Rare Oyster: Testing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date LV


Rolex revised its Submariner collection in 2020 and unleashed an extraordinary demand for its Oyster model with a green bezel. Our test from the WatchTime Archives looks at this newest edition, with its modified case and new movement, to see if it lives up to the hype.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date LV (Ref. 126610LV)

Spend any time at all at a Rolex dealer and someone will come in and ask for the new Submariner with a green bezel — to no avail. Demand exceeds the supply many times over, intensifying the hype around this model. And this in turn is reflected in the prices set by traders. The green Submariner has overtaken the Daytona and the GMT-Master II “Pepsi” as the most sought-after Rolex model. This is no artificial shortage. Rolex simply cannot build enough watches to satisfy all the potential customers — true not only for steel versions but also for the steel-and-gold and all-gold variants as well.

But why is the hype around the green version by far the greatest, even though every Submariner model has been updated? For one, it is the only steel version that is visibly different from its predecessors. The “Hulk,” which it replaces, has a green sunburst dial in addition to the green bezel. The dial of the new model is black. Rolex has revived a color combination that preceded the Hulk, which existed from 2003 to 2010 and was known by the nickname “Kermit,” which had a black dial and green aluminum bezel inlay. A second reason is that these two green models were already much more popular than their black counterparts in the Submariner collection. Interestingly, Rolex has also returned to the earlier, more elegant case shape seen with the Kermit. The “Maxi” case with its broad lugs and large crown guard was introduced with the launch of the ceramic bezel.

Green generations: the 2010 “Hulk” with its “Maxi” case (left). the new LV from 2020 (center), and the “Kermit” from 2003 with aluminum bezel (right).

Larger Oyster
Initially, the dimensions have been a source of some confusion. The new Rolex model specs show a larger case, at 41 mm rather than 40. But when the two models are placed side by side, the new watch almost looks smaller. In fact, the Oyster case has grown only minimally, from 40.3 mm to 40.8 mm. Much smaller lugs, however, make it more streamlined than its predecessor. The Oyster bracelet now measures 21 mm between the lugs, rather than 20 mm, and the clasp is also 1 mm wider.

All in all, and without direct comparison, the differences are hardly noticeable except for the more delicate lugs. Except for slightly broader hands, the dial has undergone very few changes, unless it’s the Submariner LV, like our test watch a nod to the reference number 126610LV, which stands for lunette verte (green bezel). The shiny black dial on the standard model stands in contrast to the green sunburst finish on the dial of its predecessor. Which is a better fit? That remains a matter of taste. The Hulk was clearly an extrovert, while the new version has a more modest character and looks more like a tool watch. The color of the ceramic bezel remains the same while the older Kermit watch is markedly different due to its darker aluminum track.

The practical folding clasp with finely incremented extension piece is now 1 mm wider than before.

Different Caliber
Also new is the small crown on the dial between the words “Swiss made,” which stands, as we’ve seen with other Rolex models, for the newer Caliber 3235. Rolex altered more than 90 percent of the components of its 3135 caliber and was awarded 14 patents related to its development. In particular, shock absorption and reliability have been improved. Winding is more efficient and builds up a power reserve more quickly, thanks in part to the new ball bearing rotor. Now some people may be able to hear the rotor, which used to be silent.

The most important factor for the wearer is the increased power reserve, from 48 hours to 70 hours. Rolex achieved this increase with a thinner barrel wall, which permits the use of a longer mainspring, as well as through the innovative Chronergy escapement, which increases the efficiency of the Swiss lever escapement by 15 percent. This is made possible by the modified geometry and skeletonized form, which reduces its weight. The nickel-phosphorous alloy escape wheel, made using the LIGA process (UV lithography, electroforming, molding), is unaffected by magnetic fields and the new balance staff also improves antimagnetic properties. The blue Parachrom hairspring made of niobium-zirconium alloy has already been used in other models, as has the Paraflex shock absorber. End shake in the balance can be adjusted with a screw, and the Breguet overcoil on the hairspring ensures the constant action of the hairspring, as well as the free-sprung fine regulation using the Microstella nuts on the inside of the balance wheel.

Although the new caliber, as always with the Oyster models, operates beneath a steel caseback, it is decorated with a sunburst finish on the cutout rotor and on the automatic bridge, a line finish on steel components, some beveled edges and polished screw heads.

Caliber 3235 has a power reserve of 70 hours.

