Rolex Hulk: The Complete Guide to the Green Submariner

The Rolex Hulk is the collector nickname for the Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116610LV, produced from 2010 to 2020 with a green sunburst dial and matching green Cerachrom bezel. It is the only Submariner Rolex ever made in steel with both a green dial and a green bezel, which is exactly why collectors chase it today.

When it debuted, the Hulk was the loud alternative to the classic black Submariner. Some buyers passed on it, and for a while it could even be found at a discount. Then tastes shifted, green dials became one of the hottest trends in watches, and the 2020 discontinuation turned it into a modern icon.

This guide covers the Hulk's history, specs, how it compares to the Kermit and Starbucks, why its value moved the way it did, and what to check before buying one pre-owned.

What Is the Hulk Submariner?

The Hulk is a 40mm Oystersteel Submariner Date built around the "Maxi" case Rolex introduced for its ceramic-bezel sports watches. It pairs a green dial with a green ceramic bezel insert, giving it an all-green look that no other steel Submariner has matched.

Rolex never called it the Hulk. Collectors gave it the name almost immediately, borrowing from the green comic book character, and the nickname stuck across forums, dealer listings, and auction catalogs.

It follows the same naming tradition as the site favorites we've covered before, including the blue white gold Submariner.

Read more: Rolex Smurf: the complete guide to the white gold Submariner

The History of the Green Submariner

The Kermit Starts It All (2003)

Rolex first brought green to the Submariner in 2003 with the ref. 16610LV, released to mark the model's 50th anniversary. It kept a black dial but added a green aluminum bezel insert. Collectors nicknamed it the Kermit, and it became the first green Submariner in the collection's history. Its seven-year run was shorter than the decade-long production of the Hulk that followed, which is part of why clean Kermits are harder to find today.

The Hulk Arrives (2010)

At Baselworld 2010, Rolex replaced the Kermit with the ref. 116610LV. This was a much bolder watch. The green moved from the bezel to the entire face, the aluminum insert became scratch-resistant ceramic, and the case grew more muscular.

The reception was mixed at first. Many buyers still believed black was the more versatile choice, so the Hulk sat in dealer cases longer than its black sibling.

The Discontinuation (2020)

In September 2020, Rolex updated the entire Submariner line. The Hulk was retired and replaced by the 41mm ref. 126610LV, which returned to a black dial with a green bezel. That decision ended a ten-year production run and changed the Hulk's market position overnight.

Hulk Specs and Key Features

Case and Bezel

The Hulk uses a 40mm Oystersteel case with the broad lugs and thick crown guards of the Maxi case design. It is water resistant to 300 meters thanks to a Triplock screw-down crown.

The unidirectional rotating bezel carries a green Cerachrom insert, Rolex's proprietary ceramic. It resists scratches and fading, and the graduations are coated in platinum for a crisp silver-white finish.

Dial

The green dial has a sunburst finish, which is unusual for a Submariner. In direct light it glows bright emerald, while indoors it can look almost black-green. The dial uses Rolex's Maxi layout with enlarged hour markers and Chromalight lume that glows blue in the dark.

Movement and Bracelet

Inside is the Caliber 3135, Rolex's long-running automatic workhorse with a blue Parachrom hairspring, roughly 48 hours of power reserve, and COSC chronometer certification.

The Oyster bracelet features an Oysterlock safety clasp and the Glidelock extension system, which lets you adjust the fit by up to 20mm without tools.

Read more: Why the steel Rolex Submariner Date reigns supreme

Hulk vs. Kermit vs. Starbucks

Three green-bezel Submariner Date references are easy to confuse. Here's how they compare.

Kermit

The Kermit is the vintage-leaning choice. Its aluminum bezel can fade over time, which some collectors love, and early examples with a "flat four" on the bezel are especially sought after.

Hulk

The Hulk is the only one with a green dial. That single design choice makes it the most distinctive of the three and the one with the strongest collector following among modern references.

Starbucks

The current 126610LV earned the Starbucks nickname for its green and black color scheme. Some collectors also call it the "Cermit," short for ceramic Kermit. It offers the newer 3235 movement with a longer power reserve, slimmer lugs, and a slightly larger 41mm case, retailing around $11,900 in the US as of 2026.

Shop: Explore our authenticated Rolex Submariner collection

Why the Rolex Hulk Moved the Secondary Market

When the Hulk was in production, retail sat below $10,000, and supply was reasonably steady. Once Rolex confirmed its replacement in 2020, the math changed. No more Hulks would ever leave a factory, and the successor didn't offer a green dial.

Demand for green watches was rising at the same time. Rolex and other luxury brands were leaning into green dials, and the Hulk was the only steel Submariner that delivered the look. That combination sent prices sharply higher through 2021, with unworn examples trading above $30,000 at the early 2022 peak.

