Starbucks vs Hulk AD dealer experience this weekend

[dpayne7571]

So I've been debating buying a Hulk for some time now, but I went to my local AD over the weekend and tried on a certified Starbucks and loved the black dial and green bezel contrast and it was a 2021 model. They had a hulk too, but wanted 26k for it! The '21 they were asking 17,500 due to it being certified. I love the MK1 vs the MK2. I wish I would of got on the waiting list years ago now as I love the Starbucks so much more now over the Hulk seeing them both in person. I hate paying such a high markup on this watch since the new green bezel is too light of a green for my taste. On the hunt for a decent price on a MK1 Starbucks now! Just wanted to share my thoughts.

[wobjk]

Personally, I am not a big fan of the 116610LV - much prefer the 126610LV with the black dial. The sunburst green is just a bit too much green for me. Also, given the markup for the 116610 I think you are making the right decision going for the newer model. I would still to try to get it from an AD. It’s not impossible might just be a bit of a wait. Worth it if you consider the grey market premiums in my opinion.


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[jb335]

I’d save some money and go with the OG.

16610LV


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[ryanbush]

The Starbucks is trading around $13.5k in the gray market. I understand there is some value in buying from an AD for certified pre-owned, but that is a substantial premium and imo not worth it.

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by dpayne7571

So I've been debating buying a Hulk for some time now, but I went to my local AD over the weekend and tried on a certified Starbucks and loved the black dial and green bezel contrast and it was a 2021 model. They had a hulk too, but wanted 26k for it! The '21 they were asking 17,500 due to it being certified. I love the MK1 vs the MK2. I wish I would of got on the waiting list years ago now as I love the Starbucks so much more now over the Hulk seeing them both in person. I hate paying such a high markup on this watch since the new green bezel is too light of a green for my taste. On the hunt for a decent price on a MK1 Starbucks now! Just wanted to share my thoughts.

I am not affiliated with them in anyway, but 1916company does online sales (they will call you as well) and their CPO pricing is the most reasonable I have seen. Not saying it is cheap, but they have 2021 LV for 16k.

I was looking for an older model and CPO as comparison and most big dealers (Tourneau, WOS, etc.) were quite a bit higher.

[Cru Jones]

Personally, I wouldn’t over think it. Which one do you like best? Buy that one.

[travisb]

Easy enough to find from a trusted seller at a lower price.
I have the MK1 and also prefer it over the newer green. Good luck! It's a great watch.

[MRBolton]

Those are crazy town prices--wow, especially the Hulk. I've also seen CPO pieces that are very over-polished with terrible lug shapes.

Of the options you're looking at, I'd likely opt for MK1 Starbucks, but you really should go through another grey dealer and save a few thousand dollars. Unless you can get an AD with CPO to leverage that spend history into something else, it makes almost no sense to overpay by that margin.

[KatGirl]

I agree with you that the Starbucks is more attractive than the Hulk. Consider calling one of our trusted dealers here on the forum. Good luck!

Kat


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[ejvette]

The AD's have really jumped onto this CPO BS your really paying a significant premium for the extended warranty not worth it IMHO

[dpayne7571]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I agree with you that the Starbucks is more attractive than the Hulk. Consider calling one of our trusted dealers here on the forum. Good luck!

Kat


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I’ve already found a few from grey dealers that I have bought from before, BUT they are asking 17k for a BNIB Starbucks MK1 which is still 6k over sticker which is crazy! I’ll keep on searching as I don’t mind paying a couple thousand more. I only paid 2.8k over MSRP from a grey dealer for my Bluesy which I thought was fair a year ago.

[paul cbc]

Originally Posted by ryanbush

The Starbucks is trading around $13.5k in the gray market. I understand there is some value in buying from an AD for certified pre-owned, but that is a substantial premium and imo not worth it.

Agree with this.
If you can buy at $13.5-$14.5k, then RSC service for ~$1k you'd be ahead and with a 2 year Rolex Warranty.

[Murphtimes]

It sounds like you’ve found the right fit with the Starbucks (126710)! The contrast of the black dial and green bezel definitely gives it a unique character, and I can understand your preference for the MK1 over the MK2 with the more vibrant green bezel. It’s tough when you see a significant markup on a piece you love, especially when the new green bezel doesn’t appeal as much.

If you’re set on the MK1 Starbucks, it might take some patience, but there are opportunities in the pre-owned market. You can keep an eye on reputable dealers or platforms with strong buyer protections to find a good deal. Prices may still be high due to demand, but being proactive could help you find one at a better price than the AD’s markup. Good luck with the hunt!

