The Rolex Green Submariner, also known as the Rolex Submariner Date “Hulk”, has become one of the most recognized and celebrated models in the world of luxury watches. Known for its striking green dial and bezel, the Green Submariner has taken the classic Submariner design to new heights, combining Rolex’s signature craftsmanship with a distinctive, eye-catching color. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Rolex Green Submariner so unique, its history, design features, and why it remains one of the most sought-after watches for collectors and enthusiasts.
What Is a Rolex Green Submariner？
A Tribute to the Submariner’s Legacy
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic dive watches ever created, known for its robust design and precise functionality. Introduced in 1953, it quickly became the go-to timepiece for professional divers, boasting features such as a rotating bezel to measure dive time and a water-resistant case that could withstand depths of up to 300 meters. The Submariner, in various forms, has remained Rolex’s flagship dive watch, continuously evolving while retaining the characteristics that made it an icon.
The Rolex Green Submariner was introduced in 2003 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, and it immediately garnered attention for its bold green dial and bezel. Rolex’s decision to introduce green into the Submariner’s design was a significant departure from the traditional black dial and bezel, making the Rolex Green Submariner an instant standout in Rolex’s collection.
The “Hulk”: The Ultimate Nickname
While the official name of the watch is the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV, it quickly became known among collectors as the “Hulk” due to its vibrant green color. The nickname pays homage to the popular comic book character, the Hulk, known for his boldness and strength—qualities that are mirrored in the Green Submariner’s design. This nickname has since become a key part of the watch’s identity, further fueling its desirability in the market.
Design Features of the Rolex Green Submariner
The Case: Strength and Elegance Combined
The case of the Rolex Green Submariner is made from 904L stainless steel, a premium alloy that is highly resistant to corrosion and scratches. This material ensures that the watch remains durable and visually appealing, even after exposure to harsh environments like saltwater or rugged outdoor conditions. The use of 904L stainless steel is a hallmark of Rolex’s commitment to producing watches that stand the test of time, both in function and appearance.
With a 40mm case diameter, the Green Submariner offers a versatile size that is suitable for most wrist sizes. The case is designed in Rolex’s signature Oyster style, which features a solid, one-piece construction that enhances the watch’s resistance to water and dust. The caseback is solid, ensuring maximum protection for the movement inside.
The Green Submariner also features a rotatable bezel, which allows divers to track elapsed dive time. The bezel is made from Cerachrom, a high-tech ceramic material that is resistant to fading, scratches, and other forms of damage. This ensures that the bezel maintains its legibility and appearance for years to come.
The Green Dial: Vibrancy and Legibility
One of the most defining features of the Rolex Green Submariner is its green dial. The dial is a striking, sunburst green that catches the light in different ways, giving it a dynamic and vibrant look. The green dial is complemented by 18K white gold hour markers and hands, which are coated with Chromalight luminescence to ensure visibility in low light conditions.
The sunburst effect of the green dial means that the color can appear to shift, from a deep emerald in certain lighting to a lighter green in others. This variation in color gives the Green Submariner a unique, almost ever-changing look, which makes it stand out in a crowd of traditional black-dial dive watches. The overall layout of the dial is simple and functional, with a date window at the 3 o’clock position, framed by a magnifying Cyclops lens for easy readability.
The clean, minimalist design of the dial ensures that the Green Submariner remains legible and easy to read, even in challenging conditions such as underwater or in low light.
The Bezel: A Functional Yet Stylish Touch
The rotatable bezel of the Rolex Green Submariner is one of its most important features, especially for divers. The bezel allows divers to keep track of elapsed time during a dive, ensuring that they stay within safe limits. The bezel is made from Cerachrom, a highly durable ceramic material that resists scratches, fading, and corrosion.
The bezel insert of the Green Submariner is also green, creating a striking contrast with the black markings. The 60-minute graduation on the bezel is clear and easy to read, with a diving time scale that ensures divers can measure their dive duration accurately. The unidirectional rotatable bezel only turns counterclockwise, preventing accidental adjustments while diving, which is a crucial safety feature.
The Bracelet: Comfort and Durability
The bracelet of the Rolex Green Submariner is made from the same 904L stainless steel as the case, ensuring both durability and comfort. The bracelet features Rolex’s signature Oysterlock clasp, which securely fastens the watch and prevents accidental opening. The Easylink extension system allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by up to 5mm, which is particularly useful for divers who need to loosen the bracelet when diving in colder water, as the cold can cause the wrist to shrink.
The Oyster bracelet is designed to be both robust and comfortable, with solid links and a secure clasp that ensures the watch stays in place during any activity.
The Movement: Precision and Performance
The Caliber 3135 Movement: A Rolex Powerhouse
The Rolex Green Submariner is powered by the Caliber 3135 movement, which is a self-winding mechanical movement that offers exceptional precision and reliability. The Caliber 3135 is known for its high performance, providing an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, which is within the strict requirements set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) for chronometer certification.
The movement features a Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the watch continues to perform accurately, even in challenging conditions. The power reserve of the Caliber 3135 is approximately 48 hours, meaning the watch can run for two full days without needing to be wound.
The movement also includes a date function, which is displayed in a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The date is magnified by Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens, making it easier to read.
Materials: Durability and Innovation
904L Stainless Steel: The Rolex Standard
The Rolex Green Submariner is crafted from 904L stainless steel, a high-grade alloy that is highly resistant to corrosion, scratches, and wear. This material ensures that the watch remains visually appealing and functional, even after years of exposure to harsh conditions. Rolex’s use of 904L stainless steel is one of the reasons why their watches are known for their durability and longevity.
Cerachrom: The Future of Bezels
The use of Cerachrom for the bezel insert is another example of Rolex’s commitment to innovation. Cerachrom is a ceramic material that is not only highly resistant to scratches and fading but also resistant to UV radiation. This ensures that the bezel remains vibrant and legible for many years, even with regular exposure to sunlight.
The Rolex Green Submariner as a Luxury Watch
A Unique and Bold Statement
The Rolex Green Submariner is not just a dive watch; it is a statement of style and individuality. The striking green dial and bezel set it apart from the traditional black-dial Submariner models, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. Whether worn by divers or as an everyday luxury watch, the Green Submariner commands attention with its boldness and elegance.
Investment Value
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Rolex Green Submariner has significant investment potential. Limited production models, especially those with certain configurations, have seen their value appreciate over time. The unique nature of the Green Submariner, coupled with the high demand for Rolex watches in general, makes it a valuable piece for collectors.
Conclusion
The Rolex Green Submariner has firmly established itself as one of the most iconic and desirable watches in the Rolex collection. With its vibrant green dial, durable construction, and precise movement, it is a timepiece that combines both function and style. Whether you are a professional diver or a luxury watch enthusiast, the Green Submariner offers the perfect balance of performance, elegance, and exclusivity. As a modern classic, the Rolex Green Submariner is not just a watch—it is a symbol of timeless luxury and innovation.
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