Super Chronometer?
Rolex set strict regulating specifications in 2015 with the goal of giving new life to the words “Superlative Chronometer.” This designation first appeared on the dial in the late 1950s when Rolex models ran even more accurately than was necessary to earn a chronometer certificate. (Chronometer agencies later discontinued this highest category.) In addition to the chronometer certificate from the independent Swiss testing agency COSC, which tests the movement, Rolex watchmakers adjust the cased movement to even more strict values of between -2 and +2 seconds per day.
Our test watch did not quite achieve these values on our Witschi timing machine. It was measured in every position and showed an average rate of -2.3 seconds per day. The rate at individual positions remained close, however, between -1 and -4 seconds per day.

68 Years Old, but Still Modern
There was really no need to improve the general design. Although the watch was first designed in 1953, and has undergone only minimal changes over the years, the Submariner design continues to look both robust and modern. It certainly doesn’t look its age. This is due primarily to the smooth, reflective ceramic bezel, the shiny black dial and the flat reflective sapphire crystal. They give the Submariner the elegance that makes it possible to wear this watch as easily with a suit as with a T-shirt and jeans.
Unfortunately, these features — especially the flat, reflective crystal — affect legibility, which is otherwise excellent, also due to the antiglare coating on the crystal’s inner side. Because of the magnifying Cyclops lens, the date can only be read from the front. But the high magnification of the lens allows many far-sighted people to see the date without wearing their glasses.

The Oyster case is still closed like an oyster.

Thanks to its thin height of only 12 mm, the Submariner has a slim and elegant look. It continues to offer a sufficient water resistance of 300 meters for divers. The Triplock crown has five gaskets to keep out moisture, and the case and bracelet are made of the corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel that Rolex calls “Oystersteel.”

Another highlight of the Submariner is the easily turning bezel with its rich-sounding clicks in half-minute increments. Hard ceramic ensures a scratch-free surface. Recessed numerals and markers in the ceramic ring have a thin platinum coating. This goes well with the high-quality curved white-gold hands and applied markers.

Bright Luminous Material
Legibility is another perfect feature. Rolex’s own “Chromalight” luminous glows brightly. Its cool blue color can be easily seen in dim light and is easy on the eyes. The luminescent triangle at 12 o’clock and bar-shaped markers at 6 and 9 o’clock provide clear orientation. The zero point on the bezel also glows brightly and the second hand has a luminous dot to provide a function check.

The smooth caseback, clean inner surface of the clasp and supple feel of the steel bracelet all contribute to watch’s wearing comfort. The individual links of the bracelet are curved to fit the shape of the wrist. Spaces between the links remain constant, even when the bracelet is bent, which prevents pinching or pulling hairs.

The safety bar and easy-to-open lever beneath prevent unintentional opening of the bracelet. The clasp, crown and bezel are all easy to grasp and use. The quality of workmanship and finishing are impressive here and for the entire watch as a whole. The sides of the bracelet, clasp and case are polished while upper surfaces are brushed.

The Submariner has undergone only minimal changes to its design since 1953.

It speaks well for a watch when only its predecessor reveals what can be improved upon. The proportions are now more harmonious — the wider bracelet and slimmer lugs give the watch a more elegant look and continue in the Submariner tradition. The new movement is impressive with its substantial power reserve, even though the rate results don’t quite align with strict standards. Wearing comfort, legibility, operation and execution are all in line with the Rolex benchmark. Even the price is appropriate. So the hype is justified: Rolex has built the best Submariner ever. The only thing left to wish for is that you can get one.

SPECS:
Manufacturer: Rolex SA, Rue François-Dussaud 3-7, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Reference number: 126610LV
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Movement: In-house Caliber 3235, automatic, chronometer, 28,800 vph, 31 jewels, hack mechanism, quick-adjust date, Paraflex shock absorber, Glucydur balance with regulating screws, Parachrom hairspring with Breguet overcoil, Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, diameter = 28.5 mm, height = 5.37 mm
Case: Stainless steel, unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic track, flat sapphire crystal with antiglare coating on then inner side and Cyclops date lens, screw-down crown, threaded stainless-steel caseback; water resistant to 300 m
Bracelet and clasp: Stainless-steel bracelet, safety folding clasp with incremental extension piece
Rate results (deviation in seconds per 24 hours):
Dial up -1
Dial down -2
Crown up -3
Crown down -2
Crown left -2
Crown right -4
Greatest deviation 3
Average deviation -2.3
Average amplitude:
Flat positions 287°
Hanging positions 246°
Dimensions: Diameter = 40.8 mm, lug width = 21 mm, height = 12 mm, weight = 151 grams
Price: $9,550

