The Rolex Submariner "Hulk," officially the reference 116610LV, has cemented its place in horological history as a modern icon. Its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel and striking green dial have captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike. While many are familiar with the overall aesthetic, the subtle nuances within the Hulk's production run, often categorized into "marks," deserve closer examination. This article will focus specifically on the Rolex Hulk Mark 3 (2016-2020), analyzing its unique characteristics and placing it within the broader context of the Hulk's evolution. We'll explore its dial details, compare it to previous iterations, and delve into its current market value.
Rolex Hulk Marks: A Brief Overview
Before diving into the specifics of the Mark 3, let's briefly establish the framework of the different Hulk marks. While Rolex doesn't officially categorize its watches in this manner, the collector community has established a system based on subtle changes in the dial, hands, and movement throughout the watch's production. These distinctions, though small, are significant to discerning collectors who appreciate the nuances of Rolex's manufacturing process and the resulting variations. The generally accepted categorization includes:
* Rolex Hulk Mark 1: This represents the earliest iterations of the 116610LV, featuring specific dial characteristics that have become highly sought after by collectors. We will examine these differences in more detail later.
* Rolex Hulk Mark 2: This intermediate mark often displays slight variations from Mark 1, primarily in the dial printing and potentially the lume plot. These differences are often subtle and require close examination.
* Rolex Hulk Mark 3 (2016-2020): This is the focus of our present discussion. It signifies a period of production where a discernible change occurred in the dial compared to previous marks.
* Post-2020 (Mark 4 – unofficial designation): With the discontinuation of the 116610LV and introduction of the 126610LV, a new generation of Hulk emerged. This unofficial "Mark 4" features significant changes, including a new movement and subtle dial adjustments. This article will primarily focus on the Mark 3, as it represents a distinct phase in the Hulk's history.
Rolex Hulk Mark 1 Dial: Setting the Stage
Understanding the Rolex Hulk Mark 1 dial is crucial for appreciating the evolution leading to the Mark 3. The Mark 1 dials are characterized by certain printing techniques and overall aesthetics that have become highly desirable amongst collectors. These characteristics, often debated and scrutinized by enthusiasts, include:
* Lume Plot: The arrangement and size of the lume plots on the dial, particularly the way they interact with the printed indices, are key distinguishing factors. Minute discrepancies in placement and shape contribute to the identification of different marks.
* Font and Printing Style: The font used for the "SUBMARINER" and other text on the dial, as well as the printing technique itself, show variations across different production periods. Experienced collectors can often discern subtle differences in the boldness, sharpness, and overall style of the printing.
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