Rolex Submariner Green Hulk 116610LV Review

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 favorite dive watch. Critically, the “Hulk” broke from the color 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 - replica Rolex Submariner Green Hulk 116610LV.

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.

Rolex‘s Cerachrom dial continues the metamorphosis from staid Sub to superhero.  The benefits of ceramic bezels are present in full; Rolex‘s Cerachrom never will fade, rub off, or wear-through.  ach of the 116610 Subs features 1,000 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 intermediate and end links matches the lofty standard of the burly case. This bracelet features gorgeous brushed finishing 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.

Rolex‘s in-house caliber 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.