The 116610LV is the green-bezel, green-dial Rolex Submariner Date that collectors call the "Hulk." A replica 116610LV is a counterfeit built to imitate that reference. It carries an unauthorized Rolex trademark, and Rolex does not make, sell, or service it. Copies range from cheap quartz imitations to "super clones" with cloned 3135 movements. All of them differ from the genuine watch in steel grade, machining, and finish, and all of them carry legal and practical risk for the buyer in the US.
What the genuine 116610LV actually is
Rolex produced the 116610LV from 2010 to 2020. It uses a 40 mm Oystersteel case, a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel with platinum-coated PVD numerals, a green sunray dial, and caliber 3135. Water resistance is rated to 300 m. It was replaced by the 126610LV, which moved to a 41 mm case and caliber 3235. Knowing these specifications matters because replicas are usually built from a generic Submariner case and dressed to look like the LV.
How replica 116610LV watches are typically built
- Steel: most copies use 316L stainless steel. Genuine Rolex uses 904L (Oystersteel), which takes a different polish and has a slightly warmer tone.
- Bezel insert: ceramic copies exist, but many use aluminum or coated inserts with shallower engraving and less crisp platinum fill.
- Dial: the sunray effect on copies is usually flatter and the green shifts less under angled light.
- Movement: common options are a 2813 at 21,600 vph, an ETA 2836 clone, or a decorated clone of the 3135.
- Cyclops: magnification and anti-reflective coating under the lens are frequent weak points.
How to inspect a 116610LV for authenticity
- Check the rehaut engraving. On genuine watches the "ROLEX" letters align precisely with the minute markers; copies drift.
- Examine the bezel insert under a loupe for recessed, evenly filled numerals rather than printed or padded ones.
- Rotate the bezel and count the clicks. Genuine bezels index cleanly at 120 positions with no back play.
- View the dial at an angle and confirm the green changes with the light rather than staying flat.
- Inspect the crown guards from the side for symmetric, hand-finished curves.
- Open the caseback and identify the movement, checking beat rate and finishing.
- Look at the clasp codes and the engraving between the lugs for correct fonts and depth.
US legal status
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. Section 2320, and Rolex has recorded its trademarks with US Customs and Border Protection. CBP officers can detain and seize counterfeit watches at the border. Buyers who order from overseas risk losing both the watch and the money, and a seizure notice follows the shipment, not the seller.
Practical risks
Replicas come with no warranty and no parts support. Gaskets are rarely tested, so a claimed 300 m rating is unverified, and a swim can ruin the watch. Resale is effectively zero, and reselling one as genuine is a separate criminal exposure.
Alternatives worth considering
Homage watches from established microbrands deliver the green dive-watch look without trademark issues. A used genuine Submariner, or a different reference entirely, keeps resale value and service support intact.