Watch Paparazzi

Royal Hassanal Bolkiah spotted wearing Rolex

The Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, was recently photographed wearing the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV — a reference known to collectors as the 'New Kermit.' Given a wardrobe that reportedly encompasses hundreds of the world's finest watches, his choice of a production Rolex Submariner rather than a bespoke or ultra-rare complication is a telling endorsement of the model's enduring relevance.

Introduced at Baselworld 2020, the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV represented the most significant overhaul of the Submariner line in nearly two decades. Rolex grew the case from 40mm to 41mm, refined the lugs, and enlarged the crown guards for a more purposeful silhouette. The defining feature remains the vivid green Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert — scratch-resistant, virtually fade-proof, and UV-stable — paired with a matte black dial and Mercedes hands in white gold. Water resistance stands at 300 metres, consistent with the model's professional dive-watch credentials.

Beneath the oyster case sits the Calibre 3235, Rolex's own in-house movement and a genuine step forward from the predecessor 3135. The 3235 delivers a 70-hour power reserve, a Chronergy escapement with roughly 15 percent greater efficiency, and a Parachrom hairspring for superior shock and magnetic resistance. It is COSC-certified and then further regulated by Rolex to its own Superlative Chronometer standard of ±2 seconds per day.

The 'New Kermit' designation pays direct homage to the original 'Kermit' — the reference 16610LV introduced in 2003 to mark the Submariner's 50th anniversary. That earlier watch wore an anodised aluminium green bezel; the 126610LV replaces it with ceramic. Collector reception has been overwhelmingly positive: the 126610LV sits firmly on the contemporary grail list for sports-watch enthusiasts, combining historical continuity with meaningful technical progress.

Hassanal Bolkiah's personal collection is the stuff of horological legend, spanning independent makers, grand complications, and unique commissions. Seeing him on the wrist of a catalogued Rolex Submariner underlines the reference's classless versatility. The 126610LV carries a UK list price of approximately £7,650 — around $9,500 USD at current rates — though grey-market demand has consistently pushed transaction prices well above retail since launch.