MK1 Vs MK2 LV Sub, Hands on experience

[nr1416]

Here is my unbias opinion of the 126610LV Mk1/MK2 bezel inserts.

I've owned and have been wearing daily a 126610LV since 2021. When the watch came out I loved it from day 1, I was never a fan of the Hulk for multiple reasons....sunburst dial, maxi case... but this isn't a debate on whats better the Hulk or new Kermit(both are great and to each their own).

So fast forward to last year when the MK2 was announced(or lack their of) at W&W, I was not impressed from pics of the shade of green from online pics. So when I first saw the MK2 Sub in person at my AD on display..... I noticed right away the difference and was a bit indifferent on which I liked more.

The more and more I saw pics of the MK2 and how the green is so similar to the original Kermit I knew I had to experience one on the wrist to fully compare it to my MK1. So a couple months ago I was fortunate to pickup a MK2 as well to go along with my MK1. I knew from the beginning I was only going to keep 1 but couldn't make that call till I had solid wrist time with both.

After wearing the MK2 for a few days I knew it was a no brainer, I loved the green on the MK2 so much more. The MK2 green is killer in person and natural light, something that doesn't come thru from pics online. Rolex knew what they were doing when they made the change. The green on the MK2 is unique to only the Submariner now which I love. The MK1 green is the same as the Hulk bezel and the green on the VTNR GMT. So after 3 months of owning both, the MK1 is going to be leaving the collection.

Both MK1 and MK2 inserts are nice, I've said this from day 1 you can't go wrong with either and it comes to to preference, these are just my worthless opinions and hands on experience. a couple pics of both...MK1 on the left, MK2 on the right

[JRell]

Thanks for sharing. I agree that they really need to be seen in person. I did and to my eyes the MK2 looks more like a vibrant true green and not lime green like you see in photos. I did love my MK1 as well.

[Ravenburg]

Man, I hope I never see a MKII in the flesh as I'm so happy with my MKI.
The newer one does look really good. Enjoy.

[brandrea]

Good to hear your thoughts.

[nr1416]

Originally Posted by Ravenburg

Man, I hope I never see a MKII in the flesh as I'm so happy with my MKI.

The newer one does look really good. Enjoy.

Haha. Yes it's definitely one of those things once you see it, you can't unsee it.

But honestly I would be happy with either, these are the stupid little things only us lunatics watch guys notice anyways.

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[travisb]

I have the MK1 and have seen and been offered the MK2 but passed. The deeper rich shade of green is much more appealing to me. The new one is nice for sure but I couldn't be happier than with where I'm at.
Congrats on finding the one for you!

[Osmin]

Fully agree. Never loved the MK1. But never have seen a MK2 in the flesh

[Divingdeep87]

Can’t be long before Padi tells us MK1 and 2 doesn’t exist.

I own a mk1, think a have to get the mk2 as well..

[Duke10]

Just depends on if you want a green with a little more blue or green with more yellow. I prefer mk1 but would proudly sport either one.


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[trout_thumper21]

MK I = highway sign green
MK II = Fidelity green

[zoenatenich]

I've never seen the new version in the flesh. Thank you for sharing. I hope you can keep both of them.

[vandave]

Both are great. I like the MK1 better myself.

I wonder if the MK1 will be more collectible in time as it's likely to be smaller in number than the MK2.

[prnceofpersia23]

Love the new green.

[nr1416]

Originally Posted by vandave

Both are great. I like the MK1 better myself.

I wonder if the MK1 will be more collectible in time as it's likely to be smaller in number than the MK2.

Your assuming the MK2 will be out for another 5 years? It could be out for only the year, no one knows yet how long the current LV will be ok production and even if the MK2 bezel is a 1 year thing or not.

No one knows for sure is my point.

I think the MK1 green isn't unique enough to be that highly collectable as it's been around for 10 years prior on the Hulk and now on the VTNR.

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[KBM]

Thank you for the great pictures!

[vandave]

Originally Posted by nr1416

Your assuming the MK2 will be out for another 5 years? It could be out for only the year, no one knows yet how long the current LV will be ok production and even if the MK2 bezel is a 1 year thing or not.

No one knows for sure is my point.

I think the MK1 green isn't unique enough to be that highly collectable as it's been around for 10 years prior on the Hulk and now on the VTNR.

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Wouldn't the number of each specific model be the more relevant factor since it's driven by rarity?

Let's say there are 200,000 hulks, 50,000 MK1's and then ultimately 200,000 MK2's... if they do a 10 year run of the 12 series sub in green, it could play out that the MK1 is the most rare of the three. I'm just guessing what those numbers might actually be but presumably there are more hulks than MK1s. If the MK2 was going to be a limited release color (say 1 year), wouldn't they have advertised that?

[Kiddodoc]

Owned both and currently own the MK2. I echo your sentiments.

[Xelor5513]

Originally Posted by Duke10

Just depends on if you want a green with a little more blue or green with more yellow. I prefer mk1 but would proudly sport either one.


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This ^ is how I see it. And OP's pics still have me in favor of MKI. However...I have yet to experience MKII in the flesh.

[thesharkfactor]

I'd pick the MK2 there, the MK1 looks a little bland or pastel in comparison.

[nr1416]

Originally Posted by vandave

Wouldn't the number of each specific model be the more relevant factor since it's driven by rarity?

Let's say there are 200,000 hulks, 50,000 MK1's and then ultimately 200,000 MK2's... if they do a 10 year run of the 12 series sub in green, it could play out that the MK1 is the most rare of the three. I'm just guessing what those numbers might actually be but presumably there are more hulks than MK1s. If the MK2 was going to be a limited release color (say 1 year), wouldn't they have advertised that?

There are many models that are more rare then the successors, that doesn't mean there worth more. Take for example the first edition of the James Cameron Deep Sea, was made for the shortest period over next 2 generations combined. But they sell for less.

Look at the Hulk, it was made for 10 years. Not rare at all, but commands a premium cause people want it.

And again the green in the MK1 bezel isn't rare it was used on the Hulk for 10 years and still being used on the VTNR.

[rockysw]

thanks for sharing. When I put my name on the list, it was based on MK1, but when I got the call it was for MK2. So I guess it worked out for me.

Btw if someone has MK1, I suppose Rolex can always change the bezel as part of the service. So I guess it matters little which one you have.

[Yup]

That new one looks off, don’t like it

[Tqmb79]

Mk2 is nicer IMO. I have it and have seen it side by side. I prefer the new bezel by far

[TimeAZ]

My unbiased opinion is a slight preference towards the MK2 for having a more crisp and vivid green.

[karleone]

MK2 looks so much better! You did well!!

[nr1416]

Originally Posted by Tqmb79

Mk2 is nicer IMO. I have it and have seen it side by side. I prefer the new bezel by far

I agree, once you see them in person side by side you fully get it.

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[thenewrick]

Passed on Mk1 when offered, bought Mk2 when offered. I dig the bright green over the milky green.

It's also to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sub and a nod to the 50th anniversary Kermit so it has a cool backstory whereas the Mk1 was just leftover Hulk bezel ceramic they needed to use up.

[ScarletFire]

Yep I didn’t pay too much attention to the MK1 when it came out, then I saw a MK2 in person and now I want one - and I have never cared for subs in general.


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[David5807]

Originally Posted by vandave

Both are great. I like the MK1 better myself.

I wonder if the MK1 will be more collectible in time as it's likely to be smaller in number than the MK2.

[erict]

And you know this how?

“It's also to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sub and a nod to the 50th anniversary Kermit so it has a cool backstory whereas the Mk1 was just leftover Hulk bezel ceramic they needed to use up.”