Rolex vs. Sprite Hulk: What's the difference?

The Rolex "Hulk" and "Sprite" are two of the brand's most recognizable green-bezeled watches, but they are fundamentally different timepieces built for different purposes. The Rolex Submariner "Hulk" (ref. 116610LV) is a classic right-handed dive watch with a matching green dial and bezel, discontinued in 2020. The Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" (ref. 126720VTNR) is a current-production GMT watch designed for travelers, featuring a unique left-handed crown configuration with a green and black bezel.

Here's everything you need to know about these iconic watches to decide which one is right for you, or to simply understand the difference between them.

Rolex Submariner Date "Hulk" (Ref. 116610LV)

The Rolex "Hulk," officially the Submariner Date ref. 116610LV, was introduced in 2010 and quickly became a cultural icon for its bold, all-green design. With its vibrant green sunburst dial and matching green Cerachrom ceramic bezel, it was a striking and modern take on Rolex's legendary dive watch. Discontinued in 2020, its status as a closed production model has only increased its demand on the secondary market.

• What it is: A professional dive watch with a 40mm case, unidirectional rotating bezel, date function, and 300 meters of water resistance.
• Key features: Unique monochromatic look with a green sunburst dial and green Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Features a classic right-hand crown and the older-generation Calibre 3135 movement with a 48-hour power reserve.
• Price: Initially retailed for around $9,150. As a discontinued model, it now sells for $17,000 - $22,000+ on the pre-owned market.
• Materials/Construction: Built from Rolex's highly corrosion-resistant 904L Oystersteel with a scratchproof Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Its Oyster bracelet features the Glidelock clasp for easy, tool-free micro-adjustments.
• Sizing/Fit: The 40mm "Super Case" wears slightly larger than its measurement suggests due to thick lugs, giving it substantial wrist presence while fitting a wide range of wrist sizes.
• Pros: Highly collectible discontinued model. Stunning all-green aesthetic is unique in the Rolex lineup. Robust dive-watch functionality with 300m water resistance. Glidelock clasp offers a superior, adjustable fit.
• Cons: Uses an older movement with a shorter power reserve. The vibrant green can be less versatile than more traditional colors. Its high secondary market price point makes it a serious investment.

This watch is perfect for collectors who want a statement-making, modern classic Rolex that has proven to be a strong investment piece.

Shop this product: bobswatches.com/rolex-submariner/rolex-116610lv-submariner.html

Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" (Ref. 126720VTNR)

The Rolex "Sprite," also nicknamed the "Lefty" or "Destro," surprised the watch world upon its release in 2022. It is the first left-handed production model from Rolex, featuring the crown and date window on the left side of the case. Designed for world travelers, its distinctive green and black ceramic bezel allows the wearer to track a second time zone, making it as functional as it is visually unique.

• What it is: A professional traveler's watch with a GMT complication, a 40mm case, bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel, date function, and a 100-meter water resistance rating.
• Key features: Innovative left-handed "destro" configuration. Two-tone green and black Cerachrom bezel. Powered by the modern Calibre 3285 movement with an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Available on both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.
• Price: Retails for around $11,250 but is extremely difficult to purchase new. Pre-owned prices range from $20,000 - $25,000+.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from 904L Oystersteel with a scratchproof two-tone Cerachrom bezel with platinum-dusted numerals. It features a Triplock crown for security and water resistance.
• Sizing/Fit: The 40mm case is well-proportioned for most wrists. The Oyster bracelet version features a 5mm Easylink comfort extension clasp, which differs from the Submariner's Glidelock.
• Pros: Unique and conversation-starting left-hand design. Superior modern movement with a longer power reserve. Highly practical GMT complication. Available with two distinct bracelet styles.
• Cons: The left-hand crown position isn't for everyone. Lower water resistance rating (100m) than the Hulk. The black dial lacks the singular aesthetic punch of the Hulk's all-green look.

This watch suits travelers, watch lovers who appreciate unconventional design, or those wanting the latest in Rolex engineering and technology.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii/m126720vtnr-0001

Rolex Hulk vs. Sprite Comparison

Functionality & Purpose

The most important distinction lies in their intended function. The Rolex Hulk is a pure dive watch. Its unidirectional bezel is designed to safely time dives, it can descend to 300 meters (1,000 feet), and its robust build prioritizes durability under pressure. It tells the time and date in one location, perfectly.

The Rolex Sprite, on the other hand, is a traveler's or pilot's watch. Its GMT complication uses a fourth hand (the green 24-hour hand) and a bidirectional rotating bezel to track a second time zone. Its water resistance is 100 meters (330 feet), which is perfectly suitable for swimming and daily wear but not for serious scuba diving. It's built for crossing time zones, not exploring ocean depths.

