Scottie Scheffler’s Watch at The Open Just Reignited a Classic Rolex Debate

Over the weekend, Scottie Scheffler added another trophy to what’s quickly becoming one of golf’s most impressive résumés. With his win at The Open Championship, Scheffler now boasts multiple major victories—including a dominant Masters win earlier this year—and a stranglehold on the current world No. 1 ranking. At just 29, his name is already being etched into conversations once reserved for legends.

But while the Claret Jug might’ve been the main attraction on Sunday, another gleaming icon caught the light: the Rolex Submariner on Scheffler’s wrist.

Eagle-eyed watch quickly recognized the unmistakable green bezel of the Submariner Date Reference 126610LV “Starbucks” or “Cermit” —a follow-up to the all-green 116610LV “Hulk” he wore during his Masters win in April.

That’s two different green Submariners in two major wins. It seems clear: Scheffler’s a fan of green Rolexes. And in doing so, he’s managed to plant a foot firmly on either side of one of horology’s most contentious turf wars: which green Rolex Submariner reigns supreme?

The Original Green Submariner

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The Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116610LV a.k.a. “the Hulk,” which is what Scheffler wore after winning The Masters is arguably the most distinctive of the green Subs.

Unlike its siblings, it pairs a green Cerachrom bezel with a matching sunburst green dial, giving it an undeniably bold presence. In a world of black-and-steel tool watches, it’s almost flamboyant by Rolex standards. Naturally, it’s also become a fan favorite.

But Rolex purists know that the green Submariner journey begins not with the Hulk but with the Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16610LV, a.k.a the “Kermit.”

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Released in 2003 to celebrate the Submariner’s 50th anniversary, the Reference 16610LV was the first Sub to feature a green bezel and the first to sport the now-standard “maxi” dial with enlarged hour markers and beefier hands. Its black dial kept things grounded, while the aluminum green bezel added just the right amount of flair.

The Kermit was discontinued in 2010 to make way for the Hulk, marking the first evolution in Rolex’s green experiment. But the debate had already begun: is full green too much, or just right?

The Return of Black & Green

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In 2020, Rolex brought back the green-bezeled, black-dialed configuration in the form of the Submariner Date 126610LV, replacing the Hulk with what many interpreted as a return to classic form. If that’s any indication, Rolex might see the green bezel/black dial combo as the truest expression of the green Sub.

This new model quickly picked up two nicknames: “Cermit”, for its combination of Cerachrom bezel and Kermit heritage, and “Starbucks”, for its resemblance to the coffee giant’s unmistakable green-and-black branding.

Call it what you will, but this version brought a few notable upgrades: a slightly larger 41mm case (up from 40mm), Rolex’s newer Caliber 3235 movement with improved power reserve and efficiency, and a more refined case profile with slimmer lugs.

On the surface, these changes are modest—but in Rolex-land, subtle design shifts often spark debates more intense than a sudden-death playoff.

A Slight Tweak

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Of course, not all 126610LVs are created equal. As of 2023, Rolex introduced a slight tweak to the green bezel—one that fans have dubbed the Mk2 version.

Compared to the earlier Mk1 126610LV, the updated bezel leans a bit more yellow in tone, inching closer to the original Kermit’s hue. The change is subtle, but then again, so are most of the things Rolex fans obsess over.

It’s difficult to say with certainty which version of the Sub Scheffler was wearing at The Open Championship, but images suggest it’s the newer, brighter Mk2 bezel.

Given Rolex’s notoriously minute production tweaks, even Scheffler may not know. But that’s beside the point—he’s worn both green variants in two of professional golf’s most significant moments, and each has its own loyal following.

So, Which Green Sub Is King?

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This is where the arguments really heat up. Is the Hulk’s bold, all-green aesthetic the ultimate flex? Or is the more classic Kermit/Cermit layout the definitive version of Rolex’s green vision? And if so, which version of the Kermit/Cermit is tops?

Objectively speaking, the fact that Rolex has now produced three different black-dialed, green-bezeled Submariners—each with its own generational tweak—suggests that this configuration may be the brand’s preferred formula. Yet the Hulk’s singular boldness and fan-favorite status still command serious attention on the resale market.

As to Scheffler’s opinion, from what we’ve been able to track, he’s now worn the black and green Rolex Submariner Date Ref 126610LV twice on the podium, including during The Open Championship this weekend and The Players Championship back in 2023. We’ve only seen him wear the all-green Hulk once.

Ultimately, there’s no clear winner and never will be. It’s a matter of taste, wrist presence, and whether you prefer your green with a little dial restraint or all-out verdant exuberance.

What’s certain is this: as long as Rolex keeps tweaking shades and dial combos, the green Submariner debate isn’t going anywhere.

Pricing and Availability

For those hoping to follow in Scheffler’s footsteps—at least on the wrist—the current Rolex Submariner Date Reference 126610LV retails for $11,200.

That’s more than its all-black sibling, which comes in at $10,650. Of course, finding one at retail is another story entirely. Expect secondary market prices to hover well above MSRP, depending on condition, bezel shade, and whether you can opt for an older Mk1 or newer Mk2.

But regardless of which green Sub you choose, be prepared to defend your choice around Rolex diehards.

Rolex

Rolex Submariner Date Ref 126610LV

• $11,200 at Rolex

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