Green Submariners confuse a lot of buyers, and for good reason. At a glance, the Rolex Kermit vs Starbucks comparison looks straightforward, since both watches are green, both say Submariner, and both carry the same instant Rolex recognition.
But these two come from very different eras. The Kermit was Rolex’s first step into a colored bezel on the Submariner. The Starbucks reflects the brand’s modern design language, materials, and 41mm proportions. They share a green bezel and a black dial, but they do not wear, age, or price the same.
This guide covers history, specs, wrist presence, 2026 market prices, and the production variations collectors care about (Flat 4 Kermits, MK1 vs MK2 Starbucks). By the end, you’ll know which one fits your wrist and how you plan to wear it.
Rolex Submariner Kermit Overview
The Rolex Kermit is the first Submariner to feature a green bezel, introduced in 2003 to mark the Submariner’s 50th anniversary. It pairs a black dial with a green aluminum insert, a look that was bold for its time but still unmistakably classic.
Collectors gave it the nickname “Kermit” because the bright green bezel against the black dial reminded enthusiasts of the green Muppet. Rolex never used the name officially. The nickname stuck on its own as the model gained traction.
The Kermit belongs to the aluminum bezel era, before Rolex transitioned to ceramic Cerachrom inserts. Its bezel has a softer sheen and can fade or develop patina over time, which collectors appreciate for the character it picks up. The watch uses the traditional 40mm Submariner case with slimmer lugs, giving it a lighter, more balanced feel on the wrist than modern Subs.
Historically, the Kermit is also a transitional reference. It introduced the “maxi” dial with larger hour markers while keeping older case proportions and aluminum components. That mix of old and new is a big reason it remains one of the most collectible modern-era Submariners.
Kermit Variations: Flat 4 vs Sharp 4
Not all Kermits are equal in the collector market. Early production runs had a “Flat 4” bezel, where the “4” in the “40” on the bezel has a flat top instead of an open one. Later runs switched to the “Sharp 4” font.
Flat 4 Kermits are rarer and command a meaningful premium. Standard Sharp 4 examples generally trade in the $14,000 to $18,000 range as of 2026.
Strong Flat 4 examples sit anywhere from $20,000 up into the $30,000+ territory depending on condition, dial, and full set status. If you’re shopping a Kermit for collectibility rather than just wrist time, the Flat 4 is the version to look for.
Key Features: Rolex Submariner Kermit (16610LV)
- Reference: 16610LV
- Case: 40mm stainless steel Oyster case; classic pre-ceramic Submariner proportions
- Bezel: Green aluminum dive bezel; unidirectional 60-minute timing scale
- Dial: Black dial; early “maxi” dial era with larger markers than earlier Subs
- Bracelet: Oyster bracelet (era-correct build), taper typical of 5-digit Submariners; 20mm lug width
- Clasp: Older generation Oyster clasp (pre-Glidelock)
- Movement: Caliber 3135
- Power Reserve: ~48 hours
- Lume: Super-LumiNova (green glow)
- Functions: Time and date with Cyclops lens
- Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1,000 feet
- Crown: Triplock screw-down crown
- Production: 2003–2010 (discontinued)
Rolex Submariner Starbucks Overview
The Rolex Starbucks is the modern green Submariner, defined by its green ceramic bezel, black dial, and updated 41mm case. It’s the direct successor to earlier green Submariner models, with the Hulk (116610LV) sitting between the Kermit and the Starbucks.
We cover how the Hulk stacks up against the Starbucks in a separate breakdown if that’s the comparison you’re weighing.
The nickname “Starbucks” came from collectors, not Rolex. It’s a reference to the green-and-black combination that mirrors the coffee chain’s logo.
The name spread fast in watch communities after the 2020 launch and is now standard shorthand among buyers and dealers. Some collectors also call it the Cermit, but Starbucks is the dominant nickname.
Introduced in September 2020, the Starbucks marked a major update to the Submariner line. Rolex bumped the case to 41mm, redesigned the lugs to be slimmer and more tapered, and paired the watch with a green Cerachrom bezel insert. Unlike aluminum, ceramic doesn’t fade with UV exposure and is highly resistant to scratches, which keeps the Starbucks looking sharper for longer.
