Introduced in 2020, the Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV-0002 has a Stainless Steel case of 41.00mm, which is ever-so slightly larger than the previous generation. Power comes from the self-winding caliber 3235.The color of the bezel insert was updated in 2023; second picture reflects the new color.
Watch our tour video about the SUBMARINER “STARBUCKS” 126610LV
Among today’s dive watches, the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV, also called the “Starbucks”, has quickly become a favorite among collectors. Its black dial and bright green ceramic bezel give it a fresh, recognizable look while staying true to what makes the Submariner a reliable diving companion. Collectors often see it as the link between the earlier “Kermit” (16610LV) and the all-green “Hulk” (116610LV), making it an appealing choice for those who want something modern but connected to the Submariner’s past.
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In this post, we’ll look at where the Starbucks fits in the Submariner lineup, how the case and bracelet are built, what makes the dial stand out, the movement inside, and how it feels once it’s on the wrist.
Tracing the Roots of the Submariner Date 126610LV
The Submariner made its debut in 1953, created for professional divers and underwater explorers. It was one of the first watches to offer a rotating bezel for timing dives and a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, later improved to 300 meters. Over time, it became as much a cultural icon as a tool for the ocean, worn by everyone from military divers to adventurers and public figures.
To mark the Submariner’s 50th anniversary in 2003, Rolex introduced the “Kermit” (reference 16610LV), pairing a black dial with a green aluminum bezel insert. This was the first time green appeared in the Submariner line, setting the stage for future special editions.
(For a closer look at how this evolution compares to its sibling with a classic black bezel, you can check out our take on the Rolex Submariner 126610LN — a model that embodies the timeless Submariner aesthetic in its purest form.)
In 2010, Rolex followed up with the “Hulk” (reference 116610LV), featuring a green sunburst dial and matching green Cerachrom ceramic bezel in a 40mm case. Its larger case profile and fully green look gave it a bold identity within the Submariner family.
The Submariner Date 126610LV (nicknamed the “Starbucks” by collectors) arrived in 2020 as part of a full Submariner refresh. It introduced a 41mm case with slightly slimmer lugs, a wider bracelet for better balance, and the updated Caliber 3235 movement. This time, the green was reserved for the bezel, matched with a classic black dial – a combination that keeps the traditional Submariner look while adding the punch of modern ceramic.
From here, we’ll get into the case and bracelet to understand the build and finishing.
A Case Made for Land and Sea
Measuring 41mm across, the Oystersteel case on the 126610LV “Starbucks” combines brushed lugs and high-polished sides, giving it a subtle shine that works in any setting. At about 12.3mm thick and with a 48mm lug-to-lug span, it wears comfortably on most wrists and still carries the weight you’d expect from a pro-grade diver.
Its unidirectional bezel has a notched edge for a secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves, and is fitted with a green Cerachrom insert (Rolex’s own scratch-resistant ceramic) featuring engraved numerals and markers coated in platinum using a PVD process. A luminous pip sits at the 12 o’clock position for quick orientation in low light. The bezel moves with 120 firm, precise clicks, making it satisfying to use whether timing a dive or tracking minutes on land.
A Triplock screw-down crown, framed by protective crown guards, works with the solid Oystersteel caseback to maintain the model’s 300-meter water resistance.
The watch is paired with an Oyster bracelet in solid Oystersteel, with brushed tops and high-polished sides that echo the case finish. It’s secured with an Oysterlock safety clasp and features the Glidelock extension system, allowing up to 20mm of adjustment in 2mm steps without tools. This makes it easy to achieve a perfect fit during the day or wear over a wetsuit.
With the foundation set, let’s turn to the dial and see how Rolex tied this design together.
A Classic Sub Dial with a Fresh Twist
The Starbucks’ black dial keeps the classic Submariner aesthetic, letting the green bezel stand out. It follows the familiar layout with circular, rectangular, and triangular hour markers crafted in white gold, each filled with the Rolex Chromalight for a bright blue glow that lasts for hours in low light. The Mercedes hour hand, along with the minute and seconds hands, also carries Chromalight for dependable visibility underwater or at night.
