Footballer Andy Cole spotted wearing a Rolex

Andy Cole, one of the most clinical strikers English football has ever produced, was recently photographed wearing the Rolex Submariner Date reference 126610LV — a watch that, much like Cole himself during his peak years at Newcastle and Manchester United, represents the gold standard of its field.

Introduced in 2020 as part of Rolex's sweeping Submariner refresh, the 126610LV replaced the iconic 116610LV 'Hulk' and immediately sparked fierce debate among enthusiasts. The new reference scales up to 41mm from the previous 40mm case, a subtle but meaningful evolution that modernises the silhouette without abandoning the design language established in 1953. The green Cerachrom bezel — virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant — is paired with a matte black dial rather than green, a pairing collectors quickly nicknamed the 'Kermit II', a nod to the original two-tone green-and-black Submariner from 2003. Powering the watch is the Calibre 3235, Rolex's proprietary movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, and the Parachrom hairspring — a genuine technical upgrade over the previous Calibre 3135.

From a collector standpoint, the 126610LV occupies a fascinating position. It lacks the cult nostalgia of the outgoing Hulk, yet its rarity on authorised dealer shelves has only intensified demand since launch. The green bezel configuration has historically commanded a premium over the all-black 126610LN, and that pattern holds firmly in the secondary market today.

Cole's affinity for serious horology is well established among watch spotters, and the 126610LV is a coherent choice for someone of his stature — understated enough for daily wear, significant enough to signal genuine taste. It sits comfortably in the upper tier of the professional diver category without tipping into overt ostentation.

At retail, the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV carries a list price of approximately $11,500 USD. On the grey market, strong demand continues to push values well above that figure, with current secondary market prices tracking around $25,000 USD — a premium that reflects both Rolex's constrained supply chain and the enduring desirability of the green bezel Submariner lineage.