If you are considering a green Submariner, the Rolex Hulk vs Kermit is usually the comparison you keep coming back to. Both come from the same Submariner platform, both have real collector history, and both cost enough that picking the wrong one matters.
One is known for going all-in on green. The other is known for being the watch that started the green Submariner conversation. Same family, but they suit different collectors.
This guide breaks down the specs, construction differences, collector variants, and the current market performance of both references. Go through it before you decide. By the end, you will know exactly which one suits you.
Rolex Hulk Overview
Rolex introduced the 116610LV at Baselworld in 2010 as the direct successor to the Kermit. Rolex designed it to move the Submariner Date forward, introducing something no steel Sub had seen before: a full green dial paired with a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel.
Collectors started calling it the Hulk almost immediately. The Super Case made the watch look more squared and angular, so it wore larger than earlier Submariners, while the all-green design led many to call it the “Hulk.” Rolex kept it in production for a full decade before retiring it in 2020 when the Submariner line moved to 41mm.
The 116610LV is the only steel Submariner ever made with a green dial, and Rolex has never repeated that configuration. It also brought solid bracelet links and Chromalight lume to the platform, both upgrades over the previous generation.
Key Specifications:
- Reference: 116610LV
- Production: 2010 to 2020
- Dial: Green sunburst lacquer with Chromalight indices
- Bezel: Green Cerachrom ceramic, platinum numerals
- Case: 40mm, Super Case architecture, 904L Oystersteel
- Bracelet: Fully solid links, Glidelock extension
- Movement: Caliber 3135, 48-hour power reserve
- Water Resistance: 300m
Rolex Kermit Overview
Rolex released the 16610LV in 2003 to mark 50 years of the Submariner. It was a direct tribute to the original 1953 reference, and the green bezel was Rolex’s way of signaling the anniversary. No steel Submariner had carried a green bezel before it, and the Kermit nickname arrived almost immediately after launch.
The green bezel was a big change after years of all-black Submariner designs, and many collectors did not accept it at first. Over time, most came around. Collectors now recognize the 16610LV as the watch that proved color could work on a steel Rolex sports model.
Collectors have identified up to nine small variations during the Kermit’s seven-year production. The most desirable is the “Flat 4” version, named after the flat-topped number 4 on the 40-minute bezel marker. It appeared only in early production and is now the most sought-after Kermit variant.
Key Specifications:
- Reference: 16610LV
- Production: 2003 to 2010
- Dial: Glossy black, Maxi-style luminous indices
- Bezel: Green aluminum insert, unidirectional rotating
- Case: 40mm, standard Oyster architecture, 904L Oystersteel
- Bracelet: Solid outer links, hollow center links, Glidelock extension
- Movement: Caliber 3135, automatic
- Water Resistance: 300m
Rolex Hulk vs Kermit: Most Notable Differences
The Hulk and Kermit share the same movement, case diameter, and water resistance rating. Here are the differences that actually set them apart. Each point below covers a spec or construction detail that directly affects how the watch looks, wears, and holds up over time.
1. Dial Color
The Hulk has a green sunburst dial with a lacquer finish that reacts strongly to light. In bright sunlight, it appears vivid emerald, while in shade or indoor lighting, it deepens to a darker green. The color shifts noticeably with lighting conditions.
The Kermit has a glossy black dial that looks the same in most lighting conditions. It introduced the Maxi dial to the Submariner line, with larger luminous markers and wider hands than the standard 16610. The result is a bolder look while the dial color stays consistent.
2. Bezel Material and Shade
Cerachrom ceramic makes the Hulk’s bezel scratch-resistant, fade-proof, and visually consistent. The deep emerald shade matches the dial, and the platinum-coated numerals ensure permanent legibility.
The Kermit uses an aluminum bezel insert. It is softer than ceramic, so it scratches more easily and can fade with UV exposure over time. The shade also varied during the 16610LV’s production: early models appeared lighter lime green, while examples from 2009–2010 shifted to a darker apple green.
3. Case Architecture
Rolex’s Super Case defines the Hulk, with squared lugs, thicker crown guards, and wider bracelet end links. Although the diameter remains 40 mm, the broader proportions make it wear noticeably larger and more assertive on the wrist. The visual mass of the case is what creates the size difference, not the measurements themselves.
The Kermit keeps the earlier Submariner case with tapered lugs that curve more naturally toward the wrist. This older case design gives the watch a slimmer profile and makes it easier to wear under a cuff. Lug-to-lug length sits around 47.5–48 mm on both references, so the difference comes from case shape rather than overall size.
