Short on time? With Baselworld cancelled, Rolex announced its 2020 novelties online at the end of August. The Submariner grew from 40mm to 41mm, got slimmer lugs and the new calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve. The green-dial "Hulk" was retired, and the green bezel moved to a black dial on the 126610LV. The Oyster Perpetual dropped its 39mm size, added a 41mm and a set of bright lacquer dials. Several of those watches are in our safe.
The Submariner Update
The Submariner is the watch Rolex changes least, so 2020 was a big year. The case went from 40mm to 41mm, but the lugs were narrowed, so on the wrist it actually looks slimmer than the outgoing model. Inside, the calibre 3135 gave way to the 3235, with the Chronergy escapement and about 70 hours of power reserve. The no-date Submariner moved to 41mm at the same time.
Goodbye Hulk, Hello Starbucks
The biggest talking point was colour. The 116610LV "Hulk", green dial and green bezel, was discontinued after a decade. Its replacement, the 126610LV, kept the green bezel but put it on a black dial. Collectors called it the "Starbucks" almost immediately. Both have their fans, and the Hulk's retirement only made it more interesting.
The Oyster Perpetual Gets Bright
The Oyster Perpetual, Rolex's simplest watch, dropped its 39mm size and gained a 41mm. More importantly, it got colour: bright lacquer dials including turquoise, coral red, yellow and green. Overnight the most basic Rolex became one of the hardest to buy. The turquoise in particular, nicknamed "Tiffany" by collectors, became the one everyone asked for. Our 31mm turquoise is a good example of that dial; we also have the quieter beige.
Looking Back
Six years on, 2020 looks like a turning point. The 41mm Submariner is now simply "the Submariner". The Hulk has become a modern classic. And the colourful Oyster Perpetuals showed that Rolex could make its plainest watch exciting without touching the movement or the case.
From 2020's line-up we have an unworn 126610LN, an unworn 126610LV, an OP 31 in turquoise and one in beige. And the watch it retired: a 2015 Hulk.
