The Rolex Submariner sparks debate, especially between the “Hulk” and the “Starbucks”. The Hulk dazzles with its full green dial and bezel, while the Starbucks pairs a classic black dial with a green bezel.
While the Hulk has been discontinued, making it increasingly rare and valuable, the Starbucks is still in production but sought-after, offering strong investment potential.
Though not as rare as the Hulk, the Starbucks is climbing in desirability. Collectors keen on appreciation will find both promising, with the Hulk particularly continuing to rise in value over time. Keep reading this Rolex Hulk vs Starbucks review for more.
Comparison Table
The table below highlights the key differences between the Rolex Hulk and the Rolex Submariner:
| Feature | Rolex Hulk | Rolex Starbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Luxury Dive Watch / Sporty Statement | Luxury Dive Watch / Modern Classic Update |
| Movement | Caliber 3135 (older gen) | Caliber 3235 (Date model) |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters / 1000 feet | 300 meters / 1000 feet |
| Bezel | Green Cerachrom ceramic, unidirectional | Green Cerachrom ceramic, unidirectional |
| Case Size | 40mm | 41mm |
| Materials | 904L stainless steel | Oystersteel |
| Dial Color | Green sunburst dial | Black lacquered dial |
| Function(s) | Time, date, unidirectional bezel, diving features | Time, date, unidirectional bezel, diving features |
| Bracelet | Oyster bracelet with Glidelock clasp with a wetsuit extension system | Oyster bracelet with improved Glidelock clasp with an extension system |
| Price Range | Retail price of S$12,200 as of September 2021 and a S$23,195 market price as of April 12, 2025. | S$15,950 retail price as of April 2025 and a S$18,585 market price as of April 12, 2025. |
The Rolex Hulk offers bold, standout styling with its vibrant green dial and bezel, appealing to collectors. In contrast, the Starbucks delivers timeless versatility with subtle black aesthetics. Both boast exceptional dive watch capabilities, but the Hulk’s discontinued status and unique color elevate its desirability and market value.
Brief History
The story of the Rolex Submariner began in 1953 when diving was an emerging field of science and recreation. Rolex, already recognized for its Oyster case and waterproof expertise, sought to create a watch that could withstand the harshest underwater conditions while remaining elegant and wearable on land.
The result was the Submariner family, which debuted to the public at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. Initially rated for 100 meters of water resistance, it was revolutionary, pairing form and function with effortless style.
Over the decades, Rolex refined the Submariner collection with technological improvements such as screw-down crowns with Triplock systems, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, luminous dial variations for deep-sea readability, and increased depth ratings to 300 meters. Yet, through all these evolutions, the Submariner kept its signature aesthetic: a clean dial, rotating timing black bezel, and unparalleled legibility.
Its reputation grew among professional divers, adventurers, pilots, military operatives, and even style icons like James Bond, further embedding it into cultural legend. As Rolex perfected the Submariner lineup, it began experimenting with bold colors and limited models — leading to the birth of the Hulk.
Rolex Hulk (ref. 116610LV)
Rolex introduced the Submariner Date 116610LV ‘‘Hulk’’ in 2010. The reference “LV” in Rolex terminology stands for Lunette Verte or “green bezel” in French. But the Hulk wasn’t just about the bezel — for the first time, Rolex paired a bright green Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a striking, metallic green sunburst dial.
The nickname “Hulk” came organically from collectors and enthusiasts who saw the similarities between the Marvel superhero’s unmistakable green appearance and the watch’s muscular, robust design. It exuded strength and presence, much like its namesake.
During its production run, it underwent subtle refinements, which collectors today classify into three distinct versions, or “Marks,” namely Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3. It was discontinued in 2020, much to the disappointment of fans, and with that, it began its ascent as a modern collector’s icon.
