Why the Rolex Submariner Hulk Has a Green Ceramic Bezel

Published October 21, 2026 · Last updated October 21, 2026 · By Lume Wrist Watches

The Rolex Submariner Hulk has a green ceramic bezel because reference 116610LV combines Rolex’s scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert with the green color established by the anniversary Submariner. Introduced in 2010, it added a green sunburst dial, creating the combination behind its collector nickname.

The material and color serve different purposes. Ceramic improves resistance to scratches and fading. Green gives the watch its identity. Understanding that distinction helps explain both the Hulk’s design and what to inspect when buying one pre-owned.

Why green became part of the Submariner

Green entered the Submariner range in 2003 with reference 16610LV, released for the model’s 50th anniversary. That watch paired a green aluminum bezel insert with a black dial. Collectors generally call it the “Kermit.”

The letters LV stand for lunette verte, French for “green bezel.” They identify the bezel color, not a green dial. That distinction matters because several Submariner references carry LV in their reference numbers without sharing the Hulk’s appearance.

In 2010, reference 116610LV replaced the earlier anniversary model. Its bezel insert changed from aluminum to ceramic and its dial changed from black to green. It also adopted the broader lugs and crown guards associated with that generation’s substantial case profile.

“Hulk” is a collector nickname, not Rolex’s official model designation. It describes the watch’s green-on-green appearance and muscular proportions. There is no separate Hulk movement or special diving function associated with the name.

What the Rolex Submariner Hulk gains from ceramic

Cerachrom is Rolex’s name for its ceramic bezel components. On the Hulk, the ceramic part is the colored insert carrying the elapsed-time scale. The surrounding bezel assembly is not one solid piece of green ceramic.

Rolex describes the ceramic insert’s resistance to scratching and ultraviolet light in its Submariner overview. These properties address two practical weaknesses of older aluminum inserts: surface wear and color change through prolonged exposure.

The green is part of the ceramic

The insert’s color is incorporated into the ceramic material rather than applied as an ordinary surface paint. Manufacturing involves shaping and firing the material at high temperature. The finished surface is hard and glossy.

The recessed numerals and graduations receive a thin platinum coating through physical vapor deposition, or PVD. This creates the pale markings against the green background. The luminous marker at 12 o’clock is a separate element, not evidence that the green ceramic itself glows.

The diving function remains straightforward

The bezel rotates in one direction and carries a 60-minute scale. Aligning its zero marker with the minute hand allows the wearer to read elapsed time.

Green does not improve the watch’s depth rating. The Hulk is rated to 1,000 feet (300 meters), but that rating depends on the complete case, crown, crystal and sealing system, not the bezel color or ceramic insert alone.

Hulk versus Kermit and the later green-bezel Submariner

The Rolex Submariner Hulk is reference 116610LV, not every Submariner with a green bezel. The dial and reference number are the quickest starting points for separating the main generations.

These nicknames are informal. Reference numbers provide a more reliable basis for comparing listings, documents and service records.

The Hulk’s caliber 3135 has an approximately 48-hour power reserve. The later 126610LV uses caliber 3235, with approximately 70 hours. That movement change belongs to the newer generation, not to a different version of the Hulk.

For a broader view of the family, Lume’s Rolex Submariner reference guide covers the surrounding generations. For this particular design, remember the defining combination: 116610LV, green ceramic insert and green sunburst dial.

Why the bezel and dial show different greens

The Rolex Submariner Hulk does not present one uniform shade across its face. Its bezel and dial use different materials and surface finishes, so they respond differently to light.

The glossy ceramic insert often reads as a relatively consistent green, although reflections can make parts appear much lighter. The dial’s sunburst finish produces shifting bands of brightness. Depending on the angle, it can appear dark forest green, metallic green or almost black.

This is why two photographs of the same watch can look surprisingly different. Exposure, white balance, surrounding colors and direct reflections all influence the result.

