New Arrival Spotlight: 2020 Rolex Submariner 116610LV “Hulk”
Some watches are popular. Others are era-defining. Our newly arrived 2020 Rolex Submariner 116610LV, better known to collectors as the “Hulk,” falls firmly into the second category.
Produced from around 2010 until its discontinuation in 2020, the 116610LV took the classic Submariner formula and dialed the personality way up—pairing a vibrant green ceramic bezel with a matching green sunburst dial. As soon as Rolex replaced it with the new 41 mm Submariner line and the black-dial/green-bezel 126610LV, demand for the Hulk exploded. Today, a late-production 2020 example is exactly the kind of piece serious collectors hunt for.
At East Coast Timepieces, we’re excited to offer this modern classic and give it the spotlight it deserves.
The Hulk in the Submariner Family
The Submariner hardly needs an introduction. Since its debut in the 1950s, it’s become the template for the modern dive watch and one of the most recognizable luxury watches on the planet. For decades, the default Submariner look was simple: black dial, black bezel, steel case.
The 116610LV broke that mold.
Introduced as the successor to the five-digit 16610LV “Kermit,” the Hulk brought:
- A larger, more modern “Super Case” with broader lugs and more wrist presence
- A green Cerachrom bezel insert—scratch- and fade-resistant ceramic
- A matching green sunburst dial, giving the watch a depth and play of light that photos never fully capture
Where the earlier Kermit paired a green aluminum bezel with a black dial, the Hulk went all-in on green. It was bold. It was different. And for a while, it was polarizing. Many collectors thought it was “too much” compared to the more conservative black Sub.
Fast-forward to today, and that boldness is exactly why the 116610LV is so coveted.
Why Collectors Love the 116610LV
There are a few key reasons the Hulk has become one of the most sought-after modern Rolex subs:
1. Discontinued Status
2020 marked the end of the 40 mm six-digit Submariner generation. Rolex transitioned to a 41 mm case family and, in the process, retired the 116610LV. Its effective spiritual successor, the 126610LV, has a green bezel but reverted to a black dial. That makes the Hulk the only full green Submariner in the line’s history.
Discontinued, distinctive, and produced for a finite window? That’s catnip for collectors.
2. The Green Sunburst Dial
In person, the Hulk’s dial is something special. Under direct light, it flares with metallic, almost emerald tones; in softer environments, it can look deeper, more forest-green, sometimes even bordering on black at the edges. That dynamic quality means you never quite see the same watch twice.
It’s a Submariner that doesn’t fade into the background—it changes character throughout the day.
3. Everyday Wearability
For all its color, the 116610LV is still a Submariner Date at heart:
- 40 mm Oystersteel case with 300 m (1,000 ft) water resistance
- Unidirectional rotating bezel for timing dives—or, more realistically, parking meters and steaks on the grill
- Chromalight lume for legibility in low light
- Oyster bracelet with Glidelock clasp, letting you fine-tune the fit without tools
You can wear it to the office, on a trip, or in the pool. It’s a serious watch that still plays just a little.
Design Details: The “Super Case” Era
The 116610LV belongs to what collectors call the Super Case generation of Submariners. While the diameter remains a classic 40 mm, the:
- Lugs are thicker and more squared-off
- Crown guards are more substantial
- Bezel design is slightly broader
This gives the watch a bigger visual footprint on the wrist, even if the measurements haven’t dramatically changed. Paired with the bright green execution, the Hulk has undeniable wrist presence—but still wears comfortably thanks to the short lug-to-lug and the excellent Oyster bracelet.
The ceramic bezel insert, made from Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom, resists scratches and fading far better than vintage aluminum bezels. The engraved numerals and markers are filled with platinum-colored PVD, giving them a crisp metallic look in contrast to the glossy green.
Inside the Hulk: Caliber 3135
Powering the 116610LV is Rolex’s tried-and-true Caliber 3135, one of the brand’s most respected automatic movements. Used across multiple generations of Submariner Date models, the 3135 is known for:
- Robust reliability in real-world use
- A Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to shock and temperature variation (in later executions)
- Approximately 48 hours of power reserve
- COSC chronometer certification, with Rolex’s own tighter timekeeping standards layered on top in more recent pieces
While Rolex has since moved to the newer 3235 movement in the 41 mm Submariner line, many collectors appreciate the 3135 as a proven, easily serviced workhorse that has earned its reputation over decades.
In a 2020 Hulk, you’re getting the final evolution of that classic movement in one of its most desirable cases.
Our 2020 Example: Late-Run Desirability
The example we’re offering at East Coast Timepieces is a 2020 Rolex Submariner 116610LV, from the final year of production. For many collectors, that matters:
- It represents the end of the line for the 40 mm Hulk.
- It captures the model at its most refined—benefiting from incremental improvements Rolex often makes over a reference’s lifespan.
- It’s a natural candidate for someone who wants the most recent, modern version of this exact configuration.
As with every watch we handle, this piece has undergone our full inspection process:
- Case, bezel, and bracelet are carefully evaluated for wear, originality, and correctness.
- The movement is checked for accuracy and amplitude, ensuring it’s running within expectations.
- We verify the serial and reference numbers and review any box, papers, and accessories included with the watch.
We’re happy to walk serious buyers through condition specifics and what’s included—front to back—so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Where the Hulk Fits in a Collection
One of the fun things about the 116610LV is how flexible it is in a broader collection.
- For some, it’s the centerpiece—the one flashy, modern Rolex that anchors a watch box full of more understated pieces.
- For others, it’s the colorful counterpart to a classic black Sub, a Daytona, or a dressier Patek or Lange.
- For newer collectors making a big first leap, it’s a way to get a core sports Rolex that doesn’t look like what everyone else is wearing.
It dresses down easily with casual clothes, yet the white-gold hands and indices, glossy ceramic, and sunburst dial also let it hold its own with a blazer or tailored jacket. If you want your everyday watch to actually feel special every time you glance at it, the Hulk delivers.
Why Buy Your Submariner from East Coast Timepieces?
We know that buying a high-demand Rolex like the Hulk often means navigating a crowded and sometimes sketchy market. At East Coast Timepieces, we focus on doing things the right way:
- Authenticity is non-negotiable. Every watch is examined by a professional watchmaker and verified before it ever hits our site.
- Transparent descriptions and communication. Have questions about polish history, bracelet stretch, or timing performance? We’ll tell you exactly what we see.
- Fully insured, discreet shipping. Your watch ships in plain packaging, fully insured, with adult signature required.
- Real relationships. Many of our clients have bought and sold multiple watches with us over the years—because the prices are fair, the process is smooth, and we always follow through.
If you’re thinking about funding this Hulk by moving another watch, we can also discuss trade-in or buy-out options to keep the process simple.
Ready to Talk Hulk?
The Rolex Submariner 116610LV “Hulk” sits at a unique intersection of modern capability, bold design, and collector significance. As a discontinued, full-green Sub from the last year of production, a 2020 example is exactly the sort of piece people look back on later and say, “I wish I’d grabbed one when I had the chance.”
If this watch has been on your radar—or if you’re just now realizing how special it is—reach out to East Coast Timepieces to:
- Request detailed photos and condition notes
- Discuss pricing, payment, and shipping options
- Explore potential trades to make room in your collection
The Hulk has earned its place as one of the most iconic modern Rolex references. Our 2020 example is ready for the next chapter of its story—maybe on your wrist.