Like most of the market, Hulk values cooled after that peak. As of September 2026, pre-owned examples typically trade in the $18,000 to $25,000 range, with unworn full sets pushing higher. That is still roughly double its final retail price, a strong result for a steel watch that once sold at a discount.

Discontinued Submariners often follow this pattern. The white gold Smurf, which left the catalog the same year, saw a similar shift once collectors knew the supply was fixed.

Market values are approximate as of September 2026 and will change.

What to Check When Buying a Pre-Owned Hulk

The 116610LV is one of the most counterfeited modern Rolex watches, so inspection matters. Here's what an experienced buyer looks for.

Authenticity Details

Check for the laser-etched Rolex crown in the crystal near 6 o'clock and the serial number engraved on the inner rehaut. The Cyclops lens over the date should magnify it about 2.5 times. The bezel should click cleanly in one direction with 120 clicks per rotation, and the platinum-coated numerals should look sharp, not painted.

Dial Condition and Originality

Look for the subtle sunburst effect when the dial moves through the light. Collectors also track small production differences between earlier and later dials, often labeled Mark I and Mark II. Service replacement dials, hands, or bezels can reduce collector value even when they are genuine Rolex parts.

Case and Bracelet

The Maxi case has sharp, defined edges. Heavy polishing softens those lines and lowers value. Check the Glidelock mechanism for smooth operation and the bracelet for stretch.

Papers and Service History

Original box, warranty card, and service records add meaningful value. Watches sold from mid-2015 onward came with Rolex's five-year international guarantee card, so confirm the date and serial match the watch.

Living With a Hulk: Wearability and Service

On the wrist, the Hulk wears bigger than its 40mm size suggests. The Maxi case, broad lugs, and chunky crown guards give it real presence, so it suits medium to larger wrists especially well. Smaller wrists can still pull it off, but the Starbucks, with its slimmer lugs, may feel more balanced.

The green is also more versatile than it looks in photos. Because the sunburst dial shifts from bright emerald to deep forest green depending on light, it pairs easily with denim, navy, earth tones, and even tailoring. It's a daily wearer, not a special occasion watch.

When it comes to maintenance, the Caliber 3135 is one of the most serviced and best understood movements Rolex has made. Plan on a full service roughly every 10 years, or sooner if you notice timekeeping drift or reduced power reserve. When you do send it in, ask that the original dial, hands, and bezel insert be returned if any parts are replaced, since originality is a big part of the Hulk's value.

Where to Buy an Authentic Hulk

Because the Hulk is discontinued, the only way to buy one is on the pre-owned market. That makes the seller just as important as the watch.

Time of Swiss has authenticated pre-owned luxury watches in Los Angeles since 1990. Every watch is inspected before sale, and our team can walk you through condition, completeness, and dial details before you commit. If we don't have the right example in stock, we can source one for you.

Shop: Browse our authenticated green Submariner Hulk collection

Shop: Source a specific green Submariner through Time of Swiss

Is the Hulk Right for You?

The Rolex Hulk is for the buyer who wants a Submariner with personality. It keeps everything that makes the Submariner a benchmark dive watch, including 300 meters of water resistance, a durable ceramic bezel, and a proven movement, then wraps it in a color story no current steel Submariner offers.

If you prefer modern specs and a longer power reserve, the Starbucks is the practical pick. If you want vintage character, the Kermit delivers. But if you want the one green Submariner collectors will keep talking about, the Hulk is the answer.

Read more: Rolex Root Beer: another Rolex nickname worth knowing

Sell or Trade Your Watch If you're looking to sell your luxury watch or find out what it's worth, Time of Swiss offers free, no-obligation evaluations. Get started here.

Rolex Hulk FAQs: Price, Production, and Buying Tips

Is the Hulk Submariner still in production?

No. Rolex discontinued the 116610LV in September 2020.

It was replaced by the 41mm 126610LV, which has a black dial and green bezel. Any Hulk you buy today will be pre-owned or unworn from existing stock.

How much is the Hulk worth today?

Pre-owned Hulks typically sell for about $18,000 to $25,000 as of September 2026.

Unworn examples with full box and papers can sell for more. Condition, dial originality, and service history all affect the final price.

What is the difference between the Hulk and the Kermit?

The Hulk has a green dial and ceramic bezel, while the Kermit has a black dial and aluminum bezel.

The Kermit (16610LV) came first in 2003 for the Submariner's 50th anniversary. The Hulk replaced it in 2010 with a bolder all-green design.

Is the Hulk a good investment?

It has historically held value well, trading around double its final retail price.

Prices fell from the 2022 peak, so no watch is guaranteed to appreciate. Buy a complete, original example you'll enjoy wearing, and treat value retention as a bonus.

Where can I buy an authentic Hulk?

Time of Swiss in Los Angeles offers authenticated pre-owned Submariner models, including the Hulk when available.

Visit our showroom at 640 S Hill St or call (213) 891-0909. Our sourcing team can also locate a specific example for you.