The Rolex Submariner 116610LV, affectionately nicknamed the "Hulk," is more than just a luxury timepiece; it's a symbol of bold design, horological excellence, and enduring investment potential. Emerging from the prestigious lineage of the Rolex Submariner, the Hulk carved its own legendary path, captivating watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide with its striking green dial and bezel. This comprehensive article dives deep into the world of the Rolex Hulk, exploring its history, design, features, market value, and why it remains a highly sought-after icon in the realm of luxury watches.

A Legacy Forged in Green: The Birth of the Rolex Hulk

To truly appreciate the Rolex Hulk, we must first understand its roots within the iconic Submariner family. Introduced in 1953, the Rolex Submariner revolutionized dive watches, setting the standard for robustness, reliability, and legibility. Over decades, the Submariner evolved, incorporating advancements in materials and technology while retaining its core DNA. The 116610LV, launched in 2010, marked a significant chapter in this evolution, introducing a vibrant and unprecedented color palette to the Submariner line.

Building upon the foundation of the 50th-anniversary Submariner 16610LV "Kermit" (with its green bezel and black dial), the Hulk took the green theme to a whole new level. Rolex boldly embraced the color green, adorning both the dial and the Cerachrom bezel insert in a striking, sunburst green hue. This departure from traditional Submariner color schemes immediately set the 116610LV apart, earning it the moniker "Hulk" due to its green color and robust, muscular appearance. The nickname, initially coined by the watch community, was quickly embraced, solidifying the watch's unique identity.

Key Milestones and Context:

• 2003: Rolex launches the Submariner 16610LV "Kermit" for the 50th anniversary, introducing a green bezel to the Submariner line.
• 2010: The Rolex Submariner 116610LV "Hulk" is released, featuring a green dial and green Cerachrom bezel. It marks a bolder step into color for Rolex and the Submariner.
• Discontinuation (2020): Rolex discontinues the 116610LV, replacing it with the 126610LV, often referred to as the "Cermit" or "Kermit 2.0," which features a black dial and green bezel, returning to a similar color scheme as the original Kermit but with updated features.

Design and Features: Unpacking the Hulk's Allure

The Rolex Hulk's enduring appeal stems from a combination of its striking aesthetics and robust functionality. Let's delve into the key design elements and features that make this watch so captivating:

The Sunburst Green Dial: A Masterpiece of Color and Light

The most immediately recognizable feature of the Hulk is its stunning sunburst green dial. This dial is not just a simple flat green; it boasts a dynamic sunburst finish that radiates outwards from the center, catching the light and creating a mesmerizing play of shades. The color itself is a vibrant, almost metallic green, often described as "Rolex green," a hue that is instantly associated with the brand. The applied Chromalight hour markers, filled with long-lasting blue luminescence, provide excellent legibility in low-light conditions, a crucial feature for a dive watch. The date window at 3 o'clock, magnified by the iconic Cyclops lens, further enhances practicality.

The Green Cerachrom Bezel: Scratch-Proof and Fade-Resistant

Complementing the green dial is the unidirectional rotatable bezel with a green Cerachrom insert. Cerachrom, Rolex's proprietary ceramic material, is virtually scratch-proof, highly resistant to fading from UV rays, and incredibly durable. This ensures the bezel retains its vibrant green color and pristine appearance for years to come. The bezel's 60-minute graduations allow divers to accurately and safely monitor their dive times, while the knurled edge provides a secure grip, even with gloves.

The "Super Case": Robustness Redefined

The 116610LV features Rolex's "Super Case," a beefier and more substantial case design compared to its predecessors. This 40mm Oyster case, crafted from 904L stainless steel (often referred to as Oystersteel by Rolex), offers exceptional corrosion resistance and robustness. The broader lugs and crown guards contribute to the watch's muscular "Hulk" aesthetic and provide enhanced protection for the movement. The Triplock winding crown, a triple waterproofness system, ensures water resistance to 300 meters (1000 feet), making it a true professional dive watch.

The Caliber 3135 Movement: Precision and Reliability

Powering the Rolex Hulk is the legendary Caliber 3135 movement, a Rolex-manufactured, self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its precision, reliability, and robustness. This movement, a workhorse of the Rolex collection for decades, features a Parachrom hairspring for greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations. It offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and is a certified Swiss chronometer, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy. The Caliber 3135 is a testament to Rolex's commitment to horological excellence and provides the Hulk with a beating heart that is as dependable as it is precise.

The Oyster Bracelet: Comfort and Security

The Rolex Hulk is fitted with the robust Oyster bracelet, also crafted from 904L Oystersteel. This three-link bracelet is known for its comfort, durability, and secure fit on the wrist. It features solid end links and a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with the Glidelock extension system. The Glidelock system allows for fine adjustments of the bracelet length without the need for tools, making it easy to achieve a perfect fit, even over a wetsuit. The Oyster bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, enhancing the watch's overall sporty and luxurious aesthetic.

