Watch Paparazzi

Athlete Erik Karlsson spotted wearing Rolex

Erik Karlsson, the Swedish NHL star and one of the most decorated defensemen of his generation, was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116610LV — the model universally known among collectors as the 'Hulk' — a nickname earned entirely through the force of its bold, all-green identity.

Introduced by Rolex in 2010, the Submariner Date 116610LV replaced the earlier 16610LV 'Kermit' by extending the green colorway from the bezel insert to the dial itself, creating a fully cohesive and visually striking aesthetic unlike anything else in the Submariner family. The 40mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel houses the calibre 3135 automatic movement, a workhorse manufacture calibre offering a 48-hour power reserve, Rolex's Parachrom hairspring, and a date complication with Cyclops lens. Water resistance is rated to 300 metres, and the watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a green ceramic Cerachrom insert — scratch-resistant and UV-stable.

What gives the 116610LV its enduring collector significance is simple: Rolex discontinued it in 2020, replacing it with the 126610LV — fitted with the new Oyster Perpetual case architecture, calibre 3235, and a redesigned bracelet with glidelock extension. The moment the Hulk left the official catalogue, grey-market premiums surged. Collectors who had dismissed it as too flashy suddenly recognized its singular character within the Submariner lineage. It now sits as the last Submariner to combine the 3135 calibre with the broader 40mm Oyster case and that unmistakable full-green presentation.

Karlsson, who has spent his career with Ottawa, San Jose, and Pittsburgh, has long carried a reputation for sharp personal style away from the rink. The Hulk is a fitting choice — assertive, technically serious, and built for longevity, qualities that map neatly onto a player whose offensive output from the blue line has redefined expectations for the position.

On the grey market, the 116610LV commands a meaningful premium over its original retail price, reflecting both discontinued status and sustained global demand. Buyers seeking one today should expect to pay well above list, with condition, box, and papers driving significant variance in final price.