”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is reported as having been held by the original Italian owner since its purchase. The condition is described by the auction house using a grading system that rates the case, movement, and dial as 'As new'. This assessment is supported by the presence of original protective factory elements, such as the hologram sticker on the caseback and the plastic ring on the bezel.

Because the watch is described as never having been worn, it serves as a preserved example of the 50th-anniversary Submariner model from the first production series. The documentation provided confirms the initial delivery location and time, framing the watch within the established production timeline for the F-series serial numbers ending prior to the transition to later bezel designs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Property of the original Italian owner”
  • “Amazingly the watch has never been worn”
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 1 As new Movement: 1 As new”

Open research questions

  • What specific production variations exist within the first year of the 16610LV production cycle besides the bezel insert?
  • Are there recorded instances of the caliber 3135 performance variations in 2004-era units that remained unused?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Submariner Reference 16610LV
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference16610LV“REF 16610LV”
SerialF391565“F391565”
Caliber3135“Caliber 3135”
Dimensions40 mm“Dimensions 40 mm”
Jewels31“31 jewels”
Sale DateSeptember 2004“Sold in September 2004”
Bracelet93250“Rolex Oyster bracelet (ref 93250)”

Visible details

  • Flat four numeral in green bezel insert
  • Untouched hologram caseback sticker
  • Date aperture with cyclops lens at 3 o'clock
  • Rolex Oyster stainless steel bracelet

Research qualifications

  • New Old Stock status is attributed to the seller's inspection
  • Long-term mechanical functional state remains unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ROLEX, REF 16610LV, SUBMARINER FLAT FOUR, 1ST SERIES, NEW OLD STOCK, STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f265a8a890

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.