In an unexpected twist for Australian television, Channel Nine personality, larrikin and Morning Show host Karl Stefanovic was today sporting a luxurious and now rare timepiece while reporting live from Washington. But who cares, right? Not so fast, cowboy.
As the Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris 2024 US election picks up steam, Australian news correspondents are flooding into the US capital to cover what’s likely to be a shitshow election and farcical result. Among them is Stefanovic, who, in an Instagram post just minutes ago, was spotted at the news desk wearing a watch that caught my judgmental eye. Not just any watch, but the now-iconic Rolex Submariner—known to watch nerds as the “Hulk.”
The “Hulk” is a nickname affectionately given to this model of the Rolex Submariner, thanks to its distinctive green bezel and dial on a steel case. Rolex first released the Hulk (ref 116610LV) in 2010, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the coolest Submariners.
Since its discontinuation in 2020, Hulk has only grown in appeal among collectors, and today, it’s priced at around AUD $25,000 in the aftermarket.
Why do we give a shit what Karl wears? For a news presenter, especially in Australia, sporting such a piece is a notable rarity, as we’re more accustomed to seeing anchors with more modest choices, like an Apple Watch or, at best, a TAG Heuer. But with Stefanovic, Channel Nine’s crown jewel, flaunting a Rolex Hulk, it’s clear he has a sense of adventure in his watch choices.
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Australia’s greater unwashed often discourages public figures from displaying luxury, lest they seem to have it ‘too good’. For many, wearing an expensive watch or driving a high-end car is best kept out of the public eye, unlike places like the United States or Asia, where success is celebrated. Of course, there are exceptions, like KIIS shock jock Kyle Sandilands, who’s famously unapologetic about his second-hand Rolls Royce and Escalade purchases. To hell with them. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
The Hulk’s Successor: The Rolex “Starbucks”
The Hulk’s discontinuation saw the release of the new green Submariner model that Rolex watch circle jerkers dubbed the “Starbucks.”
Released in 2020, this updated Submariner (ref 126610LV) is a fresh take on the beloved green bezel but with a more classic black dial, giving it a subtle but sophisticated look. The Starbucks Submariner also features Rolex’s upgraded Caliber 3235 movement, offering improved power reserve and performance compared to the Hulk’s Caliber 3135.
Karl’s Watch Choice: A Sign of More to Come?
Could this be the start of a series of luxury watch sightings for one of Australia’s most recognisable faces? While Stefanovic has always been known for his charisma and enjoyment of refreshing beverages, this level of wristwatch flair is a rarity among Australian TV presenters.
So, what could be next in Stefanovic’s potential watch collection? Maybe we’ll see him step out with something as bold as the Patek Philippe Cubitus, Patek’s new square watch that’s been the talk of the watch world recently, or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, one of the most iconic timepieces in the world.
As the US election drama unfolds, we’ll keep an eye out not just for who will be the next United States President but for what is on Karl’s wrist, too.
