RolexSubmariner Date

The Rolex Submariner and The Incredible Hulk completed their unlikely 48-year collision course in 2010. While the renowned durability of each may have been their only common thread for a half-century, the Baselworld 2010 appearance of the Rolex Submariner 116610 LV “Incredible Hulk” forever bound the two icons from Rolex and Marvel.

Let’s face it, this one’s pretty self-evident; the Rolex Hulk is a big green Submariner.

Rolex debuted the 116610 LV “Hulk” as the heir to its well-loved 16610 LV fiftieth anniversary model that debuted in 2003 to mark a half-century of the world’s favourite dive watch. Critically, the Hulk broke from the colour scheme of its predecessor, which featured a green bezel in tandem with a black dial. Green is a long-running corporate signature of Rolex, and for 2010, the Geneva giant doubled-down with a second helping of verdure.

The green dial, which Rolex described as “green gold” upon its launch, is a soleil pattern metallic finish that radiates from the junction of the hands and pulls one’s eyes toward the matching bezel. In direct light, the dial has a three-dimensional effect and morphs between shades of green as light dances across its gentle sunburst grain pattern.

For the first time, the company’s proprietary ceramic had been rendered in Rolex green, and the effect is stunning. The benefits of ceramic bezels are present in full; Rolex’s Cerachrom never will fade, rub off, or wear-through. Its resistance to scratches and scuffs is as formidable. Rolex never fails to deliver durability, but refinement is the other pillar of its reputation. To that end, the Submariner 116610 LV incorporates deposited platinum within the recesses of the indexes and numerals on the ceramic bezel insert.

Each of the 116610 Subs features 1000 feet of water resistance, a bank-vault case, and, when the Submariner in question is stainless steel, Rolex employs its peerless 904L proprietary steel blend. The latter is cast in Rolex‘s own foundry and will hold a finish far better than the industry-standard 316L stainless found in virtually all competing watches.

An Oyster bracelet with solid links and end links matches the lofty standard of the burly case. This bracelet features gorgeous brushed finish on the broad faces of its links; link shoulders are polished for contrast. The milled Oysterclasp continues to avenge the Rolex reputation sullied by the old stamped clasps. Milled steel imparts a feel best compared to a solid ingot of metal, and the luxuriously smooth “snick” of the lock’s action will inspire repeated use simply to admire its quality.

Within the 116610 generation of Submariners, Rolex’s in-house calibre 3135 keeps the time. Like the Porsche 911 and the Gibson Les Paul, the Rolex 3135 is a classic that only improves with time. Today, the 28,800 VpH movement combines Rolex’s exclusive Parachrom Blue antimagnetic hairspring, free-sprung balance, and full balance bridge to maintain precision in the face of extreme conditions.

More than a tough movement, the Cal. 3135 is timed to COSC chronometer standards twice: firstly, at the COSC lab and a secondly at Rolex after being cased. While chronometer-grade watches are not terribly rare, testing for this standard of accuracy after casing is exceptional.

The Hulk, now discontinued is something of a phenomenon.

The watch is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout its case, case back, bracelet and clasp, only some very light visible marks commensurate with wear. The box and papers are a complete full set and in pristine condition. 

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