The Ultimate Guide to Rolex Green Dial Watches: History, Models, and Investment Value

Rolex’s green dial watches display the natural house color of this Swiss watchmaking brand. They can be found on some of today’s most sought-after, desirable and exclusive watches. These timepieces are made to celebrate an anniversary, like the 50th birthday of the Submariner, or to exude the ultimate in luxury, as in the case of the yellow gold Daytona. Either way, they are nearly always among the most coveted and investment-grade used Rolex watches of all.

This is your complete guide to every green face Rolex model in production, including the iconic “Hulk” Submariner, the classic “Mint Green” Datejust and the refined and powerful “Olive” Day-Date. No matter where you are in your luxury watch collecting journey, we’re confident there’s a green dial Rolex out there for you.

Key Takeaways:

Variety of Hues: Rolex offers multiple shades of green, from the vibrant sunburst “Hulk” to the matte lacquer of the Oyster Perpetual and the refined “Mint Green” Datejust

Market Value: Green dial variants typically command a premium over their black or blue counterparts in both retail and secondary markets

Availability: Some models remain in current production while others, like the Submariner “Hulk,” have been discontinued and achieved legendary status

Let’s look through the full lineup and get into what makes this famous Rolex colorway so interesting.

Why Green? The Significance of the Rolex Brand Color

Green has long been Rolex’s brand color. It is the predominant color on packaging, hang tags, shopping bags and in the brand’s broader visual language. For many years, it was only used on packaging and in marketing collateral. As a result, the color is now almost as synonymous with the Crown as the logo itself.

The first time the brand used green on an actual watch was with the 2003 Submariner ref. 16610LV. Nicknamed the “Kermit,” this 50th Anniversary edition was the first time the brand ever placed its signature green on a watch component: the aluminum bezel insert. Since then, the brand has used this, and other colors, to mark special occasions and introduce limited and collectible editions.

Green bezels are of course extremely popular and iconic, starting with the “Kermit” and its popular successor the “Starbucks.” However, in this guide, we will be focusing on green dials, where the color is even more visible as it appears on the face of the watch at all times. The dial is an even bolder use of the brand color, and as a result, it is only used on models of special significance or aimed at collectors looking for something extra.

The Heavy Hitters: Iconic Rolex Green Dial Sports Watches

Rolex’s sports line offers some of the most notable green dial watches in the watch industry. The tool watches are not only rugged and functional but they are powerful style statements as well, showing that professional watches can be visually stunning. Each model in the sports series has its own personality while still holding up as a Rolex sports watch performance-wise.

The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” (Ref. 116610LV)

The Submariner ref. 116610LV, more commonly referred to as the “Hulk,” is a widely recognized king of green dial watches. Produced from 2010-2020, the Hulk has a dramatic sunburst green dial which can give the illusion of dark forest green to bright emerald based on lighting conditions. The depth and detail in the dial, matched with the color-matched green Cerachrom bezel, made for a harmonious design that collectors couldn’t get enough of.

After Rolex discontinued the Hulk in 2020, debuting instead the Submariner ref. 126610LV (green bezel, but with a return to black dial), secondary market prices skyrocketed for the Hulk. Collectors who realized they could no longer buy that specific combination of green bezel/green dial from a Rolex authorized dealer flocked to buy up as many as they could, and it is still to this day one of the most expensive pre-owned stainless steel sport watches available.

Quick Specs: Rolex Submariner “Hulk”

Reference Number | Case Size | Material | Key Features
116610LV | 40mm | Oystersteel | Green Cerachrom bezel, Green sunburst dial, 300m water resistance

The Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” (Ref. 116508)

Rolex’s yellow gold Daytona ref. 116508 in green is something of an outlier in the catalog. 18k yellow gold and a dark, rich green dial (described variously as “racing green” or “Christmas tree” green) sits at the upper end of the Daytona range and marks the intersection of sports watch and jewelry. The dial, in particular, has a much more muted, burnished look that is far more luxurious than the bright sunburst finish used on the Submariner.

Nicknamed “The John Mayer” after the artist raved about his love for the reference in a popular Hodinkee video interview, the watch saw a marked increase in desirability from collectors and a price increase on the secondary market. The watch was already a popular model for those who wanted to combine precious metal with a green face. However, the high profile interview cemented the ref. 116508’s status as a Daytona holy grail.

The GMT-Master II (Honorable Mention)

It should be noted that the GMT-Master II ref. 116718LN, while often overlooked in favor of the Submariner and Daytona, is also worthy of note as a solid green dial variant, in its own right. Yellow gold in color, this 50th anniversary edition GMT-Master features a green dial with a black ceramic bezel. The end result is a cohesive, coordinated look that collectors may want to consider when looking for something a little more rare than the ubiquitous blue/red “Pepsi” or blue/black “Batman” configurations.

