Rolex Hulk vs. Kermit: Here's how they compare

The Rolex Submariner "Hulk" is defined by its vibrant all-green aesthetic, featuring a bold sunburst green dial with a matching scratch-resistant green ceramic bezel. Its predecessor, the original "Kermit" Submariner, pairs a classic black dial with a striking green aluminum bezel, offering a more traditional look with a unique pop of color and historical significance as the line's 50th-anniversary model.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these legendary green Rolex watches is the right choice for your collection.

Rolex Submariner "Hulk" (Ref. 116610LV)

The Rolex "Hulk," introduced in 2010 and discontinued in 2020, earned its nickname for its muscular "Super Case" and its entirely green color scheme. This model is a modern icon, prized for its unique sunburst green dial that dramatically shifts in color depending on the light, ranging from deep emerald to a bright, shimmering green. It represents a bold and contemporary take on the classic Submariner design.

• What it is: A 40mm stainless steel Submariner Date with a distinctive sunburst green dial and a matching green ceramic (Cerachrom) bezel.
• Key features: Unidirectional green Cerachrom bezel, 40mm "Super Case" with thicker lugs and crown guards, water-resistant to 300 meters, powered by the Calibre 3135 movement.
• Price: Originally retailed for around $9,150 but now sells for $20,000–$30,000+ on the secondhand market due to its rarity and high demand.
• Materials/Construction: Built from Rolex’s own Oystersteel (a highly corrosion-resistant 904L steel) and features a virtually scratchproof ceramic bezel insert that won't fade from UV exposure.
• Fit: The "Super Case" has a broader, more squared-off wrist presence than its predecessor, making it feel larger than its 40mm diameter suggests. The Oyster bracelet includes the convenient Glidelock extension system for fine adjustments.
• Pros: Modern and durable materials, unique sunburst dial is visually stunning, the ceramic bezel is incredibly resistant to scratches and fading, fantastic investment value.
• Cons: The all-green look is less versatile than the Kermit, its bold wrist presence isn't for everyone, and it commands a significant premium on the pre-owned market.

It's the perfect watch for a collector who wants a modern, eye-catching piece with superior durability and strong potential as an investment.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/submariner/m116610lv-0000.html

Rolex Submariner "Kermit" (Ref. 16610LV)

Launched in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, the "Kermit" was the first of its kind to feature a splash of green. It combines a traditional black gloss "Maxi" dial - with larger hour markers and hands for better legibility - with a vibrant green aluminum bezel insert. This combination of classic and contemporary elements has made it a legendary and highly sought-after collector's piece.

• What it is: The original 50th-anniversary Submariner Date with a black dial and a green aluminum bezel insert.
• Key features: Distinctive green aluminum bezel, classic 40mm case with more tapered lugs, gloss black "Maxi" dial, water-resistant to 300 meters, Calibre 3135 movement.
• Price: As a discontinued collector's piece, prices generally range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on condition and provenance.
• Materials/Construction: The case is made of stainless steel with a green anodized aluminum bezel insert.
• Fit: The Kermit features the classic Submariner case profile with slimmer lugs, which offers a more traditional and understated fit on the wrist compared to the Hulk’s blockier Super Case.
• Pros: Seminal piece of Rolex history, the classic black dial makes it more versatile for daily wear, aluminum bezel can develop a unique patina over time which is cherished by collectors.
• Cons: Aluminum bezel is much more prone to scratches and fading than the Hulk's ceramic bezel, the older bracelet lacks the modern Glidelock adjustment system, supply on the market for good examples is limited.

This is an iconic model for collectors who value historical importance, vintage charm, and a more classic design with a unique twist.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/submariner/m116610ln-0000.html

Rolex Hulk vs. Kermit Comparison

Style & Aesthetics

The primary aesthetic difference is immediately obvious: head-on green versus classic with a green accent. The Rolex Hulk is unapologetically modern and bold with its all-green appearance. The shimmering sunburst dial is the star of the show, creating a dynamic visual experience that the Kermit can't match. It’s an attention-grabber through and through.

The Kermit, on the other hand, is the more subdued and arguably more timeless option. Its black dial grounds the design in classic Submariner tradition, while the green bezel provides a distinctive element of personality. This balance makes it incredibly versatile, easily pairing with anything from a t-shirt to a sports coat.