4. Bracelet Link
Fully solid center and outer links run through the Hulk’s bracelet. This was a direct upgrade over the previous generation, making it far more resistant to stretching over years of daily wear. The bracelet pairs with the Oysterlock clasp and the Glidelock extension system, allowing tool-free adjustments in 2 mm increments up to 20 mm, making quick sizing changes simple.
The Kermit uses the earlier Submariner bracelet construction with hollow center links. This was standard for Rolex sports watches at the time, but it can develop lateral play after years of daily wear. Because of this, bracelet stretch is one of the first things collectors check on pre-owned examples.
Price and Market Demand
Both watches now trade far above their original retail prices, a common occurrence for discontinued Rolex sports models. The Hulk launched at $9,050 and now averages about $18,366 on the secondary market (source). The Kermit started at $6,400 and now averages around $13,164 (source). In practical terms, both roughly doubled in value after production ended, which reflects strong collector demand once supply stopped.
Recent market movement favors the Hulk. Prices increased about 6.1% over the past year, with entry examples typically selling between $15,000 and $17,000 and full-set pieces reaching $20,000 to $22,000. This steady rise and high sales activity suggest a strong, liquid market where buyers remain consistently active.
The Kermit market is more stable but slightly softer. Prices declined about 1.2% over the past year, with entry examples usually trading between $11,000 and $13,000, while full-set pieces trade between $15,000 and $16,000. The Flat 4 bezel variant sits above this range because collectors treat it as a separate, more desirable early production piece.
The condition affects pricing on both references. Unpolished cases, original papers, and matching bracelet parts increase value. On the Kermit, bezel condition matters more because aluminum can scratch and fade. For the Hulk, verifying the dial’s originality is one of the most important checks before buying.
Side-by-Side Comparison (At a Glance)
The Hulk and Kermit are closer in spec than most people expect going in. Same caliber, same nominal case size, same depth rating. Where they separate is in material choices and construction details that affect how each watch looks, wears, and ages over time.
Here is the side-by-side view.
| Specification | Hulk | Kermit |
| Reference | 116610LV | 16610LV |
| Production Years | 2010–2020 | 2003–2010 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm (nominal) | 40mm (nominal) |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~47.6–48mm | ~47.5mm |
| Case Thickness | ~12.5mm | ~12.4–13mm |
| Case Architecture | Super Case, squared flat lugs | Standard Oyster, tapered lugs |
| Material | 904L Oystersteel | 904L Oystersteel |
| Dial | Green sunburst, light-reactive | Glossy black, static |
| Bezel Material | Cerachrom ceramic | Aluminum insert |
| Bezel Color | Deep emerald, consistent | Lime to olive green, batch variation |
| Movement | Caliber 3135 | Caliber 3135 |
| Power Reserve | ~48 hours | ~48 hours |
| Bracelet Links | Fully solid (center + outer) | Solid outer, hollow center |
| Clasp | Oysterlock + Glidelock | Oysterlock + Glidelock |
| Water Resistance | 300m | 300m |
Rolex Hulk vs Kermit: Which Rolex Should You Choose?
Both are strong watches. The decision comes down to what you actually want on your wrist every day. Here is a straight breakdown to help you decide.
Choose the Hulk If:
- You want the only steel Submariner ever made with a green dial
- You prefer a dial that shifts color throughout the day depending on the light
- You want a bezel that holds its color for decades without fading or scratching
- You prioritize a bracelet that resists stretch over years of daily wear
- You wear your watches with presence and want a case that reads bold on the wrist
- You plan to resell eventually and want a watch that moves fast on the secondary market
Choose the Kermit If:
- You want a glossy black dial that pairs with almost anything in your wardrobe
- You have a slimmer wrist and need tapered lugs that sit closer to the wrist
- You want the Flat 4 variant and the collector history behind it
- You want to enter the green Submariner family at a lower price point
- You appreciate a bezel that develops its own patina and character over time
- You prefer the classic pre-Super Case proportions that defined earlier Submariners
Final Thoughts on Rolex Hulk vs Kermit
The Rolex Hulk vs Kermit is one of those comparisons that stays with a buyer longer than most. Both references have earned genuine collector standing over time, and both continue to hold relevance in a market full of options that come and go.
At this price point, the decision deserves real thought. It goes beyond specs and market trends. What matters is the watch you will keep reaching for and enjoy wearing over the years.. The watches you reach for on an ordinary day tell you more than any comparison article can.
Rolex discontinued both models, so supply stays fixed. Buyers who pay close attention to condition tend to benefit most. Find a clean example, do proper research, and choose the one that still excites you after carefully comparing both.
