Rolex Submariner Green

In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner's 50th anniversary by releasing a special edition of the world-famous diving watch. While the Rolex Submariner had previously only been offered with a black bezel and dial, the aluminum bezel of this special model shines in a deep green. Watch enthusiasts and fans quickly gave this edition a nickname befitting its unusual color scheme: "Kermit." This timepiece can be found under the reference number 16610LV.

The ref. 116610LV joined the ranks in 2010, and took the green theme a step further: this watch has both a green bezel and green sunburst dial. Similar to the Kermit, this timepiece is also 40 mm in diameter and powered by the in-house caliber 3135. However, the Hulk houses its movement in a hefty "maxi case," and the green bezel is crafted from Rolex's proprietary ceramic, Cerachrom. Rolex fans were also quick to give this model a creative nickname, and landed on the "Hulk" to pay homage to the watch's bulky case and green hue.

Rolex discontinued production of the Hulk in 2020, replacing it with the ref. 126610LV. This model features the slim 41-mm case of the current Submariner generation, the green ceramic bezel of the Hulk, the black maxi dial of the standard Sub, and the new caliber 3235. It is thus a more modern take on the Kermit.

Like all Submariner models, these green Rolex watches have performed excellently in recent years. Between June 2020 and June 2022, some green Subs have increased in value by between 21% and over 100%. These fantastic returns make the Hulk and Kermit lucrative investments.

The most affordable green Submariner is the current "Kermit" ref. 126610LV. While Rolex lists this model for 10,600 USD, you won't have an easy time trying to buy this Kermit from your authorized dealer. Many turn instead to the secondary market to bypass the long waiting lists, but have to reckon with a hefty premium. At the time of writing, listings for the ref. 126610LV on Chrono24 came in at around 23,500 USD.

The original Kermit from 2003 (ref. 16610LV) cost around 25,000 USD in June 2022. Two years earlier, this watch was changing hands for around 18,000 USD, meaning it has appreciated by almost 39%.

The Submariner Hulk ref. 116610LV is without a doubt the star of the green Submariner models. In June 2022, this Rolex watch demanded 29,500 USD. Two years earlier, it sold for closer to 14,500 USD. This translates into an increase in value of around 103%.

The green Submariner models are part of the Submariner Date collection. They therefore have a date display at 3 o'clock and Rolex's signature Cyclops lens. Like its cousins, the green Submariner models are water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) thanks to their Triplock screw-down crown with three sealed zones. The three green timepieces are made of stainless steel, and come on a matching stainless steel Oyster bracelet, which has an Oysterlock clasp and Glidelock system.

The ref. 16610LV "Kermit" is 40 mm in diameter. This model's successor, the ref. 116610LV "Hulk," is the same size but has a maxi case. You can recognize the maxi case by its larger crown guard and somewhat wider lugs. The ref. 126610LV, i.e., the new Kermit, is 1 mm larger, but this isn't entirely noticeable since Rolex slimmed down the lugs on this model. When it comes to wrist presence, the Hulk is the clear winner.

The differences between the three references are simple: the ref. 16610LV has a black maxi dial and black bezel with a green aluminum inlay. The ref. 116610LV also features a maxi dial, but has a green sunburst finish. Its green bezel inlay is ceramic, and not aluminum. Rolex also uses the same bezel on the current ref. 126610LV, but in combination with the black maxi dial.

Precise, In-House Calibers With Date Display

The green Subs are powered by the same precise, in-house calibers found in the standard versions of the diving watch. The original Kermit and Hulk are outfitted with the automatic caliber 3135. This movement debuted in 1988 and contains a blue Parachrom hairspring, which makes the watch less susceptible to extreme temperatures and hard impacts. The movement's balance ticks at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph). Rolex has had the caliber certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). According to the manufacturer, the movement will only deviate from the official time by a maximum of two seconds per day. Thanks to its 48-hour power reserve, you can set your watch aside over the weekend without it running out of energy. You will also find this movement inside the Sea-Dweller Deepsea.

The caliber 3235 ticks away inside the ref. 126610LV. This movement was unveiled at Baselworld 2017, and is based on the caliber 3135. Thanks to its Chronergy escapement and a thinner mainspring, it has a higher power reserve of 70 hours. This updated movement is the driving force behind the Datejust 40, Yacht-Master 42, and many others.