We’ve seen prices go crazy for a range of watches in the past couple years – most recently vintage Grand Seiko. But last year we saw another timepiece get a lot of hype, a particular green Rolex Submariner, colloquially known as the ‘Hulk’.
The Rolex ‘Hulk’ Submariner ref. 116610LV was first released in 2010 and was only made in this reference until it was discontinued in 2020. The anticipation of it being discontinued creating the hype around the timepiece and causing its price to increase.
For a decade the Rolex ‘Hulk’ Submariner ref. 116610LV stood out in the Submariner collection with its green dial and unidirectional bezel, otherwise conforming to the 40 mm case diameter, Oyster bracelet, and use of the Rolex Cal. 3135.
Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV / Credit: Sotheby’s
Now, while green is Rolex’s official company colour, they had never before produced a green Submariner. The first one came 50 years after the Rolex Submariner’s release in 1953, specially made for the model’s 50th anniversary. This was the Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV, which featured a green aluminum bezel insert, ‘LV’ referring to the ‘lunette verte’ that the new Submariner had.
When Rolex made its first Cerachrom bezel in 2008 for the Submariner, they also offered it in green as they had in the case of aluminium. Two years later though, they released it in green with a green dial – a watch that has come to affectionately be known as the ‘Hulk’. And so, as of last year this 904L steel, veritable Hulk of a dive watch was discontinued, replaced with a new ‘Kermit’, the 126610LV. Arguably one of Rolex’s most unique dive watches, time will tell if we see another ‘Hulk’, or something similar, ever again.
By: Andres Ibarguen
Read more:
Altieri, Paul. “Rolex Submariner 116610LV “Hulk” Ultimate Reference Guide.” Bob’s Watches, November 25th, 2020, https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/closer-look-rolex-hulk-ref-116610lv.html.