Introductory Summary
The Rolex Submariner Date reference 116610LV is a stainless steel dive watch introduced in 2010 as part of the ceramic-bezel Submariner generation. Nicknamed the “Hulk” due to its green Cerachrom bezel and matching green sunburst dial, it marked a significant visual departure from earlier green-accent Submariners while remaining firmly within Rolex’s professional tool-watch lineage.
Core Specifications
- Brand: Rolex
- Collection: Submariner
- Reference: 116610LV
- Nickname: Hulk
- Production Start: 2010
- Production End: 2020
- Status: Discontinued
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Green Ceramic, unidirectional
- Dial: Green sunburst
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster bracelet
- Movement: Rolex Calibre 3135
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m / 1000ft
Reference Profile
The 116610LV replaced the anniversary reference 16610LV and was produced until 2020, occupying a distinctive position within the Submariner range as the only model of its generation to feature both a green bezel and green dial. It uses the pre-2020 Submariner case with broader lugs and crown guards, giving it a more robust wrist presence compared to earlier aluminium-bezel references, and has become one of the most recognisable modern Submariners.
Movement Overview
The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 3135, an automatic movement that served as the backbone of Rolex’s date-equipped sports models for over three decades. It features a Parachrom hairspring, offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve, and is widely regarded for its durability, ease of service, and long-term reliability, making it a proven and well-understood movement among collectors and watchmakers.
Functions & Complications
The 116610LV displays hours, minutes, and central seconds, with a date aperture at 3 o’clock magnified by a Cyclops lens. It features a unidirectional 60-minute ceramic dive bezel for elapsed time measurement, a screw-down Triplock crown, and water resistance rated to 300 metres, and is fitted with an Oyster bracelet incorporating Rolex’s Glidelock extension system for fine adjustment.
Buyer Considerations
This reference appeals to buyers seeking a modern Submariner with strong visual identity and collector recognition, particularly following its discontinuation in 2020. The green sunburst dial can show wear and fading differently under varying light conditions, while market pricing is highly sensitive to condition, originality, and full-set status, with unpolished examples commanding a notable premium over more heavily worn pieces.
Comparisons & Aternatives
The 116610LV is most often compared to its predecessor, the 16610LV, which pairs a green aluminium bezel with a black dial and slimmer case proportions, as well as to its successor, the 126610LV, which introduced a black dial, redesigned 41mm case, and calibre 3235. Outside Rolex, green-accent dive watches from brands such as Omega and Tudor offer alternative interpretations, though none carry the same market visibility or historical significance within the Submariner lineage.