Rolex Hulk 116610LV: A Hulk Smash Hit!
Let’s face it, this one’s pretty self-evident; the Rolex Hulk is a big green Submariner.
And, it’s a pop culture fixture from film to fashion. With the now infamous Submariner 116610 LV “Incredible Hulk,” Rolex added comics to the list. Like Bruce Banner, this Hulk has a beginning. Unlike the Marvel anti-hero though, Rolex’s Submariner Hulk wasn’t born from a gamma radiation accident.
In this blog we’ll cover:
> The History of the Rolex Hulk
> An In-Depth Look at the Rolex Submariner Hulk
A Hulk Sized Origin Story
Rolex’s use of green all started in 2003 as they marked the Submariner’s 50th anniversary with the Rolex “Kermit” ref. 11610V, boasting a green aluminum bezel and the first modern Maxi dial within the watch series. Combine the 2008 “Super Case”/”Maxi Dial” 116610 Sub with a green bezel and a green dial, and you’re one fateful nickname away from a gamma-burst of Rolex collector infatuation.
Then A few years later in 2010, Rolex released the Rolex Hulk ref. 116610V which was their first timepiece with a green bezel and dial. Today, this reference is recognized as a big, green, and mean luxury sports watch that adds color and flair to the Submariner catalog—plus, after only a decade, it’s already a collector phenomenon and fan favorite. Rolex is known for experimenting with different dial colors, but the Hulk stands out as one of its staples.
It seems like all of five minutes passed between the LV’s Basel ’10 reveal and its transformation from Bruce Banner decorum to raucous radioactive myth.
Why Watch Collectors Can’t Get Enough
The Rolex Submariner green has a sensible side to match its alter ego. There’s a reason why the legendary Submariner model – which predates the 1962 debut of Stan Lee’s big guy by nine years – stands as the most beloved model within the world’s most coveted line of luxury watches. In short, the Sub epitomizes the go-anywhere luxury sports watch.
In 2020, Rolex officially discontinued the Rolex Hulk Submariner 116610LV. Once the news got out, prices for the Rolex Hulk began to climb and this already popular watch developed more of a waiting list—sometimes up to 3 years at authorized Rolex dealers. Because of the wait time and high demand, many collectors began purchasing their Rolex Hulk pre-owned and at a higher price.
Whether or not the Rolex Hulk comes back remains to be seen. The Submariner collection underwent some changes that proved to be too significant for the Rolex Hulk and the watch was considered outdated. While the Hulk has been tamed, for the moment at least, the Kermit has made a comeback. But, for every collector who has dreamed of wearing their watch while pounding their fists saying “Hulk Smash!”, the Kermit simply isn’t enough.
Because of the watch’s popularity and now with a finite number in circulation, collectors love adding the Rolex Hulk to their collection.
The Story Behind The Collection
Enthusiasts add luxury watches to their collection for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is a financial investment. For others, it’s a love for the subtle art of horology. While collecting luxury watches isn’t for everyone, for Dr. Albert Coombs it’s a family tradition that started with his grandfather. Watch this interview with Dr. Coombs to learn the heartwarming story of how he came to purchase the Rolex Hulk.
An In-Depth Look at the Marvel-ous Hulk
Submariner Date “Hulk” ref. 116610LV-0002
Style: Casual, Dress, Sport
Case: 40mm, Solid, Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Automatic
Precision Movement
Within the 116610 generation of Submariners, Rolex’s in-house caliber 3135 keeps the time. Like the Porsche 911 and the Gibson Les Paul, the Rolex 3135 is a classic that only improves with time. Today, the 28,800 VpH movement combines Rolex’s exclusive Parachrom Blue antimagnetic hairspring, free-sprung balance, and full balance bridge to maintain precision in the face of extreme conditions.
More than a tough movement, the Cal. 3135 is timed to COSC chronometer standards twice: firstly at the COSC lab and secondly at Rolex after being cased. While chronometer-grade watches are not terribly rare, testing for this standard of accuracy after casing is exceptional.
Unrivaled Resilience
Durability is a given with any Rolex Submariner. Each of the 116610 Subs features 1,000′ water resistance, a bank-vault case, and, when the Submariner in question is stainless steel, Rolex employs its peerless 904L proprietary steel blend. The latter is cast in Rolex‘s own foundry and will hold a finish far better than the industry-standard 316L stainless found in virtually all competing watches.
