Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Dave spotted wearing Rolex

UK rapper Dave — born David Orobosa Omoregie and known for his Mercury Prize-winning album 'Psychodrama' — was recently spotted wearing a stainless steel Rolex Submariner Date 'Hulk', reference 116610LV, a watch whose discontinuation has only amplified its desirability among collectors worldwide.

The Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV was introduced in 2010 to mark the Submariner's 55th anniversary, replacing the earlier 'Kermit' 16610LV which paired a green bezel with a black dial. The 116610LV went further, dressing both the dial and the unidirectional rotatable Cerachrom bezel in the same vivid green — a bold, polarising choice that divided opinion at launch but has aged exceptionally well. Powered by the in-house Calibre 3135 automatic movement, it offers a 48-hour power reserve, Triplock crown, and waterproofing to 300 metres. The 40mm Oyster case is paired with an Oyster bracelet featuring a Glidelock extension system — a setup that remains one of the most ergonomically refined in the dive watch category.

Rolex quietly retired the 116610LV in 2020, replacing it with the 126610LV — a model featuring a green bezel over a black dial, reverting to the 'Kermit' formula. That decision instantly elevated the 'Hulk' to discontinued status, triggering a sharp premium on the secondary market. Collectors who once debated the green-on-green colour scheme suddenly found themselves chasing a watch that Rolex would no longer produce. It now occupies a specific niche: a modern Rolex with a short production window and an unmistakable identity.

Dave's taste in watches has tracked his broader ascent in British culture — from Streatham to BRIT Award stages to Glastonbury headliner. The 'Hulk' suits his profile: substantive, recognisable, and carrying more depth than its flashy exterior suggests, much like the artist himself.

On the grey market, the 116610LV commands a meaningful premium over its original retail price of approximately $9,100 USD, with current secondary market values sitting well above that figure. For a discontinued stainless steel sports Rolex with strong brand recognition and a compelling backstory, the trajectory is unlikely to reverse.