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

The Rolex Submariner “Smurf” Ref. 116619LB is crafted entirely from 18k white gold with a vibrant blue dial and bezel, giving it a hefty, luxurious feel with an astronomical price to match. By contrast, the Rolex Submariner “Hulk” Ref. 116610LV is made from durable stainless steel and features a striking green sunburst dial and bezel, making it a more rugged, sporty, and visually bold choice at a fraction of the cost.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide between these two highly collectible, discontinued dive watches from Rolex.

Rolex Submariner "Smurf" Ref. 116619LB

The Rolex "Smurf" is the nickname for the Submariner Date reference 116619LB, the very first Submariner crafted from solid 18k white gold. Released in 2008, it stands out for its bright blue Cerachrom bezel and matching blue dial, paired with the substantial weight and unique luster of its precious metal construction. It's a true heavyweight luxury diver that combines Rolex’s tool-watch heritage with top-tier materials.

• What it is: A 40mm Rolex Submariner Date featuring a solid 18k white gold case and Oyster bracelet, with a distinctive blue dial and blue ceramic bezel.
• Key features: Solid 18k white gold construction, 40mm Oyster case, scratch-resistant blue Cerachrom bezel, Caliber 3135 movement, Oyster bracelet with Glidelock extension system.
• Price: As a discontinued model, market prices typically range from $36,000 to $40,000+ USD.
• Materials/Construction: The entire watch and bracelet are crafted from solid 18k white gold, giving it significant heft and a cooler, brighter shine than steel.
• Sizing/Fit: A 40mm case diameter and approximately 12.5mm thickness fits a wide range of wrists comfortably, though its weight is immediately noticeable. The Glidelock clasp allows for 20mm of fine adjustments.
• Pros: Unparalleled luxury feel due to its weight and precious metal, beautiful blue color combination exudes elegance, it’s an end-game Submariner for serious collectors, more understated than yellow gold.
• Cons: Extremely high price point, white gold is softer than steel and more susceptible to scuffs and scratches, the heavy weight is not for everyone.

This is the ultimate Submariner for the collector who prioritizes precious metal luxury, high-end finishing, and wants a watch that truly makes a statement of status and taste.

Shop this product: Available on the secondary market

Rolex Submariner "Hulk" Ref. 116610LV

The Rolex "Hulk" (Ref. 116610LV) earned its nickname for its all-green color scheme - a vibrant green ceramic bezel paired with a stunning green sunburst dial. Made from tough Oystersteel, it's a bold and modern take on the classic Submariner. Since its discontinuation in 2020, its popularity and secondary market value have skyrocketed, making it one of the most sought-after modern steel sports watches.

• What it is: A 40mm Rolex Submariner Date in stainless steel featuring a green Cerachrom bezel and a metallic green sunburst dial.
• Key features: Robust 904L Oystersteel construction, 40mm Oyster case, green Cerachrom bezel, green sunburst dial that changes character in different lighting, Caliber 3135 movement, Oyster bracelet with Glidelock.
• Price: Originally retailed around $9,500, but as a discontinued and highly coveted model, market prices often exceed $20,000 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Made from Oystersteel, a highly corrosion-resistant and durable 904L steel alloy, paired with a scratch-proof ceramic (Cerachrom) bezel.
• Sizing/Fit: Identical 40mm case and ~12.5mm thickness to the Smurf, making the fit familiar and comfortable. Its steel construction makes it significantly lighter and more practical for daily wear.
• Pros: Unique and eye-catching green color, durable materials make it a perfect daily driver, exceptional value retention and appreciation, a highly recognized modern classic.
• Cons: The bold green color can be less versatile than traditional black or blue, prices on the secondary market are highly inflated over its original retail cost, discontinued model can be hard to find in excellent condition.

This watch is perfect for the enthusiast who loves a bold, sporty aesthetic and wants a tough, reliable, and highly collectible steel dive watch that stands out from the crowd.

Shop this product: Available on the secondary market

Rolex Smurf vs. Hulk Comparison

Materials & Construction

The core difference between these two watches is the material. The Smurf is crafted from solid 18k white gold, a heavy and precious metal that gives the watch a feeling of pure luxury on the wrist. While stunning, white gold is softer than steel and more prone to noticeable scratches from daily wear.

The Hulk is made from Rolex's proprietary 904L Oystersteel, a functional and extremely robust material designed for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s lighter, tougher, and better suited to an active lifestyle. Both watches benefit from Rolex’s nearly indestructible Cerachrom ceramic bezel, making them equally resistant to scratches and fading in their respective colors.

