Writer Giorgia Mondani spotted wearing a Rolex

Giorgia Mondani, one of the most authoritative voices in Rolex literature and co-founder of Mondani Books, was recently photographed wearing the brand-new Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV — a watch that had been on the market for just fifteen days at the time of the sighting. For someone whose career is built on documenting Rolex history, the choice is anything but accidental.

The Submariner Date 126610LV is the direct successor to the ref. 116610LV, itself introduced in 2010 to celebrate the Submariner's 50th anniversary and the first model to earn the 'Kermit' nickname — a nod to its signature green bezel. The new 126610LV upgrades the case diameter from 40mm to 41mm and replaces the aluminium bezel insert with a scratch-resistant green Cerachrom ceramic unit. Beneath the Oyster case, Rolex fitted the Calibre 3235, a movement built entirely in-house offering a Chronergy escapement, a Paraflex shock absorber, and a 70-hour power reserve — a significant step up from the Calibre 3135 found in its predecessor.

The black dial retains the classic Submariner layout: applied luminescent hour markers, a date window at three o'clock with Cyclops lens, and the characteristic Mercedes hands. Water resistance remains at 300 metres. The combination of green ceramic bezel and black dial on Oystersteel gives the 126610LV a visual identity distinct from the full-green 'Starbucks' ref. 126610LN, keeping the 'Kermit' lineage clearly legible to collectors.

Mondani's encyclopaedic knowledge of Rolex references makes her sighting particularly meaningful. As the author of multiple definitive reference books on Rolex, she wears this watch with a layer of context few other owners can claim. Her early access to the 126610LV reflects the kind of industry standing that places her at the intersection of journalism, scholarship, and serious collecting.

At an official retail price of $10,850, the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV is already trading on the grey market at approximately $25,000 — a premium of roughly 130 percent within the first two weeks of availability. Demand for the reborn 'Kermit' is clearly outpacing supply, a pattern consistent with every high-profile Submariner release in recent memory. Collectors looking to acquire one at list price face the familiar Rolex authorised dealer lottery.