The Legend of the “Hulk”
Few watches command as much reverence and desire as the Rolex Submariner “Hulk.” Officially designated as the M116610LV-0002, this model stands apart with its striking green sunburst dial and matching ceramic bezel—a bold departure from the Submariner’s traditionally understated aesthetic.
Introduced in 2010 and discontinued in 2020, the “Hulk” has already cemented its place in horological history as one of the most distinctive modern Rolex sports watches. But beyond its arresting looks lies a timepiece built to the highest standards of precision, durability, and luxury.
This review will dissect the “Hulk” from every angle—its design, technical prowess, real-world wearability, and investment potential—to help you determine whether this iconic watch deserves a place in your collection.
Bold Yet Timeless
The Signature Green Palette
The “Hulk” nickname derives from its vibrant green Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel and sunburst green dial, a combination unique to this reference. Unlike the flat green of its predecessor (the “Kermit” 16610LV), the “Hulk” features a dynamic, gradient-like effect that shifts from deep emerald to bright lime depending on lighting.
- Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic, prized for its scratch resistance and fade-proof color. The engraved numerals are filled with platinum for lasting legibility.
- Dial: The sunburst finish ensures the dial is never monotonous—it dances under sunlight while remaining subdued in low light. The applied Chromalight hour markers provide excellent luminosity.
- Case & Bracelet: The 904L stainless steel Oyster case (40mm) and three-link Oyster bracelet offer a perfect balance of heft and wearability. The Glidelock clasp allows on-the-fly micro-adjustments, a boon for divers and those who value comfort.
Wearability & Presence
Despite its bold color, the “Hulk” wears surprisingly versatile. It’s sporty enough for casual attire yet refined enough to pair with a suit. The 40mm case diameter suits most wrists, and the 12.5mm thickness ensures it slides under a cuff with ease.
Personal Observation: Some collectors initially dismissed the “Hulk” as too flashy, but over time, its green has proven uniquely charismatic—a statement without being garish.
Technical Mastery: Built for Extremes
Movement: The Caliber 3135
At its heart beats the Rolex Caliber 3135, a COSC-certified chronometer with Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and 48-hour power reserve. This movement is legendary for its reliability (+2/-2 sec/day accuracy) and serviceability—a workhorse that will run flawlessly for decades.
Diving Performance
True to its Submariner lineage, the “Hulk” is a professional-grade dive watch:
- Water resistance: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
- Triplock crown: Ensures a hermetic seal
- Unidirectional bezel: Critical for tracking dive times
While most owners won’t take it to such depths, the engineering inspires confidence in everyday resilience.
Everyday Durability
- 904L steel: More corrosion-resistant than standard 316L
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier
- Solid end-links and screw-down bracelet links eliminate rattling
Potential Limitation: The polished center links are prone to hairline scratches, a trade-off for the luxurious finish.
Function Meets Luxury
On the Wrist
The “Hulk” feels substantial but never cumbersome. The Oyster bracelet contours naturally, and the Glidelock clasp ensures a perfect fit in all conditions—whether diving, sweating in summer, or wearing over a wetsuit.
Versatility
- Casual: Pairs effortlessly with jeans and a t-shirt.
- Business casual: Works surprisingly well with a blazer.
- Formal: While not a dress watch, it can hold its own with a suit if you appreciate tool-watch aesthetics.
Personal Note: The green dial is more wearable than expected—it doesn’t scream for attention but rewards those who notice the details.
Investment & Collectibility
Market Position
Discontinued in 2020, the “Hulk” has appreciated significantly in the secondary market. Prices often exceed $20,000, well above its original retail (~$9,000).
Why It Holds Value
- Unique color scheme (no other Rolex has this exact green combo)
- Short production run (10 years)
- Strong Submariner lineage with a twist
Consideration: If buying pre-owned, ensure full set (box, papers) and check for unpolished cases to retain value.
Who Should Own the “Hulk”?
The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” is not just a watch—it’s a statement. It blends unmatched engineering with daring aesthetics, making it a standout in the Submariner family.
Buy It If:
✔ You appreciate bold yet refined design
✔ You want a future collectible with strong value retention
✔ You seek a luxury sports watch that performs in all conditions
Think Twice If:
✖ You prefer understated, traditional Submariners (e.g., black dial/bezel)
✖ You’re sensitive to market premiums (pre-owned prices are steep)
Final Verdict
The “Hulk” is a modern icon—a watch that transcends trends. It’s not for everyone, but for those who connect with its character, it’s one of the most rewarding Rolex models ever made.
If you can secure one at a fair price, it’s a worthy addition to any serious collection.
Would I personally own one? Absolutely—it’s a Submariner with personality, and that’s a rare thing indeed.
Q1: What was the original retail price of the Rolex Hulk?
A: The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” originally retailed for around $9,050 USD before it was discontinued in 2020. Today, it often sells for over $20,000 on the secondary market due to its rarity and collector demand.
Q2: What’s the difference between the Rolex Hulk and the Kermit?
A: The Kermit (Ref. 16610LV) features a black dial with a green aluminum bezel, while the Hulk (Ref. 116610LV) has a green sunburst dial and a green ceramic (Cerachrom) bezel. The Hulk looks bolder and more modern in comparison.
Q3: Is the Rolex Hulk waterproof?
A: Yes. The Rolex Hulk is a professional dive watch with a water resistance of 300 meters (1,000 feet). It features a Triplock screw-down crown and sapphire crystal, making it fully capable for diving and daily wear.
Q4: Can the Rolex Hulk be worn as a daily watch?
A: Absolutely. The Hulk is built for everyday use—durable, comfortable, and reliable. However, its polished center links can pick up hairline scratches over time, so some care is advised if you want to keep it looking pristine.
Q5: Is the Rolex Hulk a good investment?
A: Yes. Since it was discontinued in 2020, the Rolex Hulk has seen a sharp rise in market value. It is considered a modern collectible, and demand continues to grow, making it a solid long-term investment piece.
Q6: What size is the Rolex Hulk, and how does it fit?
A: The Hulk features a 40mm case diameter and is about 12.5mm thick, which makes it suitable for most wrist sizes. Thanks to the Glidelock clasp, the bracelet can be easily micro-adjusted for a perfect fit—even over a wetsuit.