What Is a Fake Rolex 116610LV?
A fake Rolex 116610LV is a replica of the Submariner Date 116610LV, the stainless steel dive watch Rolex sold from 2010 to 2020 with a green ceramic bezel and a green dial. Collectors call it the "Hulk" because of that green-on-green color pairing. Replicas copy the 40 mm case, the Submariner layout, and the dial and bezel color, with quality ranging from cheap quartz builds to 1:1 replicas that match the original in size, weight, and function.
Original 116610LV Specs You Should Know
Every replica is judged against the real watch, so start with the numbers.
- Case: 40 mm Oystersteel, about 12.5 mm thick, 20 mm lug width
- Bezel: green Cerachrom ceramic insert with platinum-coated numerals and a luminous pearl
- Dial: green sunburst finish, Maxi hour markers, Chromalight-style lume
- Movement: Rolex calibre 3135, 28,800 vph, about 48 hours of power reserve
- Crystal: sapphire with a Cyclops lens at 2.5x magnification
- Water resistance: 300 meters
- Bracelet: Oyster with a Glidelock clasp
Rolex replaced this reference with the 126610LV in 2020, which moved to a 41 mm case and a black dial. That change made the 116610LV the last green-dial Submariner, and it pushed replica demand higher.
What Separates a Good Replica from a Bad One?
Case Shape and Crown Guards
The case is where cheap replicas fall apart. Look at the crown guards: they should taper toward the crown with soft edges, not sit blocky and square. Lugs should be thick and even, and the gap between the lugs and the bracelet, called SEL fit, should show no daylight.
Bezel Insert and Color
The 116610LV bezel is a deep, muted green, not bright grass green. Cheap inserts look flat and plastic, and the numerals sit too shallow. Check the pearl at 12 o'clock: it should sit flush, centered, and glow the same color as the dial markers.
Dial, Printing, and Lume
Rolex uses a sunburst green dial that shifts from dark to lighter green as light moves across it. On weak replicas, the dial looks matte or too yellow. The coronet, the Submariner text, and the depth rating should be crisp, with spacing that matches the original. Lume on a good replica is blue-green and fades at the same rate as the hands.
Bracelet and Clasp
A solid bracelet should feel heavy and move without rattling. Check the end links, the polished center links, and the Glidelock clasp. Cheap clasps use stamped steel and lose tension within months.
Which Movement Do Replica 116610LV Watches Use?
Movement choice drives both price and feel.
- 2813 or a similar Chinese automatic: budget tier, 21,600 vph, rough sweep, low reliability.
- 2836 or 2824 clone: mid tier, 28,800 vph, smooth sweep, easy to service and swap.
- 3135 clone (SA3135, SH3135, VR3135): high tier, correct crown position, correct date change direction, and a beat rate that matches the real calibre.
If a listing says "super clone 3135," ask which factory makes the movement. The VR3135 and VS3135 are the two most common high-end options. Both run at 28,800 vph and accept a genuine-spec date wheel.
How to Spot a Low-Quality Hulk Replica
- Bezel color too bright or too yellow.
- Pearl off-center or sitting on top of the insert.
- Date font wrong, with thin numerals or the wrong shape on the "3".
- Cyclops magnification below 2.5x.
- Rehaut engraving shallow, misaligned with the minute track, or missing.
- Bracelet rattles and the clasp feels light.
- Case back too thick, which pushes the watch off the wrist.
Any one issue is a warning sign. Two or more point to a budget factory.
Price Ranges for a Fake Rolex 116610LV
Replica prices track movement, case finishing, and factory reputation.
- Budget tier: under $100, often quartz or a basic 2813, with a painted dial.
- Mid tier: about $150 to $350, a 2836 movement, a decent case, but a weak bezel insert.
- High tier (1:1 or super clone): several hundred dollars, a 3135 clone, a ceramic insert close to Cerachrom, and a bracelet that matches the original's weight.
A high price alone does not prove quality. Ask for photos of the bezel pearl, the SEL fit, and the date window before you pay.
Legal and Practical Notes
Replica watches are illegal to sell as genuine in most countries and can be seized at customs. Sellers differ in warranty and return policy, so read the terms before ordering. If you plan to wear the watch often, budget for a service or a movement swap within a year or two.
FAQ
Is the Rolex 116610LV still in production?
No. Rolex discontinued it in 2020 and replaced it with the 126610LV, which has a 41 mm case and a black dial.
Does a replica 116610LV take genuine Rolex parts?
Some high-end cases accept a genuine crystal, bezel insert, or bracelet, but most do not. Confirm part compatibility with the seller or a watchmaker first.
What is the best movement for a replica 116610LV?
A 3135 clone, such as the VR3135 or VS3135, gives the closest match in beat rate, crown position, and date change. A 2836 clone costs less and is easier to service.
How can I tell a fake 116610LV from a real one?
Check the rehaut engraving alignment, the bezel pearl, the Cyclops magnification, and the movement. A watchmaker can open the case back and identify the calibre in minutes.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Confirm the factory name and the movement inside.
- Request close-ups of the dial, bezel pearl, and date window.
- Check SEL fit and clasp photos.
- Ask about warranty, returns, and shipping method.
- Compare the bezel color to reference photos of the real 116610LV.