It is ultra-modern, exceedingly classy and, above all, unmistakably green: the Rolex Submariner "Hulk". The Submariner Date model with Ref 116610LV, whose nickname is based on the famous Marvel character, was presented to the public at Basel World 2010 and has been one of the most popular Rolex luxury watches ever since. The 2020 production stop of the reference 116610LV, which has been replaced by the quite similar-looking 126610LV, has not changed anything - on the contrary. We take a closer look at the hype surrounding the Rolex Hulk, present the coveted men's watch in detail, and also take a look at some luxury whores that come into question as alternatives to the green Rolex Submariner Date.
Why is the Rolex Hulk so sought after?
The huge popularity of the Submariner Hulk is likely the result of several factors at its core. First, it is a comparatively new reference in the "Rolex Submariner family." Thus, the Hulk watches take on the tremendous legacy of probably the most famous diving watch in the world. On the other hand, the special Rolex model convinces with its fresh, unusual design, which immediately catches the eye with the catchy "Rolex Green".
In addition, as usual for Submariner references, the Hulk models inspire with outstanding quality, a reliable caliber and technical sophistication. The Rolex name does its part in the success of the 116610LV Hulk. The Swiss company has always been synonymous with high-end luxury watches, and there are few collectors who don't dream of owning a luxury watch from the brand.
When Rolex announced that it would stop making the Ref 116610LV in 2020, it further fueled demand for the green Rolex Submariner. It's a phenomenon that can be seen time and time again in the watch world: The announcement of the discontinuation of a production gives a model even more attention and leads to watch fans rushing for it all the more.
The Submariner as an icon in the Rolex family
To appreciate the true value of a Rolex Hulk, one must first examine the history of the Rolex Submariner. The first watches in the legendary series - in other words, the "original Submariners", so to speak - came onto the market in 1954 and, with their water resistance of initially up to 100 meters, were regarded as real pioneers in the field of diving watches. The beginning of a success story without equal.
Over the following decades, the Submariner was optimized several times and numerous improved references appeared, which not only withstood ever deeper dives, but were also equipped with more powerful calibers and finally, in 1966, with the famous date display with magnifying glass - the birth of the Submariner Date.
Today, Rolex Submariner Date models are a household name to connoisseurs and collectors around the world, and it is almost impossible to talk about Rolex without mentioning a Submariner reference sooner or later. Accordingly, the Submariner, which will soon celebrate its 70th anniversary, can in good conscience be called an untouched icon among Rolex watches.
The design of the Rolex Hulk
At first glance, it is certainly its design that sets the Submariner Hulk apart from the broad mass of luxury timepieces. The bezel and dial of the iconic watch are in typical "Rolex Green", which gives the watches with Oyster bracelet a certain visual extravagance. The color, which shimmers wonderfully in the light, especially on the ceramic bezel, gives the watch its high recognition value and has earned it the nickname "Hulk".
But even apart from the eye-catching green, which is reminiscent of the predecessor model with the nickname "Kermit", the Rolex Submariner Hulk has a lot to offer on the outside. For example, there are the well-shaped indices, which glow in the dark as is typical of Submariner watches, and the filigree hands, which are also equipped with luminous material. These thoughtfully integrated elements ensure excellent readability of the stainless steel watch even under difficult lighting conditions, such as those found underwater. The Rolex Cerachrom ceramic bezel sets a high-quality sapphire crystal, which provides a view of the rectilinearly designed dial.
Incidentally, the newer Ref 126610LV, which is traded as the successor to the Hulk, differs visually from the 116610LV primarily in its dial. Instead of the Hulk green, this watch, affectionately called "Starbucks" in fan circles, namely has a dial in plain black, while the bezel in green is retained even in the newer version.
The technical features
As befits a Rolex Submariner, the Hulk naturally also has "inner values" with which the watch can score across the board. The chic models are water resistant to depths of 300 meters, successfully following in the big footsteps of the world-famous Rolex Submariner diving watches.
The stainless steel watch with a diameter of 40 mm and screw-down crown is powered by the proven Rolex automatic caliber 3135. This is an extremely precise movement with a 48-hour power reserve. At the 3 o'clock point, the aforementioned two-digit date display is installed - a feature that is particularly characteristic of the Rolex Submariner Date and thus must not be missing from the Hulk model.
