Green bezel Sub ???

[melloyello]

I picked up a Y946451 serial SS Sub yesterday with green insert.....its a model number R16610V30B9325....now with it i have a repair order from Ben Bridge stating "install Green Bezel" and the model number on the repair order says 16610LV......when did they start the "50th Anniversary" models?.....i just thought this was a 2003 with an aftermarket green bezel installed....any thoughts?

[melloyello]

The first models were issued on a 'Y' serial in September 2003 with very early 'F's following in October/December hence only a narrow band of watches exist as true anniversary models. The earliest serial I have come across is Y94XXXX with papers dated 26/09/2003, however there was some speculation that it could have been a regular 16610 with changed dial. Given there were no accompanying images of the model ref; and/or s/n between the lugs I have my doubts over it too. I can confirm however a watch with s/n Y96XXXX to be correct thereby giving a ballpark reference as to when the first watches hit AD's. These will be the collectibles of the future in my opinion¡Kit's only my opinion so don't slate me over it ! It is the opinion of some that there were a very small batch of watches released on a 'Y' serial that utilised the last of the lug hole cases, however I am yet to see one in the flesh, for sale or even an image of one for that matter. If they do in fact exist then they are a even greater rarity than the early lug hole versions that followed. For now I have assumed the former variant not to exist.

[ddnyc77]

never seen a LV with lug holes. I know rolex debuted it at rolex as such but when they hit the stores the lug holes were gonzo.