Rolex Submariner Kermit vs. Starbucks: Here's how they compare

The Rolex Submariner "Kermit" and the products from Starbucks serve vastly different customer needs - one is a luxury investment designed to last a lifetime, while the other is an affordable daily treat. However, both are iconic cultural symbols known for their distinctive green branding and represent status in their own right, from the luxury world of Swiss watchmaking to the global sphere of premium coffee culture.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the unique appeal of each and what they offer their respective audiences.

Rolex Submariner "Kermit" Ref. 16610LV

Launched in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, the "Kermit" (ref. 16610LV) became an instant classic for its unique bright green aluminum bezel paired with a traditional black dial. It's a collector's item that blends Rolex's legendary dive watch functionality with a bold, celebratory color distinction. The Kermit bridges the gap between a rugged tool watch and a piece of luxury history.

• What it is: A specific reference of the Rolex Submariner, a luxury Swiss-made dive watch celebrated for its 50th-anniversary green bezel.
• Key features: Bright green aluminum bezel, black maxi dial with larger hour markers, 40mm Oyster case, water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet), and a calibre 3135 self-winding mechanical movement.
• Price: Originally retailed around $9,150 USD, it often sells for much higher on the secondary market due to its collectible status.
• Materials/Construction: Forged from a solid block of corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
• Sizing/Fit: A versatile 40mm case size with an adjustable Oyster bracelet ensures a comfortable fit on a wide range of wrist sizes.
• Pros: A historically significant and collectible model, holds or increases its value over time, bold and unique aesthetic, impeccable Rolex craftsmanship, and highly versatile for daily wear.
• Cons: High entry price, difficult to purchase at retail value, the aluminum bezel is more susceptible to scratching and fading compared to modern ceramic bezels.

This watch is for the serious collector, luxury enthusiast, or someone marking a milestone who values heritage, investment potential, and timeless style with a unique twist.

Shop this product: www.rolex.com

Starbucks Products

Starbucks has defined the modern coffeehouse experience, turning a daily caffeine habit into a lifestyle brand. Centered around its signature specialty coffees, the brand also offers an extensive menu of teas, pastries, and branded merchandise like mugs and tumblers. Starbucks symbolizes accessibility, convenience, and a consistent "third place" between work and home for millions worldwide.

• What it is: A global chain offering premium coffee beverages, food items, and branded merchandise.
• Key features: Ethically sourced specialty coffee, customizable handcrafted beverages, mobile ordering app, cozy store ambiance, and seasonal product releases.
• Price: A coffee beverage typically costs $3-$6, while merchandise ranges from $15 to $35.
• Materials/Construction: Merchandise is made from materials like ceramic, stainless steel, and recycled content, designed for daily use. Food and beverage items focus on quality ingredients and consistent preparation.
• Sizing/Fit: Beverages come in multiple size options (Tall, Grande, Venti, Trenta), while merchandise like mugs and tumblers are available in standard volumes like 12, 16, or 20 oz.
• Pros: Highly accessible and affordable, offers a consistent and familiar experience, wide range of customizable options, strong focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
• Cons: Can be expensive for a daily habit, product consistency can vary by location, often crowded stores with long lines.

The brand's products are designed for anyone seeking a convenient, reliable, and premium coffee experience or casually collectible branded merchandise.

Shop this product: www.starbucks.com

Rolex Submariner Kermit vs. Starbucks Comparison

Price & Value

The price difference is staggering and highlights the products' distinct purposes. The Rolex Submariner Kermit is a luxury asset with a retail price of nearly $10,000 and a resale value that often far exceeds that. It's a financial investment an owner expects to appreciate or at least retain its value over decades. You are buying heritage, engineering, and exclusivity.

A Starbucks beverage, costing around $5, is an everyday consumable. Its value lies in the immediate enjoyment, convenience, and the brief experience it provides. While you can collect their merchandise, the financial model is about high-volume, low-cost daily transactions, not long-term asset appreciation.

Quality & Materials

Rolex is defined by its meticulous devotion to quality materials and craftsmanship. The use of 904L stainless steel, an in-house movement engineered for precision, and a sapphire crystal means the Kermit is built to withstand extreme conditions and last for generations. The quality is measured in longevity and performance.

