The Rolex Submariner green ref. 116610LV – aka "Hulk" - is hard to miss with its vibrant green Maxi dial and matching ceramic bezel. As a 6-digit reference, the Hulk also features a more robust design set, including wider, more squared-off lugs, a larger crown guard, and more solid construction. Although it remains 40mm in diameter, it appears slightly larger than that measurement might suggest, earning the watch its Marvel-inspired nickname.
Rolex often commemorates anniversaries within their catalog by including their signature green hue somewhere on the watch. To mark the Submariner's 50th anniversary in 2003, Rolex unveiled the "Kermit" ref. 16610V, complete with a green aluminum bezel and the first instance of a modern Maxi dial within the Submariner series. This was the first time that a Submariner featured a bezel that wasn't black or blue. The ref. 16610V was also the only time a Sub had been produced with an aluminum bezel and a Max dial as this dial option is typically only offered alongside a ceramic bezel.
While aluminum has its redeeming qualities, for example, one might appreciate how it fades and ages over time, it isn't nearly as resistant as ceramic. In 2005, Rolex developed "Cerachrom" a very hard ceramic material intended for their professional series. The material is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and fading, making it the perfect material for the Submariner diver's watch. Compared to aluminum, Cerachrom is also more lustrous and holds a deeper hue.
Just five years later, the Submariner 116610LV Hulk entered the market. Just like the Kermit, it featured a green bezel, only now it was presented in tougher Cerachrom. It also swapped out the black Maxi dial in favor of green, which was the first time any Submariner wristwatch had ever been produced with a dial color other than black or blue.
Maxi Dial: The dial earns its name "Maxi" After the larger hour markers and wider hands. It is a staple of the 6-digit series, appearing previously only on the Kermit ref. 16610V. Although the term is also used to describe vintage Submariner watches with slightly larger hour markers, it is reserved primarily for modern Rolexes.
Super Case: There is no denying that the case on the Hulk is noticeably larger than that of its 5-digit predecessors. Even though it keeps the same 40mm diameter, it is more robust with broader lugs and a larger crown guard. It also offers standard water-resistance up to 1,000 feet via an innovative Triplock screw-down crown.
Uni-Directional Bezel: Every Modern Submariner is equipped with a uni-directional bezel designed to move in one direction only. Even if bumped while diving, the bezel will only count down to ensure safe timing of decompression stops and diving times.
Oystersteel: Oystersteel is Rolex's patented term for their 904L-grade stainless steel, which is extremely resistant to most corrosion and wear. It is the only option available for the Submariner Hulk.
Oyster Bracelet: The Hulk was only produced on the three-link Oyster bracelet. As a modern Submariner, the Oysterlock clasp includes Rolex's innovative "Glidelock" extension system, which can be adjusted on-the-fly without the use of tools to fit over the sleeve of a wetsuit.
Many speculated that the Rolex Hulk would be discontinued in 2020, and they were proven right when the brand rolled out their newest generation of 41mm Subs. That included a newer edition of the green bezel Submariner with a black dial via ref. 126610LV. With the recent discontinuation of ref. 116610LV, there has never been a better time to invest.
Rolex Hulk Reference Number(s): 116610LV
Years Rolex Hulk Was Produced: 2010 - Present
The "Hulk Submariner" gets its nickname from its all-green color profile and redesigned, thicker case. Introduced in 2010 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rolex's legendary dive watch, the "Hulk" marks the first time in Rolex history that the Submariner has been offered with any dial color other than black or blue. Although the actual case diameter of the "Hulk Submariner" is the same 40 mm as earlier iterations, the thicker lugs and Maxi dial give the Hulk (along with the rest of Rolex’s ceramic bezel sport watches) a larger and chunkier appearance. When combined with its green dial and bezel insert, this bolder case design makes for a visual appearance that reminds some of Marvel’s famous green superhero. To see a list of our full selection of Subs for sale visit our Rolex Submariner for sale used watches page.
Robert Downey Jr., Matt LeBlanc, Slash (from Guns and Roses), Mark Sanchez
A green dial paired with a green ceramic bezel insert with a 60-minute scale - made from Cerachrom.