The world of luxury watches is often a whirlwind of subtle nuances, heated debates, and fervent collecting. Few watches ignite such passionate discussion as the Rolex Submariner, particularly its green iterations. This article delves into the fascinating world of the Rolex "Hulk" and its frequently compared counterpart, the "Kermit," often informally referred to as the "Starbucks" due to its perceived resemblance to the coffee giant's iconic green logo. We'll dissect the differences, explore the history, and navigate the complexities of acquiring these highly sought-after timepieces.
Rolex Kermit vs. Hulk Starbucks: A Tale of Two Greens
The term "Starbucks Kermit" is a colloquialism, a playful nickname born from the perceived similarity of the watch's green bezel to the Starbucks logo. It doesn't represent an official Rolex designation. The actual watch referred to is the Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16610LV, affectionately known as the "Kermit." This model, released in 2003, marked the 50th anniversary of the Submariner line and was the first green-bezel Submariner to be produced. Its vibrant, slightly more yellow-tinged green bezel contrasted beautifully with its black dial and stainless steel case, establishing a unique and instantly recognizable aesthetic.
The Rolex "Hulk," officially the Submariner Date Ref. 116610LV, followed in 2010. A significant evolution from the Kermit, the Hulk featured a bolder, more saturated green ceramic bezel insert. This ceramic bezel offered superior scratch resistance compared to the aluminum bezel of its predecessor, a significant upgrade in durability. The Hulk's green extended to the dial, creating a more cohesive and intensely green aesthetic. This deeper, more vibrant green – often described as closer to a jade or emerald green – further solidified its place as a highly desirable collector's item.
The "Starbucks" moniker, therefore, is primarily used to distinguish the Kermit from the Hulk, highlighting the lighter, more yellow-green hue of the Kermit's aluminum bezel. It's crucial to understand that this is informal nomenclature; the official names are the Kermit (Ref. 16610LV) and the Hulk (Ref. 116610LV). The current generation green Submariner, the Ref. 126610LV, which we will discuss later, is also sometimes informally referred to as a "Starbucks" or even a "Kermit 2.0", although it maintains its own distinct identity.
Rolex Submariner Hulk vs. Starbucks (Kermit): A Detailed Comparison
The differences between the Kermit and the Hulk go beyond the shade of green. Here's a breakdown:
| Feature | Rolex Submariner Kermit (Ref. 16610LV) | Rolex Submariner Hulk (Ref. 116610LV) |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Bezel Material | Aluminum | Ceramic |
| Bezel Color | Lighter, yellowish-green | Deeper, more saturated green |
| Dial Color | Black | Green |
| Movement | Caliber 3135 | Caliber 3135 |
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