Rolex Anniversary Watches: The Full Collection Review

These special Rolex anniversary watches mark pivotal moments in horological history. The Submariner’s 50th celebration in 2003 showcased a striking green bezel, while the GMT-Master II’s golden jubilee model introduced the first-ever Cerachrom bezel. These anniversary models embody the brand’s remarkable heritage and craftsmanship. A closer look at Rolex’s anniversary edition watches reveals unique features. The Milgauss’s antimagnetic shield resists fields that exceed 1,000 gauss, and the Deepsea boasts an impressive 3,900-meter depth rating.

These commemorative masterpieces tell fascinating stories. Let’s head over to the complete collection of Rolex anniversary watches that engage collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Rolex Submariner 16610LV: The 50th Anniversary ‘Kermit’

Rolex made a bold move at Baselworld 2003 with the Submariner 16610LV. This watch celebrated their iconic dive watch’s 50th birthday and marked a shift in how Rolex designed their professional models.

Reference and Launch Year

The Rolex Submariner reference 16610LV came out to mark 50 years of the Submariner line that started in 1953. “LV” in the name means “Lunette Verte” (French for green bezel), pointing to its standout feature. Watch collectors had mixed feelings at first. The model’s short run from 2003 to 2010 makes it harder to find than other Submariners from that time.

Rolex anniversary editions represent rare departures from the brand’s conservative approach to watchmaking. Rolex doesn’t create limited-edition models or celebrity collaborations. The brand makes distinctive design choices to commemorate milestone years of their iconic collections.

Rolex kept the same engineering basics during its seven-year run but added small changes that collectors now value highly. Early models from 2003-2004 came with what’s now the highly desired “Flat 4” bezel insert. You can spot it by the flattened number 4 at the 40-minute mark. The watch started at €3,950 in 2003 and reached €6,700 when production stopped in 2010.

Green Bezel and Maxi Dial Design

The 16610LV stands out with its bright green aluminum bezel insert. This was the first time Rolex used green on a stainless steel sports watch outside their GMT-Master line. Rolex made nine different versions of the bezel insert. Colors ranged from light olive (nicknamed “Bertolli” after the olive oil) to a darker “racing green”.

The Kermit brought another big change: the “Maxi dial” with bigger luminous hour markers and wider hands than the regular Submariner Date. These changes made the watch easier to read underwater and in dim light. The black dial next to the green bezel creates a striking look that earned it the “Kermit” nickname.

The 16610LV shares its core specs with the standard Submariner. It has a 40mm case made from 904L stainless steel, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with cyclops date magnifier, and can handle depths of 300 meters/1000 feet. The caliber 3135 movement inside is self-winding, COSC-certified, runs for 48 hours on a full wind, and lets you set the date quickly.

Why Collectors Love the Kermit

The Kermit has become one of the most wanted modern Rolex sport watches. Prices have shot up as a result. A watch that cost under $4,000 new now sells for $15,000 to $30,000, with Flat 4 versions bringing the highest prices.

The watch draws collectors for several reasons. It marks both an anniversary and Rolex’s first green Submariner, making it a key piece of brand history. The short production time means there are far fewer Kermits than standard 16610s, which Rolex made for 23 years.

Watch enthusiasts love hunting for the different bezel and dial versions from various production periods. Early “Flat 4” bezels from the F and Y series (2003-2004) are especially valuable because they’re rare and have unique number styles.

The Kermit holds a special place in Rolex history. It’s the last Submariner with an aluminum bezel before ceramic ones took over, yet it introduced the maxi dial that later became standard. This mix of old-school proportions and bold color choices keeps collectors excited about the Kermit to this day.

Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN: A Golden Tribute to 50 Years

The 2005 GMT-Master II 116718LN stands as a key moment in Rolex’s history. This eye-catching 18k yellow gold watch celebrated the GMT-Master line’s 50th birthday, which started in 1955. The model did more than mark an anniversary – it brought state-of-the-art technical features and design elements that would shape Rolex’s professional collection for years to come.

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm 116718 Green Dial Oyster Bracelet Yellow Gold Watch

First Use of Cerachrom Bezel

Rolex’s history changed when the 116718LN became the first watch to feature the Cerachrom bezel. This special ceramic material was a huge step forward, as it didn’t scratch and kept its color perfectly. The old aluminum inserts from 1959 couldn’t match up – the Cerachrom bezel stayed pristine even after years of daily wear.

