An imitation Rolex green Submariner is a replica of the Submariner Date models that carry a green bezel: the 16610LV known as the Kermit, the 116610LV known as the Hulk, and the 126610LV known as the Starbucks. A premium imitation reproduces the case profile, the green bezel insert, the dial color and finish, and a clone of the Rolex 3135 or 3235 movement. The green Submariner line is the single most replicated Rolex family, so quality varies more here than almost anywhere else in the replica market.
Which green Submariner references do imitations copy?
Three generations dominate. Knowing the generation tells you what a replica is trying to be, and therefore what it should get right.
- 16610LV Kermit (2003 to 2010): 40mm case, green aluminum bezel insert, black dial, calibre 3135, released for the Submariner's 50th anniversary.
- 116610LV Hulk (2010 to 2020): 40mm maxi case, green Cerachrom ceramic bezel, sunburst green dial, calibre 3135.
- 126610LV Starbucks (2020 onward): 41mm case, green Cerachrom bezel, black dial, calibre 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.
How do you tell a Kermit, Hulk, and Starbucks apart?
The dial is the fastest tell. The Kermit and Starbucks pair a green bezel with a black dial, while the Hulk is the only one with a green dial as well. The Kermit is the only one with an aluminum bezel insert rather than ceramic, which gives it a flatter, less glossy color.
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Case size is the second tell. The Kermit and Hulk share the 40mm case, and the Starbucks moves to 41mm with thinner lugs and a slightly wider bracelet.
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What separates a premium imitation from a cheap one?
Bezel insert
Ceramic inserts on cheap replicas look flat, take on a blue tint in daylight, or use printed markers that sit above the surface. Better inserts use a ceramic base with engraved and platinum-filled markers, and the green reads as a deep emerald rather than a pastel or olive tone.
Dial and hands
The Hulk dial should shift between dark green and bright green as light moves across it, which is a sunburst finish, not a flat paint. Hands, markers, and lume should be crisp, with lume applied evenly and no overflow onto the dial.
Case, crown guards, and bracelet
Look at the crown guard shape, the lug taper, and the rehaut engraving alignment. A premium case has solid end links that sit tight against the lugs with no rattle or visible gap, and a Glidelock-style clasp that adjusts and locks smoothly.
Movement
Cheap builds run a 2813 or a modified ETA 2836, which sweep less smoothly and often lack a genuine-date-change feel. Higher tiers use clone 3135 or 3235 movements with a 28,800 vph beat rate and a winding feel close to the original.
Which movement should a green Submariner replica have?
For a 40mm Kermit or Hulk build, a clone 3135 is the correct choice, and a 2836 is acceptable at lower prices. For a 41mm Starbucks build, a clone 3235 is correct, and it should deliver roughly 70 hours of power reserve. Movement quality affects winding feel, date change, and how easily a watchmaker can service the watch later.
How much should you expect to pay?
- Budget tier: basic steel, printed bezel, 2813 movement, no meaningful water resistance.
- Mid tier: better case finishing, ceramic insert, 2836 or entry clone movement.
- Premium tier: clone 3135 or 3235, sapphire with correct cyclops magnifier, tight bracelet fitment, tested gaskets.
Price tracks the movement and the bezel insert more than any other part. If a seller cannot name the movement, the watch is almost always budget tier.
Is a green Submariner imitation legal to buy?
Replica watches infringe Rolex trademarks, and shipping them through customs carries seizure risk in the United States and most of Europe. Buyers should treat the purchase as unprotected, with no warranty support and no recourse if the parcel is stopped.
FAQ
Will people notice it is a replica?
At a glance, a premium build is hard to separate from the original. Close inspection of the bezel color, the date font, and the crystal magnification is where differences show up.
Does the green bezel fade?
Ceramic inserts hold color well, while aluminum inserts on Kermit replicas can dull with sun exposure. Store the watch away from direct sunlight to slow any shift.
Can a replica Submariner be serviced or waterproofed?
Clone 3135 and 3235 movements can be serviced by an independent watchmaker who works on Asian clones. Gaskets can be replaced and pressure tested, but a stock replica should not be trusted in water before that work is done.