Rolex
submariner kermitt millenium - flat four mk1

The legendary Rolex Submariner Kermit, reference 16610T from 2005, featuring the Flat Four B2 bezel insert (sans serif), is a 40 mm watch that revolutionized the world of watch collecting. Introduced with the 16610T series in 2003 (T for "No Holes" — starting with this generation, Rolex Submariners were no longer produced with lug holes on the case), this commemorative model marked the 50th anniversary of the original Submariner reference 6536/1 from 1957 — a model often considered the holy grail of Rolex Submariners and the most iconic dive watch ever made, famously worn by Sean Connery in the early James Bond films.

This collectible series was produced over a five-year span (from 2003 to 2008), and is characterized by its green bezel, black dial, and a broader minute hand—a combination never before seen on a Submariner. The typography of the number "4" on the green insert gives it the designation “Fat Four” or “Flat Four,” as the top of the numeral is flat rather than pointed. This font style changed from 2004 onward to a pointed version on later 16610LV models. In total, five Kermit bezel variants were produced for the 16610 series—from the B1 Fat Four with serifs to the B5. The model presented here features the B2 insert, used by Rolex between 2003 and 2005.

The case of this watch is machined from 904L stainless steel, known for its superior resistance to corrosion due to its extremely low impurity levels. These properties also make it more comfortable to wear, even during extended contact with the skin.

The Rolex Kermit is powered by the Rolex caliber 3135, a 31-jewel automatic bidirectional movement assisted by a Perpetual Rotor—a half-moon-shaped component invented by Rolex in 1931. When the case is opened, this rotor is visible at the top of the movement. It rotates freely on a central axis, driven by the motion of the wrist, and continuously winds the mainspring barrel (the component that stores the energy required to power the movement). This mechanism is essential to the self-winding nature of automatic watches, allowing them to remain powered without manual winding.

Another key feature is the 50-hour power reserve provided by the fully wound mainspring. The energy stored is released consistently and evenly, thanks to the movement’s twin red reversing wheels—one of the hallmarks of the "Perpetual" movement. This ensures constant recharging of the watch as long as it’s worn.

The Caliber 3135 also features a Breguet overcoil and a Glucydur balance wheel, capable of performing flawlessly under extreme temperature changes. A KIF shock absorber system protects the movement, which runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Submariner Kermit includes a quickset date feature and a central seconds hand with hacking function, allowing for precise synchronization. The movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC in Geneva.

To learn more stories and anecdotes about the Rolex Submariner and other iconic models, visit our “Watch Stories” page.