Rolex Starbucks Watches

Rolex Starbucks: Overview & Key Specifications

The Rolex Starbucks is the third generation of green Submariner watches. The model replaces the Rolex Hulk watch and brings back the style of the “Kermit,” but with modern technology. It is a standard model in the current Rolex catalog, but finding this watch at a shop is very hard. 

Model Description and Naming

Watch fans have given this model the nickname “Starbucks.” The official name of this model is the Rolex Submariner Date with a green bezel. People call it Starbucks because this watch has a green Cerachrom bezel and a deep black dial. So, this color combination of green on the outside and black on the inside looks exactly like the logo of the famous coffee brand “Starbucks.” 

Rolex released the Kermit reference 16610LV in 2003, which had an aluminum bezel and a black dial. The company released the Hulk reference 116610LV in 2010 with a green ceramic bezel and a green dial. The Starbucks model is the combination of both because it takes the black dial from the Kermit for a cleaner look and uses the tough ceramic bezel from the Hulk.

Technical Specifications

Every 126610LV shares the same high-end engineering and advanced technology. The company has built this watch model to handle deep diving and daily knocks. Here are the most important technical specs you must know about:

• Case Size: The case size of the Rolex Starbucks is 41mm. Although the case size is 44mm, the lugs are slimmer than the old 40mm Hulk. So, it actually wears a bit more elegantly and comfortably on your wrist. 
• Case Material: The case material is the Oystersteel made of 904L stainless steel, which is very hard and fights off rust better than regular/standard steel used by other watch brands. 
• Movement: The Rolex Starbucks has Calibre 3235, which is an automatic movement made in-house by the company. 
• Power Reserve: This watch model has a power reserve of 70 hours, which means you can take your watch off on Friday and put it on Monday, and it will still be running without issues. 
• Bezel: It is a unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel, and the company has used Cerachrom to make the green insert, which does not scratch or fade in the sun. Rolex has also coated the numbers in platinum. 
• Luminescence: The Starbucks model has a Chromalight display, allowing the hands and hour markers to glow blue in the dark. Remember, this lasts longer than the standard green lume. 
• Water Resistance: The watch is waterproof up to 1,000 feet or 300 meters because it uses the Triplock winding crown system, an advanced technology that keeps water out. 
• Crystal: It has a scratch-resistant sapphire with a Cyclops lens over the date for easy reading.

Main Variants

Unlike the Rolex Datejust or GMT-Master II, the Starbucks watches are very specific, which means you don’t have choices for bracelets or metals. The watch only comes on the Oyster bracelet and has a satin finish to hide scratches. It has the Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents it from opening by accident.

However, the best part is the Glidelock extension system, which allows you to slide the bracelet size up or down by 2mm increments without any tools. All Starbucks watches use the Calibre 3235, and this movement has the Chronergy escapement, which makes it more efficient and resistant to magnetic fields.

Besides, this model has variations in the bezel, which are the MK1 vs. MK2. You can find the MK1 bezel on watches launched between 2020 and 2023, and you will see that the green color is slightly darker and more olive. Variations launched after 2023 have the MK2 bezel, which has a brighter green color and a more lime-like hue. Thus, the new bezel looks more like the original aluminum Kermit bezel.

Rolex Starbucks Prices: Retail vs Secondary Market

There is a massive gap between the retail and secondary market prices for the Rolex Starbucks watches. The secondary market price is much higher because the demand is high and the supply is low.

Secondary Market Price Overview

An unworn Submariner reference 126610LV or Starbucks sells for between approximately AED 57,000 and AED 68,000 in the UAE grey market. Pre-owned prices will vary based on the condition and the completeness of its accompanying set, which includes the box and papers. On the other hand, the Rolex Submariner reference 116610LV is around AED 72,000 to AED 76,000+, and the Submariner (Black) reference 126610LN is between AED 56,000 and AED 62,000. Several factors determine the secondary or grey market price. 

For example, having the complete set, including the warranty card, box, manuals, and hang tags, will significantly influence the value and resale potential of the Rolex Starbucks watch. The Starbucks usually sells for more than the standard black Submariner but less than the discontinued and highly collectible all-green Hulk. 

Official Retail Price List

Keep in mind that retail prices usually increase by 3% to 5% yearly in January. 

Rolex Starbucks as an Investment

The Rolex Starbucks is a very good investment. The watch retains its value well, and even after the market stabilization in 2023 and 2024, the Starbucks trades at about 25% to 30% above its retail price. In addition, the Starbucks watch is a liquid asset, which means if you need cash, you can sell a Rolex Submariner very quickly anywhere in the world. The Submariner is a classic when it comes to stability, unlike hype watches that crash hard. The demand is real, and the shift from MK1 to MK2 bezels makes the earlier MK1 versions slightly more collectible in the future due to a shorter production rate. 

Authenticity, Certification & Warranty

Buying a luxury watch, including the Rolex Starbucks, requires safety checks. Rolex has strict systems and protocols to prove the watch is real and working efficiently. 

Superlative Chronometer: You will see the words “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” on the dial. Remember, this is not just marketing. In fact, it means the watch passes two tests. First, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) has tested the movement, and second, Rolex cases the movement and tests it again. So, this indicates the watch is accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day, which is very precise. 

The Green Seal: Every new Rolex watch comes with a green wax seal tag, which represents the five-year international warranty. 

Moreover, look at the rehaut, which is the inner metal ring around the dial, to see the serial number. Rolex has laser-engraved the serial number at the 6 o’clock position, and this must match the warranty card. Look for a tiny and almost invisible Rolex crown on the sapphire crystal at 6 o’clock. You can see it in strong light or use a loop for authenticating this feature. The new warranty cards that come with watches after 2020 have an NFC chip. The chip directs to the Rolex website when placed near a smartphone at a dealership. The process confirms the card is genuine.