The Starbucks is firmly a modern-production Submariner. It reflects Rolex’s current priorities: improved ergonomics, stronger materials, and long-term daily durability. While it lacks the transitional charm of the Kermit, it offers a more solid feel on the wrist and a cleaner, more contemporary look that suits everyday wear.
Starbucks Variations: MK1 vs MK2
The Starbucks has two production variants. The original 2020 launch (MK1) has a darker, more muted green bezel, almost forest green in certain light. In 2023, Rolex quietly updated the bezel to a brighter, more saturated green known as MK2.
There’s no major price gap between MK1 and MK2 right now, but collectors are already splitting into camps. MK1 examples appeal to buyers who want the launch-era spec and that stealthier green tone, and they’re harder to find since they’re effectively out of production.
MK2 examples appeal to buyers who want the more saturated green and a current dial. If you’re shopping the secondary market, ask the dealer which variant you’re looking at. It’s not always obvious from photos alone. We go deeper on how the MK1 and MK2 Starbucks compare in a separate guide.
Key Features: Rolex Submariner Starbucks (126610LV)
- Reference: 126610LV
- Case: 41mm Oystersteel Oyster case; modern Submariner profile with slimmer, tapered lugs
- Bezel: Green Cerachrom ceramic dive bezel; unidirectional 60-minute scale with platinum-filled numerals
- Dial: Black dial for strong contrast against the green bezel
- Bracelet: Updated solid-link Oyster bracelet; 21mm lug width with refined taper for a more balanced fit
- Clasp: Oysterlock clasp with Glidelock extension system for tool-free 2mm micro-adjustments
- Movement: Caliber 3235 with Chronergy escapement
- Power Reserve: ~70 hours
- Lume: Chromalight (blue glow, lasts roughly twice as long as Super-LumiNova)
- Functions: Time and date with Cyclops lens
- Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1,000 feet
- Crown: Triplock screw-down crown
- Production: 2020–present (current production)
Rolex Kermit vs Starbucks: What Makes Them Different?
In this comparison, we’re focused on the Submariner 16610LV (Kermit) and the Submariner 126610LV (Starbucks). Both are green Submariners, but the ownership experience is genuinely different. If you’re newer to the line, our full Rolex Submariner buying guide covers every reference and what separates them.
Case Size and Wrist Presence
The Kermit uses the traditional 40mm Submariner case with slimmer lugs and lighter proportions. On the wrist, it feels balanced and understated, especially for buyers used to older Rolex sports models. It sits lower and tucks under a cuff more easily.
The Starbucks measures 41mm, but the difference is more about shape than size. Its broader case, thicker profile, and the move from a 20mm to a 21mm lug width give it a stronger wrist presence. In daily wear, it feels more modern and solid, especially noticeable on larger wrists or when worn casually.
Bezel Material and Color Tone
The Kermit’s green aluminum bezel has a softer finish and a warmer tone. Over time, it can fade slightly or develop patina, which many collectors see as part of its charm rather than a flaw. Each example ages a little differently; some go almost lime, others stay close to the original shade.
The Starbucks uses a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel that keeps its color sharp and consistent. It resists scratches and UV fading, holding its glossy look years down the line. The trade-off: it doesn’t develop the personality the aluminum bezel can pick up over a decade.
Dial, Markers, and Lume
Both watches have a black “maxi” dial with large markers, but they’re different generations of that look. The Kermit introduced the maxi style with larger markers compared to earlier Subs, but the dial still feels closer to vintage proportions.
The Starbucks pushes the maxi look further with bigger applied markers, stronger contrast, and a brighter overall read. The lume is also a real difference. The Kermit uses Super-LumiNova, which gives a green glow that starts strong and fades faster. The Starbucks uses Chromalight, the blue-glow material Rolex switched to, which lasts roughly twice as long in the dark.
Movement and Technical Updates
Inside the Kermit is the Caliber 3135, an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. It’s one of the most reliable Rolex calibers ever made, easy to service, and known for long-term durability. The trade-off is that it reflects early-2000s Rolex engineering — no Chronergy escapement, shorter power reserve, and pre-Parachrom hairspring on early examples.
The Starbucks runs the Caliber 3235, with a 70-hour power reserve and Rolex’s Chronergy escapement for better efficiency. In daily use, that means leaving the watch off your wrist for a full weekend and finding it still running on Monday morning. It also winds smoother and feels more precise at the crown.
