This is the Rolex Submariner “Starbucks.” And it is one of my favorite watches in the collection.
If you're thinking about buying one, this is everything you need to know. I'll dive into the history of the watch, what it's like on the wrist, and even share the production numbers, showing how this is one of the rare modern Rolex references. Then I'll let you know if I think it's worth it. So let's jump in.
- Reference
- 126610LV, Submariner Date “Starbucks”
- Case
- 41mm Oystersteel, 300m water resistance
- Bezel and dial
- Green Cerachrom bezel (MK1 on mine), glossy black dial
- Movement
- Rolex caliber 3235
- Bracelet
- 21mm Oyster with Glidelock clasp
- Produced
- 103,584 from launch in September 2020 to early or mid-2024
Why Is It Called the “Starbucks”?
For those newer to the Rolex game, what exactly is the “Starbucks”? It's the unofficial, collector-given nickname for the modern 41mm Submariner Date featuring a glossy black dial and a green ceramic bezel. This one specifically has the MK1 bezel, and I'll dive deeper into the MK1 and MK2 later. The name comes from that high-contrast black and green color scheme, which is close to the color of the famous coffee chain's logo.
From Kermit to Hulk to Starbucks: The Green Submariner History
The 50th Anniversary Origins: Kermit Ref. 16610LV
To really understand this watch, we have to look back to 2003. That's when Rolex introduced the reference 16610LV, the “Kermit.” That watch was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner. It was a massive deal because it was the first time Rolex put a green aluminum bezel on the Submariner. It opened the door to the idea that a Submariner could be collected purely for its color.
The Ceramic Era: Hulk Ref. 116610LV to Starbucks Ref. 126610LV
Eventually, Rolex phased out the aluminum bezels and moved into the ceramic era. They replaced the Kermit with the “Hulk,” which doubled down on the green with both a green bezel and a sunburst green dial.
But in 2020, they shifted gears again. They dropped the Hulk and released the 126610LV, returning to the classic black dial roots of the original Kermit but keeping that scratch-resistant green ceramic bezel.
And on a day-to-day basis, the ceramic bezel is amazing. I haven't owned an aluminum bezel yet, but compared with other watches I've had that are scratch magnets, like a Cartier Santos, this was such a nice change.
Rolex Production Numbers, Scarcity and “AD Games”
If you're trying to get one at retail, there are a few things you need to know.
Rolex is notoriously secretive about its production numbers, but we finally have hard data thanks to the recently published Submariner book. This data perfectly explains why “AD games” exist. A dealer is trying to run a multi-million-dollar retail business, but they are only handed about 80 highly desirable steel sports watches a year to use as leverage.
To really understand the madness of the Rolex market, you have to look at the total allocation picture. Rolex produces roughly 1 to 1.2 million watches a year. If you assume an average Authorized Dealer receives about 700 to 800 total watches annually, the breakdown is shocking:
- Fully 50% are ladies' models.
- Of the remaining men's models, over half are Datejusts, Oyster Perpetuals, Day-Dates, and two-tone or precious metal configurations.
The reality is that the average AD only receives roughly 75 to 90 stainless steel sports watches per year, and that spans all steel Submariners, GMT-Masters, Daytonas, Explorers, and Sea-Dwellers. To put that in perspective, for an entire year at one AD, they might only get 10 to 15 steel GMT-Masters (like the Pepsi, Batman, or Sprite) and a mere 4 to 7 steel Daytonas.
How Many Submariners Does a Rolex Dealer Get?
So what do those factory numbers actually mean for you trying to buy a Submariner at retail? Based on the data, an “average” AD receives only 50 to 60 total Submariners in a 12-month calendar year:
| Submariner | Approx. units per dealer, per year |
|---|---|
| Black Date (126610LN) | 25 to 30 |
| Green “Starbucks” (126610LV) | 14 to 16 |
| No-Date (124060) | 10 to 12 |
When a dealer tells you they have hundreds of people on a “waitlist” for a Starbucks, they are telling the truth. They only get about one or two a month to divide among their entire VIP client base.
