116610LV Hulk

[speedbird90]

Hi guys, in need of some advice here.

I recently set my sights on the 116610LV and I've decided to pull the trigger! Unfortunately, since I'm not on any VIP list, I'm unable to get one from any AD, not even a waiting list and was not even quoted a premium so I've turned to the grey and secondary market.

So far, these are my options:

2011 full set - 10600 USD
2012 full set - 10600 USD
2015 full set - 11200 USD (sold, was too late)
2017 full set - 11800 USD (sold, was too late)
2018 brand new - 12630 USD

Yes I know, prices are very high (all slightly negotiable). But these are the best I could find. (I'm from Asia)

What I'm after is a Hulk to wear, I've considered the differences between the models from 2012 and 2018 (mainly before 2015 and after 2015) correct me if I'm wrong, but here are my considerations:

1. Older models come with a brown hang tag instead of the green one.
2. Older models come with the old warranty card instead of the new.
3. 3 year warranty vs 5 year warranty
4. Green lume on the older ones vs blue lume on the newer ones.
5. I'm sure there're more that I may have missed but I've considered these differences.

If all I'm looking for is a hulk to wear, I shouldn't really care about the hang tags or the card format right? Blue vs Green lume, I've owned a BLNR, subC date and currently a TT GMT II and I must say, I absolutely LOVE the blue lume, then again, I've never actually seen the green lume in person before.

For me personally, over the years, I rarely see my GMT's lume and I'm wondering if the 2012 Hulk's green lume will bother me at all.

Yes the 2012 Hulk's warranty has expired but as my friends have advised me, Rolex watches from the 1970's are still running just fine, so why worry. Honestly if it isn't running within COSC specs say +/- 3 secs a day, I wouldn't be bothered at all. Plus I tend to rotate my watches maybe 1 watch every 2 weeks or so and I let them run down, so I don't think the time error will accumulate and amount to much. Then again, you'll never know. So is it better to get something which is still within its warranty period? Come to think of it, people buy vintage models all the time.

A grey market dealer told me he expects the Hulk to rise to 14500 USD-ish in 2019-2020 so it's best I get it ASAP. But as we all know, the prices of sports models are always rising and there's never 'the perfect time' to get one, as all my friends have told me, if it's being sold at a price you're willing to pay, then get it.

I know it's approx 'just' 2000 USD diff between a 2012 Hulk and a brand new one (based on what I could find in my region) so which would you go for? The 2012 or the 2018? Many thanks in advance.

p/s: I've read on how people just give up on Rolex because of this 'no stock' game AD's play with us all the time so I did a little research on other brands as well, namely Panerai, Omega, Breitling and IWC since I thought all I wanted was a new watch after all. After heading to all the shops to try them out, nothing caught my eye like the Hulk, so guess I'm sticking with Rolex!

[fdm79]

This is a matter of very personal opinion.
In my case, I would only go for BNIB, waiting for whenever I could get it and even paying the extra over the used ones, obviously.
Buying used watches is not for me.

But once again, it's a matter of personal taste and priority !

[RJRJRJ]

If those were my only options I'd go for the 2012 and try to negotiate the price down. If the dealer can guarantee it works properly and accurately when you receive it, you just suck it up and send it in for a service if anything goes wrong after that.

[speedbird90]

Originally Posted by fdm79

This is a matter of very personal opinion.
In my case, I would only go for BNIB, waiting for whenever I could get it and even paying the extra over the used ones, obviously.
Buying used watches is not for me.

But once again, it's a matter of personal taste and priority !

Thanks for the reply sir.

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

If those were my only options I'd go for the 2012 and try to negotiate the price down. If the dealer can guarantee it works properly and accurately when you receive it, you just suck it up and send it in for a service if anything goes wrong after that.

I'm leaning towards the 2012 as well. Thanks for the reply.

[Soarer]

If all you are looking for is a Hulk to wear, just get the 2012 and call it a day. Save yourself some dough. Hulks don't stay on the market for too long from what I have seen. Hulk was released in 2010 I think, and it is essentially the same watch till now.


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[lamkinpark]

I think can go for the 2012. Just check the conditions carefully. The movement should be less to worry, the dealer should be able to give 1 year movement warranty.

Submariner 116610lv
GMT Master ll 16710 Pepsi

[blacke90]

If you plan on keeping it, just get the lowest price with the nicest quality. I wouldn't worry on how old the watch is. With respect to the lume, get the color you want to get. Good luck!

[nizzer]

Grab the 2012 and move on. Just wear it.

[Mezz72]

those prices are way too high. by at least $800....

