Rolex Hulk vs Starbucks Submariner: Price, Design & Value Compared

A look at the Rolex Hulk vs Starbucks Submariner reveals two iconic green bezel watches with vastly different market values and design approaches. The Hulk’s discontinuation has pushed its secondary market price to $18,000-$25,000, showing a remarkable 100-200% increase from its original $9,050 retail price. The Starbucks trades lower at $13,000-$16,000 in comparison.

These Submariner models stand apart in their looks too. The Starbucks model sports a classic black dial with a green ceramic bezel that creates a versatile appeal collectors love. The Hulk takes a bolder path with its matching sunburst green dial and bezel. The watches differ under the hood as well. The Hulk runs on Caliber 3135 with a 48-hour power reserve, while the Starbucks model packs the upgraded Caliber 3235 that lasts an impressive 70 hours. This comparison between the Rolex Hulk and Starbucks models’ prices and features will guide you to pick the green Submariner that fits your collection and investment strategy best.

Design Philosophy: Bold vs Balanced

The Rolex Hulk and Starbucks Submariner embody two different design philosophies that highlight the brand’s changing approach to luxury sports watches. These timepieces stand apart in color and their core design principles – one makes a bold departure from traditional Submariner esthetics, while the other carefully balances heritage with modern touches.

Dial Color: Sunburst Green vs Classic Black

A captivating sunburst green dial makes the Hulk truly special. The dial’s color changes between different shades of green as light hits it, creating a chameleon-like effect rarely found in the traditionally conservative Submariner collection. The Starbucks keeps things classic with its black dial, Mercedes hands, and luminous hour markers – a timeless look that purists tend to love.

Bezel Esthetics: Monochrome vs Two-Tone Contrast

The Hulk’s matching green bezel creates a bold monochromatic look that stands out from the crowd. This all-green design gives it a unique identity. The Starbucks takes a different path by combining its black dial with a green Cerachrom bezel. The result is an elegant two-tone effect that works well in both formal and casual settings. This balanced design respects the Submariner’s heritage while adding just enough color to make it special.

Case Proportions: Super Case vs Slimmer Lugs

Rolex’s robust “Super Case” design from the 2010s reaches its peak in the Hulk. Angular lugs with broad shoulders and substantial crown guards define its character. These features create a muscular, commanding presence that matches perfectly with its bold green theme. The Starbucks brings more refined proportions to the table. Its tapered lugs create smooth case lines, and slightly thinner crown guards improve the overall balance.

Wrist Presence: 40mm vs 41mm Feel

The Hulk measures 40mm while the Starbucks comes in at 41mm. Yet the Hulk often looks bigger thanks to its chunky “Super Case” design. The Starbucks might be larger on paper, but its elegant profile offers better comfort over long periods. The refined proportions and wider 21mm lug width (compared to the Hulk’s 20mm) create a more balanced look when worn.

Technical Specs and Movement

The Submariner models differ not just in looks but also in their inner workings. These watches showcase Rolex’s technical development through time, with the most important performance upgrades hidden under their sapphire crystals.

Movement: Caliber 3135 vs Caliber 3235

The Hulk comes equipped with Caliber 3135, a reliable automatic movement that powered Submariner models for almost three decades after its 1988 debut. This proven caliber runs at 28,800 beats per hour and features the Blue Parachrom hairspring with traditional Swiss Lever Escapement. The Starbucks takes advantage of the next-generation Caliber 3235, which Rolex introduced in 2015. This new movement has over 90% new components and 14 patents protect its innovations.

Power Reserve: 48 Hours vs 70 Hours

The Starbucks brings a remarkable technical advancement in its power reserve. While the Hulk’s Caliber 3135 offers a solid 48-hour power reserve that works well for daily wear, the Starbucks’ Caliber 3235 delivers an impressive 70-hour reserve. This boost comes from the new Chronergy escapement that optimizes efficiency by 15%. A redesigned barrel with thinner walls houses a longer mainspring.

Bracelet and Clasp: Oysterlock vs Glidelock

Both models feature Oyster bracelets made from 904L steel (now called Oystersteel). The clasps show developmental improvements over time. The Hulk employs Rolex’s Oysterlock folding safety clasp with Glidelock extension that allows precise 2mm adjustments up to 20mm total. The Starbucks keeps this system but adds refined ergonomic improvements to the bracelet and clasp mechanism.

Water Resistance and Dive Features

These Submariners share similar professional diving capabilities. Both offer 300-meter (1,000-foot) water resistance, unidirectional rotating timing bezel, and the Triplock crown system for better water protection. Chromalight luminous material ensures exceptional underwater visibility in both models.

