A fake Rolex 116610LV is a replica of the Submariner Date Hulk, the dive watch Rolex built with a green Cerachrom bezel and a green sunburst dial. Convincing replicas copy the 40 mm Oystersteel case, the green-on-green color pairing, and the date window at 3 o'clock. Weak ones give themselves away at the bezel shade, the dial texture, and the case silhouette.
This guide covers what the genuine reference is, which details separate a well-made fake Rolex 116610LV from an obvious one, and what to inspect before you spend money.
The Genuine 116610LV at a Glance
Rolex introduced the 116610LV in 2010 as the green-dial follow-up to the 16610LV. It stayed in the catalog until 2020, when the 126610LV replaced it. Core specs include a 40 mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel that Rolex markets as Oystersteel, a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert with platinum-coated numerals, a green sunburst dial, Caliber 3135, 300 m water resistance, and a solid-link Oyster bracelet with a Glidelock clasp.
The nickname Hulk comes from the all-green look. Collectors call the 126610LV the Starbucks because it pairs a green bezel with a black dial.
Why the Green Finish Is the Hardest Part to Copy
Green is unforgiving in replication. The genuine bezel insert is a specific shade of ceramic that shifts slightly under different light, and many replica inserts read too yellow, too dark, or too flat. The dial is a sunburst finish: brushed metal under green lacquer that throws radiating light bands from the center. Cheaper copies use a printed or matte green surface that looks uniform in every lighting condition, which is an easy tell.
The cyclops magnifier over the date is the second problem area. A correct build has a clean magnifier with low distortion and a date font that matches the genuine proportion.
Replica Tiers You Will See
Entry level
Usually a generic 40 mm case with a mineral crystal, a painted or plated bezel insert, and a low-grade automatic or quartz movement. The green rarely matches, and the case often runs thicker than the genuine profile.
Mid tier
Ceramic bezel inserts appear here, along with sapphire crystal and a Japanese or basic Swiss-style automatic. Color is closer, but dial texture and date magnification often fall short.
Top tier
These builds use a closer case profile, a ceramic insert in a more accurate green, a sunburst dial, sapphire with an anti-reflective cyclops, and a clone or Swiss movement. Most remaining differences sit inside the case, which is why photos alone rarely settle the question.
Details to Inspect on a Fake 116610LV
- Bezel shade in daylight, shade, and indoor light
- Dial sunburst: does the light band radiate or sit flat
- Date font thickness and the size of the magnified date
- Crown guard shape and the gap between guard and crown
- Lug width and how the end links meet the case
- Rehaut engraving alignment with the minute track
- Bracelet link fit, clasp action, and the Glidelock extension
- Case thickness, which should stay near the 12.5 mm to 13 mm range
Movements Used in Replicas
Three families show up most often. Chinese clones of the Rolex 3135 are common in top-tier builds and offer the correct crown position and date-change direction. Modified ETA 2824 or 2836 movements are reliable and easy to service, though crown height can differ. Cheaper builds use unbranded 21-jewel automatics. If a seller cannot name the movement, treat that as a gap in the listing.
Size, Weight, and Wrist Feel
Feel matters more than photos. A full steel bracelet on a 40 mm dive watch should feel substantial on the wrist, and the case should sit flat rather than tilt. If a replica feels light or the bracelet rattles, the links are likely hollow or thin. The crown should turn without grit, and the bezel should click through its positions with even spacing and no back play.
Buying Checklist
- Ask for the movement name, not just the word Swiss.
- Request photos in daylight, shade, and indoor light.
- Ask for a case thickness measurement.
- Confirm crystal material and whether the cyclops has anti-reflective coating.
- Ask about the bracelet: solid links, screw pins, or friction pins.
- Read the return or exchange terms before paying.
How the 116610LV Differs From the 126610LV
If the watch in front of you has a black dial with a green bezel, it is a 126610LV, not a 116610LV. The newer reference also uses a 41 mm case and Caliber 3235. Mixing up those two references is a common listing error and a reason to slow down.
Legality and Practical Notes
Counterfeit watches are illegal to sell in the United States and most of Europe, and they cannot be serviced by Rolex or an authorized watchmaker. A replica is a costume piece, not an investment. Buy from a seller with clear terms, and treat any Swiss made claim on a counterfeit as marketing rather than a factory fact.