2017 Rolex Submariner Hulk

The Rolex Submariner Hulk is one of the few modern Rolex references that earned its nickname on looks alone. Reference 116610LV, produced from 2010 to 2020, was the first Submariner to pair a green Cerachrom bezel with a matching green sunburst dial — and collectors took one look at the all-green sports watch and called it the Hulk. It has been out of production since 2020, and that scarcity is a large part of why it still commands the attention it does.

What Makes the Rolex Submariner Hulk a Modern Icon

Green is Rolex's colour, but the brand has always used it sparingly. The Hulk was the boldest expression of it: a bright, almost lacquered green dial that shifts under light, framed by the deep green ceramic bezel that never fades. Where the earlier 'Kermit' (16610LV) had a green bezel and a black dial, the Hulk committed fully. On the wrist it is unmistakable across a room, which is exactly why it became the Submariner that non-watch-people recognise.

Rolex Submariner Hulk — Key Specifications (Ref. 116610LV)

The Hulk uses the 40mm 'Super Case' in Oystersteel with its broad lugs and crown guards, a unidirectional 60-minute green Cerachrom bezel, and the Chromalight display with its long-lasting blue glow. Inside is the calibre 3135, the workhorse automatic movement with roughly 48 hours of power reserve and Rolex's Superlative Chronometer certification. It is water resistant to 300 metres and rides on the Oyster bracelet with the Glidelock clasp for on-the-fly micro-adjustment. This is the last generation of the 40mm ceramic Submariner, which gives the reference a natural end point that collectors value.

Why the Hulk Was Discontinued — and What That Did to Values

In 2020 Rolex replaced the entire 40mm ceramic Submariner line with the slightly larger 41mm 126610 family, and the green-on-green configuration did not carry over — the new green Submariner, the 'Starbucks' 126610LV, went back to a black dial. That decision instantly made the Hulk a closed chapter. A discontinued, single-generation, universally recognised sports Rolex is precisely the kind of watch the secondary market rewards, and pre-owned Hulk values have held firmly in the five-figure range well above its original retail.

Who Should Buy the Rolex Submariner Hulk

This is a watch for the buyer who wants presence without stepping outside the Submariner family. It suits someone who already appreciates the everyday practicality of a ceramic Submariner but wants the version people actually remember. It is equally a collector's pick — a discontinued reference with a real story and a fixed production window rarely disappoints over the long term. If you want a discreet steel diver, look at a black-dial Submariner; if you want the one that turns heads, this is it.

On the Wrist, and Why Box and Papers Matter Here

On the wrist the 40mm case wears true to size — substantial without being heavy, and the green reads brighter in daylight than most photographs suggest. It is a watch that works with a suit or a t-shirt, which is a large part of the Submariner's enduring appeal. Because this is a discontinued reference, documentation carries real weight at resale: a full set with the original box, warranty card and hang tags will always command a premium over a watch-only example, and it makes future authentication far simpler. If you plan to hold the piece long-term, prioritising a complete set is almost always the smarter buy, even at a slightly higher entry price.

Sourcing a Rolex Submariner Hulk Through Crown Watch Group

Because the Rolex Submariner Hulk is no longer made, every example is pre-owned, and condition and documentation matter enormously to value. We authenticate every watch in person, verify the serial and reference against the case and movement, and prioritise full-set examples with box and papers wherever possible. Tell us the condition, budget, and whether original documentation is essential, and we will source the right Hulk for you and deliver it fully insured. Start a sourcing request and we will come back with real options, not a waitlist.