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Footballer Alexandre Pato spotted wearing Rolex

Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato was recently photographed sporting a Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16610LV, the green-bezelled anniversary edition that has quietly become one of the most talked-about Submariners of the modern era. The sighting is a reminder that serious watch taste in professional football extends well beyond the obvious choices.

The Rolex Submariner 16610LV was launched in 2003 to celebrate the Submariner's 50th birthday. It retained the 40mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel and the calibre 3135 automatic movement — a self-winding workhorse offering approximately 48 hours of power reserve, running at 28,800 vph and featuring Rolex's Parachrom hairspring for enhanced shock and magnetic resistance. The defining detail was a green Cerachrom-free aluminium bezel insert paired with a black dial, a first for the Submariner line. Water resistance sits at 300 metres. Production ran until 2010, when the upgraded 116610LV with ceramic bezel replaced it.

Collectors quickly adopted the nickname 'Kermit' for the 16610LV, and affection for the reference has only deepened since its discontinuation. Unlike its ceramic successor, the aluminium green insert ages with character — fading and patinating over time in ways that give each example a distinct identity. The calibre 3135 is widely regarded as one of Rolex's most reliable movements, and the reference sits at a sweet spot: modern enough to wear daily, old enough to carry genuine collector narrative. It regularly outperforms its original retail price on the secondary market.

Alexandre Pato, who made his name at AC Milan before spells at Corinthians, Chelsea, and Orlando City, has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted Brazilian forwards of his generation. His watch choice reflects an informed collector sensibility rather than mere status signalling — the 16610LV is not the loudest Rolex on the shelf, but it is arguably the most interesting steel Submariner of the 2000s.

On the grey market, the Rolex Submariner 16610LV commands a meaningful premium over its original retail price, with clean examples in desirable condition trading well above list. Collectors seeking the 'Kermit' should expect to pay for its reputation.