How to authenticate a Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

Introduction how to authenticate a Rolex Submariner Hulk

In our Relleb authentication center, our Rolex watchmakers authenticate Rolex watches for our customers (and much more of course!). All watches sold on the Relleb.com marketplace are authenticated by our watchmakers before it is shipped to their new owner. We verify if a watch is authentic and correct with our Rolex Authentication service. In addition, to help the watch enthusiasts buy luxury watches safe online, we also offer our independent authentication service to customers who want to buy a watch on Chrono24 or eBay.

In order to educate watch enthusiasts on the steps we take during our Rolex Authentication service, we will share the story of how to authenticate a Rolex or any other watch in our blogs. It is however important to take into account that different brands, models, (limited/anniversary) editions etcetera might warrant some extra checks and verifications - but below should nonetheless give you a good head start.

In this blog we will explain in 5 steps how we authenticated a Rolex Submariner with reference number 116610LV (also called: the Rolex "Hulk").

The Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

This watch carries the following specifics:

• Reference number 116610LV
• Case size 40mm
• Date function
• Oystercase
• Green sunburst dial
• Green Ceramic bezel
• Stainless steel case and bracelet
• Full set (box and papers included)
• Issued in 2020 in Europe
• Movement: 3135

Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV price

The Rolex Submariner Hulk is not available anymore at retail as it was discontinued in 2020 by Rolex. This resulted in ahigh spike. Just before the announcement of discontinuing this watch, the price was around €13,00 to €15,000. The current market value for a likewise model is pre-owned between €17,000 and €19,000. In new old stock ("NOS") condition it will go for around €23,000 and up. 

Development of the price of the Rolex Submariner Hulk up until 2021. The spike in 2020 was a result of the announcement that the 116610LV was discontinued from production. (credit: Chrono24)

Step 1: check the box and papers

When starting on how to authenticate a Rolex, making sure to have the correct box and papers is a step that is rushed quite easily. You might think "well that is a quite obvious one", and yes, that is true - but even boxes and papers are often faked or replicated. Especially since there is a premium on a general full set Rolex this is an essential part during our Rolex authentication service. 

Rolex authentication service: box and cards

Rolex submariner watches issued after c.2007 always come in the green outer box and carry cards instead of papers. In our Rolex authentication service, we always start to verify if we have the right boxes and papers by performing the following steps:

• Check if we have the correct outer green box which is the box that carries the watch (in this example for a 2020 Rolex Submariner the outer green box carries a cream-white fabric on the inside)
• Validate if the authentic Rolex card pouch is present (a wallet that carries the cards)
• Validate if an authentic Rolex international guarantee card is present (most important card that also carries the serial number)
• Validate if an authentic Rolex instructions booklet is present
• How to authenticate a Rolex box: Our Rolex watchmakers have more than 15 years of experience in working with Rolex (at authorized dealers) and know how the material on the outside and inside of a box feel and even smell! In addition they know which type of case is issued in a specific year. 
• How to authenticate a Rolex warranty card: our Rolex watchmakers know how the material of a Rolex card feels, the looks (the gloss) and even the fonts used on a card. In addition the Rolex logo has a sort of waterprint in the card that shines when you look at it from a specific angle. To fight counterfeit cards, Rolex changed their warranty cards over the years. So knowing the year of issuance and which Rolex cards were being used is crucial to fullfil the Rolex authentication accordingly. Newer cards also light up in a very specific way when exposed to UV light, which is a check we perform in case of these newer cards. 

Rolex authentication: Image of the the full set Rolex Hulk in the green outer box with cream-white suede, the green pouch (right below corner) and Rolex Guarantee Card.

Step 2: How to authenticate a Rolex serial number

Serial numbers are used for every Rolex watch and are unique numbers used by Rolex to track all individual watches. At the end of this blog we will include a link on how to check a Rolex serial number in detail. 

In case of a full set we perform the following checks:

• Observe the serial number on the case (in this case at 6 o 'clock in the rehaut)
• Check if the correct serial number is also included on the International guarantee Rolex card 
• During our Rolex authentication service, details matter the most. We make sure that the quality of the inscription of the serial number is done in accordance with the quality and finishing that is applied by Rolex tools. This is basically shown by the quality of the engraving that can only be concluded by an experienced Rolex watchmaker or by comparing to a real Rolex.

Rolex authentication: Serial number on the rehaut of the Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

Check out our blog about the Rolex Serial number check for more information and why it is not providing a 100% certainty over authenticity. 

Step 3: How to authenticate a Rolex movement

During our authentication and quality assessment we make sure there are no fake, unauthentic or incorrect parts in the Rolex movement. We only accept real Rolex parts.

Our experienced Rolex watchmakers observe the following during step 3 during our Rolex authentication service:

• Verify if all components are Rolex parts (by observing quality of finishing, Rolex branding, use of Rolex fonts, use of correct materials)
• Make sure the complications and build up of the movement are correct (e.g. in this case time and date function)
• We also authenticate if the watch carries the correct movement by validating the movement number 3135 engraved on the movement
• Observe if the lubrication of parts is up to standards (like new in this case as it was sold 'as new')
• No dirt or damage to movement parts
• This watch was sold as new and unworn through Relleb so our watchmakers verify if the watch and movement is indeed untouched.