Rolex created special ways to make this high-tech ceramic part, resulting in a material that almost nothing could damage. The black bezel’s gold 24-hour markings match the yellow gold case beautifully. Users can track time in three different time zones by turning the bezel and using the arrow-tipped GMT hand.

The 116718LN’s ceramic bezel paved the way for future GMT models. Rolex spent years figuring out how to make two-tone Cerachrom bezels, which later showed up on watches like the “Batman” in 2013 and the “Pepsi” in 2014.

Green Dial Significance

The 116718LN broke new ground as Rolex’s first sports watch with their signature green dial. The bright emerald surface wasn’t just for looks – it matched Rolex’s official color seen on their boxes and in their stores.

The dial pays tribute to the GMT-Master’s 50-year legacy. Yellow gold frames around the glowing hour markers and hands create a sharp contrast with the green background, making the watch easy to read in any light. The watch glows blue for up to eight hours.

Rolex introduced their “Maxi dial” on this watch, featuring bigger luminous plots and wider hands. This update did more than help visibility – it brought a fresh, modern look that would spread to other professional models.

Super Case Design Evolution

Beyond its anniversary features, the 116718LN brought another big change to Rolex’s design – the “Super Case”. While keeping the classic 40mm size, this new case had thicker lugs, a wider bezel, and a more solid look overall.

The new case met the market’s demand for bigger watches while staying true to Rolex’s comfort standards. At 40mm wide and 11.8mm thick, the watch stays surprisingly slim despite its tough build.

The technical upgrades didn’t stop at looks. The crown got the better Triplock waterproofing system instead of the old Twinlock, making it water-resistant to 100 meters. Inside, the automatic caliber 3186 movement uses Rolex’s advanced Parachrom hairspring to resist magnetic fields and temperature changes better.

The Oyster bracelet got subtle updates too, with polished center links replacing brushed ones – a special touch for this anniversary edition. These finishing details show how Rolex keeps improving their classic designs.

The GMT-Master II 116718LN wasn’t just about celebrating history – it showed where Rolex was heading. Its new materials, dial design, and case shape influenced many of Rolex’s professional watches that followed, making it one of their most important anniversary pieces ever.

Rolex Milgauss 116400GV: The Anniversary with a Green Crystal

The Milgauss made a spectacular comeback to Rolex’s catalog in 2007 with the reference 116400GV. This special anniversary edition paid tribute to the original antimagnetic timepiece from the 1950s. The watch, with its green-tinted sapphire crystal, quickly became one of the most distinctive pieces in Rolex’s modern collection.

Antimagnetic Shielding

The Milgauss stays true to its 1950s roots by protecting the movement from magnetic interference that affects accuracy. The name comes from French “mille” (thousand) and “gauss” (unit of magnetic measurement). The 116400GV can resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. This is a big deal as it means that it surpasses the 60 gauss threshold needed to call a watch “antimagnetic”.

Rolex uses two methods to achieve this protection. A Faraday cage serves as a ferromagnetic enclosure around the movement and redirects magnetic fields away from sensitive parts. This soft iron inner case shields the entire movement, especially the vital balance wheel and hairspring.

The watch features the in-house Rolex Caliber 3131 movement with a paramagnetic Parachrom-Blu hairspring. This specialized component uses a niobium-zirconium alloy and adds another layer of magnetic protection. Rolex added a subtle detail – the symbol for magnetic flux density (a capital “B” with an arrow) appears on the magnetic shield, but only Rolex-certified watchmakers can see it.

Unique Green Sapphire Crystal

The 116400GV’s standout feature is its green-tinted sapphire crystal. The “GV” in the reference number means “Glace Verte” – French for “green glass”. This bold design choice marked a first for Rolex, as no other model had ever featured a colored crystal.

The green tint spreads through the entire crystal material rather than just coating the surface. This ensures the color won’t fade or change even after years of use. Rolex didn’t bother patenting this technology because “it is so difficult to make that no one else would even venture to try”.

The crystal’s creation starts by adding copper to aluminum oxide during synthetic sapphire manufacturing. The material needs several weeks to “grow” as particles combine into an ultra-hard substance. Rolex cuts these sapphire “boules” diagonally instead of the usual perpendicular way. This method maximizes clarity and strength but creates more waste, adding to both cost and exclusivity.

Legacy of the Milgauss Line

The first Milgauss appeared in 1956 during the technology and information boom. Scientists needed reliable timepieces as their work exposed them to strong magnetic fields. The watch became the preferred choice for scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.

The original Milgauss had limited appeal and disappeared from production in 1988. The 2007 comeback brought this scientific tool watch into the modern era with contemporary styling.