Bear in mind that the popular GMT-Master II “Sprite” (ref. 126720VTNR), which features a green and black bezel, sports a standard black dial. This left-handed crown positioned, strikingly bezel-ed watch has received no shortage of interest on its own, but is outside the purview of this guide.

Sophistication in Color: Green Dials in Dress Collections

Rolex’s dress watch collections provide a different take on the green dial, focusing on elegance and versatility rather than tool watch practicality. These models show how green can be as effective in formal settings, boardrooms, and evening events as it is on sports watches. The use of green here is more subtle and refined.

The Rolex Day-Date 40 and 36

The Day-Date, often called the “President,” features green in multiple sophisticated variations. Each shade serves a different aesthetic purpose and appeals to distinct collector preferences.

The Olive Green

Rolex’s proprietary rose gold alloy, Everose, adorns the 60th anniversary Day-Date’s olive green dial. A muted, earthy shade, it has a distinctly modern-yet-timeless feel to it. It’s also a gorgeous complement to the warm pink of rose gold, which we love. Olive green has a more subdued, mature feel than brighter greens and it’s become a favorite for collectors seeking something just a little different.

The Ombré Green

Certain Day-Date 36 models feature diamond-set dials with an ombré effect that transitions from black at the center to green at the edges. This gradient approach adds visual interest and demonstrates Rolex’s expertise in dial finishing techniques.

The Classic Green

Classic yellow gold Day-Date models with a flat green dial make the most obvious statement. Often called “money green,” these timepieces pack two icons of wealth and success into one very powerful package. The mix of precious metal and flash of color makes these Presidential Rolex green face watches an unmistakable status symbol.

The Rolex Datejust “Mint Green”

One of the most successful modern Datejusts is one that has completely usurped the role of white dial watches in terms of popularity, and that is the Datejust with a mint green dial. Rolex produces this in several cases sizes,36mm, 31mm, and 41mm. It’s also an option for the Sky-Dweller. The green dial of the Datejust is a softer more versatile green that looks like a pastel in some lighting conditions, but retains enough pigmentation to really stand out.

Mint green Datejusts are so popular because the color is more accessible than, for example, the Submariner Hulk’s intense sunburst green. It is a bit more subdued, and plays well in both casual and business environments, making it an easy addition to the wardrobes and watchcases of just about anyone. Buyers looking for their first green Rolex or a way to add some diversity to their collection have shown a huge appetite for this dial color, creating high demand.

A special mention goes to the discontinued “Palm Motif” dial variant, which features a laser-etched palm leaf pattern overlaid on the mint green surface. The Palm Motif’s discontinuation has elevated its status among enthusiasts seeking rare variations within the Datejust family.

The Oyster Perpetual (Stella Inspired)

Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual line with lacquer dials was a shot in the arm for the brand’s entry level line-up when it was released in 2020. This green version is flat and glossy like the fabled Stella dials of the 1970s that used bright lacquer shades for the Day-Date. Vintage Stella dials are among the most expensive and collectible Rolex models at auction.

The current version in this shade is a more affordable way to own a piece of that history. The green dial was made available to many case sizes, including 41mm, 36mm and 31mm, which are all currently in production.

A Guide to Rolex Green Shades: Which One Suits You?

Once you understand the various greens Rolex works with, it becomes easier to choose the model that fits your style. Every shade brings its own character and tells a slightly different story on the wrist.

Name | Appearance | Found On | Vibe
Sunburst Green | Shimmering metallic finish that changes from dark to bright depending on light | Submariner “Hulk” (116610LV) | Sporty, bold, eye-catching
Mint Green | Soft pastel shade with subtle luster, versatile and refined | Datejust 36 and 41 | Elegant, modern, approachable
Olive Green | Dark, mossy tone with earthy undertones | Day-Date 40 in Everose | Sophisticated, subtle, mature
Lacquer Green | Flat, glossy finish with vibrant saturation | Oyster Perpetual 31, 36 and 41 | Playful, vintage-inspired, fun
Racing Green | Deep, rich green with darker tones | Daytona “John Mayer” (116508) | Luxurious, exclusive, statement piece

Market Analysis: Are Green Rolex Watches a Good Investment?

The resale market has consistently shown that green dial Rolexes can demand a higher premium as compared to the black, white or blue versions. This “green premium” can be explained by basic laws of supply and demand. Green dial Rolex watches have always been produced in limited quantities as compared to their regular counterparts.

Discontinuation also plays a role here. For instance, the resale value of the Submariner “Hulk” rose after it was discontinued back in 2020, as consumers flocked to buy the green dial, and green bezel, model before it was no longer available as new.

