Rolex Nicknames
Nicknames have always been a thing for collectors when it comes to Rolex watches. Many Rolex watches have earned nicknames that – while entirely unofficial – are now commonplace among Rolex collector terminology. Other than the names of the different watch lines, the only official “names” that Rolex gives their timepieces are the reference numbers that correspond to a particular watch’s model, configuration, and materials. With that in mind, some of the nicknames that various Rolex watches have acquired over the years have become so commonly used and widely accepted that they are about as “official” as a name can be without Rolex explicitly printing them in their catalogs.
Pepsi = Rolex GMT-Master 6542
Coke = Rolex GMT-Master II 16760
Batman = Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR
Rootbeer = Rolex GMT-Master II 126711
Kermit = Rolex 50th Anniversary Submariner 16610LV
Hulk = Rolex Submariner 116610LV
Starbucks = Rolex Submariner 126610LV
Smurf = Rolex Submariner 116619LB
James Cameron = Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller D-Blue 116660
Paul Newman = Rolex Daytona 6239
Steve McQueen = Rolex Explorer II 1655
Other than those, also have Blueberry, Bluesy, Ice, Polar, Stella, Rainbow, Bao Dai, Clint Eastwood, Vintage James Bond, Patrizzi (Daytona) and more Rolex watch nicknames
Below is a brief overview of some of the most common Rolex nicknames and the different watches that have earned them. By no means is this list exhaustive; however, the nicknames on this list are so commonly used, that you will most certainly come across them, if you have not already.
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Rolex Nicknames: Pepsi – Rolex GMT-Master
While the red and blue bezel insert of the first GMT-Master was originally produced in its now-iconic color scheme to match Pan-Am Airlines’ company colors, a Rolex GMT-Master with red and blue bezel insert is frequently referred to as a “Pepsi” GMT due to the insert’s resemblance to the famous soda company’s logo.
Known for its red and blue bezel. Any Rolex GMT-Master or GMT-Master II can be called a Pepsi GMT, as the name really only refers to the watch’s bezel insert; however as the only Rolex currently in production with a red and blue bezel insert is the solid white gold GMT-Master II, the Pepsi nickname is most frequently used in conjunction with vintage watches.
Coke / Coca-Cola – Rolex GMT-Master 16760
In the same way that Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II watches with red and blue bezel inserts get called Pepsi GMTs, those with red and black inserts have acquired a nickname that corresponds to the other leading cola manufacturer.
Keeping up with the soda theme. Although the Coca-Cola Company’s colors are actually red and white, the overall color profile of a stainless steel GMT with its black dial and red and black bezel insert, is not all that dissimilar to a full bottle of Coca-Cola, with its bright red and white label contrasting against the dark-colored fluid inside.
Rolex Nicknames: Batman – Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR
While the all-green Submariner has earned the nickname the “Hulk”, another one of Rolex’s contemporary sport watches has also found itself with a superhero nickname. GMT-Master II watches that have been fitted with black and blue Cerachrom bezel inserts and blue 24-hour hands are frequently called “Batman” GMTs due to their dark color profile that embraces similar hues to Gotham’s superhero from the old DC comic books. Often depicted as the same color scheme as Batman. A Rolex GMT-Master II called “Batman” for its black and blue bezel.
Rolex Root Beer – GMT-Master II
Keeping with the soda theme and Rolex’s GMT line of watches, those with brown dials and inserts have earned the nickname “Root Beer” GMTs. The brown dial and bezel insert configuration most frequently appears on Rolesor (two-tone) versions of Rolex’s GMT; however some all-gold renditions can be found with brown dials and bezel inserts. The Root Beer is a popular watch.
The brown and gold color profile of Root Beer GMTs is vaguely reminiscent of a frothy glass of root beer; however it is likely that the “Root Beer” nickname was primarily a result of two other GMT-Master watches having soda-related names. Regardless, the “Root Beer” nickname has stuck, and it has become a mainstay in the world of Rolex collecting.
James Cameron – Rolex Deepsea Sea Dweller D-Blue 116660 watch nicknames
As a tribute to filmmaker James Cameron’s successful 2012 descent to the deepest part of our planet’s ocean, the Mariana Trench, Rolex released a special edition of its Sea-Dweller line of watches, the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller with D-Blue Dial. Rolex Deepsea Ref 116660 inspired by James Cameron Nicknames. Rolex supplied Cameron’s mission with a specially designed timepiece that was built to withstand the massive pressures present at the bottom of the ocean; and to celebrate their achievement (and Cameron’s), they released a special edition of their Deepsea Sea-Dweller watch, which has since earned the nickname, the “James Cameron.” The only difference between the “James Cameron” and the regular Deepsea is the dial of the watch, which fades from deep blue to black, and has the Deepsea name printed in bright green letters.
