The Submariner 16610LV is one of those references that makes no sense on paper and total sense in real life. Classic 5-digit case, slimmer lugs, aluminum bezel era… and then Rolex drops a bright green bezel on it and calls it a day. The nickname “Kermit” stuck for a reason. It’s cheerful, a little quirky, and somehow still looks like a proper Submariner you could wear anywhere.
That older case shape is the magic, though. Compared to newer Subs, the 16610LV wears flatter and a touch more elegant, so straps don’t feel like a forced accessory. They feel like a legit way to change the watch’s personality.
Strap sizing for the 16610LV (don’t overcomplicate it)
If you get one thing right, make it this.
The Rolex Submariner 16610LV is a 40mm case and it takes a 20mm lug width strap.
On Helvetus product pages, you must select Submariner 40mm.
That’s the correct option for this reference. It’s tempting to assume “any Sub strap will do,” but the wrong selection usually shows up where it hurts most: at the lugs. A strap that doesn’t sit cleanly against the case makes the whole watch look slightly off, even to people who aren’t watch nerds.
So when you’re ordering, pause for two seconds and make sure you’ve chosen Submariner 40mm. It’s the difference between “that looks factory” and “why does it look odd?”
Best strap choices for the Rolex Kermit
The Kermit is all about contrast: black dial, green bezel, and that vintage-leaning profile. The strap should either lean into the green for full character, or frame it so the bezel remains the hero.
Green rubber
This is the most committed Kermit look you can do without turning it into a novelty. A green strap pulls the watch into a single color story, which sounds loud but actually reads more cohesive than you’d expect.
It’s especially good when you’re wearing simple clothes. White tee, denim, black polo, grey hoodie, anything neutral. The watch becomes the standout without looking like you planned an outfit around it. And because the 16610LV is slimmer and less blocky than modern Subs, green doesn’t overwhelm the case. It complements it.
Would I wear it to a formal event? Probably not. Would I wear it constantly in spring and summer? Easily.
Black/Green LuxLine ® (pin buckle)
Black/Green Submariner Rubber Strap
This one feels like the “grown-up” Kermit strap.
The black keeps the watch grounded and familiar, while the green detail ties back to the bezel in a way that feels deliberate, not random. It’s also a great option if you like the idea of green but don’t want the watch to turn into a full green statement piece.
I like this strap when the Kermit is being used as a daily watch. Work, travel, long days where you want comfort, but you still want that little nod to why the 16610LV is special in the first place. It’s the strap that says, “Yes, it’s the green bezel one,” without yelling it.
Black deployant rubber
Black on the Kermit is the calm setting. And honestly, it’s underrated.
A black strap makes the green bezel look even brighter because everything else fades into the background. The bezel becomes the whole point. It also gives the watch a slightly more serious, tool-ish vibe, which can be nice if you want the Kermit’s personality without feeling like you’re wearing something playful.
This is the strap I’d pick for winter, for an all-black outfit, or for days when you want the Sub to feel like the dependable sports Rolex it is, not a collector talking point.
Buying the right strap from Helvetus without making it a project
If you’re torn between colors or you want to see what else works with the Submariner case, the collection page is the easiest place to browse:
Submariner Rubber Straps
There’s a variety of colors, and straps are available in both deployant and pin buckle versions. I’m not going to pretend one is “better” for everyone. Deployant can feel secure and consistent once you’ve got it dialed in. Pin buckle is simple, classic, and makes swapping straps feel quick and effortless.
Whichever you choose, the main thing is that the straps are designed to fit this Submariner case properly, so the watch still looks right from every angle, not just in a flattering wrist shot.
The Kermit is supposed to be fun, so the strap should help
The 16610LV is special because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a classic Sub with a wink. A good strap leans into that, makes the watch more comfortable, and keeps the fit tight so it still feels “correct” on the wrist.
It helps that Helvetus keeps the practical side clean too: lifetime warranty, a design focused on a precise fit for this Submariner generation, free worldwide shipping, and no import costs to surprise you later. And when a brand is trusted by 30,000+ customers worldwide, it’s a lot easier to buy a strap you’ll actually wear instead of one that ends up in a drawer.
Green if you want full Kermit personality. Black/green if you want something sharper and more wearable. Black if you want the bezel to steal the show.
