Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV “Hulk” – Hands-On Review & Buying Guide
History of the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV
First things first, the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV arrived in 2010, at a time when the luxury watch market felt like a different world. Back then, 0% finance on stainless steel sports Rolex models still existed, a 10% discount from retail was often negotiable, and authorised dealers actually displayed stock for sale rather than for “exhibition only”.
You could walk into your local Rolex authorised dealer, choose a watch, pay, and leave wearing it. Grey market dealers regularly sold pieces at around 15% below RRP. Take me back, please.
Even with those now-unthinkable perks, I still couldn’t quite stretch to the circa £5,150 price tag. I was 22, a first-time dad, and the economy was recovering. Hindsight can be cruel, but one thing is certain — I loved this watch.
From the moment I saw the scratch-resistant, glossy green ceramic bezel — a very welcome upgrade from the aluminium insert on the 16610LV “Kermit” — I knew I needed one. Yes, needed, not wanted. Anyway, let’s get into it.
Unboxing the Rolex Submariner Date Hulk
Open the box and you’re greeted by the Rolex Submariner Date in a 40mm 904L stainless steel case, paired with a matching Oyster bracelet. The first thing that jumps out to me is the green bezel and matching green dial. Some people don’t like it — but trust me, seeing one in person is very different to looking at photos.
Lift it from the cushion and turn it over to reveal the solid clasp, perfectly proportioned and finished in satin to match the bracelet. Pop open the crown-embellished safety lock, which feels reassuringly sturdy, then release the second stage to open the clasp fully. Inside, you’ll find the polished internal folding section, introduced post-2014.
This inner section carries the familiar Rolex engravings and gives access to what I think is the best feature of the Submariner range — the Glidelock clasp. With a firm pull, you hear that satisfying click as the bracelet glides within the clasp. For everyday comfort, this system is genuinely game-changing. For professional divers, it’s essential, allowing easy extension over a wetsuit.
I remove two links, try it on, then fine-tune the Glidelock by a couple of millimetres. Perfect. No tools, no fuss — just precision adjustment exactly where you need it.
How to Set the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV
Setting the Rolex Submariner Date takes very little effort. The Triplock screw-down crown delivers the model’s 300-metre water resistance. Unscrew the crown until you feel the first pop, then gently pull while continuing to unscrew to reach the second position, where you can adjust the date.
I usually set it to yesterday first, then pull the crown out to the third and final position. The seconds hand stops, giving full control of the hands. Rotate clockwise past 12 until the date clicks over to today, then continue around to the correct time — in this case, 14:45. This ensures the date changes at midnight, not midday.
Push the crown back in and the seconds hand springs back to life. Wind it clockwise around 10–15 turns and enjoy that wonderful resistance Rolex movements are known for. I always do this next to my ear, listening to the mainspring push back. Once done, screw the crown down firmly to ensure it’s fully sealed and waterproof.
Rolex Submariner Hulk On the Wrist
On the wrist, the Submariner Date Hulk sits flush and balanced. It genuinely feels like it was made for me in Switzerland. In bright office lighting, the green dial and bezel look vibrant and bold. The polished sides of the case and bracelet contrast beautifully with the satin-finished links, creating a cohesive and unmistakably Rolex look.
The Super-LumiNova-filled hour markers pop against the green dial and offer excellent legibility. The hands also feature lume, making nighttime visibility superb. The unidirectional ceramic bezel turns smoothly yet positively, allowing precise dive timing while preventing accidental rotation the wrong way.
The green sunburst dial shows subtle brush strokes radiating from the centre, and it really comes alive in natural light. I wear it with smart-casual outfits, on holiday, and day-to-day. The Glidelock clasp really shines here — as your wrist swells in heat or during travel, you can adjust the fit in seconds.
I’ve worn one jet skiing, swimming with my daughters, at weddings, funerals, christenings, business meetings, race days, the gym, and even doing DIY at home. Whether it’s the stainless-steel Submariner range as a whole or the Hulk specifically, I’ve yet to find another luxury watch that handles everyday life this effortlessly.
Interestingly, in low light or evening settings, the green tones calm right down. It can even pass for a black-dial 116610LN at a glance. That versatility explains why the Hulk remains so desirable worldwide, often commanding a significant premium over its original £6,950 retail price.
Rolex Submariner Date Hulk Prices in Today’s Market
Sadly, I didn’t have that crystal ball back in 2010. Today, buying a Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV means paying a premium — but it’s a decision I make easily. This model sits firmly in our top five best sellers at Luxury Watches Wimbledon and never hangs around for long.
Over the years, I’ve sold these anywhere from £6,000 to £18,995 during the height of the market. With recent corrections, prices have settled into a far more sensible range. Depending on year and condition, most examples now sit between £12,499 and £15,499.
You can also find earlier Rolex Submariner Date models with box and papers around this level. Rolex has made small changes over the years — warranty cards, dial fonts, clasp finishes — but the core appeal remains unchanged. If you’re in a position to buy one, now feels like a solid moment in the market.
If your budget stretches to a later, sharper example, it will always command a premium. A first sympathetic polish can bring it back close to new and set you up for decades of wear. Poor condition or over-polished watches can be harder to sell on, even with strong demand, so condition really does matter.
Is the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV Worth Buying?
If you have around £15,000 to spend on a luxury watch, or you’re seriously considering the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV Hulk, I strongly recommend spending time with one in person. Feel the edges, appreciate the build quality, put it on your wrist, and let the Hulk do the talking.
You can view the Rolex Submariner Date models we currently have available here:
Rolex Submariner Date
Until next time…
Adam,
Luxury Watches Wimbledon