If the technical side interests you, our breakdown of Rolex movements covers how the calibers evolved across the lineup.
Bracelet and Clasp Feel
The Kermit’s bracelet reflects its era: lighter construction, hollow links on early examples, and an older folding clasp without micro-adjustment. It wears comfortably but feels less substantial against modern Rolex bracelets.
The Starbucks features a fully solid-link bracelet and the Glidelock clasp, which lets you adjust the length in 2mm increments without any tools. The difference is immediately noticeable in daily wear, especially for anyone whose wrist swells in heat or after a meal.
If you’re curious how it stacks up against Rolex’s other extension system, our Easylink vs Glidelock breakdown walks through both.
Price and Market Demand (2026)
The market gap between these two has shifted since the 2022 peak. Here’s where they sit in 2026. For the bigger picture on which Rolex models hold their value over time, we cover the full lineup separately.
Kermit (16610LV): Discontinued since 2010, traded entirely on the secondary market. Standard Sharp 4 examples in good condition with box and papers generally sit between $14,000 and $18,000 as of 2026. Clean late-production pieces can be found closer to $14,000; early production runs and Flat 4 examples push significantly higher, with rare full-set Flat 4s breaking $30,000. Condition, the shade of the green bezel, and full set status drive a lot of the price spread.
Starbucks (126610LV): Retail sits around $10,950 in the U.S. after the January 2026 Rolex price adjustment, but authorized dealer allocation is extremely limited and waitlists routinely run a year or longer. On the secondary market, the Starbucks trades roughly 20–30% above retail.
Expect $13,000 to $17,000 for clean examples with box and papers. Unworn 2026-production full sets sit at the top of the range. The market peaked above $27,000 in mid-2022 and has corrected significantly since.
The Kermit’s pricing is driven by collectability and scarcity. The Starbucks is driven by ongoing AD shortage and modern desirability. One behaves like a collector asset that responds to condition and provenance; the other behaves like a current-production sport watch trading at a steady premium.
Rolex Kermit vs Starbucks: Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below summarizes the key differences. It’s a quick way to see how the two green Submariners stack up before deciding which fits you better.
| Feature | Rolex Submariner 16610LV (Kermit) | Rolex Submariner 126610LV (Starbucks) |
| Reference | 16610LV | 126610LV |
| Case Size | 40mm | 41mm |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm |
| Bezel Material | Green aluminum insert | Green Cerachrom ceramic insert |
| Movement | Caliber 3135 | Caliber 3235 |
| Power Reserve | ~48 hours | ~70 hours |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova (green) | Chromalight (blue) |
| Clasp | Older Oyster (no micro-adjust) | Glidelock with 2mm increments |
| Production Era | 2003–2010 (discontinued) | 2020–present (current) |
| Variations | Flat 4 vs Sharp 4 | MK1 vs MK2 |
| 2026 Market Price | ~$14,000–$22,000 (higher for Flat 4) | ~$13,000–$17,000 (retail $10,950) |
| Personality | Classic, transitional, collector-leaning | Modern, robust, daily-wear focused |
How to Choose Between the Kermit and the Starbucks
Both are solid Submariners, but they suit different priorities. Here’s how to decide which one fits your wrist and your collection.
Choose the Rolex Kermit If:
- You value early green Submariner history and want a model tied to a key milestone in the Submariner line
- You prefer lighter, slimmer proportions that reflect older Rolex sports-watch design
- You care about collectability, originality, and natural patina, especially the way aluminum bezels age over time
- You’re chasing the Flat 4 specifically and you’re willing to pay the premium for that variant
Choose the Rolex Starbucks If:
- You want modern durability, including a ceramic bezel that resists fading and scratches
- You prefer a stronger wrist presence with the 41mm case and updated proportions
- You plan to wear the watch daily, sweat in it, swim in it, and not think about a 15-year-old aluminum bezel
- You want the longer power reserve and the Glidelock micro-adjustment for daily comfort
The Kermit rewards collectors who enjoy history, variation, and patina. The Starbucks is built for owners who want a current-production Submariner they can wear anywhere without thinking about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rolex Starbucks the same as the Kermit?