The 116400GV keeps its connection to its heritage through distinct design elements. The lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand comes straight from the original Milgauss reference 6541. Orange accents complement this distinctive hand, creating a look that sets it apart from other Rolex watches.

This anniversary edition challenges watchmaking boundaries by combining scientific function with bold design. The Milgauss 116400GV shows how Rolex honors tradition while introducing innovative materials in their commemorative timepieces.

Rolex Explorer II 216570: Celebrating 40 Years of Adventure

Rolex revealed the Explorer II reference 216570 in 2011 to celebrate four decades of this rugged timepiece. This anniversary model featured a major redesign that honored its heritage while welcoming modern watchmaking advances. The 40th birthday brought crucial upgrades that would shape the Explorer II throughout its decade-long production until 2021.

42mm Case and Caliber 3187

The Explorer II 216570 showed a clear transformation in Rolex’s design philosophy with its increased case size of 42mm—up from the traditional 40mm dimension since the mid-1980s. This “Super” or “Maxi” case design gave the watch a more commanding presence on the wrist. It managed to keep excellent wearability with its relatively slim 12mm profile. The brushed finishing on both lugs and fixed steel bezel reinforced the watch’s utilitarian character and tool watch heritage.

The Caliber 3187 movement powered this anniversary edition. Rolex developed it specifically for the 216570, and it wasn’t used in any other model. This movement included several technical features:

• Blue Parachrom hairspring resistant to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations
• Paraflex shock absorbers for better durability
• COSC certification with -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy
• 48-hour power reserve

The movement kept the Explorer II’s core feature—knowing how to display a second time zone through an independent 24-hour hand. The crown allowed quick adjustment of the local hour hand in one-hour increments forward or backward. This changed the date when crossing midnight.

Orange 24-Hour Hand Throwback

The 216570’s most eye-catching feature was the return of the bright orange 24-hour “Freccione” hand from the original Explorer II reference 1655 of 1971. This tribute to the model’s history created a direct visual link to the watch’s heritage. The 216570 featured independent adjustment unlike the original model where the 24-hour hand was fixed to the main hour hand. This enabled true GMT functionality.

The orange arrow-tipped hand works with the fixed 24-hour graduated bezel to show a second time zone. Rolex designed this feature for cave explorers and polar expeditions where normal day/night cycles don’t exist. This unique combination has made the Explorer II the preferred watch for speleologists, volcanologists, and polar explorers who need to tell daytime from nighttime hours.

Dial Options and Lume Technology

The anniversary Explorer II came in two dial variants—the classic glossy black and the distinctive white “Polar” dial. The black dial featured traditional 18k white gold surrounds for its hour markers, meeting Rolex’s premium finishing standards. The white Polar dial got black PVD-coated gold surrounds for its markers, which created striking contrast and improved legibility.

Both versions showcased Rolex’s “Maxi” dial design with larger hands and hour markers that filled the expanded dial space. The Polar dial’s Mercedes handset base and seconds hand feature a black “phantom” finish, creating a floating effect above the dial.

The 216570 introduced Rolex’s proprietary Chromalight luminescent material to replace the previous Super-LumiNova. This upgrade provides a distinctive blue glow lasting up to eight hours—twice as long as standard luminescent materials. The intense blue luminescence makes dark environment visibility much better, perfectly matching the watch’s purpose for cave exploration and polar expeditions.

These thoughtful updates helped the Explorer II 216570 honor its heritage while establishing itself as a modern tool watch. It proved worthy of carrying the torch for one of Rolex’s most adventure-oriented timepieces into its fifth decade.

Rolex Daytona 116506: Platinum Power for the 50th Anniversary

Rolex made history at Baselworld 2013 with the Daytona reference 116506. This groundbreaking timepiece became the brand’s first platinum chronograph, marking the 50th anniversary of their iconic racing watch. The model redefined luxury standards in the Daytona collection with its unique materials and design that fascinated collectors worldwide.

Ice Blue Dial and Brown Cerachrom Bezel

The 116506 stands out with its exclusive ice blue dial—a color Rolex reserves for platinum models. This unique shade instantly signals the watch’s elite status. The rich chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel with its platinum-filled tachymetric scale creates a striking yet balanced color combination.

Brown subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions match the ceramic bezel perfectly on this anniversary edition. The hour markers come with 18k gold surrounds and Chromalight luminescent material that glows blue for up to eight hours. This model was just the third Rolex watch to employ the scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel technology.

