When Rolex adds a touch of green, people notice. Green has long represented prosperity, success, and prestige for the brand, and few watches embody that more vividly than the green Submariners.
Over the past two decades, Rolex has released three standout versions, each with its own story and personality: the Kermit, the Hulk, and the Starbucks. Here’s how they compare.
Introduced in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, the Kermit marked the beginning of Rolex’s green era. Unlike the Hulk, the Kermit kept the classic black dial, pairing it with a green aluminum bezel insert that gave the watch just enough color without overpowering its traditional design.
Inside beats the same Caliber 3135 movement found in later Submariners, though the case and bracelet retain that early-2000s Rolex charm: slimmer lugs, a lighter profile, and a slightly more vintage feel on the wrist.
Collectors appreciate the Kermit for its transitional character. It bridges the gap between the vintage aluminum-bezel Submariners and the modern ceramic era. Early production models, known for their distinctive “Flat 4” font on the bezel, have become especially desirable among enthusiasts.
Released in 2010, the Hulk broke tradition with a bold new look. It was the first Submariner to go fully green with a rich sunburst green dial paired with a matching green Cerachrom bezel. The color shifts in the light, ranging from deep forest tones to bright emerald flashes.
Beneath the surface, the Hulk uses the tried-and-true Caliber 3135 automatic movement, known for its reliability and durability. Its 40mm Oystersteel case and Triplock crown give it the classic Submariner toughness, while the ceramic bezel offers modern scratch resistance and lasting color.
Rolex discontinued the Hulk in 2020, which only amplified its desirability. For many collectors, it represents the perfect balance of modern innovation and bold design. It’s a watch that dared to stand out and has since become one of the most sought-after modern Submariners.
When Rolex retired the Hulk, it didn’t say goodbye to green. The Starbucks, introduced in 2020, carries the same theme forward with a few refined updates. It swaps the Hulk’s green dial for black lacquer, creating sharper contrast against its green ceramic bezel. The nickname “Starbucks” comes from that black-and-green pairing, though Rolex has never officially used the term.
The case grew slightly to 41mm, but with thinner lugs, giving it a more balanced and classic proportion than the Hulk. Inside, Rolex upgraded the movement to the Caliber 3235, offering a longer 70-hour power reserve and improved energy efficiency thanks to the brand’s proprietary Chronergy escapement.
The Starbucks feels like a modern Submariner through and through.
Each of these three watches reflects a distinct chapter in the Submariner’s evolution.
The Kermit is where it all began. Fifty years of the Submariner, with a green aluminum bezel and a traditional black dial. It represents the bridge between vintage and modern Rolex design.
The Hulk took that idea further, introducing a full green aesthetic with a ceramic bezel and sunburst dial. It’s bolder, heavier on the wrist. It’s a watch that defined its decade and became an instant collector’s item after discontinuation.
The Starbucks, on the other hand, refines the formula. It returns to the black dial but keeps the green ceramic bezel, pairing it with updated proportions and Rolex’s latest generation movement. It’s the most technically advanced of the three, offering a clean, contemporary take on a beloved design.
At Fox & Bailey, we appreciate what these models represent: craftsmanship, heritage, and a willingness to evolve while staying true to what made the Submariner iconic. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of the Kermit, the eye-catching presence of the Hulk, or the everyday sophistication of the Starbucks, you can’t go wrong choosing green.
Stop by and talk with someone who knows watches, we’ll help you find the Submariner that fits your story.
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