ROLEX SUBMARINER HULK

The history of this Rolex Submariner Hulk

The Rolex Submariner Hulk continues a lineage that began in 1953, when the brand introduced the first wristwatch water-resistant to 100 metres. In 2003, to mark the model’s 50th anniversary, Rolex fitted the Submariner Date 16610LV with a green bezel. At the 2010 Baselworld fair, the 116610LV model went a step further, extending the green colour to the sunburst dial and the Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert – a first for the Submariner. Collectors immediately nicknamed it the ‘Hulk’, a name that has since entered common usage. It remained in the catalogue until 2020, when the Submariner Date increased to 41 mm and reverted to a black dial beneath its green bezel. The all-green version has had no successor.

Case, movement and bracelet of this Submariner Date

The steel Oyster case measures 40 mm, with satin-finished lugs on top, polished sides and a screw-down crown protected by a shoulder. The solid screw-down caseback ensures water resistance to 300 metres. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a green Cerachrom insert graduated to 60 minutes, marked minute by minute for the first quarter of an hour. The green sunburst dial features round hour markers, two baton hour markers and a triangle at 12 o’clock, all of which are luminescent, as are the Mercedes-style hands. The date is displayed at 3 o’clock beneath the Cyclops lens in the sapphire crystal. The calibre 3135, a chronometer-certified automatic movement, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour on 31 jewels and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. The Oyster bracelet with brushed links fastens with an Oysterlock folding clasp, whose safety lever prevents accidental opening.

Why this Rolex watch

Rolex ceased production of this model in 2020 and replaced it with a version featuring a black dial, meaning the Rolex Hulk is now only available second-hand. Its 40 mm case with wide lugs, characteristic of this generation, sits firmly on the wrist. The ceramic bezel is scratch-resistant and retains its colour, whilst its water resistance to 300 metres means it can be worn every day without any special precautions. Depending on the angle, the sunburst finish makes the dial shift from a deep green to a lighter green. This example, sold in Geneva in December 2011, dates from the early years of production and retains all its original accessories.

Contents and condition

The watch is supplied complete with its case, outer box, its leather card holder and Rolex warranty card dated December 2011, its Submariner booklet, its suede pouch, its cleaning cloth and its sealed label. It has recently been polished and features clean surfaces, sharp edges on the case and an even satin finish on the links. The ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal show no significant wear. For the buyer, the recent polishing has removed most of the marks left by wear.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.