Kermit – Rolex 50th Anniversary Submariner 16610LV watch nicknames
the Rolex Kermit was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner in 2003. The 16610LV with a black dial and green aluminum bezel. The Kermit has been discontinued for nearly a decade.
Rolex Hulk – Green ceramic bezel Submariner 116610LV
The green Rolex Submariner with Green Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert (reference 116610LV) has earned the nickname the “Hulk” due to its all-green color profile and thick case design. Although it is not the first time that Rolex has used the color green on the Submariner line of watches, the “Hulk” (released in 2010) marks the first time that both the dial and bezel insert have been manufactured in any color other than black or blue. A Rolex Submariner 116610LV, Called the hulk. While a purple strap would be required in order to fully embrace the “Hulk” nickname, the thick construction of the redesigned Submariner case, combined with the all-green color profile of the reference 116610LV, makes for an overall appearance that is understandably reminiscent of Marvel Comics’ famous, green superhero.
The Starbucks – New Rolex Submariner 126610LV Black dial green ceramic bezel
Rolex Starbucks – The admirable Rolex Submariner Starbucks shown in the pictures has the official reference of 126610LV. Its color combination of a green ceramic bezel and black dial reminds people of the iconic Starbucks green logo. 41mm case diameter. The LV in the reference stands for “lunette verte”, French for the green bezel. That’s why its siblings, the black Submariners have LN in their reference name (lunette noire).
Smurf – Rolex Blue Submariner 116619 watch nicknames
Rolex Submariner Date “Smurf” has a blue dial and blue Cerachrom bezel. REF 116619LB 41mm case diameter. The Smurfs. This bright blue nickname ended up sticking and collectors still refer to the 116619LB as the Rolex Submariner ‘Smurf’. Rolex models have often seen nicknames set by collectors. Collectors have also started calling this the ‘Cookie Monster’, referencing the bright blue fur and large black mouth found on the beloved Sesame Street character. This new model is also reminiscent of the vintage Rolex GMT-Master nicknamed the ‘Blueberry’ with a black dial and blue bezel.
Paul Newman – Rolex vintage Daytona Ref. 6239 watch nicknames
One of the Holy Grails of Rolex collecting is a Paul Newman Daytona. The only thing that separates a “Paul Newman” from an ordinary vintage Rolex Daytona is the dial, which slightly differs in font, colors, and configuration. Although subtle, the differences give it a more exotic, somewhat retro appearance. This Paul Newman is a vintage timepiece. A Paul Newman is a collectable watch. Called Paul Newman since the actor Paul Newman worn it on a daily basis.
Originally, Rolex had trouble selling these slightly unconventional Daytona dials, and most customers of the time preferred their watches to have a more traditional appearance. Due to their lack-luster sales, Rolex produced a relatively small number of these exotic dials, making them quite rare and valuable among collectors today. According to legend, Paul Newman wore one of these Rolex Daytona watches during a photo shoot for an Italian magazine, and due to Newman’s star-power and a strong Italian collector/dealer network, these funky-dialed Daytona chronographs – that saw such poor sales numbers during the 1960s and 1970s –became a huge phenomenon in the world of watch collecting during subsequent decades.
Rolex Steve McQueen – Explorer II 1655
Another famous actor and racing driver, like Paul Newman. This time, it is not about Daytona but Steve McQueen’s name is linked with the model 1655 Explorer II – the original model with the big orange hand. The Rolex Steve McQueen ( Rolex Explorer ref. 1655) was produced in 1971 and in an advertisement of that period we can read: “The Explorer II”. In the collectors’ world, it was nicknamed “FRECCIONE” by Italian collectors, due to the dimension of the 24-hour hand. Moreover, this model was also called “Steve McQueen, as we mentioned. 
FAQ
Rolex Kermit vs Hulk
| Reference number | 16610LV | 116610LV |
When was the Rolex Kermit discontinued?
2010. The Kermit Submariner was discontinued in 2010 after a moderate 7-year production time. This discontinuation brought in the Rolex Hulk with a green bezel and green dial.
Why was the Rolex Smurf discontinued?
Rolex discontinued the Submariner ‘Smurf’ 116619LV in 2020 to make way for a new generation of Subs. Rolex launched the reference 126619 in 2022, a 41mm Submariner case with a black dial. The movement was also updated from the Calibre 3135 to the 3235 movements.
Rolex Nickname Rollie
A Rollie is a slang for a Rolex watch. Calling a Rolex, Rollie is a faux pas because it’s not a nickname, it’s not a simplified or shortened version, and the name Rolex was purposefully named to sound bold which rollie does not. Rollie is a street term.
Rollie: n. A Rolex watch. Example: What’s that dude thinking, putting a Rollie on a rubber strap?
Other watches nicknames
Milly = Milgauss
Kermit = LV Sub
Speedy = Omega Speedmaster
Fiddys – 1950 Luminor Panerai models
Cali – Panerai 249, with California “Cali” dial
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