Rolex Hulk vs Starbucks Price Breakdown

Money tells the most revealing story when we look at the Rolex Hulk vs Starbucks rivalry in today’s market.

Original Retail Price Comparison

Retail prices show the first gap between these models. Rolex priced the Hulk at $9,050 during production. The Starbucks comes with a higher price tag of $10,900. This gap shows both inflation’s impact and Rolex’s strategy to raise prices steadily.

Current Pre-Owned Market Value

The secondary market shows much difference in value today. Buyers will pay between $18,000 and $25,000 for the discontinued Hulk. Some sources put this range at $17,000-$22,000. The Starbucks trades for $13,000-$16,000 in the pre-owned market. This premium makes it more available than the Hulk.

Price Appreciation Since Launch

The Hulk’s value grew remarkably over time. Prices doubled after its discontinuation in 2020. They peaked above $30,000 before finding stability. The Hulk now costs $3,000-$5,000 more than the Starbucks, despite the newer model’s technical improvements.

Availability at Authorized Dealers

Getting these watches presents different challenges. The Hulk’s discontinued status limits supply permanently. Buyers can only find it in secondary markets now. The Starbucks stays in production, but authorized dealers make customers wait 1-3 years. Rolex controls distribution tightly, which creates these long waiting periods.

Collectibility and Long-Term Value

These green Submariners differ not just in looks and technical features. Their real value comes from how collectors view them.

Discontinued Status: Hulk as a Collector’s Piece

The Hulk has become a pure collector’s watch that now sells for $18,000-$25,000—an amazing jump of 100-200% from its original $9,050 price tag. People love it because Rolex won’t make any more. It was also Rolex’s first all-green Submariner, and new collectors keep trying to get one. These factors make it a solid long-term investment.

Starbucks Market Trajectory and Future Potential

The Starbucks tells a different story. You can still buy this current model, but it sells for $13,000-$16,000, about 20-48% above its $10,900 retail price. You can get one from authorized dealers, but you’ll wait 1-3 years. This creates an unusual situation where a watch still in production sells well above its retail price.

Historical Comparisons: Kermit, Hulk, and Starbucks

The green Submariner’s story shows interesting progress:

• Kermit (2003-2010): Started as the 50th anniversary model and now sells for $13,000-$25,000

• Hulk (2010-2020): Took the green theme further and became the most valuable

• Starbucks (2020-present): Represents the latest version with newer technology

Investment Outlook Based on Past Rolex Trends

Past data shows that discontinued Submariners gain value steadily, especially unique models. The Hulk follows the same pattern as earlier discontinued watches. The Starbucks might do the same once Rolex stops making it.

Comparison Table

Feature	Rolex Hulk	Rolex Starbucks
Case Size	40mm	41mm
Dial Color	Sunburst green	Black
Bezel Color	Green ceramic	Green ceramic
Movement	Caliber 3135	Caliber 3235
Power Reserve	48 hours	70 hours
Lug Width	20mm	21mm
Case Design	“Super Case” with broader shoulders	Slimmer lugs, refined proportions
Original Retail Price	$9,050	$10,900
Current Market Value	$18,000-$25,000	$13,000-$16,000
Production Status	Discontinued	Current production
Water Resistance	300m	300m
Bracelet Type	Oyster with Glidelock	Oyster with Glidelock (refined)
Market Availability	Secondary market only	AD waitlist (1-3 years)

Conclusion

The choice between the Rolex Hulk and Starbucks Submariner comes down to your collecting style and investment approach. The Hulk makes a bold statement with its all-green design and discontinued status, so it commands a hefty premium today. This watch has proven to be a solid investment, with values rising 100-200% from its retail price. The Starbucks, on the other hand, brings better technical specs with its boosted power reserve and refined case proportions while keeping a more versatile look.

The Hulk is your best bet if you’re focused on long-term value and unique design. Limited availability means collector demand will likely stay strong. On top of that, it holds a special place in Rolex history as their first all-green Submariner – a key piece for serious collectors.

The Starbucks makes a strong case if modern engineering and everyday wearability matter most to you. While it sells above retail, it’s more available than the Hulk and delivers better performance with its next-generation movement. The black-and-green combination works well in any setting, making it maybe even more suitable for daily wear.

Both watches show how Rolex excels at creating luxury sports watches that blend function with prestige. Whatever green Submariner you choose, you’ll own a watch that showcases the best of watchmaking and has proven market appeal. Your choice depends on your budget and whether you prefer the Hulk’s bold discontinued design or the Starbucks’ refined improvements.