SCORES:
Bracelet and clasp (max. 10 points): Superbly finished steel bracelet, secure clasp with incremental extension piece 9
Operation (5): Quick date adjustment and hack mechanism functions on screw- down crown make setting and operation easy. Crisp operation of attractive rotating bezel 5
Case (10): Excellent finishing on well-made saltwater-resistant case and scratch-resistant bezel 9
Design (15): The Submariner has a beautifully designed new case; the combination of black and green gives this tool watch a chic look. 14
Legibility (5): Very good legibility thanks to high contrast and generous amount of luminous material 5
Wearing comfort (10): Just as comfortable as its smaller predecessor. The steel bracelet is perfectly shaped. 10
Movement (20): Well-designed in-house movement with free-sprung Rolex hairspring and long power reserve 19
Rate results (10): Slight fall into the negative range but the values remain close. 7
Overall value (15): Appropriately priced and an enormous increase in the value of this watch — if you can get one 14
Total: 92 POINTS

This article originally appeared in the June 2021 issue of WatchTime.

No Responses to “Rare Oyster: Testing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date LV”

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  1. The rate results seem to confirm suspicions that the in-house Rolex “Superlative Chronometer” standard is marketing “puffery” as opposed to rigorous testing like the METAS Master Chronometer standard.

    Reply
  2. Gerry Diimatos

    I have said this many times. Rolex make a peerless product that really doesn’t have a competitor for what they make – however they are no longer in the retail business…

    Reply
  3. Russell Dejulio

    I planned to buy a Sub for my retirement and was on my AD’s list . I love my Rolex datejust which I Purchased new in 1984. It still looks and runs like new. However, I’ve I have read a lot on the Rolex forums about problems with this new movement losing time after 1 to 2 years of ownership so I decided to buy a Tudor Pelagos with a in House Movement and blue dial as an alternative. I doubt that watch time will take a deep dive into this, because I’m sure you don’t want to offend Rolex but I wish someone would look into this and find out if Rolex has or is going to address the issue

    Reply
    • I agree. I’m also waiting for a 124060 that my AD has told be should be arriving soon. However, after reading > 4000 comments on issues (sometimes recurring multiple times with the same watch) with the 32xx movements, I am thinking of putting off the purchase until more info is available.

      Reply
  4. MARTIN W SCHWARTZ

    One ugly watch. Rolex going out of its way to try to compete with brands making this visual garbage

    Reply
    • You may be one of the 12% that disagrees but it’s just a matter of taste. I’ll take any of the three models if available with out hesitation.

      Reply
  5. Robert Woolums

    Would like to have this watch now. Been looking for what I can afford . I like it . Thanks ROLEX

    Reply
  6. George Joannou

    A great looking watch. Love the green bezel with black dial combination and the changes to the case size, thinner lugs and slightly wider oyster bracelet look fantastic. Finally the new movement, longer power reserve, great accuracy and more anti magnetic . Rolex you have delivered in spades. I am on the waiting list for one of these gems with in my opinion the best AD in Sydney, Kennedy. Can’t wait to get that phone call telling me that my watch has arrived. Great things are worth waiting for and this Submariner is no exception.

    Reply
  7. jeffrey OBrien

    I trust my Rolex and being honest spent the last 15 years in it’s Box because it’s still new and remains the best time yet to be beaten

    Reply
  8. Wayne silva

    I think the watch is very tastefully done. I’ve been wearing the GMT for 54 yrs., never been lucky to find the green one at my AD. If I saw one I would buy it. At 70 yrs. Old how long do I have before I start drooling and talking to trees.

    Reply
  9. Gerry Dimatos

    If there really was a shortage then how do you account for the plethora of watches you can’t get from an AD that are readily available from sites such as Chrono 24 and E-bay with huge markups ?
    I am a Rolex fan and do not knock their watches – they are fabulous but the AD business practices need a lot of scrutiny..

    Reply
  10. Michael Cassidy

    Ya! There’s a shortage of SS Rolex sports watches!
    Wouldn’t possibly be that YOU can’t buy one because Authored Dealers are immediately selling new stock to the “Grey Market” to realize the profit from a $30 K watch instead of the profit on a $12,500 K example!

    Reply
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