Style & Aesthetic

Aesthetically, these watches cater to different tastes. The Smurf, with its vibrant blue dial and bezel in a white gold case, offers a look of elevated, nautical luxury. It's colorful yet elegant, capable of being worn in both casual and formal settings. From a distance, it can be mistaken for steel, giving it an "if you know, you know" quality.

The Hulk is unapologetically bold. The combination of its shimmering green sunburst dial and matching green bezel creates a sporty, unmissable presence. It’s a fun, less conservative choice that has become an icon precisely because of its unique colorway. It’s distinctly a sports watch and works best in casual and adventurous settings.

Price & Value

There is a massive price chasm between the two. The Smurf commands a price of $36,000 to $40,000+ due to its solid gold construction, its intrinsic value is tied directly to a precious metal. It's a purchase made in the upper echelons of watch collecting.

The Hulk, while retailing for under $10,000, has experienced a phenomenal rise in the secondary market due to extreme demand and its discontinued status. Its value is driven by collectibility and hype rather than material worth, and it has proven to be an excellent financial investment for those who bought it at retail.

Fit & Comfort

In terms of dimensions, the Smurf and Hulk are identical. Both feature a 40mm "Super case" and an Oyster bracelet with the fantastic Glidelock extension system for a perfect fit. The only meaningful difference in how they wear is weight. The Smurf is substantially heavier, which some wearers love as a constant reminder of its quality, while others may find it too cumbersome for all-day wear. The Hulk’s steel construction offers a more traditional and balanced weight for a daily tool watch.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both models are fantastic, highly desirable dive watches, but they serve very different collectors and styles.

Choose the Rolex "Smurf" if:

• You prioritize the luxurious feel and status of a solid gold timepiece.
• Your budget accommodates a high-end luxury watch purchase.
• You want a watch that is colorful and special but can still fly under the radar as a "steel" watch to the untrained eye.
• You appreciate the significant heft and wrist presence that comes with precious metal.

Choose the Rolex "Hulk" if:

• You want a bold, head-turning stainless steel sports watch that stands out.
• You prefer the practicality, durability, and lighter weight of steel for everyday wear.
• You’re looking for a modern classic with a proven track record of value appreciation.
• Your style is more sporty and adventurous.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The three main differences are material (18k white gold for the Smurf vs. stainless steel for the Hulk), color (blue vs. green), and price (the Smurf is significantly more expensive due to its precious metal construction).

Is the Rolex Smurf made of real gold?

Yes, absolutely. Both the case and bracelet of the Reference 116619LB "Smurf" are made from solid 18k white gold, which is an alloy of gold mixed with other metals like palladium to give it its silvery-white color.

Why is the Rolex Hulk so expensive on the secondary market?

The Rolex Hulk's high price is due to a combination of factors: it was discontinued in 2020, has a completely unique all-green design that was a departure for the brand, and suffered from extremely high demand versus limited supply even when it was in production. This rarity and popularity have driven market values well above its original retail price.

Which one is a better investment?

Both have been excellent investments. The Hulk has seen a higher percentage return compared to its retail price due to market hype. The Smurf's value is more stable and tied to the value of gold, but supported by its rarity as a discontinued precious-metal model. Generally, the Hulk is seen as the sharper appreciating asset, while the Smurf is a store of intrinsic value.

Are the Rolex Smurf and Hulk still in production?

No, both the "Smurf" (116619LB) and the "Hulk" (116610LV) were discontinued by Rolex in 2020 when the brand updated the Submariner line to a 41mm case size.

What models replaced the Smurf and the Hulk?

The Rolex Smurf was functionally replaced by the 41mm white gold Submariner (Ref. 126619LB), which now features a black dial with a blue bezel. The Hulk was replaced by the 41mm steel Submariner (Ref. 126610LV), which keeps the green bezel but reverts to a classic black dial, earning it the nickname "Starbucks" or "Cermit".

Do they wear the same on the wrist?

Dimensionally, they wear identically with a 40mm case and the same bracelet design. However, the feel is very different. The white gold Smurf is significantly heavier than the steel Hulk, a difference you can feel immediately upon picking it up or wearing it.

How can you tell a real Smurf from a stainless steel watch?

Besides specific reference numbers, the three key tells are weight, luster, and hallmark engravings. The Smurf is much heavier. White gold also has a slightly warmer, richer shine than the colder, more utilitarian look of stainless steel. Finally, the underside of the lugs will have small, official hallmarks indicating its precious metal content.