Design & Aesthetics

While both feature green ceramic, their appearances are starkly different. The Hulk is famous for its powerful all-green aesthetic, from its shimmering sunburst dial to its solid green bezel. It's a bold, celebratory, and conventionally designed right-hand watch.

The Sprite's color is tempered by a stately black ceramic on half of its bezel and a classic black dial. Its most radical feature is the left-hand configuration, placing the crown and the Cyclops date window at 9 o'clock. This "destro" design makes it instantly recognizable and gives it a highly unconventional look that some find more comfortable on the wrist.

Movement & Performance

The Sprite holds a clear technical advantage here. It contains the newer generation Rolex Calibre 3285, which includes the Chronergy escapement for improved efficiency. This delivers a substantial 70-hour power reserve, meaning you can take it off for a weekend and it will still be running on Monday morning.

The Hulk is powered by the legendary workhorse Calibre 3135. While incredibly reliable and accurate, it features an older architecture and provides a shorter power reserve of around 48 hours.

Rarity & Price

Both watches command massive premiums over their original retail prices due to overwhelming demand. The Hulk has the appeal of being a discontinued model, its definitive production run makes it a finished chapter in Rolex history, attracting collectors who value scarcity.

The Sprite is currently in production but is notoriously difficult to acquire from an authorized dealer, driving its secondary market value just as high, if not higher. For now, the Hulk is a defined collector's item, while the Sprite is the new, impossibly-hot model that everyone wants.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are incredible watches, but they serve different tastes and needs. Your choice depends entirely on your priorities as a wearer and collector.

Choose the Rolex Hulk if:

• You prefer the history and function of a classic dive watch.
• You love a bold, monochromatic design and the unique look of the green sunburst dial.
• You are looking for a discontinued "modern classic" that is popular with collectors.
• You need the extremely adjustable Glidelock clasp and robust 300m water resistance.

Choose the Rolex Sprite if:

• You are a frequent traveler and would genuinely use the GMT complication.
• You appreciate unconventional, forward-thinking design and love the left-hand layout.
• You prioritize modern watch technology, specifically a longer 70-hour power reserve.
• You prefer the versatility of a black dial combined with a split-color bezel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Rolex Hulk and Sprite?

The main difference is their core function. The Hulk is a Submariner dive watch meant for underwater use (300m water resistance). The Sprite is a GMT-Master II, a pilot's or traveler's watch meant for tracking multiple time zones (100m water resistance).

Is the Rolex Hulk discontinued?

Yes, the Rolex Hulk (ref. 116610LV) was officially discontinued in 2020 and replaced by the ref. 126610LV (the "Starbucks" or "Cermit"), which features a green bezel but a black dial.

Why is the Rolex Sprite's crown on the left?

This is a rare "destro" (Italian for "right") or left-handed configuration. It's intended to be worn on the right wrist, so the crown does not dig into the back of a right-handed person's wrist. It is also a bold design choice that adds to its collectibility and unique appeal.

Which Rolex is more expensive, the Hulk or the Sprite?

While an authorized dealer's retail price for the new Sprite is higher than the Hulk's final retail price was, this is seldom a factor. On the far-more-relevant secondary market, prices for both are very similar and extremely high, often fluctuating between $17,000 and $25,000+ depending on condition, year, and market demand.

Which watch has a better movement?

The Sprite has the technologically superior movement. Its Calibre 3285 features Rolex’s modern Chronergy escapement and a 70-hour power reserve, compared to the Hulk's Calibre 3135, which has a 48-hour power reserve.

Is 'Sprite Hulk' a real Rolex watch?

No. "Sprite" and "Hulk" are common nicknames for two completely separate and distinct Rolex models. There is no combined "Sprite Hulk" watch. The confusion arises because both watches are famous for their signature green ceramic bezels.

Which is a better investment?

Both have proven to be outstanding investment pieces that have significantly appreciated in value. The discontinued nature of the Hulk gives it a finite supply which many collectors look for. The Sprite's radical design and hype as a hot modern piece give it immense value in today's market. Investment potential is high for both but ultimately depends on future market trends for luxury watches.

Can you swim with a Rolex Sprite?

Yes, absolutely. With a 100-meter (330 feet) water resistance rating and a secure Triplock screw-down crown, the Sprite is perfectly safe for swimming, showering, and surface-level water activities. It is not, however, recommended for scuba diving.