[jetfab95]

same here. I waited too long to enter into rolex and now no ADs in APAC would entertain a new comer. Therefore I also went to a lot of Reseller shops and found a Feb 2018 second hand with box and paper for 11270 USD. I may pull the plug this weekend. I could get also a 2012 but having a 5 years warranty give you a peace of mind.

[rambo99]

2012 full set.

[speedbird90]

Originally Posted by Soarer

If all you are looking for is a Hulk to wear, just get the 2012 and call it a day. Save yourself some dough. Hulks don't stay on the market for too long from what I have seen. Hulk was released in 2010 I think, and it is essentially the same watch till now.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you sir.

Originally Posted by blacke90

If you plan on keeping it, just get the lowest price with the nicest quality. I wouldn't worry on how old the watch is. With respect to the lume, get the color you want to get. Good luck!

I need to take into account, the what if I intend to sell it off someday factor. You think the 2012 would still be a good option? Problem is, the 2012 comes with green lume, but the color I really want is blue which is to my knowledge only available on those 2015 and above. This is getting difficult lol.

Originally Posted by nizzer

Grab the 2012 and move on. Just wear it.

I think I might just do that.

Originally Posted by Mezz72

those prices are way too high. by at least $800....

I understand. But you're from Asia too, I'm sure you know how hiked up and ridiculous the prices are around here.

Originally Posted by jetfab95

same here. I waited too long to enter into rolex and now no ADs in APAC would entertain a new comer. Therefore I also went to a lot of Reseller shops and found a Feb 2018 second hand with box and paper for 11270 USD. I may pull the plug this weekend. I could get also a 2012 but having a 5 years warranty give you a peace of mind.

If I saw a Feb 2018 for 11270 USD, I would grab it in a heart beat. Go for it and congrats in advance to you!

Originally Posted by rambo99

2012 full set.

Appreciate the reply! Thanks!

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by speedbird90

I need to take into account, the what if I intend to sell it off someday factor. You think the 2012 would still be a good option? Problem is, the 2012 comes with green lume, but the color I really want is blue which is to my knowledge only available on those 2015 and above. This is getting difficult lol.

I don't think any Hulks came with the green superluminova. I could be wrong about this, but I think chromalight (blue lume) was introduced 2008 and Hulk was 2010.

[jetfab95]

yep ASIA is the biggest grey market.... ADs do not care about customers and most of them sell their watches to resellers and big VIPs... Therefore the market price is quite high.... honestly I'm really pissed of paying over retail.... but I went to 10 ADs in HKG. ADs in SIN. I asked ADs in FR...... and no way for sure to get one. hahahahah. Therefore I will go for that hulk! I guess after buying, I will be super happy. Right now I have a mixed feeling. but keep thinking about that watch ahahahahhaah.

[speedbird90]

Update: I might be able to get a Hulk dated 2018, but the seller thinks it may be old new stock. Anybody know if the bracelet deployment should be brushed or polished for the new subs?

Thanks!

[roosvelt]

Brushed, all hulks have blue lume

[joli160]

I would gladly pay the 2K difference for a new BNIB

[Cru Jones]

I’d go for the lowest price of equivalent quality. The 2012 will have the first style dial, too, which I prefer (subtle font difference + “Submariner” not in bold).

Good luck with your choice!

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by fdm79

This is a matter of very personal opinion.
In my case, I would only go for BNIB, waiting for whenever I could get it and even paying the extra over the used ones, obviously.
Buying used watches is not for me.

But once again, it's a matter of personal taste and priority !

Same here. Especially used at those prices when going hunting and patience even if a year will yield me a new one for far less.
If that wait has a price to you then I have no problem buying it with a markup from a grey dealer.

It's easy to say what I would do being from the US with the dealer network more so playing fair. It must be such a helpless situation in other markets. So the markup might just be the only option and a $4k markup may be worth my happiness now(assuming I had it).

But If I'm paying I'd rather go new or very late model. No way I'd pay $11k for a 2012 watch, they can kiss my (censored).

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by speedbird90

Update: I might be able to get a Hulk dated 2018, but the seller thinks it may be old new stock. Anybody know if the bracelet deployment should be brushed or polished for the new subs?

Thanks!

It's always been brushed. I will add that I would pay a reasonable asking price for a early year NOS watch.
But not a used watch older than two years. That in my psycho ocd mind is considered vintage lol, in which case I'd be going five digit.

[sdh1980]

2012 for me

[j-watch]

I think all Hulks have blue lume, so that should be taken off the table as a consideration unless someone can confirm the oldest did in fact have green.

Your comment about the pricing differential between the 2012 and the 2018 is not 100% accurate. You state a savings of $2K on the 2012 model. What happens if you buy the 2012 model and in short order it needs a service? Prices for a service can easily range between $800 and $1K. On top of that, what is the condition of the 2012? Has it be polished (if so, lightly polished / over polished???? How closely have you inspected it?).

