The Rolex Submariner “Hulk”: Why This Green-on-Green Icon Stands Apart
Every so often Rolex releases a watch that divides opinion the moment it hits the display case — and then, a decade later, becomes the reference everyone wishes they had bought. The Submariner “Hulk,” reference 116610LV, is that watch. I currently have one available, and it seemed like the right occasion to explain why this particular Submariner has earned such a devoted following, and why collectors continue to search it out years after Rolex stopped making it.
What Exactly Is the “Hulk”?
The nickname belongs to reference 116610LV, a stainless steel Submariner Date that Rolex introduced in 2010 and produced until 2020. What set it apart from every Submariner before it was color: a sunburst green dial paired with a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Until this reference, a stainless steel Submariner had only ever been offered in black. Green had appeared on the bezel of the earlier 16610LV (nicknamed the “Kermit”), but never on the dial — and never together. Collectors saw the combination, thought of the Marvel character, and the name stuck.
Design and Specifications
The Hulk isn’t just a color story. It arrived alongside Rolex’s “Maxi case” update to the Submariner line — thicker lugs, a heavier case, and a more substantial presence on the wrist than the references it replaced. The specifications reflect Rolex’s dive-watch pedigree at its most refined:
● 40mm Oystersteel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel
● Green Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, resistant to fading and scratching
● Sunburst green dial with luminous hour markers
● Caliber 3135 automatic movement, chronometer-certified, 48-hour power reserve
● 300 meters of water resistance, Triplock winding crown
● Oyster bracelet with the Glidelock extension system for on-the-fly sizing
It's a watch built to be worn, not just admired — which is a large part of why it has held its place in collections rather than sitting in a safe.
Why the Hulk Was Discontinued — and Why That Matters
Rolex retired the 116610LV in 2020, replacing it with the 41mm reference 126610LV, which pairs a green bezel with a black dial rather than the all-green treatment. That successor is a fine watch in its own right, but it isn’t the Hulk. Once Rolex closes out a reference, the supply of that specific configuration is fixed — no more will ever be produced. For a model that already had strong demand while it was in production, that finality has only sharpened collector interest since.
Hulk vs. Kermit: Avoiding the Mix-Up
Because the naming can get confusing, it’s worth being precise. The “Kermit” (ref. 16610LV) came first, released in 2003 to mark the Submariner’s 50th anniversary. It paired a green bezel with the Submariner’s traditional black dial. The Hulk, released seven years later, took the green theme a step further by extending it to the dial itself. If a watch has a green bezel and a black dial, it’s a Kermit. Green bezel and green dial together means Hulk.
Why Collectors Still Pursue the Hulk
A few things keep this reference in demand:
● It was the first stainless steel Submariner offered in anything other than black — a genuine first for the model
● The color combination has not been repeated since; Rolex has never reissued a green dial paired with a green bezel
● It carries the Maxi case, which many collectors consider the more modern, better-proportioned Submariner silhouette
● A ten-year production run means there is real supply to be found, but the 2020 discontinuation caps that supply for good
Buying a Hulk: What to Look For
As with any pre-owned Rolex, condition and documentation drive value. When I evaluate a Hulk for a client — or for my own inventory — I’m looking closely at:
● Bezel and dial condition — the ceramic bezel resists fading, but the dial’s lacquer and luminous markers should be checked for wear
● Bracelet stretch and clasp function, particularly the Glidelock extension
● Service history and whether the movement has been serviced by Rolex or a qualified independent watchmaker
● Box, papers, and any accompanying documentation, which support both authenticity and resale value
● Confirmation that the case, dial, and movement serial and reference numbers are consistent with an unaltered watch
Currently Available
I have a Submariner “Hulk” available now. If you’ve been searching for this reference — or you’re simply curious to see one in person — I’d be glad to walk through it with you by appointment. Feel free to reach out to discuss the watch, its condition, and its history in more detail.
Coleman E. Adler III is a private jeweler in New Orleans specializing in fine watches, diamonds, and estate jewelry, available by appointment.
