Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV "Hulk" Discontinued
About This Watch
The Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV, universally known as the "Hulk," is one of the most iconic and valuable discontinued Rolex sports watches of the modern era. What set this reference apart was its fully green aesthetic: a green sunburst dial paired with a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel, creating a bold, monochromatic look that divided opinion at launch but eventually became one of the most desirable watches in the world. The green sunburst dial displayed remarkable color shifts depending on the light, ranging from deep forest green in shade to vibrant emerald in direct sunlight. When Rolex replaced it with the 126610LV "Starbucks" (which paired a green bezel with black dial), the Hulk's secondary market value surged dramatically. The all-green combination had proven irreplaceable in collectors' hearts. Production ceased in 2020, and values have remained strong, with the Hulk consistently trading well above $20,000 on the secondary market. The caliber 3135 inside was a workhorse movement with a proven track record of reliability. The 40mm case, the last generation before the size increase to 41mm, is preferred by many collectors who find it the perfect diameter. The Hulk demonstrated that Rolex could create excitement through color and eventually became a cultural icon beyond the watch collecting community.
In-Depth Review
# The Hulk: Why Rolex's Discontinued Green Submariner Became Unattainable
When Rolex discontinued the Submariner Date reference 116610LV in 2020, it quietly ended production of one of the most coveted sports watches of the modern era. Introduced in 2010, the "Hulk"—named for its striking green sunburst dial and matching Cerachrom ceramic bezel—represented a rare departure from Rolex's conservative design philosophy. The 40mm Oystersteel case houses the reliable Rolex 3135 caliber, a workhorse movement with a 48-hour power reserve that has proven its durability across countless wrists and dive expeditions. What elevated this watch beyond typical Submariner fare was its color palette: the dial's vivid green paired with the integrated Oyster bracelet and Glidelock extension system created an instrument that was simultaneously tool-watch legitimate and visually distinctive. The 300-meter water resistance and unidirectional bezel remain entirely functional, never sacrificed for aesthetics.
The Hulk appeals primarily to collectors who demand both substance and visual impact—those seeking a primary sports watch rather than a safe investment piece. Its appeal extends to divers, yacht owners, and enthusiasts who appreciate Rolex's engineering without wanting another steel Submariner in black or blue. The watch commands roughly $22,000 on the secondary market today, more than double its original $9,550 MSRP, a premium driven by scarcity and strong brand loyalty.
Against competitors like the Omega Seamaster 300M or Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, the Hulk occupies a uniquely polarizing position—its boldness either delights or alienates. Few modern Rolex sports watches achieve such passionate divisiveness,
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 3135 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 31 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating, green Cerachrom ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Green Sunburst |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 300m / 984ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet with Glidelock |
| Clasp | Oysterlock folding clasp with Glidelock extension |
| Weight | 152g |
| Complications |