An emerald-colored dial is bound to make any onlooker green with envy – and this is especially true when it comes to green Rolex watches. There’s something about that rich color that just pops against metals such as gold and silver; maybe it’s the contrast between the organic hue and its cool metallic frame? Regardless of the reason behind its allure, green is Rolex’s company color and although it was notably absent from the brand’s catalog for many years, it has started to play an increasingly large role, ever since it was first introduced alongside the 50th-anniversary edition of the Submariner.
Let’s take a closer look at the iconic pairing of the color green and Rolex watches, including why this popular tone is so appealing to luxury watch enthusiasts and some of the most sought-after green dial Rolex watches that you can buy on the secondary market.
Why Are Green Dial Rolex Watches So Popular?
Green is Rolex’s Signature Color
The first and most obvious reason why green Rolex watches are so popular is that green is Rolex’s signature hue and it can be found throughout its various boutiques and packaging materials. That’s also a big reason why Rolex includes green details on some of its watches, such as the dial and bezel, particularly on anniversary models.
Rolex is also closely associated with power and success, and green also happens to be the color of money. So, it isn’t too far of a stretch to make the connection between the two, as the color green typically carries luxurious connotations.
Overseas Markets
Over the years, there has been an increasing demand for green dial Rolex watches. Some experts tie it to the large growth of Chinese markets since green symbolizes success in Chinese culture. Rolex has had a big presence in China for a number of years – and now there are a lot more people with the money to wear it around their wrists.
Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116718LN
GMT-Master II 116718LN Key Features:
– Reference Number: 116718LN
– Case Size: 40mm
– Materials: 18k Yellow Gold
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT Functionality
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Markers
– Bezel: Bidirectional, Black Cerachrom Insert w/ 24-Hour Scale
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3186
– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (18k Yellow Gold)
Take a moment to let that image sink in. The high-polish and satin-finished yellow gold case and bracelet pop against the bright anniversary green dial – the black bezel with its lustrous ceramic insert tying the two elements together perfectly. With this watch, you can enjoy everything you already love about a solid gold GMT-Master II. That includes the Caliber 3186 movement and the bi-directional bezel, complete with a 24-hour scale in contrasting yellow gold.
Then, there’s that green dial. In addition to its bright color with contrasting yellow gold text, the dial also displays the date and a secondary time zone with an additional GMT hand, while a waterproof Oyster case and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal keep it all safe. The luminous hour markers shine in yellow gold surrounds, enhancing the depth of the emerald, green hue. Everything about this watch shines a little bit extra against the radiant green dial, plus this is the only Rolex GMT watch to ever feature a green dial, so for those reasons, we had to introduce you to this highly-collectible and unique stunner.
Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610LV – “Hulk”
Submariner 116610LV Key Features:
– Reference Number: 116610LV
– Case Size: 40mm
– Materials: Stainless Steel
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
– Bezel: Unidirectional, Green Cerachrom Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (Stainless Steel)
This timepiece is the model that first made green Rolex Submariner watches popular. The Rolex 116610LV was introduced in 2010 as the second green Submariner, featuring the brand’s signature green hue for both its dial and matching green Cerachrom bezel, which earned it the charming “Hulk” nickname. This green Rolex watch is one of the most sought-after pieces by enthusiasts and collectors today – and can you blame them?
The cult-favorite Rolex Hulk is everything you love about a classic Submariner and more. Just like the standard black version, it’s outfitted with an automatic Cal. 3135 movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof case with a unidirectional diver’s bezel, and those classic highly-luminous Mercedes hands. Protecting the green dial and bezel is a case made from sturdy 904L stainless steel, meaning that this watch is more than tough enough to stand up to active daily use.
Rolex recently discontinued this green icon in favor of the current ref. 126610LV, which still has a green Cerachom bezel, but lacks the stunning sunburst green dial of the “Hulk” Submariner 116610LV. If you’ve always wanted to add one of these green Submariner watches to your collection, now is the time to invest because prices seem to only get higher each year. Check out our Rolex Submariner 116610LV Hulk Ultimate Reference Guide.
Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 118138
Day-Date 118138 Key Features:
– Reference Number: 118138
– Case Size: 36mm
– Materials: 18k Yellow Gold
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, Day Indicator
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
– Bezel: Fixed, 18k Yellow Gold, Fluted Style
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3155
– Strap/Bracelet: Green Leather Strap w/ 18k Yellow Gold Clasp
The Day-Date is the most prestigious of all Rolex watches and it was the first timepiece to show the day of the week written in full in addition to the date. Only ever crafted in either 18k gold or 950 platinum, the Rolex Day-Date is a symbol of success and is often the watch of choice among the world’s most notable public figures, including professional athletes, celebrities, and anyone else of significant influence. Its impressive reputation has since earned the Rolex Day-Date its “President’s Watch” nickname. If you’re interested in learning more read our Rolex Day Date green dial watches buying guide.
The reference 118138 features a leather strap in a rich green hue that is fitted with a matching 18k yellow gold clasp – a change of pace from the familiar metal bracelet with semi-circular links that is frequently found on the Day-Date collection. It matches perfectly with the metallic green dial and contrasts nicely against the warm hue of the yellow-gold case and fluted bezel. While this edition is certainly unlike most green Day-Date watches on the market, it stays true to the collection’s exquisite aesthetic with a sharply fluted bezel, flawless precious metal finish, and dual calendar apertures on the dial.