Starbucks' quality focuses on the sensory experience - using high-quality, ethically sourced arabica beans and providing a consistent taste across thousands of locations. For merchandise, the quality emphasizes practical durability for daily use, using standard materials like ceramic and stainless steel. It’s about reliable function, not generational permanence.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands leverage the color green, but to very different effects. The Rolex Kermit's green bezel is a subtle but declarative mark of exclusivity on an otherwise classic, timeless watch design. It's a statement of sophistication and collector knowledge that can transition seamlessly from a wetsuit to a business suit. The aesthetic is one of understated luxury.

Starbucks’ green logo is one of the most recognized in the world, signifying a casual, approachable, and modern brand. It represents community, comfort, and routine. Its store designs are welcoming, and its merchandise reflects contemporary and seasonal trends, making it accessible to a massive global audience.

The Shopping Experience

Buying a highly sought-after Rolex like the Kermit is an exclusive and often lengthy process. It typically involves relationship-building with an authorized dealer, potential waitlists, and a high-touch, personalized sales ceremony. The experience is designed to feel as luxurious and special as the product itself.

The Starbucks experience is built on the pillars of speed, convenience, and consistency. Via in-store encounters or mobile apps, the focus is on efficient and friendly service that allows customers to easily integrate the purchase into their daily routine. It's a familiar, repeatable transaction, not a milestone event.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both represent the peak in their respective categories, but one is a lifetime asset and the other is a daily luxury.

Choose the Rolex Submariner Kermit if:

• You are looking for a significant, long-term asset that will hold or appreciate in value.
• You are a watch collector or enthusiast who values horological history and craftsmanship.
• You want a versatile luxury item that symbolizes achievement and can be worn for any occasion.
• You appreciate subtle status symbols and the permanence of expert engineering.

Choose Starbucks if:

• You're looking for an affordable, high-quality daily indulgence.
• Convenience, speed, and consistency are your top priorities.
• You enjoy a communal atmosphere and predictable customer experience.
• You value a company with a strong, public commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Rolex Submariner nicknamed "Kermit"?

The Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV earned the nickname "Kermit" from watch enthusiasts due to its distinctive bright green aluminum bezel, reminiscent of the famous Muppet character, Kermit the Frog. This bezel was an anniversary special and differed from the darker green used on its ceramic successor, the "Hulk".

Why compare a Rolex watch to Starbucks?

On the surface, they are worlds apart. However, both are powerful brands that have become cultural symbols using a distinct shade of green in their branding. They also represent different ends of the "affordable luxury" and "true luxury" spectrums, one being a part of a daily routine and the other a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

Which is a better investment?

The Rolex Submariner Kermit is undoubtedly the better financial investment. As a discontinued and historically significant model, its value on the secondary market has appreciated significantly. Starbucks' value is in its consumable products and brand experience, not in financial returns on individual purchases, though owning company stock is a different matter.

Does Starbucks have any "collectible" items like Rolex?

Yes, Starbucks releases limited-edition merchandise, including city-specific mugs, seasonal tumblers, and designer collaboration items. While these can become collectible among fans and fetch higher prices on resale sites, they don't command the same level of investment or rarity as a collectible Rolex watch.

What about the Rolex Submariner "Starbucks"?

The "Starbucks" is another nickname for a different green Rolex Submariner, the reference 126610LV, launched in 2020. It features a green ceramic bezel and a black dial, much like the original Kermit. Watch fans nicknamed it "Starbucks" because its bezel color is slightly darker and more in line with the shade of green in the Starbucks logo.

Which brand has stronger global recognition?

Both brands have immense global recognition. However, Starbucks is more visibly present in daily life due to its thousands of accessible storefronts worldwide. Rolex operates in a more exclusive sphere, but its name is globally synonymous with luxury and success.

How does ethical sourcing compare between the two?

Starbucks has built a large part of its brand identity around its C.A.F.E. Practices for ethically sourcing coffee beans and openly shares its sustainability goals. Rolex ensures its materials, like gold and diamonds, are sourced responsibly in compliance with industry standards like the Kimberley Process, though its communication on these efforts is more discreet and less central to its brand marketing.

Is the Rolex Kermit still available for purchase?

The original Rolex Submariner Kermit (ref. 16610LV with the aluminum bezel) was discontinued around 2010. It is only available for purchase on the pre-owned or grey market today, which is why its price is so high. Its modern successor is the black-dial, green-bezel ref. 126610LV (the "Starbucks").