Rolex Starbucks (ref. 126610LV)
In the same year that the Rolex Submariner Date Hulk was discontinued, Rolex introduced a fresh chapter in green Submariner watches with the Submariner Date 126610LV, quickly nicknamed the Starbucks (and Cermit) by the watch community. This nickname was inspired by the familiar green-and-black color scheme reminiscent of the Starbucks coffee logo — the watch features a vivid green ceramic bezel surrounding a classic black lacquer dial.
Unlike the Hulk, it offered a more restrained and versatile look, appealing to those who appreciated the flair of green but preferred the timelessness of a black dial. Its launch coincided with Rolex’s broader redesign of the Submariner line, which included a subtle increase in case size to 41mm.
However, thanks to slimmer lugs and a more refined profile, it maintained excellent proportions on the wrist. It’s available in two versions so far: The Mk1 and the Mk2. We’ll get into the details shortly.
Design and Aesthetics
The Rolex Hulk has a 40mm 904L stainless steel “Maxi Case,” meaning it has broader lugs and chunkier crown guards than its predecessors, giving it a muscular, robust stance. This bulkiness is part of what led to its “Hulk” nickname — it looks powerful on the wrist, with proportions that feel bold yet balanced. The high-polish finishing on the case flanks and the brushed finish on the bracelet provide a play between shine and subtlety.
Its most defining feature is its green-on-green color scheme — both the bezel and the dial wear shades of green, but they play very differently depending on the light. Its dial has a sunburst metallic green finish, which catches and reflects light in constantly changing ways.
In bright sunlight, it radiates a lively emerald sparkle, while under softer light, it deepens into a mossy green, almost as if it’s alive. The texture of the sunburst pattern adds dimension, making the sunburst green dial seem to dance as you tilt the watch at different angles. As we indicated earlier, the Hulk is available in three iterations. The differences mostly have to do with the font on their dials:
- Mk1 (2010-2015): The equals sign on the ‘‘1000ft=300m’’ is exactly in the middle and there’s a space between ‘‘300’’ and ‘‘m.’’
- Mk2 (2013-2016): The equals symbol is shifted to the right slightly.
- Mk3 (2016-2020): The ‘‘f’’ in ‘‘ft’’ becomes longer, the equals sign is italicized and moved slightly more to the right, and there’s no space between ‘‘300’’ and ‘‘m’’.
In contrast, the Rolex Submariner Starbucks has a slightly larger case at 41mm, but Rolex has cleverly refined the proportions. The lugs are thinner and more elegant, giving it a more balanced and wearable profile compared to the Hulk’s chunkier Super Case. This slight adjustment in design makes it wear beautifully on a wider range of wrist sizes.
It represents an evolution of the green-themed Submariner but with a distinctly more understated and versatile aesthetic. It has the familiar Rolex Submariner silhouette — classic, timeless — but with fresh nuances that make it stand out. It has a bezel with a green insert and here’s where the Mk1 and Mk2 versions come in:
- Mk1: Features an insert with a darker yet subtle green tone
- Mk2: Has an insert with a brighter and milder green tone
Moreover, it has a classic, deep black lacquered Maxi dial, which provides a beautiful contrast against the green bezel. The traditional black dial offers a more subdued canvas that lets the green bezel be the highlight without overpowering the overall design.
Functionality and Features
Differences
The Rolex Hulk Submariner is a fully capable professional dive watch that uses the Rolex Caliber 3135 automatic mechanical movement, which features a quick-set date function, allowing the wearer to adjust the date independently of the time. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), offering about 48 hours of power reserve.
The bracelet is Rolex’s rugged Oyster bracelet, with a solid link construction in corrosion-resistant Oyster Steel. Importantly, it includes the Glidelock clasp system, allowing for tool-free micro-adjustments up to 20mm in length. This is especially useful for divers who need to fit the watch over a wetsuit and watch enthusiasts seeking comfort throughout the day, as wrist size naturally fluctuates.
On the other hand, the Rolex Starbucks 126610LV is powered by the automatic Caliber 3235 movement with a generous 70-hour power reserve. It includes Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, which enhances efficiency and reliability, and is resistant to magnetic fields — an increasingly important feature in modern daily life.