No, they’re different references separated by 17 years. Both have a green bezel and a black dial, but the Starbucks (126610LV) has a 41mm case, ceramic bezel, and Caliber 3235, while the Kermit (16610LV) has a 40mm case, aluminum bezel, and Caliber 3135. They also wear differently and price differently in the 2026 market.
Why is the Starbucks called the Cermit?
“Cermit” is a portmanteau of “ceramic” and “Kermit,” used by collectors who see the Starbucks as a modern reissue of the original green Submariner. Both nicknames coexist. Starbucks is more common in dealer listings, Cermit shows up more in forums and collector circles.
Which is the better investment, the Kermit or the Starbucks?
The Kermit has a longer track record. It’s been discontinued since 2010, has documented variations like the Flat 4 that command real premiums, and has appreciated 167% to 217% over its original retail.
The Starbucks is still in production and trades 20–30% above retail right now, but it hasn’t gone through a full discontinuation cycle yet.
If past green Submariners are any guide (the Hulk vs Kermit breakdown shows how the Hulk now trades at $18,000 to $25,000 after being discontinued), the Starbucks could appreciate sharply when its production run ends. No guarantees either way.
Can I still buy a new Rolex Kermit?
No. Rolex discontinued the Kermit in 2010. The only way to buy one is the secondary market: Chrono24, eBay, Bezel, established pre-owned dealers, or auction.
If Chrono24 is your starting point, our tips on buying a watch on Chrono24 cover what to look for before you commit. Rolex’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program does occasionally list Kermits with a two-year guarantee, which is worth knowing if originality and authentication are top priorities.
How long is the wait for a Starbucks at an authorized dealer?
Realistically, a year or more for most buyers, and many never get the call. Authorized dealer allocation for the 126610LV is among the tightest in the Rolex catalog. That’s why most Starbucks sales happen on the secondary market at a 20–30% premium over the $10,950 retail.
Where to Buy Authentic Watches Online
There are a handful of legitimate online channels for buying either of these watches. Chrono24 is the largest dedicated watch marketplace, with thousands of Kermit and Starbucks listings from professional dealers worldwide and an Escrow service for protection.
eBay has the Authenticity Guarantee program for watches over $2,000, where the listing is shipped to an authentication center before it reaches you. Grailzee is an auction platform popular with enthusiasts for clean, vetted Rolex listings. Established pre-owned dealers like WatchGuys, Bezel, and The 1916 Company also carry both references.
We also sell, buy, and trade luxury watches. The reason clients choose us over a big marketplace is the layered communication before the purchase.
We send tour videos of the actual watch (not stock photos), detailed condition notes that name the small stuff (bracelet stretch, bezel fade, hairlines on the case), and we get on a call to answer questions before you commit. You’re not buying blind off a listing.
That’s reflected in our 4.9-star Google rating, which comes from clients who appreciate the walkthrough.
If you’re weighing a Kermit against a Starbucks and want a real look at specific examples (Flat 4 or Sharp 4 on the Kermit side, MK1 or MK2 on the Starbucks side), browse our current collection or reach out and we’ll line up options that match your wrist size, condition preferences, and budget.
Final Thoughts on Rolex Kermit vs Starbucks
Owning a green Submariner is less about the color and more about which era of Rolex you want on your wrist. The Kermit and the Starbucks share a lineage and a bezel color, but they reward different kinds of owners.
The Kermit is for buyers with patience and an eye for detail: the Flat 4 bezel, the box and papers, the way the green has aged. The Starbucks is for owners who just want to wear the watch and not think about it, with ceramic that won’t fade, a 70-hour reserve that survives a weekend off-wrist, and the Glidelock for hot summer days when the wrist swells.
Two quick tips before you buy. Full set matters more on the Kermit than on the Starbucks. A Kermit without box and papers can lose 10–20% of its value, while a Starbucks without papers takes a smaller hit because it’s still a current model.
If you’re weighing a deal where the papers are missing, our take on buying a Rolex without box and papers walks through when it’s worth doing.
Second, MK1 Starbucks examples are out of new production now and may be worth specifically targeting if you’re thinking long-term. The same way Flat 4 Kermits became the variant collectors chase.
Either way, get the box and papers if you can. That’s the difference between a watch you bought and a watch you’ll be glad you bought.