What does a Rolex Hulk cost?
One thing is clear: the diver's watch with a dial and Cerachrom bezel in green, which is preferred by investors as a value investment, is not available for small money. If you want to call a genuine Submariner Hulk your own, you have to be prepared to pay quite a high price and go the secondary market route. Because: Since the production of the Ref 116610LV Submariner Date watches has been discontinued, the models are hardly available through official dealers.
On the secondary market, the watch with the superhero name is still available, but the prices called there far exceeded the former price according to the list. Depending on the condition, the models change hands for prices averaging 18,000€ - proud sums, which, however, are willingly paid by die-hard watch lovers.
By the way, when buying on the secondary market, it is especially important to check the authenticity of the timepieces offered. Ideally, you should choose a model with the original box and original papers. In addition, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an expert when in doubt about the purchase.
Alternatives to the Rolex Hulk
Green, green, green are all my watches - at least this is true for the models that we would like to present in brief below. They all have similarities to the Rolex Submariner Date "Hulk" in one way or another and are especially interesting for watch fans who want an alternative to the Rolex hit with the reference number 116610LV.
Other Submariner models
Of course, other Rolex models from the Submariner series are the first to be considered. After all, the Rolex Submariner is now available in numerous attractive versions. For example, how about the "Smurf" with a blue bezel or the more discreet all-black version? Logically, the successor model "Starbucks" with the Ref 126610LV, which has already been mentioned, also comes close. It should be noted, however, that all Rolex Submariner Date watches are quite popular, which is why you always have to expect a waiting list and sometimes long waiting times when buying from a retailer.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
There is also a "Hulk" from the house of Omega: the Seamaster Aqua Terra with the reference number 220.10.41.21.10.001. The noble diver's watch with date window is water resistant to 150 meters and brings 60 hours of power reserve. If you decide to buy this product, you have to do without the gaudy bezel. Instead, you get an extra dose of elegance, which is excellently underlined by the dark green dial with decorative grooved structure.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
Another luxury watch that is reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner Hulk, and not just in its color scheme, is the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300. Both the bezel and the fluted dial on this timepiece with date at the 6 o'clock point are entirely in green. Moreover, just like the Rolex Submariner Hulk, the watch features water resistance to 300 meters and has practical luminous indices.
Seiko Prospex Sumo
Comparatively inexpensive in price, the Prospex Sumo from Seiko also presents itself in green garb. The luminescent indices on the dial are very similar to those of the Rolex model, but the date window on the Seiko product is in a rather unusual position between the 4 and 5. The water-resistant luxury model, which is available with GMT hands, is made of stainless steel and has 72 hours of power reserve.
Longines HydroConquest
Could it be a bit more color? On the Longines HydroConquest Automatic, the green extends across the bezel and dial, even to the textile strap. Water-resistant to 300 meters, this diver's watch boasts a first-class price-performance ratio: The stainless steel watch is available from just under €1,500 and is thus - at least in comparison to the Rolex Hulk - a real bargain.
Rado Captain Cook Bronze
The Rado watch from the Captain Cook collection is a real eye-catcher due to its particularly gaudy green color. The eye-catching luxury watch is "only" water resistant to 100 meters, but nevertheless knows how to convince with an 80-hour power reserve and a reliable automatic caliber.
Oris Aquis Date
Bright indexes, stainless steel case and bracelet, and plenty of lush green: the Oris Aquis Date certainly brings a lot to the table, making it an interesting alternative to the Rolex Hulk 116610LV. The luxury watch with a Swiss Made Caliber 733 movement features a discreetly embedded date window at the 6 o'clock point and expresses a fascinating character in its contrasting looks, which in its own way evokes associations with the Rolex Hulk.
Conclusion
The Rolex Submariner Date "Hulk" (reference 116610LV) lives up to its name not only because of its color. Equipped with a high-quality Rolex caliber plus date, the special timepiece undoubtedly has an "inner strength" that is in no way inferior to that of the superhero. Thus, it is not surprising that the value of the Hulk can now be classified significantly above list price, which makes the luxury watch an attractive investment. In short, the Rolex Hulk is one of the most popular watches from the Geneva manufacture for good reasons, and it doesn't seem like the hype surrounding the sought-after model will die down anytime soon.