The Rolex Submariner Reference 116610 LV, colloquially and affectionately known as the "Hulk," represents a pivotal and unforgettable chapter in the storied evolution of the world's most iconic dive watch. Its legacy is not merely that of another model in a long line but a bold statement that redefined the Submariner's visual language for the 21st century while honoring its unshakeable tool-watch DNA. The journey of the Submariner, culminating in this distinctive green iteration, is a narrative of incremental mastery, where each technical refinement served to bolster a legend already decades in the making.

The original Submariner, introduced in 1953, established the blueprint for the modern dive watch. Its core tenets were unwavering functionality: water resistance, a legible rotating bezel, and luminous markers. Over subsequent decades, Rolex engaged in a relentless pursuit of perfection, refining these elements. The introduction of the Triplock winding crown in the 1970s enhanced water resistance, while the shift from acrylic to scratch-resistant sapphire crystal in the late 1970s improved durability. The transition to 904L stainless steel offered superior corrosion resistance. These were not aesthetic whims but calculated engineering advancements, each reinforcing the watch's reputation as a robust and reliable instrument.

The Reference 116610 LV, launched in 2010, was a product of this philosophy, yet it dared to introduce a dramatic aesthetic shift. It was the first and only Submariner Date to feature a fully green sunburst dial paired with a matching green Cerachrom bezel. This was a radical departure from the classic black or blue schemes that had defined the model. The "Hulk" nickname captured its powerful, almost transformative presence. The choice of green was deeply symbolic, drawing a direct lineage to Rolex's brand color and its earlier "Kermit" Submariner (Ref. 16610LV), which featured a green aluminum bezel insert on a black dial. The 116610 LV took this identity a definitive step further, creating a monochromatic statement that was impossible to ignore.

Beneath its vibrant exterior, the 116610 LV was a masterpiece of technical evolution. It housed the then-new Caliber 3135, a chronometer-certified movement renowned for its robustness and reliability, protected by the innovative Parachrom hairspring for greater resistance to shocks and magnetism. The case was redesigned with broader lugs and a more solid construction, giving it a more substantial and modern wrist presence. The bezel utilized Rolex's proprietary Cerachrom ceramic, a material virtually impervious to fading and scratches, with its numerals plated in platinum for lasting brilliance. The Glidelock clasp, an engineering marvel, allowed for fine, tool-free adjustments of the bracelet, a critical feature for comfort over a wetsuit or in changing conditions. Every component underscored a commitment to performance that justified its luxury status.

The cultural impact and market reception of the "Hulk" were immediate and profound. It challenged the conservative expectations of luxury tool watches, proving that a bold aesthetic could coexist with supreme technical prowess. It became a symbol of success and confident individuality, a watch for those who appreciated heritage but desired a contemporary edge. Its discontinuation in 2020 after a single decade of production only solidified its legendary status. Unlike its successor, the 126610LV "Starbucks" with its black dial and green bezel, the "Hulk's" fully green visage remains a unique experiment, a peak of audacity in the Submariner's timeline. This finite production window has cemented its position as a future classic, highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts who view it as the ultimate expression of a specific era in Rolex's history.

The lasting legacy of the Rolex Submariner 116610 LV in the pantheon of luxury timepieces is multifaceted. It demonstrated that even the most iconic design could be reinterpreted with dramatic effect without sacrificing its core identity. It bridged the gap between the tool-watch purists and a new generation of watch lovers who valued bold design and collectability. The "Hulk" proved that color, when executed with Rolex's level of material science and finishing, could become a powerful element of luxury, moving beyond mere function into the realm of emotional connection and personal expression. It stands as a testament to Rolex's ability to control its own narrative, creating not just watches, but cultural icons with defined lifecycles that fuel enduring desire.

Ultimately, the story of the 116610 LV is the story of the Submariner's evolution in microcosm: a foundation of relentless technical improvement, crowned by a moment of brilliant aesthetic daring. It honored the past with its impeccable performance while fearlessly pointing toward the future. In the landscape of luxury watches, where heritage is often the primary currency, the "Hulk" carved out a unique legacy as the Submariner that was unafraid to be different, securing its place not just as a tool, nor merely as jewelry, but as a definitive and unforgettable icon of its time.