Investing in the Rolex Hulk: Is It Still Worth It?

The Rolex Hulk is one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches in the luxury watch market. Officially known as the Rolex Submariner reference 116610LV, this timepiece gained its nickname due to its striking green dial and bezel. Released in 2010 and discontinued in 2020, the Hulk has since become a collector’s favorite, with prices skyrocketing in the secondary market. But is investing in the Rolex Hulk still worth it? 

This article explores its history, market trends, desirability, and future investment potential to help you decide if adding this green giant to your collection is a smart move.

The History of the Rolex Hulk

The Rolex Hulk was introduced in 2010 as a successor to the original green Submariner, the Rolex Kermit (reference 16610LV), which was released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner collection. While the Kermit featured a green aluminum bezel and black dial, the Hulk took the green theme even further with a sunburst green dial and a green ceramic bezel.

Unlike its predecessor, the Hulk had a larger maxi case, broader lugs, and a more modern aesthetic. It was powered by the Caliber 3135 movement, known for its precision, reliability, and 48-hour power reserve. The use of Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom bezel made it highly scratch-resistant and fade-proof, ensuring the Hulk maintained its vibrant green look for decades.

The Rolex Hulk’s Popularity and Demand

During its production run from 2010 to 2020, the Rolex Hulk was a popular yet polarizing timepiece. Some collectors loved its bold green aesthetic, while others found it too flashy. However, as is often the case with Rolex watches, once it was discontinued, demand surged.

The sudden discontinuation in 2020, with the introduction of the Rolex Submariner 126610LV (which brought back the black dial from the Kermit), made the Hulk even more desirable. Those who had previously overlooked the watch began scrambling to add it to their collections, driving prices up significantly in the secondary market.

Current Market Value and Price Trends

Before its discontinuation, the Rolex Hulk retailed for around $9,000. However, today, finding one below $25,000 in the pre-owned market is nearly impossible, with some models fetching well above $30,000, depending on condition, box, and papers.

Several factors contribute to the continued price appreciation of the Rolex Hulk:

• Discontinuation Effect: Rolex watches tend to appreciate significantly once they are discontinued, and the Hulk is no exception. Since there is no true direct replacement for the all-green dial and bezel combination, the demand remains high.
• Limited Supply: The production of the Hulk lasted for a decade, but compared to some other Rolex models, there are fewer pieces in circulation. With collectors holding onto them, fewer are available for sale.
• Strong Rolex Brand Value: Rolex is synonymous with prestige and luxury. Even in economic downturns, Rolex watches tend to hold their value better than most luxury goods.

Is It Still a Good Investment?

The Rolex Hulk has already seen a significant appreciation in value, but is there still room for it to grow? While predicting the watch market is never an exact science, there are several indicators that the Hulk will continue to be a strong investment piece.

1. Historical Performance – Looking at previous Rolex sports models, especially discontinued Submariners, values tend to remain strong and even increase over time. The Hulk has already proven itself as a collector’s favorite, which suggests continued demand.
2. Cultural and Collector Significance – Over the past decade, the Hulk has cemented its place as one of the most unique and recognizable Submariners. Even among non-watch enthusiasts, its bold green color makes it instantly distinguishable, which adds to its desirability.
3. Limited Competition – Since Rolex discontinued the Hulk and replaced it with the more subdued green bezel and black dial version, there is no current production model that fully replicates its look. This exclusivity gives it long-term investment potential.

However, there are also some risks to consider:

• Market Corrections – The watch market, like any asset market, experiences ups and downs. While Rolex watches typically hold their value well, short-term fluctuations can occur.
• Condition and Authenticity – If you are considering investing in a Rolex Hulk, ensure you are purchasing from a reputable dealer. Original boxes and papers add value, and an unworn or well-maintained piece will fetch higher prices in the future.

Wrapping Up

Investing in the Rolex Hulk remains a solid choice for collectors and investors alike. Its striking aesthetics, limited availability, and strong brand value have ensured that it remains one of the most desirable modern Rolex watches. While prices have already seen significant appreciation, historical trends suggest continued demand, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

For those looking to buy a Rolex Hulk, it is crucial to purchase from a trusted source and ensure authenticity. While short-term market fluctuations may occur, the Hulk’s legendary status in the Rolex Submariner lineup makes it a safe bet for those looking to own a piece of horological history.