The Rolex Submariner "Hulk," with its iconic green ceramic bezel, captured the hearts (and wrists) of watch enthusiasts worldwide. Its vibrant color and robust design made it a highly sought-after timepiece, often commanding significant premiums above its retail price. So, when rumors began circulating about its discontinuation, the watch community reacted with a mix of disbelief and anxiety. The question on everyone's mind: Did Rolex discontinue the Hulk? The short answer is yes, but the story behind its departure is more nuanced than a simple "discontinued" label.
Why Did Rolex Discontinue the Hulk?
The discontinuation of the Rolex Hulk (reference 116610LV) wasn't a sudden, impulsive decision. Instead, it was a strategic move within Rolex's broader revamp of its Submariner line. The key factor was the 2020 update to the entire Submariner collection. Rolex decided to standardize the size of all its Submariner models at 41mm, abandoning the previous 40mm size that had characterized the Hulk and other earlier models. This change affected not only the case size but also necessitated alterations to the movement, bracelet, and overall design elements to maintain the watch's balance and functionality.
The shift to 41mm wasn't just about a minor size adjustment. It represented a significant design philosophy shift by Rolex. The larger size allowed for internal improvements, including a more robust movement and potentially enhanced water resistance. The 41mm case also offered more wrist presence, reflecting a contemporary trend in larger sports watches. However, this upgrade rendered the existing 40mm case and its associated components obsolete, effectively making the continuation of the 116610LV Hulk impractical.
Beyond the size change, the 2020 update also included other notable modifications:
* Updated Movement: The 41mm Submariners were equipped with the new Calibre 3235, a significant upgrade over the previous generation movements. This new movement boasted improved accuracy, power reserve, and overall robustness. The Calibre 3235 simply wouldn't fit into the 40mm case of the Hulk.
* Refined Bracelet: The bracelet on the new 41mm Submariners underwent refinement, with subtle changes to the clasp and links for enhanced comfort and durability. These changes were integral to the overall design update and couldn't be easily retrofitted to the older 40mm models.
* Enhanced Water Resistance: While not explicitly advertised, it's widely believed that the 41mm Submariners offer slightly improved water resistance compared to their 40mm predecessors. This enhancement is likely linked to the larger case size and internal design modifications.
* Cerachrom Bezel: While the green Cerachrom bezel remained a key feature of the Submariner line, its manufacturing process might have been subtly altered to align with the new case size and design.
In essence, the discontinuation of the Hulk wasn't about a specific problem with the watch itself. Instead, it was a casualty of Rolex's comprehensive and deliberate upgrade of its entire Submariner range. The 40mm platform was simply no longer compatible with Rolex's updated design language and technical advancements. The company chose to move forward with a unified, modernized Submariner line, leaving the beloved Hulk behind.
current url：https://hlwedq.cx347.com/blog/did-rolex-discontinue-the-hulk-13667