The Rolex movement of the Submariner Hulk. 

Up close the reference number 3135 of the movement engraved on the movement itself.

Step 4: Making sure the case and bracelet are correct and in good quality

During this quality assessment we also make sure there are no fake, unauthentic or incorrect parts in used in for the case, glass and bracelet. As said, we only accept real Rolex parts. In a quest on How to authenticate a Rolex, authenticating the Rolex parts and the quality in detail is key. As such during our authentication process we make sure to take the time and patience to observe the details.

During step 4 of the Rolex authentication service, our experienced Rolex watchmakers observe the following:

• Observing quality of case finishing including brushing, materials used (Rolex Oystersteel), the sharpness of the edges, winding crown details with the Rolex logo
• Observing the quality and finishing through a loupe including marks and text on the dial, material on the hands and plots and the depth of the text applied on the dial
• Observing the quality and finishing of the bracelet including quality of the bracelet pins, material used, finishing applied to the bracelet
• Our watchmakers check if the ceramic bezel and finishing of the green sunburst dial is correct and in accordance with Rolex standards, and if the materials have been applied conform Rolex standards. In this specific case the dial is made with a sunburst finish and the bezel with ceramic material. In order to authenticate a Rolex Submariner Hulk the bezel and sunburst dial are essential steps which are carefully observed by our watchmakers. 

Rolex authentication: The Rolex movement of the Submariner Hulk. The lug pins in the right corner and bracelet on top.

Rolex authentication: The Sunburst Rolex Submariner dial with exquisite finishing (part of the quality and authenticity assessment)

Rolex authentication: The winding crown with Rolex logo applied and case. At the right side we see damage on the case.

Rolex authentication: Damaged pin in the Oyster bracelet.

Step 5: Verifying waterproofness and timekeeping

This last part on how to authenticate a Rolex is focussed on assuring quality. During step 5 of this Rolex authentication service, our Rolex watchmakers execute the following procedures.

• Verifying timekeeping is within certificated (COSC in this case) with a Timegrapher machine, this machine detects the beats per second and daily deviation.
• In addition there are multiple tools that can help with waterproofness testing (making sure a watch is waterproof, which is in this case very important as it is a dive watch). Of course not all watches produced (especially vintage models) as waterproof, for these we do not perform this check. 

The conclusion on authenticity and quality

We have briefly explained what we do in "How to authenticate a Rolex Submariner Hulk". Since the watch was sold as "new/unworn" it didn't pass our quality testing due to the damages to the watch.

So next to our steps to authenticate a Rolex, the quality assesment is of crucial value as well. In this case the customer has the opportunity to withdraw from the purchase and, if he does, we send the watch back to the seller and refund the customer. 

Rolex authentication: The Rolex Hulk on the wrist. 

Can you authenticate a Rolex watch on your own?

That depends really, if you are a seasoned expert and/or Rolex watchmaker you could possibly authenticate a Rolex on your own. If you are not, you will not be able to perform certain steps. At first you need to be able to open the case back and dismantle the bracelet. In addition you need the experience to conclude if the materials used are correct, if Rolex finishing is applied correctly, if the cards gloss and stickers are correct, verify the correct finishing of the dial, check the lubrication quality, verify the correct complications and build up of the movement, assess quality of the pins used etc.

So our advise would always be to have it authenticated by an experienced Rolex watchmaker.

 

Where to buy an authentic Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

If you are looking to buy an authentic Rolex Submariner Hulk there are multiple options you can go with. For the best find we do advise to use marketplaces like our Relleb marketplace for private sellers, eBay or Chrono24 with our Relleb authentication & buying service.

Many certified pre-owned sellers like Chronext or Watchfinder&Co are most of the times far more expensive. They have more overhead costs and service every watch (in our opinion sometimes overservice watches) which adds up to the cost price of a Rolex Submariner Hulk. But, buying from private sellers bears risks and therefore we always advise to have a Rolex expert or watchmaker help you authenticate a watch. 

Other blogs of interest

How to tell a real Rolex vs. expensive fake Rolex

Rolex serial number check explained

Chrono24 review: our experience after buying multiple watches

Fake watches on Chrono24: what is that all about?

Video about fake Rolex Submariner Hulk

What also might be of interest is a YouTube movie issued by Jenni Elle where she compares an authentic Rolex Hulk versus an expensive $600 fake. This explains how hard it is to authenticate a watch on your own.

More about Relleb and the founders

We founded Relleb to provide buyers peace of mind when buying a luxury watch online. We hated to see beloved colleagues and friends being scammed on the internet and we experiences first hand how difficult it can be to only buy a watch online and also authenticate a watch by yourself. 

We stand for the ultimate customer experience when buying a watch and bring the following trades.

• Customer focused process and facilitating customs import duty policies and risks
• Authentication by hand by an experienced brand watchmaker
• Quality certainty over movement, timekeeping and condition of the watch
• Authentication report including  photos/videos documenting the authentication of the watch
• Insured shipment with a priority carrier to your doorstep
• Free returns and refund if a watch is fake or incorrect

Video: How our Rolex authentication service works