Materials & Durability

This is one of the most significant technical differentiators. The Hulk features a bezel made from Cerachrom, Rolex's proprietary ceramic material. It's incredibly hard, making it virtually impervious to scratches, and its color is stable against the effects of UV light, meaning it will never fade. Its construction is built for modern life.

The original Kermit uses an anodized aluminum bezel insert. While revolutionary for its color at the time, aluminum is a much softer material. It can be easily scratched, dented, and is known to fade over decades of exposure to sun and saltwater. However, many vintage collectors view this fading as "patina" that tells a story and adds to the watch's unique character.

Case & Fit

Although both watches have a 40mm case diameter, they wear very differently on the wrist. The Hulk uses the "Super Case," which is defined by its thicker lugs and broader crown guards. This gives the watch a much more substantial, squared-off, and modern presence on the wrist.

The Kermit retains the classic five-digit Submariner case dimensions, with slimmer, more elegantly tapered lugs. This results in a profile that hugs the wrist more closely and wears truer to its 40mm size. The choice between the two often comes down to a preference for a brawny, modern fit versus a sleeker, vintage-inspired feel.

Price & Investment Value

Both models are blue-chip investments in the watch world, having appreciated dramatically since being discontinued. The Hulk generally commands a higher price in today's market, often fetching a 15-25% premium over a Kermit in similar condition. This is driven by its unique aesthetics, modern materials, and strong cult following.

However, the value of the Original Kermit should not be underestimated. As the 50th-anniversary model that started the entire green Submariner trend, its place in Rolex history is secure. Both are excellent stores of value, but the Hulk's ceiling appears higher for now.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are exceptional and highly desirable watches, but they appeal to different types of collectors for different reasons.

Choose the Hulk if:

• You prefer a bold, modern, and eye-catching aesthetic.
• You value durability and want a scratch-proof ceramic bezel that will never fade.
• You love unique watch dials that change and respond to light.
• You enjoy the feel of a watch with a more substantial wrist presence.

Choose the Kermit if:

• You value historical significance and want the original anniversary model.
• You prefer a more classic, versatile design that's easier to wear daily.
• You appreciate the vintage charm of materials that show their age, like aluminum.
• You prefer the fit of a more traditional, slimmer watch case.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The two main differences are the dial and the bezel material. The Hulk (Ref. 116610LV) has a green dial and a green ceramic bezel. The original Kermit (Ref. 16610LV) has a black dial and a green aluminum bezel.

Which is more expensive, the Hulk or the Kermit?

On the pre-owned market, the Hulk is typically more expensive than the Kermit, often by a significant margin. This is due to its modern construction, fan-favorite sunburst dial, and high collector demand.

Is the Rolex Hulk a good investment?

Yes, historically it has been an outstanding investment. As with most distinctive, discontinued professional Rolex models, its value has risen consistently since it was ceased in 2020. Collectors covet its unique all-green design.

Why is the Rolex Kermit so special?

The Kermit is special because it was released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Submariner. It was the first time an official Submariner was produced with a green accent, making it a landmark piece of Rolex history.

Does the Rolex Kermit's aluminum bezel fade?

Yes, exposure to sunlight and the elements over many years can cause the green color of the Kermit's aluminum bezel insert to fade. Some fade to a light lime or olive green hue, a feature that many vintage collectors find highly desirable and refer to as patina.

Which watch wears larger on the wrist?

The Hulk wears noticeably larger. Despite both having a 40mm diameter, the Hulk's "Super Case" features thicker lugs and crown guards, giving it a much more substantial and boxy presence on the wrist compared to the Kermit's classic, tapered case.

Has Rolex made a new "Kermit"?

Yes. In 2020, Rolex released the Reference 126610LV. It updates the classic Kermit concept with modern specifications: a new 41mm case, a black dial, and a green ceramic bezel, leading enthusiasts to nickname it the "Cermit" or simply the new Kermit.

Are both the original Hulk and Kermit models discontinued?

Yes, both of the models discussed in this comparison are now discontinued. The Reference 16610LV "Kermit" was discontinued in 2010 to make way for the Hulk, and the Reference 116610LV "Hulk" was discontinued in 2020. This scarcity greatly contributes to their collectible status.