The watch’s case and three-piece Oyster bracelet are made from 950 platinum—among the densest and most corrosion-resistant precious metals. Platinum’s soft, malleable nature makes production especially challenging, adding to this anniversary edition’s complexity.

Caliber 4130 Movement

The heart of the watch houses Rolex’s caliber 4130, an in-house chronograph movement that showcases years of technical expertise. This self-winding mechanical chronograph, released in 2000, reflects Rolex’s steadfast dedication to precision engineering.

Key technical features include:

• Vertical clutch system for precise chronograph operation
• Blue Parachrom hairspring that resists temperature changes and magnetic fields
• 72-hour power reserve—a big improvement over previous generations
• COSC certification and Rolex’s own Superlative Chronometer standards
• Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

The caliber 4130 works with 201 parts—44 jewels and 60% fewer components than its predecessor. This simplified engineering enhances reliability. A column wheel mechanism coordinates the start, stop, and reset functions precisely.

Luxury Appeal and Market Value

The 116506 launched at $75,000, marking it as Rolex’s premium anniversary piece. Production ended in 2023 after ten years, replaced by the updated 126506, which boosted its collector value significantly.

Secondary market prices now exceed $100,000, based on condition and original documentation. The watch’s significance as the first platinum Daytona and 50th anniversary piece makes it a valuable investment.

Many experts see the 116506 as Rolex’s first watch designed with serious collectors in mind, rather than regular consumers. This approach marked a shift in how Rolex created anniversary editions, celebrating heritage while challenging luxury and technical boundaries.

Rolex Deepsea D-Blue: James Cameron Tribute and Anniversary Icon

The Rolex Deepsea D-Blue, launched in 2014, stands as the brand’s most direct tribute to human achievement. This remarkable timepiece honors filmmaker James Cameron’s historic solo descent to the Mariana Trench—Earth’s deepest point—on March 26, 2012.

Commemorating the Mariana Trench Dive

Cameron reached an incredible depth of 10,908 meters (35,787 feet) below the Pacific Ocean’s surface. The experimental Rolex watch—the Deepsea Challenge—joined him on this trip. His submersible’s manipulator arm carried this specialized timepiece. Rolex built it to handle pressures at depths of 12,000 meters. The company created the D-Blue edition as a commemorative model after this achievement. They kept its distribution more selective than standard Deepsea variants.

Gradient Dial and Engineering Feats

The anniversary piece features a stunning gradient dial that shifts from deep blue to black—perfectly capturing the ocean’s descent into darkness. The bright chartreuse green “DEEPSEA” lettering matches Cameron’s Deepsea Challenger submersible’s color. The watch maintains exceptional water resistance to 3,900 meters. Rolex’s innovative Ringlock system makes this possible. The construction uses a nitrogen-alloyed steel central ring, 5mm-thick domed sapphire crystal, and grade 5 titanium caseback.

Collector Sentiment and Rarity

The D-Blue has become one of the most desired modern Rolex sport watches, though it’s not officially a “limited edition.” It commands higher secondary market prices than its black-dial sibling. Collectors value its unique story—its connection to real-life exploration rather than just marking a production milestone. Analysts call it “one of the most future-proof modern Rolex sports watches outside the Daytona”. The watch continues to engage enthusiasts with its gradient dial that celebrates one person’s trip to Earth’s deepest point.

Conclusion

Rolex anniversary watches have become important milestones in the brand’s history. The company usually takes a conservative approach, but these special models show how it sometimes breaks from tradition to honor its past. The “Kermit” Submariner’s striking green bezel, the GMT-Master II’s groundbreaking Cerachrom technology, and the Milgauss’s unique green sapphire crystal each tell their own story of watchmaking innovation.

These special editions mean much more than just marketing. The Explorer II 216570 brings back the orange “Freccione” hand that connects today’s wearers to the model’s adventurous heritage. The platinum Daytona 116506 takes the racing chronograph to new heights of luxury. The Deepsea D-Blue shows how Rolex celebrates not just its own achievements but humanity’s greatest moments too.

The collector market for these pieces keeps growing stronger. Most anniversary models have gained value well beyond their original prices, especially those with unique features like the Kermit’s “Flat 4” bezel or the Milgauss’s special crystal. Their historical importance and limited availability drive this increase in value.

These watches perfectly show how Rolex balances tradition with innovation. The brand uses these special occasions to introduce ceramic bezels, antimagnetic technology, and improved movements while staying true to its heritage.

These anniversary editions give collectors a great way to discover Rolex’s rich history. They don’t just mark time – they help shape it, just as they’ll continue to do for future generations of watch lovers.