A Bonhams online auction between 12 and 22 August is set to capitalise on the current love of coloured Rolex tool watches, when 11 ‘Hulks’ owned by a single seller go under the hammer.
Released in 2010, the Hulk is a full stainless-steel Submariner Date with emerald-green bezel and matching dial. Housed in a 40mm case, it differs from its predecessor the ‘Kermit’ in a number of ways.
The most obvious difference is the green dial in place of the glossy black on the Kermit. The Hulk also features a green Cerachrome bezel, a blue-glowing lume instead of the earlier green, slightly wider lugs and crown guards and an oyster bracelet with extension system. The calibre 3135 automatic movement, however, remains the same across both models.
The Hulk was discontinued by Rolex in 2020 and replaced by the 41mm Rolex Submariner 126610 LV – nicknamed the ‘Starbucks’.
In its final year of production, the ref. 116610LV Hulk had a UK retail price of £7,550, although the waiting list to buy at retail was long and secondary market prices were at least double this.
With Rolex-mania still intensifying, and green continuing as a favourite collecting colour (check out the waiting list for the 2022 Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Destro’), the prices for the Hulk are only set to increase. This means prices at Bonhams could sail past their high estimates.
The 11 watches are all unworn New Old Stock with boxes, papers and receipts They represent one from every year of production. There will also be a limited-edition quarter-scale (approx. 2.5 ft) Incredible Hulk sculpture by NMK Studios with an estimate of $2,000–3,000.
Nate Borgelt, Head of Department, Bonhams Watches America, said: “We are excited to offer unworn examples of the Rolex Hulk in a sale concept not seen before, allowing collectors to get their hands on what can only be described as discontinued but new watches. In the current market, where obtainability and condition are king, these Hulks check all the boxes for discerning collectors and daily wearers alike.”
The online sale at Bonhams.com, will run from 12 to 22 August, with estimates ranging from $30,000–60,000.
In addition to being a watch collector, the seller is also a car enthusiast and, in view of this, the collection will be on display at the Bonhams Quail Auction of 17-19 August during the Pebble Beach Concours.