Some of the subtle yet significant improvements are in its case and bracelet design. It has a slightly larger case and an Oyster bracelet fitted with an improved version of the Glidelock extension system, allowing for even smoother, secure adjustments.
Functionally, it’s an everyday companion just as much as it is a professional dive instrument. With its extended power reserve, anti-magnetic properties, and refined wearability, it feels like a Submariner perfectly suited for rugged adventures and polished occasions.
Similarities
Both Rolex models have a 300m (1,000 feet)-water resistance rating and feature Rolex’s Triplock crown system, which ensures the case remains sealed even at depth. They also have a unidirectional rotating bezel, allowing divers to time their underwater excursions safely.
Their dials also utilize Chromalight luminescence, providing exceptional readability in low-light conditions. The glow is a bright, long-lasting blue, and it covers the hour markers and hands, making them as functional in the dark as they are in daylight.
Performance and Precision
The Rolex Hulk is powered by a movement fitted with Rolex’s proprietary Parachrom hairspring, which offers enhanced resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, two of the main enemies of mechanical watch accuracy. The Parachrom is made of a paramagnetic alloy, which means daily activities like being around electronics or sudden jolts won’t significantly affect timekeeping.
In terms of precise timekeeping, it — like all modern Rolex watches — is certified by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), meaning it meets the Swiss chronometer standard of –4 to +6 seconds per day. However, Rolex goes a step further with its own internal standard of Superlative Chronometer, which tightens that range to –2 to +2 seconds per day after casing. This internal testing ensures exceptional accuracy in real-world conditions.
Overall, the Hulk delivers strong performance and precision. It’s robust, durable, and reliable, and although its 48-hour power reserve feels a bit modest today, it’s still a workhorse movement that continues to perform beautifully even years after its discontinuation.
The Starbucks takes things to the next level with a newer movement that Rolex spent over five years developing. It features a staggering 90% new components compared to its predecessor. The headline improvement is its longer power reserve — a full extra day over the Hulk’s movement.
Precision is also exceptional. Like the Hulk, it’s COSC-certified, but Rolex’s internal Superlative Chronometer testing means it exceeds the chronometer standard with accuracy between –2 and +2 seconds per day. Rolex’s commitment to precision hasn’t changed, but the technology has advanced.
Its caliber’s cutting-edge Chronergy escapement improves energy efficiency and reliability and is made of nickel-phosphorus — a material highly resistant to magnetic interference. Additionally, the movement includes an updated version of the Parachrom hairspring, offering even better resistance to shocks and temperature variations.
On a daily basis, this means the Starbucks is highly accurate and more resilient to the everyday hazards of modern life, from magnetized surfaces to sudden impacts. It’s truly a watch you can wear anywhere — in the office, underwater, or even during sports activities — without a second thought about performance.
Investment Potential
The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” is performing exceptionally well from an investment standpoint— and likely will continue to do so. Since its discontinuation, prices on the secondary market have surged significantly. At launch, retail was around S$9,000, but as of 2025, its prices have climbed to around S$12,000–S$20,000, depending on condition, box/papers, and which “Mk” version you’re looking at. Unworn or full-set examples can even creep higher.
What drives this is more than just discontinuation — it’s the emotional value. The Hulk is unique in Rolex’s catalog because it’s the only Submariner ever produced with a green bezel and green dial. The vivid sunburst dial is its standout feature, giving it a personality no other Submariner offers. Its full-green composition makes it instantly recognizable and collectible.
Collectors also appreciate the different “Mk” versions for their subtle variations. Generally, earlier Mk1 models with the most vibrant green are highly sought-after, but late Mk3 models are prized too for their depth of color and finish refinement. As time goes on, these minor distinctions will likely gain even more attention, especially as collectors continue to chase full-set, well-preserved examples.