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by dpayne7571

So I've been debating buying a Hulk for some time now, but I went to my local AD over the weekend and tried on a certified Starbucks and loved the black dial and green bezel contrast and it was a 2021 model. They had a hulk too, but wanted 26k for it! The '21 they were asking 17,500 due to it being certified. I love the MK1 vs the MK2. I wish I would of got on the waiting list years ago now as I love the Starbucks so much more now over the Hulk seeing them both in person. I hate paying such a high markup on this watch since the new green bezel is too light of a green for my taste. On the hunt for a decent price on a MK1 Starbucks now! Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Hulk is special, the green dial can look almost black in the dark while under sun light it just pops. The Starbuck is just a regular sub with green bezel, it is nice but Hulk wins.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by ryanbush

The Starbucks is trading around $13.5k in the gray market. I understand there is some value in buying from an AD for certified pre-owned, but that is a substantial premium and imo not worth it.

I agree. Plus, OP, you could always factor in a complete 1k’ish full Rolex service on your 13k gray dealer acquisition which would render the result identical or in most cases better than the Certified preowned. Furthermore, to qualify for that program don’t assume that the watches all get serviced because they don’t. They get spruced-up the minimum required for retail sales and get a 0.01 cent plastic tag. The Rolex service you get will provide arguably a new watch with up to a decade of no further service required. Plus the resale on a fully serviced watch with a service card is even higher than the CPO

[ltmgeller]

I love the dial of the Hulk so that would be my choice.

[rgito]

Maintain your resolve for the watch you love (126710). I have been offered it twice in the last six months from my AD. It is possible...just hold on. It will be worth it.

[Gearjockey]

I think it’s bizarre that some people prefer the Starbucks over the Hulk,
but what do I know? Always been fascinated with Hulk, never even looked at Starbucks.


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[SpeakWithMichael]

This has nothing to do with these particular two watches, but I was on a Celebrity cruise recently, and in the watch shop there were a few Rolex pre-owned, and there was an Air King, and they were trying to sell it for something like $18,000. An Air King! I literally asked him to repeat the number when he said it, and then questioned whether he can confirm that was for the Air King, and not the two tone Datejust next to it. Unbelievable sometimes. $18,000 for an Air King - nearly triple the retail. What were they smoking? You can get them all day for $7,000 - $9,000 in like new condition. They're not even hard to get at retail. I was stunned.

[Onequik135i]

I would go w a pre owned Hulk from a reputable TRF seller here or sign up on Moda on Facebook to purchase one from one of the trusted sellers there. Pre owned Hulk on Moda depending year w original card can be had $17500 & up.

[dpayne7571]

Originally Posted by rgito

Maintain your resolve for the watch you love (126710). I have been offered it twice in the last six months from my AD. It is possible...just hold on. It will be worth it.

I’m going to call my AD tomorrow and ask to be placed on their list, problem is for a new Starbucks, they only make the MK2 now, but who knows I may like that shade of green on the newer model and save myself 5k versus the gray dealer.

[worldofoyster]

The hulk is special

[brandrea]

I’d go all green, but that’s maybe just me

[1William]

I prefer the Hulk hands down. The new green dial submariner is nice but nothing special to me. Standard production and so many more will be out there in the future. The Hulk, discontinued, value and looks, what else could you want.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I agree. Plus, OP, you could always factor in a complete 1k’ish full Rolex service on your 13k gray dealer acquisition which would render the result identical or in most cases better than the Certified preowned. Furthermore, to qualify for that program don’t assume that the watches all get serviced because they don’t. They get spruced-up the minimum required for retail sales and get a 0.01 cent plastic tag. The Rolex service you get will provide arguably a new watch with up to a decade of no further service required. Plus the resale on a fully serviced watch with a service card is even higher than the CPO

[SS Oyster]

I like the 116610LV much more than 126610LV


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[dpayne7571]

Originally Posted by 1William

I prefer the Hulk hands down. The new green dial submariner is nice but nothing special to me. Standard production and so many more will be out there in the future. The Hulk, discontinued, value and looks, what else could you want.

I agree with you, the Hulk is a beautiful watch. My situation is I have an everyday DJ II with fluted bezel and white dial and a 126613lb TT that’s beautiful, but just too flashy I feel at times so not an everyday. I don’t have a black dial and the Starbucks would accomplish that plus give it some extra pop with the green bezel. I can also make this my everyday watch as well.

[Bartolo]

Originally Posted by jb335

I’d save some money and go with the OG.

16610LV

Absolutely! I prefer the shade of green, and the proportions, much much more this way.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by dpayne7571

I’m going to call my AD tomorrow and ask to be placed on their list, problem is for a new Starbucks, they only make the MK2 now, but who knows I may like that shade of green on the newer model and save myself 5k versus the gray dealer.

Could you possibly trade a Brand New MK2 (if you got one) for a very nice pre owned MK1?


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[Bxtek]

Hulk gets my vote! Not even a contest for me. That sunburst green dial is so beautiful, especially in the sun! $26K? Is that what they're trading for nowadays?? Not worth that kinda premium to me though. With that in mind, the Starbucks would be the one to go for.