Short on time? The 126610LN and 126610LV are the current 41mm Submariner Date, with the calibre 3235 and about 70 hours of power reserve. The LN is all black; the LV has a green bezel on a black dial, the "Starbucks". The 116610LV "Hulk" is the previous generation: 40mm, calibre 3135 with about 48 hours, and green on green. It was discontinued in 2020. We have all three.
Backstory
The Submariner is Rolex's dive watch and the template for most dive watches since. In 2020 Rolex updated it: the case went from 40mm to 41mm, the lugs got slimmer, and the calibre 3135 made way for the 3235. The green-dial Hulk was retired at the same time and the green bezel moved onto a black dial.
126610LN: the Default
Black dial, black Cerachrom bezel, 41mm, 300 metres of water resistance. It's the Submariner in its purest form, and it goes with literally everything. If you only ever own one Rolex, this is a strong candidate.
126610LV "Starbucks": the One With a Bit of Colour
Same watch as the LN with a green bezel. It's a small change that gives it a lot more personality. The green reads almost black in low light and bright in the sun. Ours is unworn.
116610LV "Hulk": the Discontinued Favourite
Green sunburst dial, green bezel, 40mm case and the calibre 3135. Made from 2010 to 2020, it's the most distinctive modern Submariner, and since it's no longer made, it has a collector following the current models don't have yet. The trade-offs: a shorter power reserve (about 48 hours against 70) and the slightly chunkier pre-2020 case.
Which One We'd Pick
If you want one watch for everything, the LN. If you want the current model with a bit more character, the Starbucks. If you want something you won't see on every other wrist, and you like the idea of owning a discontinued reference, the Hulk. Our full guides cover the 126610LN and the Hulk and Kermit.
Final Thoughts
These are three of the most recognisable watches in the world, and the differences matter more to the person wearing them than to anyone watching. Start with the colour you love.
In the safe: an unworn 2026 126610LN, an unworn 2026 126610LV and a 2015 116610LV Hulk, all full sets.