At 3 o’clock, a date display is topped with the Cyclops lens on the sapphire crystal, magnifying the numerals by 2.5 times for quick reading. Even in near-dark conditions, the dial pairs with the bezel’s luminous pip at 12 o’clock to give you an easy reference point, whether timing a dive or tracking minutes on land.
The result is a functional but instantly noticeable face that feels equally at home in the ocean or paired with a casual outfit – though its real capability comes from the movement inside.
The Movement That Keeps the Submariner Going
Powering the Submariner Date 126610LV “Starbucks” is the Rolex Caliber 3235, an automatic movement developed entirely in-house. It features the Chronergy escapement, designed for better energy efficiency, along with a Parachrom hairspring that resists shocks and magnetic interference to keep time running true in different environments. The movement offers a 70-hour power reserve and is COSC-certified, then further tested by Rolex to meet its Superlative Chronometer standard of +2/-2 seconds per day once cased.
Everything is secured behind a solid Oyster caseback, keeping the mechanism protected while preserving the Submariner’s iconic dive-ready profile. The unidirectional bezel works in tandem with the movement for precise elapsed-time tracking, whether it’s for a dive session, timing intervals at the gym, or even brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
Once the movement is understood, the final test is how the Starbucks actually feels on the wrist.
A Submariner Made to Wear All Day
The Submariner Date Starbucks sits securely on the wrist, with its 41mm case offering a balanced fit. The Glidelock clasp makes it easy to fine-tune the size without tools, so it feels just right whether you’re by the water or on dry land.
It has enough weight to feel solid, like you know it’s there when you move your wrist but it’s not so heavy that it becomes tiring after hours of wear. The black dial keeps things versatile, while the green bezel adds a touch of character that stands out without shouting for attention.
If you prefer something with a bit more flash and luxury, the Rolex Submariner 116613LN Two Tone offers that same Submariner DNA wrapped in a blend of steel and yellow gold — perfect for those who want classic dive capability with a refined, dressier edge.
So, whether you’re headed to the pool, the office, or a weekend getaway, it wears comfortably and keeps its charm in any setting.
Now that we’ve explored the details, here’s a quick summary of its features.
| Feature | Details |
| Case | 41mm Oystersteel case with brushed surfaces and high-polished sides, Triplock screw-down crown, closed solid steel caseback |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotatable bezel with green Cerachrom ceramic insert, platinum-coated engraved numerals/markers, and luminous capsule at 12 o’clock |
| Dial | Black dial with applied 18k white gold hour markers in round, rectangular, and triangular shapes; white printed text; date aperture at 3 o’clock under Cyclops lens (2.5x magnification) |
| Lume | Chromalight luminescence on hour markers and hands, emitting a long-lasting blue glow |
| Hands | Mercedes-style hour hand, minute hand, and central seconds hand with Chromalight fill |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens over date |
| Bracelet | Oystersteel Oyster bracelet with brushed tops and high-polished sides; Oysterlock safety clasp; Glidelock extension system for 20mm adjustment in 2mm increments |
| Movement | Caliber 3235 automatic movement with Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, 70-hour power reserve, COSC-certified, Rolex Superlative Chronometer (+2/-2 seconds/day after casing) |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters / 1,000 feet |
| On-Wrist Feel | Balanced fit, adjustable on-the-fly via Glidelock clasp, solid yet comfortable weight for all-day wear |
The Submariner That Stays in Your Head
For a lot of collectors, their first Submariner is a milestone. And the Starbucks makes that step a little more personal. It carries all the core traits that made the Sub famous, but with a look that’s distinctly its own. If you’ve been waiting for the right Sub to start with, this could be the one. And if it’s been stuck in your head this long, that’s not an accident.