When reviewing a listing, ask for photographs in indirect daylight as well as ordinary indoor light. A short written description of condition is also useful. Color alone cannot establish production year, originality or authenticity.

The contrast between these two surfaces is central to the design. The bezel supplies a strong green frame while the dial changes more noticeably as the wrist moves.

Ceramic is durable, not indestructible

A ceramic insert resists everyday abrasion well, but hardness is not the same as toughness. A sharp impact can chip or fracture ceramic even when ordinary rubbing leaves little visible wear.

On a pre-owned Rolex Submariner Hulk, inspect the insert’s outer edge and the area around the luminous marker. Look for chips, cracks, damaged graduations and signs that the insert does not sit correctly. Photographs taken only straight on may conceal edge damage.

An aluminum insert tends to show scratches, dents and fading differently. Neither material is immune to damage, and a clean-looking ceramic surface does not establish the condition of the rest of the watch.

If an insert has been replaced, ask whether the replacement is a genuine Rolex service component and whether supporting paperwork exists. Authenticity and factory originality are separate questions. A genuine service replacement may be acceptable to one buyer and undesirable to another.

Before swimming with any pre-owned example, confirm its water-resistance testing and service history. A depth rating engraved or specified when new does not establish the present condition of decades-old seals.

What to inspect before buying a Hulk

The green bezel is an identification clue, not an authentication method. An aftermarket green insert fitted to another Submariner does not turn that watch into reference 116610LV.

For a Rolex Submariner Hulk purchase, examine the complete watch: reference and serial markings, dial, hands, case, bracelet, clasp and movement. Documents support that assessment but cannot replace inspection. Box and papers alone do not prove that every component currently fitted is correct.

Also separate cosmetic grading from originality. “Excellent” describes condition under a seller’s grading system. It does not automatically mean unpolished, untouched or complete with its original accessories. Ask directly about case refinishing, replacement components and included documentation.

Lume’s Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV listing provides a specific example to assess against those questions. Check the individual listing and confirm any details that matter to your purchase rather than assuming all examples are equivalent.

A useful comparison if color is not essential

If the broader 40mm case appeals to you but the green does not, the Men’s Rolex Submariner Ref 114060 Stainless Steel is a relevant alternative. The reference has a black ceramic bezel, black dial and no date display, with caliber 3130 inside.

That comparison helps isolate what you prefer: the Hulk’s color combination, the generation’s case proportions or the Submariner format itself. Those are different buying decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How many Rolex Submariner Hulk watches were made? Rolex has not publicly disclosed a verified production total for reference 116610LV. Its 2010–2020 production period does not establish how many were manufactured. Treat precise totals without primary documentation as estimates.

Will the green ceramic bezel fade like an aluminum insert? Cerachrom is designed to resist ultraviolet-related color change. It should not be expected to develop the same fading associated with some older aluminum inserts. Surface contamination, reflections and photography can still change its apparent color.

Does the 40mm Hulk wear smaller than a 41mm Submariner? Not necessarily in the way the numbers suggest. The Hulk’s broad lugs give it a substantial footprint. The later 41mm generation has different proportions, so wrist shape and bracelet adjustment matter alongside diameter. Try both if fit is a deciding factor.

Is reference 124060 a Hulk? No. Reference 124060 is a 41mm no-date Submariner with a black dial, black ceramic bezel and caliber 3230. It succeeded reference 114060. The Hulk is the green-dial, date-equipped reference 116610LV.

Compare the individual watch, not just the nickname

The Hulk’s appeal comes from a specific combination of material, color and proportions. Condition, originality and service documentation determine how a particular example should be assessed.

Browse Lume’s pre-owned luxury watch selection to compare available examples. Lume is an independent retailer, not an authorized Rolex dealer. Purchases include free insured US shipping, 30-day returns (customer-paid return shipping, 15% restocking fee unless due to our error) and two-year warranty coverage, subject to the applicable terms. International shipping is available on request and quote.