Introduction
The green Submariner exists in two distinct generations, separated by a decade of production and a design decision that split the collector community along lines that remain active today. The reference 116610LV — the Hulk — was the first Rolex Submariner with an all-green dial and green ceramic bezel, produced from 2010 until 2020. The reference 126610LV — the Kermit — replaced it, reverting to a black dial while retaining the green ceramic bezel, and introduced the full suite of upgrades that define the current Submariner generation.
Quick Specifications — Both References
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV — "Hulk" (Discontinued)
- Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)
- Case Size: 40mm × 12.3mm
- Dial: Green sunburst, applied luminous hour markers; Chromalight (blue emission); date at 3 o'clock with Cyclops lens
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable; green Cerachrom ceramic insert; platinum-filled graduation via PVD
- Bracelet: Oyster, three-piece solid links; polished centre / brushed outer; Oysterlock with Glidelock (approximately 20mm / 2mm increments)
- Movement / Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3135
- Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
- Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
- Certification: Superlative Chronometer (±2 sec/day)
- Water Resistance: 300m / 1,000ft; Triplock crown
- Lug-to-Lug: Approximately 47.6mm
- Production Period: 2010 to 2020 (discontinued)
Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV — "Kermit" (Current)
- Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)
- Case Size: 41mm × 12.3mm
- Dial: Black, applied luminous Mercedes hands and hour markers; Chromalight (blue emission); date at 3 o'clock with Cyclops lens
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable; green Cerachrom ceramic insert; platinum-filled graduation via PVD
- Bracelet: Oyster, three-piece solid links; polished centre / brushed outer; Oysterlock with Glidelock (approximately 20mm / 2mm increments)
- Movement / Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3235
- Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
- Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Certification: Superlative Chronometer (±2 sec/day)
- Water Resistance: 300m / 1,000ft; Triplock crown
- Lug-to-Lug: Approximately 47.6mm
- Production Period: Introduced September 2020; current production
History — The Green Submariner Lineage
The original "Kermit" nickname dates to the reference 16610LV — the first green-bezel Submariner, introduced in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model. That reference used an aluminium green bezel insert with a black dial, giving rise to the Kermit name.
In 2010, Rolex introduced the 116610LV alongside the updated 116610LN, simultaneously bringing the first ceramic Cerachrom bezel to the Submariner Date and making a radical design decision: the 116610LV would have not just a green ceramic bezel but also a green sunburst dial — earning it the Hulk nickname. The Hulk ran from 2010 to 2020 before being discontinued when the 126610 generation launched.
The 126610LV reverted to the black dial of the original Kermit, inheriting both its predecessor's nickname and its visual philosophy. The community remains divided: the Hulk's green-on-green drama has earned a passionate following; Kermit supporters argue the black dial is simply more wearable.
What Changed Between Generations
Case size. The 126610LV grew from 40mm to 41mm. The lug-to-lug distance remains approximately 47.6mm on both generations — the reproportioning of the lugs gave the new Kermit a cleaner profile despite the marginal case size increase.
Lug architecture. The most significant visible change. The 116610LV belongs to the "super case" generation — thick, squared-off lugs. The 126610LV has slimmer, more tapered lugs. Collectors who prefer the assertive appearance of the super case actively seek the 116610LV.
Dial. Green sunburst (Hulk) vs. black (Kermit). The central aesthetic distinction.
Movement. The Calibre 3135 in the 116610LV versus the Calibre 3235 in the 126610LV — adding the Chronergy escapement, extended power reserve (70 hours versus 48 hours), and improved magnetic resistance.
Bracelet. Lug width increased from 20mm (116610LV) to 21mm (126610LV), contributing to the updated proportional balance.
Market and Price Context
The 116610LV (Hulk) is discontinued and commands a clear premium over the 126610LV in most secondary market transactions. Publicly available listing data consistently shows the Hulk trading above the current-generation Kermit. The 126610LV (Kermit) trades at a premium to the standard 126610LN in most markets, though the gap between the green and black bezel current-generation references is smaller than the premium the discontinued Hulk commands.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the 116610LV (Hulk) if you are drawn to the drama of an all-green watch, comfortable with the discontinued status and secondary market pricing, and value the historically fixed nature of a discontinued reference.
Buy the 126610LV (Kermit) if you want a current-production green-bezel Submariner with the updated Calibre 3235, the refined lug architecture, and the option of retail access through an authorised dealer. You find the black dial more versatile and are not willing to pay the Hulk premium for an older generation.
Final Thoughts
The green Submariner story is one of the more interesting chapters in recent Rolex catalogue history — a colour choice that became a cultural distinction, spawned two distinct collector camps, and produced one of the few cases where Rolex's decision to discontinue a reference created genuine horological debate. Wind It Up Watches can help source a verified example of either through our trusted network.
