Why Modern Discontinued Rolexes Are Rising in Value

A look at three models collectors should put on their radars. HYPEBEAST Features - Go in-depth and learn more about the culture. [HYPEBEAST]( [Features]( February 29, 2020 [Why Modern Discontinued Rolexes Are Rising in Value]( A look at three models collectors should put on their radars. Ambrose Leung | HYPEBEAST It seems today that a lot of conversations surrounding Rolex watches are focused on pieces that sit on the two ends of the spectrum: vintage, which loosely refers to watches 20 years or older, or modern, as in the watches made in recent years. But some really interesting discontinued models are sadly being left out of the conversation. Why? Because they seem too old to be modern, too young to be vintage. Discontinued models, however, are becoming increasingly collectible, with collectors now categorizing characteristics of certain discontinued models in the same way they would with vintage Rolexes. There are three discontinued models in particular that collectors should turn their attention to: the Submariner 50th Anniversary reference 16610LV (aka the “Kermit”), the Sea-Dweller Ceramic 40mm ref.116600 and the GMT Master II ref.16710. Rolex Submariner 50th Anniversary reference 16610LV Grey and Patina The Rolex Submariner ref.16610LV was unveiled at Baselworld 2003 in honor of the Submariner’s 50th anniversary. It features some unique details that make it distinct from the ref.16610LN, its brother if you will. Some of its key characteristics include the Maxi dial, which has larger hour marker plots, a larger handset and a unique green bezel — though a new Maxi dial and set of hands reappeared on the Ceramic Submariner several years later. In 16610LV’s production, there are several available variations in the prints and color options of its dial and bezel, classified by its serial number — Y serial through random serial. One of the most important of those is the Y serial ref.16610LV, which was in the silhouette’s initial production run. This model has what is referred to as a “flat 4” bezel. The bezel has a lighter shade of green found exclusively on Y serial production models, up to Y9xxxxx. A flat 4 bezel refers to the number 40 found on the bezel insert, where the top of the “4” has a flat edge as opposed to the pointed top found on later models. This small variation translates to a substantial premium in terms of value. A flat 4 bezel with the lighter shade of green exclusive to Y serials can command a premium of as much as $10,000 USD over subsequent versions that feature a darker shade of green and a pointed “4.” [READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON HYPEBEAST →]( [banner](   [More HYPEBEAST Features]( [[Travis Scott's Nike SB Dunk Ignites This Week's Best Footwear Drops] [FOOTWEAR]( [Travis Scott's Nike SB Dunk Ignites This Week's Best Footwear Drops]( [[Jonah Hill's adidas Partnership Is a Genie Wish Come True] FOOTWEAR [Jonah Hill's adidas Partnership Is a Genie Wish Come True]( [Get The App Free on iOS and Android]( Follow --------------------------------------------------------------- 2020 HYPEBEAST Limited. All Rights Reserved [Manage Subscriptions]( You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to HYPEBEAST's marketing emails. You can unsubscribe from us any time by clicking [here](=====?utm_source=hbfeatures&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feb28_20). It may take 48 hours to complete the unsubscribe process. Contact subscription@hypebeast.com for assistance on any enquiries. Our Mailing Address: HYPEBEAST, 10F, KC 100, 100 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong