Rolex Submariner LV Production

[pwrattorney]

Hello,

Rumor has it that Rolex is going to be stopping production of the 16610 LV once the current Submariner models are phased out by a new version, like what the current GMT's are going through. If this is true, then the Z serial numbers would probably be the last of the "Anniversary" Submariner's. I was just wondering if anyone out there knows anything about this possible cease in production. Thank you!

[Tools]

Sad,
I guess that green subs will go the way of this rare, no longer produced "red glass" EXP II. I guess all everyone wants now is bling.

[Solar]

Who can say? So much speculation, so little info from Rolex.

But the blingification is underway, the monied demographic will assure the company's ascendence over the challengers to the throne, like IWC, GP, etc, others trynig for the younger wealthy demographic.

We'll know when the LV is out when they stop shipping them.............

[Arturo]

My AD tells me that even though a few retailers will discount, it is not common, and that there are certainly many fewer Greenies than regular SS subs. He spoke to the guy who audits his Rolex certifed jeweler and that is where he gets the news. He is well connected, and still only gets one or 2 a year. You will never get a discount at Tourneau or DeVons for a Greenie. IF some dealers are discounting them, then great. Grab one. Remember it is just a nice SS Sub with an attitude and some extra lume.

[Gaijin]

My AD has one in the safe. They will only sell it to known customers. They refuse to put it out in the display case.

[Arturo]

And KansaiVet, that is from one of the known AD's that will discount to good customers...sometimes up to 10% or so, so if they are not even bringing it out, I do believe that my AD is correct. He gets maybe 2 a year. There are certainly far fewer of them than the regular Sub and always will be.

[Tombstone]

I think as long as there are customers willing to pay MSRP there will be LV Subs. It is common knowledge that Rolex is having a very hard time making colored ceramic bezels. The colors do not come out as correctly as they do on the steel bezels. I do not see Rolex closing out every colored bezel they sell now that the Red/black, blue/red GMTs are history. Additionally, the ceramic bezels are not holding up I am aware of two ceramic bezels that have been replaced due to breakage. It is $500.00 to replace a ceramic bezel this information came from the same AD who has replaced the two bezels. I do feel that Rolex has stepped up production of the LV Sub, I know of one new LV Sub at an AD in Salt Lake City and one in Maui at an AD as well. In the past these watches were saved for good customers or sold the same day the entered the store. It could be the case were most customers who want the watch have acquired it and the rush to buy the LV Sub has died down. I know the rush to buy the LN Sub has never died out thus far. My opinion for what it is.

[puffnmo]

From what I can tell, Rolex does not like to see customers making money on aftermarket sales, that is why they keep raising prices.
My guess is that if they discontinue the LV Sub, it will be replaced by a new, even more "special" and hard to get Sub. All the attention will be focused on the new must-have watch and that will slow the after-market on the LV. Again, JMO. Larry.

[Arturo]

I am more convinced, after reading the post about the ceramic bezels breaking, that it was a mistake for them to go that route. Rolexes are supposed to be hardy tool watches. Somehow, ceramic pottery bezel that breaks and costs $500 to replace is disturbing to me and not consistent with the "tool" history. I admit that they are beautiful, but these watches are supposed to be more than "jewelry", and once you make such a hardy watch delicate, you take away some of its robustness. Steel for me.

[AdamB]

Originally Posted by Arturo

I admit that they are beautiful, but these watches are supposed to be more than "jewelry", and once you make such a hardy watch delicate, you take away some of its robustness. Steel for me.

[ohlins]

i do not know what caused the ceramic bezels to crack but seriously it must be quite an impact for it to happen......mine stands up well and looks fine, the finish is excellent and i think it will stand the test of time....

over the years, there were many cases of sapphire crystals getting chipped in vulnerable areas upon impact....but it's a well known fact that sapphire is stronger and more scratch-resistant than acrylic.....but that doesnt make sapphire crystal destruction-proof....simlarly the ceramic bezel is also not destruction-proof...

[mike]

Interesting thread.

I'll throw out a couple thoughts for comment by the forum.
With reference to the 16610LV, I have no idea when production might stop, but as it seems Rolex is moving toward enhanced use of the maxi-dial and now ceramic and a different case configuration (not to mention an enhanced bracelet configuration) does it make sence for Rolex to use two different configurations for the Submariner series?

Secondly, if there are in fact problems with the ceramic bezel of the GMT II, and Rolex feels this is a design flaw, one only needs to look at history (the 6542 with the bakelite bezel) to get a feel of what these might be worth down the road should Rolex seek a change.

Any thoughts?

[ohlins]

i dun think there will be 2 configurations........i forsee the most likely change to the sub will be:

maxi dial
super case
new bracelet ala 116710 but in all brushed finish.....
ceramic bezel....

and unless they can come out with a green ceramic bezel, i think they might have to drop the LV.....

[Arturo]

They won't reissue a new anniversary watch with a green ceramic bezel. That makes no sense. Also, I really wonder if they will go to ceramic on the SUB given its tremendous history in steel. I am not assuming that all bezels will be in ceramic. If the ceramic turns out to be a problem, they could recall them and remanufacture them in steel. I am sure the ceramic is beautiful. And unlike a crystal, which is not supposed to be indestructible, the bezel is supposed to be part of a tool, so intuitively I would have problems with such. That is probably more my problem than anything else. I just want steel the same way I like good leather shoes or titanium glasses frames.

[ohlins]

the surround of the new bezel is still gold for a tt watch and steel for a ss watch.....it's not made entirely of ceramic....

so in that respect, there is no change.....

they have simply replaced the anodised aluminium bezel insert with a part made of ceramic....

[pwrattorney]

Thank you for the interesting discussion. Yes, it seems very hard to say how the LV will fair down the road and the future or lack thereof in production.

Interesting that the ceramic dial can only be made in black as of now; any idea why? I think that Rolex is planning on changing all of their bezels to ceramic ones, at least this is what every dealer has told me.

[pwrattorney]

Actually, come to think of it, the maxi dial and hands first appeared in the early 90's on the Yacht-Master's, so it isn't something new, just something that has made it's way on to the other sport models.

[mansion]

Originally Posted by pwrattorney

Hello,

Rumor has it ...

Where do these rumours originate, for goodness sake?

No one got the latest Basel models right, so all these rumours are only speculation, based on nothing at all.

Ignore them, and please don't propagate them!

[Tombstone]

Speaking of LV Subs I know an AD who has one in stock brand new, if you’re interested in the watch PM me and I will give you the dealers info. MSRP is the asking price.