Green Is The New Blue
Although the color green has accompanied Rolex for ages (logo, boxes, etc.), the color wasn’t appreciated among collectors when it was first introduced on a watch itself. The watch world was divided at the launch of the 50th anniversay Rolex Submariner (a.k.a. the Rolex “Kermit”) in 2003. Many Rolex fans thought the modest, functional look of the Submariner had been ruined. Back then, it was a “love it or hate it” watch. But more recently, since the introduction of the green Rolex Submariner “Hulk”, it has become clear that green will be part of Rolex’s product line for a long time to come. Some of the most wanted Rolex watches have a green dial or bezel, such as the Day-Date Anniversary or the Daytona with the green dial. So its no wonder that one of the 2020 Rolex novelties was the Rolex Submariner Starbucks with a green ceramic bezel (reference 126610LV).
As we mentioned in earlier blog posts, green gained popularity among watch collectors in recent years thanks to its affiliation with success. Significantly, green is the colour of success in Chinese culture, thus, it has become increasingly popular for those who want to show their prosperity on their wrist.
Biggest Submariner
The Rolex Submariner Starbucks is 1mm bigger than its predecessor the Hulk (reference 116610LV). The Geneva watch brand decided to update the whole Submariner line in 2020 and make it bigger. Inside, the 3125 caliber with 48-hour power reserve has been replaced by the modernized 3235 caliber, which lasts a whopping 70 hours after being fully wound. The latter was first introduced in 2016 in Datejust models and is entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. After all, reference 126610LV delivers a successful package overall and does not have to hide behind its prominent predecessors.
Why Rolex Starbucks?
Nicknames have always been a thing for collectors when it comes to Rolex watches. Besides the names we mentioned earlier for the Submariner (i.e. Kermit and Hulk), there are also names for other models such as the GMT. The latter includes names like Pepsi or Batman in their current product line, but also beautiful older references such as the GMT “Eye Of The Tiger”. In general, nicknames are much easier to remember, which is why watch nerds prefer them over the official reference number.
The admirable Rolex Submariner Starbucks shown in the pictures has the official reference of 126610LV. Its color combination of a ceramic green bezel and black dial reminds people of the iconic green Starbucks logo. By the way, the LV in the reference stands for “lunette verte”, French for the green bezel. That’s why its siblings, the black Submariners have LN in their reference name (lunette noire).
Availability & Price
The official retail price of the Rolex Submariner Starbucks is CHF 10’100 CHF. But the current hype lifted the market value of the iconic Starbucks to around CHF 23’00 to 25’000, more than double the original selling price. Collectors worldwide appreciate the Rolx Submariner Starbucks as a must-have sports watch and, thanks to its affordable retail price, the timepiece is higly sought-after by younger collectors. With its black dial, watch lovers perceive the Starbucks to be subtle enough for everyday wear and playful with its extra dose of color for special occasions.
Summary
Brand:
Rolex
Model:
Submariner Starbucks – reference 126610LV
Price:
Official retail price is at CHF 10’100 CHF, but the current market price is around CHF 25’000.
Limitation:
No official limitation
Measurements:
Diameter: 41 mm; height 12.3 mm
When to wear:
The watch is a great allrounder. Collectors perceive the Starbucks to be subtle enough for everyday wear and playful with its extra dose of color for special occasions such as gala dinners, important business meetings, etc.
What we love about the watch:
We love the heritage the Rolex Submariner Starbucks carries. After the legendary Kermit and the Hulk, the Starbucks came to impress the watch world and it didn’t disappoint in any way.
Photography: Yves Müller, IG: @wristconspiracy for The Collectors Circle www.thecollectorscircle.com
