A few years ago, Rolex discontinued the Submariner 116610LV, affectionately known as “The Rolex Hulk.”
When it happened in 2020, people panicked. Prices on the grey market shot up overnight. Suddenly, a steel dive watch was trading for the price of a decent car.
Collectors and enthusiasts alike mourned the loss of the Rolex Hulk.
Fast forward to 2026, and the hype hasn’t died down. If anything, it has worsened.
But why are we still so obsessed with this chunky green beast? And if you don’t have $25,000 burning a hole in your pocket, what are your options?
Let’s explore the legend of the Hulk. The “Super Clone” market is what keeps the dream alive for many of us.
The Magic of the “Sunburst” Green
The main reason the Hulk is irreplaceable is the dial.
Rolex replaced the Hulk with the “Starbucks” (or Cermit) in 2020, which has a green bezel but a boring black dial. To many purists (myself included), that was a downgrade.
The Hulk features a Green Sunburst Dial. The color changes based on the light. In direct sunlight, it is a bright, electric emerald green. In the shade, it becomes a deep, almost black forest green.
For years, replica factories struggled with this. The old fakes looked flat, like a toy soldier.
But recently, factories like VSF have cracked the code. They now use a PVD plating process on the dial that captures that exact sunburst dynamic range. It plays with the light just like the Gen.
Hulk vs. Starbucks: Which One Wins?
The Allure of the Rolex Hulk
If you browse our shop, you might feel torn between the 116610LV (Hulk) and the newer 126610LV (Starbucks). Here is the cheat sheet:
- The Case: The Hulk uses the “Maxi Case.” It has thicker, broader lugs. It feels more substantial on the wrist, more like a tool watch. The Starbucks went back to slimmer, vintage-style lugs.
- The Color: As mentioned, the Hulk is Green on Green. Bold. The noise is loud. A statement exists. The Starbucks is more subtle.
- The Verdict: For a classic Submariner, get the black one. But if you prefer the green, go full green. The Hulk has a character that the new model just lacks.
The “Super Clone” Reality in 2026
Since you can’t walk into a Rolex store and buy a Hulk anymore, the replica market is your best option. You can get a brand-new one on your wrist, but only if you go “Pre-Owned” and pay three times the retail price.
But be careful. Low-tier copies flood the market. A true Super Clone Hulk needs to get three things right:
- The Bezel Color: It can’t be too light or too yellowish. The ceramic needs that platinum-dust coating on the numbers so they don’t fade to gray.
- The Date Wheel: The numbers must be centered. The “Black Hole” effect on the cyclops needs to be clear, not cloudy.
- The Movement: You want a VS3135 movement. This is a clone of the Rolex Calibre 3135. It winds the same, sets the same, and holds time just as well as a Swiss ETA.
Why Collectors Are Buying Reps
I talk to watch collectors every day. You’d be surprised how many guys who own genuine Pateks also wear a replica Hulk.
Why? Because the genuine Hulk has become too valuable to wear. They are afraid of scratching a $25,000 investment.
A high-end Super Clone lets you enjoy the look, feel, and vibe of the Hulk every day. You won’t worry about hitting it against a doorframe.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex Hulk is dead. Long live the Hulk.
It remains one of the unique watches Rolex ever produced. If you missed the boat on the retail price back in 2019, don’t pay the scalpers. The quality of Super Clones in 2026 is terrifyingly close to the real thing.
Ready to see the difference for yourself?
[👉 Click here to check out our VS Factory Hulk (116610LV) – The best version in the market.]