Famous Rolex watches and their nicknames

Kermits , Batmans , Pepsis , Root Beer – when these are mentioned, they aren't always necessarily movie characters or drinks. These terms are more likely to indicate that a conversation is taking place among true Rolex connoisseurs. Die-hard fans of the brand often have a special vocabulary that puzzles outsiders. But knowing the famous Rolex models with memorable nicknames isn't rocket science. With our overview, you'll always be able to join in the conversation in the future – whether the topic is root beer or Smurf .

The Rolex vocabulary for beginners

Rolex is known to be something like seventh heaven for watch lovers – with sophisticated timepieces from the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, the brand's numerous fans are transported to higher spheres. The passion of Rolex devotees is so great that it has already given rise to its own technical vocabulary. As a result of this culture, some of the most famous Rolex models of all time have been given unusual nicknames. While these are unofficial and therefore not listed in catalogs, dealers, journalists, and Rolex enthusiasts always know exactly what they mean. Learn more about how these charming nicknames, which often represent a stark contrast to the brand's strictly serious, luxurious image, came about.

Keep Green and Kermit on

Over time, some models in the Submariner series have been given affectionate nicknames by fans. One in particular stands out: Kermit. Officially launched as the reference 16610LV, this Submariner was relaunched in 2003 to mark its 50th anniversary in a new guise as the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 50th Anniversary Edition. The initials at the end of the reference stand for “Lunette Vert,” French for “green bezel” – and it is precisely this green aluminum bezel that makes the timepiece a truly eye-catcher. The nickname Kermit is naturally a reference to the famous green puppet frog from the Muppet Show. Like every piece in the Submariner collection, the model impresses with its water-resistant Oyster case with a screw-lock crown, automatic winding, as well as endurance, robustness, precision and the highest quality workmanship.

The Joy of Pepsi

This model remains the most prominent nickname in the Rolex family. The outstanding GMT Master and GMT-Master II models with red and blue bezels are called Pepsi because of the colors' strong resemblance to the logo of the well-known soft drink manufacturer. Rolex originally chose the color combination because of the logo of the American airline Pan Am, for which the watch manufacturer was commissioned in the 1950s to develop timepieces displaying a second time zone. Fans, however, decided that the bezel was simply more reminiscent of Pepsi cans. GMT "Pepsis" have been released in many different editions to date, for example as a steel model with a ceramic bezel in 2018.

Have a Coke and a Smile

Following the success of Pepsi, Coke followed: In 1983, Rolex launched the first GMT-Master II with a red and black bezel. The nickname "Coke" emerged with the timepiece's launch, as the color combination immediately reminded watch fans of the black beverage in the glass bottle with the bright red label. The very first Coke was also nicknamed the "Fat Lady" or "Sophia Loren" due to its wide case.

I am Batman

The first Rolex timepiece with a two-tone ceramic bezel was launched in 2013 under the reference 116710BLNR. This time, the black and blue color pairing wasn't associated with a soft drink, but with an action hero: Batman. The watch was enormously popular because the steel-cased GMT "Batman" marked a technological breakthrough. The monobloc middle section of the ceramic case could only be produced using a sophisticated chemical process.

Bring Home the Root Beer

Rolex fans have once again chosen a soft drink as their name. It is believed that this nickname originated in the late 1970s or early 1980s and referred to the watch with reference 16753. The bezel of this Rolex model is brown and cream-colored – similar to root beer, a popular non-alcoholic beverage from America that never achieved the same level of popularity in Europe. Later, any Rolex watch with a two-tone gold and steel case, two-tone bracelet, or brown dials with gold indices was also called "Root Beer."

The Smurfs

This is a piece from Rolex 's legendary Submariner series. The dial and bezel of this special example do not shine in the usual black, but in bright blue. The reference 116619 from 2008 featured the very first Cerachrom bezel on a Submariner and was nicknamed "Smurf" thanks to its design. The color reminded fans of the world-famous deep blue cartoon characters from Belgium. The watch with its white gold case enjoyed enormous popularity with various celebrities and, just like its "Smurf sister" with the reference 116618 with a yellow gold case, will certainly never be forgotten thanks to its nickname alone.

