Wissensdonnerstag #2: Why are Rolex models called Pepsi, Batman or Bruce Wayne?
Rolex itself does not give its watches nicknames. Catalogues and warranty cards only ever show the reference. Even so, hardly any collector speaks of the 126710BLRO – they speak of the “Pepsi”. The names come from the watch community and, in the case of the GMT-Master II, almost always refer to the colours of the bezel.
The key points
- Nicknames are unofficial. They emerge in forums, in the trade and among collectors, and often catch on within a few months.
- The bezel provides the name. On the GMT-Master II, the two-tone 24-hour scale indicates day and night. Its colour combination defines the character of the watch.
- Behind every name there is a reference. Anyone looking for a specific version should always know the reference as well.
Pepsi: blue and red
The blue and red bezel is reminiscent of the colours of a well-known soft drink and is one of the oldest Rolex nicknames of all. The very first GMT-Master of 1954 already featured this colour combination. The two colours separate the daytime and night-time hours. In the current generation, the Pepsi carries the reference 126710BLRO, with BLRO standing for Bleu Rouge.
Batman and Batgirl: blue and black
In 2013, Rolex presented the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR with a blue and black ceramic bezel. The dark colour combination immediately reminded collectors of the comic-book hero, and the name Batman was born. Since 2019, its successor, the 126710BLNR, has also been available on a Jubilee bracelet. To tell the two apart, this version is often called the “Batgirl”.
Bruce Wayne: grey and black
The 126710GRNR with a grey and black bezel arrived in 2023. It is considerably more understated than the Batman. As Bruce Wayne is Batman’s civilian alter ego, the name was an obvious choice. It caught on almost immediately.
Further nicknames of the GMT-Master II
- Root Beer – brown and black bezel, currently available as the 126711CHNR in Everose Rolesor. The name alludes to the colour of the American soft drink.
- Sprite – green and black bezel, crown on the left-hand side. The 126720VTNR was released in 2022 and is designed for left-handers.
- Coke – red and black bezel of earlier generations, for example on the first GMT-Master II.
Other models carry nicknames too: depending on the generation, the Submariner with a green bezel is known as the “Kermit”, the “Hulk” or the “Starbucks”. How to read the codes in the reference is explained in Wissensdonnerstag #1.
Why nicknames are more than folklore
Nicknames make communication easier. Anyone asking a dealer for a “Pepsi on a Jubilee bracelet” is understood more quickly than with a reference. At the same time, the names shape how a watch is perceived. A version with a catchy name sticks in the memory and is searched for more often. The best-known nicknames therefore belong to some of the most sought-after models of all.
When buying, however, one thing still applies: a nickname can span several generations. “Pepsi” refers to the first GMT-Master of 1954 just as much as to today’s 126710BLRO, even though the two differ in bezel material, calibre and case. Only the reference tells you which watch is meant. Anyone searching for a specific watch therefore names both: the nickname for the colour and the reference for the generation.
Examples from our range
The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman and the Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl show how much difference a bracelet makes: the same reference and the same bezel, yet two different characters thanks to the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.
The Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne is the most understated variant of the current generation. The Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite, by contrast, stands out with its left-hand crown alone.
The Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer pairs the brown and black bezel with steel and Everose gold. You will find all models under Rolex GMT-Master II and the blue and red versions under Rolex Pepsi.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Rolex use the nicknames itself?
No. Rolex communicates exclusively through model names and references. The nicknames are the language of collectors and the trade.
What is the difference between the Batman and the Batgirl?
Only the bracelet. Both carry the reference 126710BLNR with a blue and black bezel. The Batman comes on an Oyster bracelet, the Batgirl on a Jubilee bracelet.
Why is the crown of the Sprite on the left?
The 126720VTNR is designed to be worn on the right wrist. With the crown on the left, it does not press against the back of the hand there. This makes the Sprite one of the few Rolex watches for left-handers.
Conclusion
Nicknames turn references into stories. They are easier to remember and reveal the colour of the bezel at a glance. When buying, however, the reference is what counts, because only the reference describes a watch unambiguously.
Wissensdonnerstag appears every week on Instagram and Facebook. Here in our watch magazine you will find each episode in greater depth – with background, examples from our range and the most frequently asked questions.
