Rolex decided to take a make-it-or-break-it long shot by reinventing their most classic Submariner watch, the iconic diving instrument. They didn't just tweak the existing design; they boldly introduced a vibrant green ceramic bezel insert – a departure that would forever change the perception of the Submariner. This audacious move birthed the 116610LV, affectionately nicknamed the "Hulk" due to its striking green hue, and cemented its place in horological history. This review delves deep into the Rolex 116610LV, exploring its design, performance, legacy, and current market value, considering its now-discontinued status.
The Genesis of a Green Giant: Design and Aesthetics
The 116610LV’s most defining feature, its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel, is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetics. Unlike earlier aluminum bezels, the ceramic insert is virtually scratch-proof, ensuring the watch maintains its pristine appearance even after years of wear. This green, a deep, saturated shade, isn't merely a splash of color; it's a carefully chosen hue that evokes feelings of depth, resilience, and the underwater world the Submariner is designed to conquer.
Beyond the bezel, the Hulk retains the classic Submariner DNA. The 40mm Oyster case, crafted from robust 904L stainless steel, provides exceptional durability and water resistance to 300 meters (1000 feet). The iconic Oyster bracelet, with its solid links and comfortable clasp, is a testament to Rolex's commitment to comfort and security. The maxi-dial, featuring larger hour markers and hands filled with Chromalight luminescence, ensures excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. This enhanced visibility is crucial for a diving watch, allowing divers to read the time accurately even in the depths of the ocean. The Cyclops magnifying lens over the date window, a signature Rolex feature, is present and adds a touch of classic elegance.
The overall design is a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern functionality. The green bezel provides a striking contrast to the stainless steel, creating a watch that is both visually stunning and inherently practical. The Hulk isn't just a watch; it's a statement piece, a symbol of adventure and precision engineering.
Performance and Functionality: A Diving Masterpiece
The 116610LV is more than just a pretty face; it's a high-performance timepiece built to withstand the harshest conditions. Powered by the caliber 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured by Rolex, the Hulk offers exceptional accuracy and reliability. This movement is renowned for its robustness and precision, maintaining its timekeeping capabilities even under pressure.
The 3135 movement features a Parachrom hairspring, made from a paramagnetic alloy, which is resistant to magnetic fields and offers superior shock resistance. This contributes to the watch's overall reliability and accuracy. The movement is also equipped with a shock-absorbing system and a high-performance escapement, further enhancing its resilience.
The 116610LV's water resistance to 300 meters ensures it can handle the pressures of deep-sea diving. The screw-down crown and caseback create a hermetic seal, protecting the movement from water ingress. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its precise 60-minute graduations, allows divers to monitor their dive time accurately, a crucial safety feature.
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