If you want to know how I approached that, read how to get a Rolex at retail.
MK1 vs. MK2 Bezel: The Detail Collectors Obsess Over
Within that already limited Starbucks production, there is an even rarer detail. Between its launch in September 2020 and the book's data cutoff in early to mid-2024, Rolex produced a total of 103,584 green 126610LV models.
But here is where the collector community gets obsessive: Rolex secretly updated the green ceramic bezel insert in May 2023. They replaced the darker MK1 bezel with a brighter, more saturated Kelly green MK2.
Because of that switch, we can break down that total production number. Based on the 32-month run before the change, experts mathematically estimate the MK1 total to be roughly 45,000 to 53,000 units. By the time of the book's data cutoff, the MK2 was sitting at roughly 50,000 units.
| Bezel | Production window | Color | Estimated units |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | September 2020 to May 2023 | Darker green | About 45,000 to 53,000 (final) |
| MK2 | May 2023 onward | Brighter, more saturated Kelly green | About 50,000 at the data cutoff, still in production |
Because the MK2 is still in active production, it is currently passing the MK1 in total volume. This is a massive detail for collectors: the MK1 is permanently capped at roughly 50,000 units globally, making it a mathematically finite, discontinued sub-reference.
After 4 Years With the Starbucks
Having lived with this watch for four years now, I can confidently say it's the perfect middle ground. It hasn't lost its charm. The green never gets exhausting to look at, which was a common complaint with the Hulk over time. It transitions seamlessly from a t-shirt and jeans to a blazer, and it has easily become one of my most worn watches.
Size and Wearability
On paper, Rolex bumped the case size up to 41mm for this generation. But ironically, it wears smaller and more comfortably than the older 40mm “Maxi case.” They thinned out the lugs and widened the bracelet slightly, which totally re-proportioned the watch. It sits flatter and feels much more elegant on the wrist.
The Oyster Bracelet and Glidelock Clasp
It's sitting on a 21mm Oystersteel bracelet, fully brushed, which I vastly prefer on a dive watch over polished center links. And of course, it features the Glidelock clasp. If you haven't used Glidelock, it is arguably the best micro-adjustment system in the industry, letting you adjust the bracelet in 2mm increments on the fly without tools.
Starbucks vs. Batman vs. Daytona
Let's look at how it sits against the other heavy hitters in the catalog. Since getting the allocation for my stainless Daytona Panda last June to celebrate my engagement, I've spent a lot of time comparing how these three specifically wear.
The Daytona is the ultimate racing chronograph. It wears incredibly slim and carries massive prestige. The Batman gives you the GMT complication and the option of that flashier Jubilee bracelet, making it lean a bit dressier. But the Starbucks? It is the ultimate robust, everyday sports watch. It's the one you don't have to baby.
There is more on that comparison in GMT-Master II vs. Submariner.
Is the Rolex Starbucks Worth It?
Is It Worth MSRP?
Without a doubt. At retail, it is one of the best value propositions in luxury horology. You are getting Rolex's bulletproof caliber 3235 movement, 300 meters of water resistance, and a design that will literally outlive you.
Is It Worth the Grey Market Premium?
This is the tougher question. It is currently the only stainless steel Submariner that consistently commands a heavy “green premium” over retail on the secondary market. If you have the patience to build a relationship with an Authorized Dealer, I say wait for it. The grey market prices have softened from their insane peaks a few years ago, but you're still paying thousands over MSRP. Buy it grey only if you absolutely cannot wait.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex Starbucks isn't just a placeholder between the Kermit and whatever comes next. It's a masterclass in refinement. Rolex took the best parts of the 50th-anniversary model, engineered it to modern standards, and fixed the awkward proportions of the previous generation. If you want a Submariner but want to stand out in a sea of black dials, this is the one to get.
Drop your thoughts on the MK1 versus MK2 debate in the comments on the video, and I'll see you in the next one.
You can also see the reference details on our Rolex Submariner 126610LV shop page.