Material also plays a significant role. The price of a yellow gold Daytona “John Mayer” is many times more than its steel version. Celebrity and social media influence have also caused temporary hype around certain models. However, desirable watches maintain their value over time.

Key factors affecting green Rolex values:

Discontinuation status: Watches removed from production typically see price increases as supply becomes fixed

Material composition: Gold models command higher premiums than stainless steel

Dial complexity: Special finishes like sunburst or ombré effects add value

Size availability: Models in popular case sizes (36mm and 41mm) tend to hold value better

Celebrity influence: High-profile owners can create demand spikes

Production volume: Limited production runs or anniversary editions maintain scarcity

Historically, green Rolex watches have proven to hold value and appreciate. The Submariner “Hulk” now sells in the pre-owned market for $18,000 to $22,000, over 100% of the retail price. The yellow gold Daytona will see prices above $80,000 depending on condition and market forces. Even the more accessible green Oyster Perpetual will start at around $7,000 to $9,000, a premium over retail for discontinued references.

Watch the Video: The Green Rolex Hierarchy, 10 Icons Ranked

For a closer look at green Rolex watches, we ranked the 10 most important green models Rolex has produced, from the entry-level Oyster Perpetual to the iconic Submariner Hulk. Drawing on more than 15 years of internal sales data, the video looks past the hype to show which models have truly mattered in the secondary market, and which one collectors may regret passing up.

The countdown starts with pieces like the Stella-inspired Oyster Perpetual 41 and the discontinued Milgauss GV, still the only Rolex ever made with a green sapphire crystal. From there, it moves into well-known sport models including the original Kermit, the Starbucks, and the left-handed Sprite GMT-Master II. It also covers some of the biggest standouts in the category, including the mint green Sky-Dweller, the olive dial Everose Day-Date created for the model’s 60th anniversary, and the John Mayer Daytona, a watch that once sat in cases before exploding in value.

At the top of the list is the Submariner Hulk, reference 116610LV, the watch that helped turn green into something much bigger than a dial color. With its rich sunburst dial and years of strong demand, it stands as the clear leader among premium green Rolex models. Watch the full video above to see how the rest of the ranking plays out and where the data points next.

Expanding Your Collection with a Pop of Color

A green dial Rolex represents more than a passing trend. Enthusiasts seeking the greatest “sports creds” might opt for the Rolex Submariner “Hulk.” While collectors with eyes on a watch with more versatility might reach for the mint green Rolex Datejust. Either way, a green dial catches the eye, that’s for sure, and it’s a great conversation starter. Green dials prove that serious watches don’t have to be dull, and that Rolex continues to develop and change without sacrificing its own core identity.

Some collectors might wait years for the opportunity to own a green dial Rolex. The “Hulk” Submariner and the original “John Mayer” Daytona (a new version via ref. 126508 has since hit the market) are discontinued models. Production of many current models has long waitlists, and are therefore not a realistic purchase option. Bob’s Watches is well-equipped to help watch lovers find their elusive green dial Rolex. As a retailer of authenticated pre-owned Rolex watches, we can offer the breadth of selection and on-hand inventory simply not available at authorized dealers. Visit our selection of authentic used Rolex watches today.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, green dial models are typically produced in more limited numbers than the regular black, white or blue dial versions. Models like the discontinued Submariner “Hulk” or the “Palm Motif” Datejust are considered ultra-rare and especially collectible. In some cases, the more modern green dial watches have limited availability at authorized retailers as well. The Rolex Submariner ref. 116610LV, or “Hulk”, is easily the most iconic green dial watch of all time, but the Datejust 41 with its mint green dial is the most popular modern-production reference because of its practicality and universal approach to wearability. Green Rolex watches have a history of being able to hold value very well. Watches like the yellow gold Daytona “John Mayer” and the Submariner “Hulk” both trade hands for hundreds of percent over retail on the secondary market. That’s mostly because of limited availability and massive collector demand. The “Hulk” (ref. 116610LV) has a green Cerachrom bezel as well as a green sunburst dial. The “Kermit” (ref. 16610LV) and its successor the “Starbucks” (ref. 126610LV) have green bezels as well but have standard black dials. The Hulk is the only modern Submariner to have a green dial. Yes, Rolex does have several green dial models available in precious metals. The most notable ones would be the yellow gold Daytona (ref. 116508), the yellow gold GMT-Master II (ref. 116718LN), and the rose gold Day-Date 40 with olive green dial. The gold versions are the cream of the crop within the green dial segment. Prices depend greatly on model and material. An Oyster Perpetual can begin at $7,000 to $9,000 on the pre-owned market. A “Hulk” Submariner generally falls in the range of $18,000 to $22,000. Gold examples, such as the Daytona, can top $80,000 based on condition and market factors.