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The Rolex Hulk, A Superhero Timepiece for Collectors

The Rolex Hulk is a nickname for the Submariner timepiece known officially as the Ref. 116610LV. Due to its highly recognizable design, this watch is one of Rolex’s most sought-after Submariner models. 

The name “Hulk” is a fitting nickname for a robust timepiece with a chunky build and vibrant green colorways. One look at this watch and it’s easy to see its connection to Marvel’s green angry superhero. 

Although it comes in a 40mm casing, the standard case size for most modern Submariner models, the watch has wide lugs, high sides, and a hefty crown guard. This design gives it a more robust build compared to the standard casing of the other models. The striking all-green colorway further adds to the appeal of this timepiece. No longer in active production, the Rolex Hulk remains a highly coveted collector's item with significant value-gain potential for Rolex enthusiasts and Submariner fans in particular. 

Rolex Hulk History 

The Submariner Hulk joined the Rolex lineup in 2010, but the story of this timepiece began a few years earlier with the release of the Submariner 16610LV (also known as the Rolex Kermit). This watch was launched in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner. 

The Submariner Hulk drew inspiration from the all-black bezel Rolex Submariner Ref 16610 released some years earlier. Both watches were identical, the only difference being Kermit’s green bezel. The bezel color was a major refresh of the Submariner’s design. In the meantime, Rolex continued to introduce subtle upgrades and changes to the Rolex Kermit between 2003 and 2010. 

In 2010, the Submariner Kermit made way for the Ref. 116610LV "Hulk," which was released as its successor. The new Hulk Submariner shared similar proportions to its predecessor, but had a more rectangular build (with wider lugs and crown guards), making the watch slightly bulkier.

This Rolex Hulk was also the first Submariner (and only one so far) to combine a green bezel with a matching green dial. The bezel insert on this watch was made from Cerachrom ceramic material instead of the aluminium bezel inlay used in the Kermit. The Cerachrom bezel was introduced in earlier Submariner models predating the Hulk. The choice of bezel material made the new timepiece more resistant to scratches and corrosion compared to its predecessors with an aluminum bezel. 

Unlike Kermit, the Rolex Submariner Hulk was well-received, with worldwide interest right from the start. This widespread acceptance can be attributed to several factors, including its brilliant aesthetics, top-notch functionality, and impressive wearability. Ironically, this watch was on the market for a relatively short time. In 2020, after about a decade in active production, Rolex decided to discontinue the Hulk Ref. 116610LV. 

The watch that was released to replace it is the Ref. 126610LV ‘Starbucks’, which is now the new face of the Green Rolex Submariner. Many enthusiasts consider the new watch a direct successor to the Rolex Kermit due to its dial color. This means Rolex Hulk still has its own unique legacy yet to be filled by Rolex.

Rolex Hulk Features 

The Rolex Submariner Hulk is hard to miss, thanks to its vibrant green color, hefty casing, and maxi dial among other notable features. This watch has a more robust design compared to many of its contemporaries and a solid construction that makes it powerful enough for diving and other water-based activities. Here’s an overview of the core features of this timepiece. 

A Burst of Green 

The Rolex Hulk is a “hulkified” version of the Rolex Submariner Kermit (and not just in terms of its bigger size). While the green bezel of the older Submariner was paired with a black dial, the Hulk’s dial is green in color, with a slightly darker tone. Like the Marvel superhero, one could say that the black dial Kermit hulked out into the greener-looking hulk. The Hulk’s shiny green color gives it a more vibrant appearance than many other Sub-Mariner models. The Hulk’s color transitions from bright green on the bezel to dark green on the dial, creating a captivating fluid effect. 

Maxi Dial

The Rolex Hulk’s dial is known as the Maxi dial, featuring extra-large hour markers and wider hands compared to the Submariner models with regular dials. This standard feature is in many Submariner models with a six-digit reference number, including the Rolex Kermit. In addition to promoting the dial’s legibility, the maxi dial also gave the Submariner Hulk a classic appearance. Another highlight of this dial is the sunburst finish. This is the first time Rolex has used this type of dial finish for a stainless steel Submariner model. 

Super Case

On paper, the Rolex Submariner Hulk has a 40mm case diameter, the same as many modern Submariners. However, the Hulk’s case dimensions make it noticeably larger than many of its contemporaries. The proportions have been beefed up, with the wide lugs taking on a more rectangular shape. This watch also has large crown guards, further enhancing its beefy aesthetics. The Rolex Hulk is as robust as ever. The casing is made of Oyster Steel, Rolex's patented 904L-grade stainless steel. This steel material is extremely resistant to most forms of corrosion and other types of damage. The casing protects the watch movement and comes with an innovative triplock screw-down crown that locks water out of the watch to a depth of up to 300 meters (1000 feet). 

Uni-Directional Bezel

This isn’t exactly a unique feature since it is standard for every modern Submariner model. The unidirectional bezel is important for tracking elapsed time in dive watches. The Bezel can only rotate in one direction, meaning there’s no risk of turning in the opposite direction, even if it gets bumped during a dive. This ensures the timepiece can accurately track dive or decompression times as necessary. 

Oyster Bracelet

The casing isn’t the only robust thing about the Rolex Submariner Hulk. This watch also comes paired with the three-link Oyster bracelet. Unlike other Rolex models that offer either Oyster or Jubilee bracelet options, the rugged and sporty Oyster bracelet is the only option available for this timepiece. This bracelet also features several notable modern upgrades. The bracelet closes with an innovative Oysterlock clasp and features a "Glidelock" extension system. This extension system allows the wearer to add or remove a few millimeters from the bracelet for a better fit. 

Reliable Movement 

Not only does the Rolex Submariner have a rugged build, but it is powered by an equally powerful engine. The movement within this timepiece is the Caliber 3135 movement, which has some impressive specs, including a frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of up to 48 hours. It is a chronometer-certified in-house movement with a balance spring protected by a Parachrom hairspring. This feature keeps the watch resistant to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations. The Caliber 3135 has been a part of Rolex’s catalog since 1988 and has been used in other popular models within the Datejust, Sea-Dweller, and Yacht-Master collections. 

Rolex Hulk Price

You can no longer find a Rolex Hulk for sale in the retail market. Rumors started swirling about the potential discontinuation of this timepiece in 2020. Later in the year, Rolex announced it would discontinue the green Sub model, meaning it only had a decade-long run. The brand soon rolled out a new green bezel Submariner as its replacement. 

In the months after the Rolex Hulk’s discontinuation was announced, prices skyrocketed right away. This has balanced over time, but the watch remains a highly coveted Submariner model. You can expect to pay between $18,000 and $23,000 for pre-owned examples of this watch in the secondary market. 

Conclusion 

The Rolex Submariner collection has had some notable models over the years. The Submariner Hulk stands tall in this lineup, thanks to various unique features such as the green ceramic bezel, matching green sunburst dial, and robust construction. It is undoubtedly one of Rolex’s most popular models, with an equally famous nickname that fits it perfectly. In addition to being functional and practical, the Submariner Hulk also has an eye-catching design and mighty wrist presence. While this watch is no longer available in retail, you can still get it in the secondary market at a slightly affordable price point.