The Next Generation of Green Rolex Watches
Due to the fact that Rolex often chooses to feature the color green on anniversary-edition models, many of the most famous green Rolex watches are no longer in production and available at a retail level. In fact, each of the watches covered in this guide so far has since been discontinued to make way for the current generation of Rolex watches. Although not all of them were considered ultra-desirable while they remained in production, high demand and dwindling stock on the secondary market (particularly for sports watches) have turned them into prized collector’s items, with present-day prices far exceeding the values of their original brand-new retail prices.
Next, we turn our sights towards current production Rolex models and the best green dial watches from the brand’s contemporary collection. If you’re lucky enough to purchase one of these green Rolex watches at retail, they can have immense investment potential, trading hands up to three times their brand-new retail prices, simply due to their irresistible green dials.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 124300
Oyster Perpetual 124300 Key Features:
– Reference Number: 124300
– Case Size: 41mm
– Materials: Stainless Steel
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
– Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel, Smooth Style
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3230
– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (Stainless Steel)
In a surprising move, Rolex released new Oyster Perpetual watches in 2020 with nine different dial color options. Of course, green was included in the newest offerings, earning the Oyster Perpetual 41 ref. 124300 a spot in our guide. The collection also made headlines with the debut of the first 41mm option within the Oyster Perpetual series, effectively replacing the beloved 39mm OP. It also marked the integration of the larger case size options to the newer Caliber 3230 Perpetual movement.
With a spectacular green dial, the Oyster Perpetual takes on a contemporary and fresh aesthetic for the 2020s while also holding on tight to its classic design ethos. For example, the Oyster Perpetual is still positioned as an entry-level watch and is currently only produced in stainless steel. Additionally, the series is only offered on the flat-link Oyster bracelet and with a smooth bezel.
Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235
Day-Date 228235 Key Features:
– Reference Number: 228235
– Case Size: 40mm
– Materials: 18k Everose Gold
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, Day Indicator
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
– Bezel: Fixed, 18k Everose Gold, Fluted Style
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3255
– Strap/Bracelet: President Bracelet (18k Everose Gold)
Reference 228235 pairs the warm tones of Rolex’s proprietary 18k pink gold “Everose” with an Olive dial. It’s a soft take on the green dial Rolex that exudes a certain level of elegance and class. Additionally, Everose is trending among modern collectors and is a handsome alternative to white or yellow gold. As if that weren’t enough to win you over, this contemporary Day-Date also features a 40mm case, up 4mm from the classic Day-Date 36 and down 1mm from the now-discontinued Day-Date II with a 41mm case. Of course, the Presidential Rolex also brings with it the exclusivity of owning both a Rolex and a luxury watch crafted from valuable precious metal.
Turning our attention back to the Day Date green dial, the hour markers feature a clever configuration reimagined for the modern series that alternates stick markers with Roman numerals. This design choice prevents the dial from becoming too cluttered while including the brand’s iconic Roman numeral hour markers. They’re also faceted and reflect the light beautifully, just like the sharply fluted bezel. This ref. 228235 is a cool and contemporary take on the classic green dial Rolex that any luxury watch enthusiast can appreciate.
Rolex Daytona Ref. 116508
Daytona 116508 Key Features:
– Reference Number: 116508
– Case Size: 40mm
– Materials: 18k Yellow Gold
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, 12-Hour Chronograph
– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
– Bezel: Fixed, 18k Yellow Gold w/ Tachymeter Scale
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130
– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet (18k Yellow Gold)
The next green dial Rolex on our list is the Daytona ref. 116508, which made its debut in 2016 alongside the steel and ceramic bezel ref. 116500. Both watches have since earned cult status among collectors – ref. 116500 for being the first stainless steel Daytona to include Cerachrom on the bezel and ref. 116508 for pairing a stunning yellow gold case and bracelet with a vibrant green dial. This exceptional design set has since earned the Rolex 116508 its impressive moniker “Gold Hulk.”
With celebrities, such as Jonah Hill and well-known watch enthusiast John Mayer, keeping the Daytona 116508 in the spotlight, it isn’t hard to imagine why it is one of the most sought-after gold Rolex watches the market. It features what Rolex enthusiasts refer to as a “racing green” dial, complete with gold-trimmed Chromalight hour markers, matching hands, and chronograph registers in gold, white, and red. It’s elegant without compromising the unwavering masculine motorsport aesthetic that many have come to expect from the Daytona series.
Green Is The New Black
Move over black and silver dials – green is here to stay. Whether it was the Chinese market or innovators at Rolex who turned green dials vogue, we’re just glad it happened. This subtle yet bold display of color intrigues anyone’s eye it catches and is sure to be a piece you often sport and cherish for a lifetime. Can’t get enough? Neither can we.
The color of money, precious emeralds, lush golf courses, green is also the hue most associated with Rolex. Whether you opt for a GMT Master II, Submariner, or Day-Date 36, stand out from the norm with these distinct Rolex watches dressed in green.