I've made the mistake in the past of trying to save a few bucks, only to nearly spend the same amount in the end, and or live with a less then 100% condition piece / or one with minor issues that "had I known" prior probably would have passed on.

Just some things I think of. Personally, I'd try to locate a new or newer one then the 2012. For me, if I was going to "have to pay" over retail, I'd probably just pay the $2k difference and get a new one with full warranty and piece of mind. Good luck!

[peterpl]

Go for slightly used. 1-2 years old in mint condition.

You will save a few grand from BNIB and you wont lose much either if you decide to sell. If you buy a BNIB for the current pricing if you want to sell to a gray you will still lose money.

[speedbird90]

Thanks for all the thoughts and opinions guys. Right now, I've been offered a used Hulk dated April 2018 for 11300 USD, now here's the catch.

1. The seller is missing the rectangular tag with the model and serial number on it.
2. He claims the warranty card is damaged ie: some bubbles on it, RSC refuses to replace the card, but honors the warranty.
3. Seller says it's old new stock. Meaning the watch could be as old as 2015, but only sold in 2018, thus the card is dated 2018. He says he can tell from the bracelet, anybody care to shed some light on this?

The warranty card and box are new, means it's 2015 and above. I have yet to see the watch in person, I'll be meeting the seller tomorrow. I'll check it out, if in doubt, I'll just ask him to bring the watch along to RSC for a check up.

Any thoughts on this guys? Thanks in advance.

[Rocketman39]

Same thing happened to me. I wanted a Hulk for Christmas. None to be had within striking distance of me. None at ADs. I wanted new. I was saved by the dreaded "Grey Market". Finally hit on a "Used Unworn 2017". Buy the Seller, Not the Watch! Slightly above MSRP.
Could not be Happier. At 72 I do not have 20 years to wait for the "Perfect" deal. Take your best shot. Look,wear,enjoy. None of this applies if you are a Flipper !

[Mystro]

Condition is everything. A super mint preowned will feel like a new watch. I don’t see prices lowering so it’s all a matter of what you can afford now. Factor in what your time is worth waiting on a luxury watch. 2 years ago I would have said wait it out for prices to go down but those days are gone.

[lamkinpark]

OP, in my opinion the April 2018 NOS sound a no go for me. With the price of 11300 usd, the difference with brand new is too little. FYI, I just bought a brand new stock for 12,000 usd. Which country u in? Pm me if you need me introduce my dealer to u.

Submariner 116610lv
GMT Master ll 16710 Pepsi

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Condition is everything. A super mint preowned will feel like a new watch. I don’t see prices lowering so it’s all a matter of what you can afford now. Factor in what your time is worth waiting on a luxury watch. 2 years ago I would have said wait it out for prices to go down but those days are gone.

Great pic of the Emerald Sub.

[kman82]

Originally Posted by speedbird90

Thanks for all the thoughts and opinions guys. Right now, I've been offered a used Hulk dated April 2018 for 11300 USD, now here's the catch.

1. The seller is missing the rectangular tag with the model and serial number on it.
2. He claims the warranty card is damaged ie: some bubbles on it, RSC refuses to replace the card, but honors the warranty.
3. Seller says it's old new stock. Meaning the watch could be as old as 2015, but only sold in 2018, thus the card is dated 2018. He says he can tell from the bracelet, anybody care to shed some light on this?

The warranty card and box are new, means it's 2015 and above. I have yet to see the watch in person, I'll be meeting the seller tomorrow. I'll check it out, if in doubt, I'll just ask him to bring the watch along to RSC for a check up.

Any thoughts on this guys? Thanks in advance.

Not having the serial tag is normal. I have never seen a ‘bubbled warranty card’. Also if it was kept in the box and unworn, how did the warranty card get into this condition? Sounds fishy to me.

[speedbird90]

Originally Posted by lamkinpark

OP, in my opinion the April 2018 NOS sound a no go for me. With the price of 11300 usd, the difference with brand new is too little. FYI, I just bought a brand new stock for 12,000 usd. Which country u in? Pm me if you need me introduce my dealer to u.

Submariner 116610lv
GMT Master ll 16710 Pepsi

Ah, too late! I just bought it and couldn't be happier now, thanks for the offer btw! Appreciate it!

Originally Posted by kman82

Not having the serial tag is normal. I have never seen a ‘bubbled warranty card’. Also if it was kept in the box and unworn, how did the warranty card get into this condition? Sounds fishy to me.

Well finally got to see the set today, and there're only two small bubbles on the card. Totally acceptable, it wasn't unworn. It has been worn since April 2018. Anyway I'm really happy with my purchase. Here's a quick pic from the phone, sorry if it's blurry.