Cultivated Style
Rolex never fails to deliver durability, but refinement is the other pillar of its reputation. To that end, the Submariner 116610 LV incorporates deposited platinum within the recesses of the indexes and numerals on the ceramic bezel insert. And, while the “Hulk” color scheme was a 2010 novelty, the bolder dial details and “hulking” case proportions debuted on the 2008 Submariner 116619 “Smurf.” Lascivious musings on Smurfette notwithstanding, there was little about that megabuck white gold super to animate the perpetual adolescent mentality that drives luxury sports watch sales.
However, the 2010 “Incredible Hulk” Submariner was a different story; the standout size and color of this thing speaks to the kid in every grown man. Rolex deserves credit for a success rate that puts Marvel’s “Hulk” film adaptations to shame. With the money studios have spent on “Incredible Hulk” reboots since Ang Lee’s 2003 fiasco, a watch nut could raid about a decade of marquee events at Christie’s and Antiquorum. In contrast, Rolex hit box office Green with its first shot.
The Rolex Hulk Dial
Rolex debuted the 116610 LV “Hulk” as the heir to its well-loved 16610 LV fiftieth anniversary model that debuted in 2003 to mark a half-century of the world’s favorite dive watch. Critically, the Hulk broke from the color scheme of its predecessor, which featured a green bezel in tandem with a black dial. Green is a long-running corporate signature of Rolex, and for 2010, the Geneva giant doubled-down with a second helping of verdure.
The green dial, which Rolex described as “green gold” upon its launch, is a Soleil pattern metallic finish that radiates from the junction of the hands and pulls one’s eyes toward the matching bezel. In direct light, the dial has a three-dimensional effect and morphs between shades of green as light dances across its gentle sunburst grain pattern.
Like the Hulk himself, the appearance and intensity of this dial are anything but stable.
Cerachrom, The Real Superhero
Rolex’s Cerachrom dial continues the metamorphosis from staid Sub to superhero. For the first time, the company’s proprietary ceramic has been rendered in Rolex green, and the effect is… smashing. Colored ceramic bezels remain a rarity even in the year 2014, and the charm of this Rolex Submariner green remains as pointed today as it was upon its debut in 2010.
The benefits of ceramic bezels are present in full; Rolex’s Cerachrom never will fade, rub off, or wear-through. Its resistance to scratches and scuffs is as formidable as a sapphire crystal, and barring a truly catastrophic hit (like, a “dude, where’s my arm?” level of trauma), only diamond or gamma-enhanced violence can scratch Cerachrom.
A Bracelet and Clasp with Support
An Oyster bracelet with solid links and end links matches the lofty standard of the burly case. This bracelet features a gorgeous brushed finish on the broad faces of its links; link shoulders are polished for contrast. The milled Oysterclasp continues to avenge the Rolex reputation sullied by the old stamped clasps. Milled steel imparts a feel best compared to a solid ingot of metal, and the luxuriously smooth “snick” of the lock’s action will inspire repeated use simply to admire its quality.
While previously stamped clasps made do with mediocre adjustable-pin systems for field sizing, the new Oysterclasp’s Glidelock moves with fluid ease. Its tool-free adjustment permits 20 mm of on-the-fly sizing in 2 mm increments. Slip “The Hulk” over a wetsuit or winter coat with consummate ease. Short of Bruce Banner-grade wardrobe issues, the Glidelock should provide all the sizing support an owner ever could require.
Truth be told, Bruce always came across as more of a Rolex Milgauss kind of guy, but a standard Submariner wouldn’t seem totally out of place on his wrist. It’s a sober choice, after all. But the Cerachrom-green bezel and sunburst metallic dial of the Rolex Hulk Submariner 116610 LV aren’t sober touches. They’re incredible.
Finding a Rolex Submariner Hulk
The Rolex Hulk is available from The 1916 Company. All pre-owned luxury watches purchased through The 1916 Company pass a rigorous inspection and come with The 1916 Company’s 2-year warranty. We guarantee that our watches represent outstanding quality and are in excellent condition. Browse our selection of Rolex Hulk watches today to find your next rare Rolex Hulk.
Keeping the Submariner Legacy Alive
Having found favor on wrists from Hollywood celebrities like Sean Connery and Roger Moore, to British Royal Marines, there are few assignments a Rolex Submariner cannot handle. Since the 1980s evolution of Rolex divers into luxury accessories, the rugged Submariner has become a welcome companion among the business elite and keepers of polite company.
And if you happen to alternate between a lab coat and purple shorts, the Sub’s good for that, too…
Interested in learning more about Rolex dive watches like the Submariner? Read this article that breaks down these robust tool watches, or discover the most extreme Rolex dive watch on the market.
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