With Rolex’s steady trajectory of limited production and global demand, the Hulk’s market value is expected to remain strong or even increase further over the next decade. It’s already being described as a “modern classic,” and watches that fit this profile — discontinued, bold design, cult following — tend to appreciate very well over time.
The Starbucks may be a newer addition, but it’s already gaining significant traction among collectors and investors alike. While it doesn’t carry the same full-green flair of the Hulk, it benefits from something arguably even more powerful in the long run: modern Rolex tech and ongoing desirability backed by its unmistakable green-bezel aesthetic.
It launched at a retail price of around S$10,600, but as of 2025, pre-owned market values sit around S$18,000–S$25,000, depending on condition and whether it’s an early or later production model (Mk1 or Mk2). Unlike the Hulk, which owes part of its price surge to discontinuation, it remains in current production — so while price appreciation is not as aggressive, it is still positive.
Collectors see it as an evolution of the Rolex Kermit which had an aluminium bezel (the 50th Anniversary Submariner) with the vintage charm but with improvements and a modern appearance. As with many modern Rolexes, demand consistently exceeds supply, keeping prices well above retail. It has the added benefit of appealing to both Hulk enthusiasts who want a green-bezel Sub but with a more conservative look and purists who appreciate its nod to the original Rolex Submariner Kermit 16610LV.
In terms of its Marks, Mk1 pieces may someday carry a slight premium as “first batch” collectors’ pieces, but since Rolex’s quality control is notoriously consistent, the differences between Mk1 and Mk2 are much less pronounced than with the Hulk. However, as time goes on and production eventually ceases — likely in the next 5–10 years if Rolex follows historical patterns — the Starbucks is poised to rise sharply in value.
Both green bezel watches offer solid investment potential, though the Hulk may provide more opportunities for appreciation.
Case and Bezel Materials
Both Submariner models have cases crafted from Oystersteel, which is Rolex’s proprietary name for 904L stainless steel. Rolex adopted 904L steel because of its exceptional resistance to corrosion and its ability to take a high polish. It’s significantly more resistant to harsh environments (saltwater, for example) compared to the industry-standard 316L steel. The result is a robust case that maintains its luster and resilience over time, even under demanding conditions.
Please Note: Although both cases are made from 904L stainless steel, the Starbucks’ case material is generally called Oystersteel since it was introduced in 2020 and the word ‘Oystersteel’ was first introduced in 2018. Therefore, Rolex steel watches created in or after 2018 are considered to be made from Oystersteel.
They also have bezels with inserts made from Cerachrom, Rolex’s proprietary ceramic material. The green ceramic is highly scratch-resistant, virtually impervious to UV rays (meaning it won’t fade), and corrosion-resistant. The numerals and graduations on their bezels are engraved and then coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process, giving them a luxurious finish and excellent legibility. The subtle differences in tone are due to the evolving ceramic production techniques.
Conclusion
Both the Rolex Hulk and the classic Submariner stand as icons of luxury and performance. While the Hulk dazzles with its bold green flair, the Submariner remains timeless and versatile. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal style—whether you seek striking individuality or classic elegance, either timepiece is a true champion.
Key Takeaways:
- The Rolex Hulk (Submariner Date 116610LV) features a fully green dial and matching ceramic bezel, giving it a bold, standout presence. In contrast, the Rolex Starbucks (Submariner Date 126610LV) opts for a more classic black dial paired with a green bezel, offering a subtler, more versatile look while still keeping the green signature.
- The Starbucks benefits from Rolex’s newer generation updates, including the improved Caliber 3235 movement with better power reserve (~70 hours vs. Hulk’s ~48 hours) and overall precision. The case also has refined proportions, making it slightly slimmer and more comfortable on the wrist.
- The Hulk, now discontinued, has seen a significant rise in desirability and market value due to its rarity and iconic status. While the Starbucks is still in production, its modern upgrades and evolving demand make it a promising future classic — but currently, the Hulk holds stronger collector prestige.
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