What is the best 'out of the box' Rolex Submariner 16610LV (Kermit)?

[Horolorep]

Evening all,

My wrist has been itching like mad the last few weeks, and it seems the only way to scratch it, is with a 16610LV. So, in your opinion, what is the best out of the box 16610LV?

The reason I'm asking this question, is of course, because I'm looking to purchase one. That being said, this is a watch I would be looking to franken in the future. Perhaps with a gen Swiss ETA and some gen parts? For now though, I'm just looking for something that looks the part, and would be a good base for modifications/frankening.

If you could provide me with information on what mods you would do to get your recommended base watch up to scratch as well, that would be massively appreciated.

 

[jkent83]

As far as I know, the only 16610LV still in production is from RAF. There may also still be some ARF stock available. I’m not an expert on either of these reps nor do I know how they would work for a Franken project.

The gold standard for a 16610LV franken base was a TC. You will sometimes see these come up for sale M2M, but they are usually either reserved sales between members who know each other or they have already been used as the base of a 16610LV franken. If you are patient and persistent maybe you can get your hands on one, but I wouldn’t count on it.

 

[CutePinkKitty]

i thought VSF makes the best subs?

 

[KushBandit]

i thought VSF makes the best subs?

VSF doesn't make a 5 digit. They only make ceramic 6 digits.

OP, you have a few choices for a 16610LV. RAF is the best that you can orser brand new. BP makes a mid-tier model that isn't bad at all. If you can wait for a used one, the TC builds are top notch, but you have to be quick on the draw as they go pretty damn fast in the M2M section.

 

[jkent83]

 

[KushBandit]

I forgot to mention, you could also find an old WM9 16610, but I haven't seen one in a few years

 

[p0pperini]

If you can wait for a used one, the TC builds are top notch

There's also JF or ARF, both of which come up reasonably frequently M2M but aren't equipped with ETA movements, so the dial/hands would need work or you go down the 3135 clone route with them - which would be the more accurate choice for a Kermit Franken (the gens being driven by the 3135).

TC is your best option. You might get more luck posting a WTB than being fortunate enough to bag one that gets posted for sale. You've picked a VERY popular rep. Good luck!

 

[Horolorep]

Thanks for the info people.

I've seen ARF mentioned in almost every post I've come across regarding a 16610LV, so I had an inclination this would be one of the top options, I just wanted to be sure. I'm well aware of TC's quality, perhaps I should have added that I'm most likely going to be buying from a TD. I'll take a look in the M2M section before I make any decisions though.

Appreciate everyone's guidance.

 

[CutePinkKitty]

VSF doesn't make a 5 digit. They only make ceramic 6 digits.

OP, you have a few choices for a 16610LV. RAF is the best that you can orser brand new. BP makes a mid-tier model that isn't bad at all. If you can wait for a used one, the TC builds are top notch, but you have to be quick on the draw as they go pretty damn fast in the M2M section.

I wasn't aware of this, so apparently we are talking about the aluminum bezel subs / vintage subs... not the ceramic eh.

I don't think I see any of these from a TD. They don't really make them anymore?

 

[p0pperini]

I wasn't aware of this, so apparently we are talking about the aluminum bezel subs / vintage subs... not the ceramic eh.

I don't think I see any of these from a TD. They don't really make them anymore?

This question was answered very clearly, literally in the post you quoted.

 

[KushBandit]

I wasn't aware of this, so apparently we are talking about the aluminum bezel subs / vintage subs... not the ceramic eh.

I don't think I see any of these from a TD. They don't really make them anymore?

A 16610 is a 5 digit Submariner. If you count the numbers, you'll see there are 5 of them. A 116610 and 126610 are 6-digit models, you can probably guess why they are referred to as such. 16610 are not considered vintage, as they were made up until the end of 2009.

Sarcasm aside, 16610 Submariners can still be bought new from any TD. There are currently only 2 factories making them. BP and RAF. TC and WM9 haven't been made in years, and can only be purchased M2M. Same for JF and ARF, though RAF 16610 is essentially an ARF.

It's appreciated that you are trying to help the OP who asked the question, however you may want to brush up on model numbers before you give info that is inaccurate.

 

[StreetFighter]

I've got both WM9 and TC here, both not in working order, i really need to revisit them get these watches up and running again!

 

[dmxzorq]

Got TC v6 Just sent it to nikz19 for a big service

 

[CutePinkKitty]

Got TC v6 Just sent it to nikz19 for a big service

Is nikz19 a watchmaker in usa?

 

[p0pperini]

Love how the thread's become a "Oh yeah I've got one" flex session to further torture the Kermitless OP.

 

[Obscuranocte]

Kermitless... Amazing
You rule

 

[Charlooo]

Evening all,

My wrist has been itching like mad the last few weeks, and it seems the only way to scratch it, is with a 16610LV. So, in your opinion, what is the best out of the box 16610LV?

The reason I'm asking this question, is of course, because I'm looking to purchase one. That being said, this is a watch I would be looking to franken in the future. Perhaps with a gen Swiss ETA and some gen parts? For now though, I'm just looking for something that looks the part, and would be a good base for modifications/frankening.

If you could provide me with information on what mods you would do to get your recommended base watch up to scratch as well, that would be massively appreciated.

Hi @Horolorep ! So after your search, did you find the model of 16610LV you are looking for ?

As @KushBandit said, I see many of RAF model on the trusted dealer, and especially new models online since february 2023.
One of them : ROLSUB 0453B - 16610LV 904L SS/SS Black RAF SH3135
Or the same with mark ROLEX inside : ROLSUB 0452B

I'm also looking for this model ....

 

[StreetFighter]

I just love 5 digit Subs!! TC Gen WM9 TW Best

 

[wisedennis]

 

[garnier]

Is this still available to purchase? I mean RAF