Why the Rolex Hulk Achieved Icon Status

The Rolex Hulk transcended mere popularity; it became an icon. Several factors contributed to its legendary status:

• Bold and Unique Aesthetics: The vibrant green dial and bezel combination was a departure from Rolex's typically conservative color palette, making the Hulk instantly recognizable and desirable for those seeking a statement piece.
• Rarity and Discontinuation: The relatively short production run (compared to other Submariner models) and its discontinuation in 2020 significantly increased its collectibility and desirability. Scarcity fuels demand in the luxury watch market.
• Investment Potential: Rolex watches, particularly iconic models like the Hulk, have consistently proven to be excellent investments. Due to its desirability and scarcity, the Hulk's value has appreciated significantly in the secondary market.
• Cultural Impact: The Hulk resonated with a wider audience beyond traditional watch collectors. Its bold look appealed to a younger generation and those seeking a watch that expressed individuality and confidence.
• Rolex Heritage: Despite its unique color, the Hulk remained undeniably a Rolex Submariner, carrying the weight of decades of horological excellence and brand prestige.

Acquiring a Rolex Hulk: Navigating the Market

Due to its discontinuation and high demand, acquiring a Rolex Hulk at retail price is virtually impossible. The primary avenues for obtaining a Hulk are the pre-owned and grey markets. Here's what you need to know:

The Pre-Owned Market: A Treasure Hunt

The pre-owned market is where most Hulk transactions occur. Prices vary based on condition, completeness of box and papers, and market fluctuations. Expect to pay a significant premium above the original retail price. When purchasing pre-owned, it's crucial to:

• Buy from Reputable Dealers: Choose established and reputable dealers specializing in luxury watches. Check online reviews and seek recommendations.
• Authenticate the Watch: Thoroughly inspect the watch and, if possible, have it authenticated by a Rolex expert or service center. Beware of counterfeit watches, which are unfortunately prevalent in the luxury market.
• Check Condition Carefully: Assess the watch's condition, including scratches, dents, bracelet stretch, and overall wear. Factor condition into your valuation.
• Verify Box and Papers: A complete set (box, papers, manuals, etc.) generally adds value and provides further assurance of authenticity.

The Grey Market: Paying a Premium for Availability

The grey market refers to dealers who source watches outside the authorized dealer network. Grey market dealers often have Hulks available, but at prices significantly above retail. While you might find a Hulk more readily on the grey market, be prepared to pay a substantial premium. Due diligence regarding dealer reputation and watch authentication remains crucial.

Is the Rolex Hulk a Good Investment?

From an investment perspective, the Rolex Hulk has proven to be an exceptional performer. Its value has steadily increased since its release and surged after its discontinuation. While past performance is not indicative of future results, several factors suggest the Hulk will likely remain a strong investment piece:

• Scarcity: Limited production and discontinuation create inherent scarcity.
• Demand: The Hulk remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts globally.
• Rolex Brand Strength: Rolex's enduring brand prestige and consistent price increases across its models support the long-term value of its iconic watches.
• Tangible Asset: Luxury watches, unlike many other investments, are tangible assets that can be enjoyed while potentially appreciating in value.

Disclaimer: Watch values can fluctuate, and investing in luxury watches carries risks. Conduct thorough research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.

Rolex Hulk vs. Rolex Kermit: A Green Submariner Showdown

It's impossible to discuss the Hulk without mentioning its predecessor, the Rolex Kermit (16610LV). Both are green bezel Submariners, but key differences exist:

Feature	Rolex Kermit (16610LV)	Rolex Hulk (116610LV)
Dial Color	Black	Green (Sunburst)
Bezel Color	Green (Aluminum initially, later Cerachrom)	Green (Cerachrom)
Case	Traditional 40mm Submariner Case	"Super Case" - Larger lugs and crown guards
Bracelet	Oyster Bracelet with hollow end links (initially)	Oyster Bracelet with solid end links
Production Period	2003 - 2010	2010 - 2020
Movement	Caliber 3135	Caliber 3135

The Kermit, being the original green bezel Submariner and a 50th-anniversary model, also holds significant historical importance and collectibility. The choice between the Hulk and the Kermit often comes down to personal preference. The Hulk offers a bolder, more modern aesthetic with its green dial and robust case, while the Kermit provides a more classic Submariner look with a touch of green flair.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Incredible Hulk

The Rolex Hulk is more than just a green watch; it's a horological phenomenon. Its bold design, robust construction, and enduring investment appeal have cemented its place as a modern icon in the world of luxury timepieces. While no longer in production, the Rolex Hulk continues to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors, its legacy living on as a testament to Rolex's innovation, quality, and ability to create watches that are not only functional tools but also objects of desire and lasting value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply appreciate exceptional watchmaking, the story of the Rolex Hulk is a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of the legendary Rolex Submariner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Rolex Hulk