[Celebrity Collectors] Which Celebrities Wear the Successive Generations of the Rolex Green Submariner? “Spider-Man” Tom Holland is a Loyal Fan!

[Celebrity Collectors] Which Celebrities Wear the Successive Generations of the Rolex Green Submariner? "Spider-Man" Tom Holland is a Loyal Fan!

The Rolex Green Submariner has long been a highly talked-about timepiece in the horological market, deeply favored by countless watch enthusiasts. Since Rolex first infused the brand’s iconic green into the Submariner in 2003, the “Green Sub” has undergone three generations of evolution. While each generation has seen advancements in design details, material application, and internal movements, the one constant is its enduring popularity in the market. Today, let’s look back at the historical evolution of these three generations of the Rolex Green Submariner and see which well-known celebrities are loyal fans of this green icon. Does even “Spider-Man” actor Tom Holland wear one?

2003: The First-Generation Green Submariner – Kermit 16610LV

Rolex Submariner Kermit 16610LV
Rolex Submariner Kermit 16610LV (From Monochrome)

The story of the Green Submariner begins in 2003. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Submariner dive watch collection, Rolex broke away from its traditional conservatism and launched the first-generation Green Submariner, reference 16610LV. In the wider watch community, this timepiece earned the affectionate nickname “Kermit” due to its eye-catching design featuring a green bezel paired with a black dial. It features a 40mm stainless steel case and is powered by the 3135 self-winding movement. The most charming aspect of the 16610LV is its use of a green aluminum bezel insert, while also being the first in the Submariner line to introduce the “Maxi Dial” with enlarged hour markers and hands.

平頭「Flat 4」字體的版本的 Submariner Kermit 16610LV
The early version featuring the "Flat 4" font on the Submariner Kermit 16610LV (From Sotheby’s)
美國傳奇電影導演 Martin Scorsese 在拍攝《花月殺手》時佩戴 Submariner Kermit 16610LV
Legendary American film director Martin Scorsese wearing the Submariner Kermit 16610LV on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon (From Apple Films)

The unique characteristic of the aluminum bezel is that it develops a natural fading effect over time, depending on the wearer’s habits, sunlight exposure, and the passage of years. This allows every Kermit to eventually evolve into a one-of-a-kind hue. This trait, carrying a strong vintage vibe, continues to deeply fascinate many seasoned collectors today. Furthermore, different production years of the 16610LV feature various minor iterations, such as differences in the green tone and font typography on the bezel. Among them, the version featuring the “Flat 4” font on the 40-minute marker is highly sought after by collectors. Legendary American film director Martin Scorsese was frequently spotted wearing this 16610LV on the set of Killers of the Flower Moon, illustrating the significant place the first-generation Green Submariner holds in his heart.

2010: The Second-Generation Green Submariner – Hulk 116610LV

Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

Fast forward to 2010, Rolex brought a revolutionary material and visual upgrade to the Green Submariner, officially launching the second-generation version, reference 116610LV. The brand replaced the original aluminum bezel with a highly scratch-resistant and fade-proof green Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The biggest surprise, however, was that the original black dial was also swapped out for a green dial with a sunray finish. Under different lighting angles, this green dial exhibits a rich dimensional change, ranging from vibrant emerald to a deep, almost black green, delivering an outstanding visual effect.

Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
飾演 Iron Man 的 Robert Downey Jr. 佩戴 Submariner Hulk 116610LV
Robert Downey Jr., famous for his role as Iron Man, wearing the Submariner Hulk 116610LV (From GQ)
美國喜劇演員 Will Ferrell 佩戴 Submariner Hulk 116610LV
American comedian Will Ferrell wearing the Submariner Hulk 116610LV (From GQ)

Although the size remained at 40mm and it continued to be powered by the 3135 movement, the 116610LV adopted the more robustly lined “Super Case,” featuring wider lugs and crown guards. Combined with 904L Oystersteel, the entire watch looks incredibly substantial. Because of this all-green, muscular, and commanding appearance, it was crowned with the nickname “Hulk” by watch fans. This green-from-head-to-toe Hulk is highly recognizable in the market. Robert Downey Jr. is very fond of wearing this 116610LV in his private life; American comedian Will Ferrell was also photographed wearing it while attending the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, perfectly proving the status this all-green timepiece holds among Hollywood stars.

2020 年:第三代綠水鬼 Submariner Starbucks 126610LV

Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV

With the Hulk being discontinued in 2020, Rolex subsequently released the third-generation Green Submariner, reference 126610LV. This time, the brand chose to return to its roots, reverting the dial to the classic, understated black, paired with the green Cerachrom ceramic bezel. This classic “green bezel, black dial” color scheme reminded many watch enthusiasts of a famous coffee brand’s logo, earning it the nickname “Starbucks.”

Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
蜘蛛俠》男主角 Tom Holland 佩戴 Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
Spider-Man lead actor Tom Holland wearing the Submariner Starbucks 126610LV (From Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
動作巨星 Mark Wahlberg 佩戴 Submariner Starbucks 126610LV
Action superstar Mark Wahlberg wearing the Submariner Starbucks 126610LV

The 126610LV underwent meticulous micro-adjustments in its overall proportions. The case size was slightly increased to 41mm, but at the same time, the lugs were slimmed down, making the overall visual lines more elongated and elegant, which also enhanced its wearing comfort on the wrist. Internally, it was upgraded to the new-generation caliber 3235 self-winding movement, with the power reserve substantially increased to 70 hours. Equipped with the highly efficient Chronergy escapement system, it takes precision and magnetic resistance to the next level. It is worth noting that the bezel of the 126610LV actually comes in two iterations: the first generation (MK1) utilizes a more understated, dark green ceramic bezel; in 2023, Rolex quietly upgraded the bezel to a brighter, more vibrant green closer to the original Kermit, giving birth to what is now widely discussed in the market as the second generation (MK2). Upon its release, this new generation of the Green Submariner quickly became a new favorite in celebrity circles. Spider-Man lead actor Tom Holland, as well as action superstar and avid luxury watch collector Mark Wahlberg, are both proud supporters of the Starbucks.