Rolex is one of the most well-known watch brands in the world. While its most iconic lines are instantly recognizable, Rolex released many unique models that have become a favorite among collectors. Take, for example, the "Hulk."
The Hulk is the affectionate nickname given to the Rolex 116610lv. The Submariner has the same movement as the rest of the lineup, but it features a signature green face and bezel. This watch is now discontinued, but that doesn't make its history any less fascinating!
The Start of the Submariner Line
To understand how the Hulk came to be, you must look at the Oyster Perpetual Submariner. This line started in 1953 when a member of Rolex's board of directors came up with the idea to create a true diver's watch.
Rolex already had a reputation for water-resistant watches. But this board member wanted a beautifully made timepiece that could plunge deeper than ever. He brought his idea to Hans Waldorf, and the design process began.
Rolex created several prototypes before going straight to one of the most famous deep-sea explorers on the planet: Jacques-Yves Cousteau. With Cousteau's help, they attached a prototype to the hull of a submarine and sent it down 3,000 meters. When it resurfaced, the watch was still ticking!
The Submariner was born!
The original model had a water-resistant rating down to 100 meters. But Rolex quickly made revisions to bump that figure to 200 meters. In 1977, it was improved to its current rating of 300 meters.
The Introduction of the Hulk
In 2010, the Rolex 116610lv hit the market. Before this model came to be, Rolex had rarely used green on their watches. A previous Submariner, dubbed the "Kermit," came out a few decades earlier. It had green accents on the bezel, but Rolex never used green as a primary watch color as they did in the Hulk. As a result, it stood out from other models!
The watch was a huge hit. Rolex discontinued it in 2020, but the Hulk Submariner is in high demand in the secondary market.
Read a similar article about Rolex 116234 here at this page.
