The Rolex "Hulk" 116610LV with Wynn & Thayne

Our theme of the week is noting all things green. Watch expert Zayyar Win Thein, of second-hand and vintage watch business Wynn & Thayne, shares a closer look at the Rolex Submariner Date “Hulk” Reference 116610LV, arguably the most iconic green watch on the planet.

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In 2008, Rolex updated one of its most iconic watches, the Rolex Submariner. The reference 16610 had been in production for nearly two decades, beginning in 1988. It was definitely time for the brand to revitalise their tried-and-true sports watch as the world of horology entered a modern marketplace.

As technology improved through the 1990s and 2000s, Rolex slowly brought in a slew of changes across their range to modernise. Examples can be seen in solid end links that don’t bend, engraved rehaut for authenticity and legibility, improved luminous material to Chromalight, and no-hole cases for added security.

The new reference for the Submariner Date, the 116610, came with all of these features along with some key design changes to the case, bezel, and bracelet. While staying at 40mm in diameter, the lugs and crown guards were increased in size to nearly double, which gives the watch a larger wrist presence and brought along the nickname of “Super Case”. The ceramic ‘Cerachrom’ bezel insert was introduced, which is scratch-resistant compared to the aluminium inserts used on the older reference. Finally, a new and improved Oyster bracelet with a glide lock system to allow for a more comfortable fit.

By 2010, Rolex had multiple iterations for their new modernised Submariner, with the most sought-after being the 116610LV. Nicknamed the "Hulk", the watch features a full green dial and bezel. It was a direct successor to the 16610LV Kermit, which also features a green bezel and a glossy black dial. The 116610LV "Hulk" has since become an iconic reference in Rolex’s history and pioneered a new chapter for the Submariner and for Rolex. Due to the difficulty of acquiring this watch when it was in production and now being discontinued, it still demands a premium for collectors around the world.