It Started with a Mouse

In fact, this watch is exactly what you might think: a collaboration between Disney and Rolex during the 1960s or 1970s. Walt Disney enjoyed wearing watches from the Swiss manufacturer for many years. The two companies teamed up to create a classic version of Mickey Mouse on a watch face. Over time, there was increasing online debate about the authenticity of these watches, as Rolex 's serious image no longer matched the design. This raised many doubts. The general assumption was that the watches were genuine Rolex models, but that the dial with the mouse was added later. There is some truth to this theory, as such reworked Rolex watches do exist – but so do the original pieces with Mickey Mouse on the dial. This homage to the iconic mouse can be found in Oyster Date and similar models, for example, but there are very few of them. All of the watches were made of stainless steel and had a case diameter between 35 and 36 mm. Back then, the pieces were intended for men, although the case size today suggests a women's or children's model. Definitely an interesting collector's item that evokes feelings of nostalgia.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The Rolex "Rainbow" Daytona became a cult object practically overnight. This stunning timepiece, available in yellow or white gold, was extremely limited and highly sought after by rock stars, Hollywood icons, and collectors around the world. Rolex later released the magnificent watch in Everose rose gold. The bezel is set with 36 colored sapphires arranged in the rainbow pattern. The case centerpiece features 56 diamonds, and the radiant black dial features 18-karat gold crystals. This is arguably the most ornate watch Rolex has ever created.

Sapphires and rubies

The Rolex GMT-Master with reference 16758 was nicknamed SARU – a portmanteau of the words sapphire and rubies, with which the attractive watch is generously adorned. The yellow gold timepiece was launched in the 1980s and is considered one of the brand's most exclusive creations. Many passionate collectors have set their sights on one day having such a gem in their collection.

The Eye of the Tiger

Another Rolex GMT Master II was nicknamed the "Tiger Eye." The timepiece, reference 16753, was so named for its two-tone yellow and brown bezel. But another detail on this watch from the 1980s stands out: the so-called nipple dial, in which the indices protrude from the dial like small, stiff nipples. A fine men's watch, as it should be.

Time for a Starbucks

The Rolex Submariner Date, reference 126610LV, is at least as well-known as the famous franchise chain with which it shares a nickname. Due to its black dial combined with the green bezel, the watch with a date display and luminous indices is affectionately called " Starbucks " among connoisseurs.

The Bruce Wayne

Closely related to the Rolex Batman , the Rolex GMT-Master II with reference 126710GRNR bears the nickname "Bruce Wayne." Unlike the Batman, however, the bezel of the Bruce Wayne model is not two-tone, but entirely black. The two Rolex watches can also be distinguished by their 24-hour hands: this is blue on the Batman, while green on the Bruce Wayne.

Cute as a Panda

The Rolex Daytona, with its white dial and black-framed subdials, has earned itself one of the cutest nicknames. The high-quality sports watch's color scheme is reminiscent of the face of a panda bear, an impression further enhanced by the black bezel. But the contrasting effects so impressively implemented in this design also have a practical purpose: The black subdials contrast sharply with the white dial, so a quick glance is enough to read the display precisely.

It's getting Bluesy

While Pepsi , Batman, and Kermit are familiar names to any watch lover with a penchant for Rolex timepieces, the Bluesy is one of those models you hear about less often. It's a very special Submariner whose special charm comes from the combination of bold blue with sleek stainless steel and rich gold. The royal blue dial of the reference 126613LB is framed by a blue bezel with gold numerals, which in turn merges into a bicolor bracelet made of gold and stainless steel.

Thirsty for Sprite

In the version nicknamed "Sprite," the Rolex GMT-Master II presents itself in perhaps its freshest and most vibrant form. The watch, mounted on a sporty stainless steel bracelet, immediately catches the eye with its black and green bicolor bezel, while the jet black, unfussy dial lends it a timeless, thoroughly elegant character.

The Fat Lady

When talking about the Rolex Fat Lady, the reference is the GMT-Master II with the reference 16760. The reason for this unusual nickname is the thicker case of this model, which makes the watch appear somewhat bulkier.

It's Bond, James Bond

It's no secret that several Rolex watches have appeared on screen in the popular James Bond films. The first Rolex to find its place on the wrist of the blockbuster agent was the Rolex Submariner with reference number 6538. It was worn by Sean Connery in the action film "Dr. No," thus earning him the nickname "James Bond."

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