The Nicknames of Rolex Watches

Ah, Rolex. The watches that make collectors dream, frustrate bankers, and fuel debates among enlightened enthusiasts… or wannabe louts desperate for validation. Because yes: while Rolex embodies Swiss precision and mechanical refinement, it’s also the subject of a curious phenomenon—nicknames. Whether they’re heartfelt tributes or an ongoing horological in-joke, these monikers allow Crown models to carve out a very particular place in the collective imagination.

Here’s an overview of the legendary nicknames attached to certain Rolex models.

Rolex Daytona: The Queen of Egos

You want a Daytona? Take a number and wait—like everyone else. With waiting lists worthy of an ER on a full-moon night, this watch has achieved cult status. And its nicknames are every bit as lofty as its arrogance.

Rolex Panda

Ref. 116500LN: White, black, understated, effective. A design so clean it might make you check your own fingernails before putting it on. A safe choice—provided you don’t fall asleep looking at it.

Rolex Paul Newman

Ref. 6239, 6241,6263: This vintage exotic dial bears the name of a legendary actor. Ironically, Newman himself wore the watch only because he hadn’t found anything better at the time. Today, it costs more than some houses. Yes—because a beige dial is worth that much, right?

Rolex Rainbow

Ref. 116595RBOW: Set with multicoloured sapphires, this version is the perfect accessory for… let’s say, a K-pop singer or a rapper chasing ostentatious bling. It is, of course, not the cheapest Rolex.

Rolex GMT-Master II: The Jet-Setter’s Friendly Shoulder

Ah, the GMT-Master II. The indispensable tool for those who cross time zones the way others change socks. And of course, every version has its nickname—because “Ref. 126710BLRO” is far too complicated for an audience that can barely tell the time.

Rolex Pepsi

Ref. 126710BLRO: Red and blue, like the famous fizzy drink. It’s not just a watch—it’s an invitation to type 2 diabetes. But let’s admit it: it has charm, as long as you don’t wear it with a tracksuit.

Rolex Batman

Ref. 116710BLNR: A black-and-blue bezel that evokes the Dark Knight. Because nothing screams “I’m a superhero” like an Oyster bracelet and a price tag equivalent to a small Batmobile.

Rolex Root Beer

Ref. 126711CHNR: Brown and gold. Yes, brown. As if Rolex thought: “What if we made a watch that looks like an old banquette in an English pub?” Surprisingly, it works.

Rolex Sprite

Ref. 126720VTNR: Green and black, with the crown on the left for left-handers. A watch for those who like being different… and lemon-lime. If you want to draw attention in an airport, this is your best option.

Rolex Submariner: The Underwater Superhero

Launched in 1953, the Submariner is the archetype of the dive watch. And yet it’s rarely seen more than two metres from a private swimming pool. Its nicknames are just as overblown as the adventures of the people who wear it.

Rolex Hulk

Ref. 116610LV: All green, hefty, and ready to crush the other watches in your collection. Sadly, it won’t turn you into a superhero—just a guy who likes to be noticed.

Rolex Kermit

Ref. 16610LV: A green bezel and a black dial, as if Rolex wanted to pay tribute to a puppet frog. Charming—but it’s hard not to hear “Rainbow Connection” every time you look at it.

Rolex Starbucks

Ref. 126610LV: The modern version of the Kermit, more sophisticated. But let’s be honest: if a watch costs as much as a latte fan spends in a year, it’s earned the nickname.

Rolex Sea-Dweller: because the Ocean is deep

The Sea-Dweller is the horological equivalent of a Hummer. It’s built for extreme environments you’ll never visit. Still, it looks cool, doesn’t it?

Rolex James Cameron

Ref. 126660: This watch was created in tribute to the director of Titanic. With its blue-to-black gradient dial, it’s perfect for fans of boat selfies.

Rolex Red Sea-Dweller

Ref. 126600: A red line of text on the dial, and there you go: a nickname. Because sometimes it takes very little to make a watch special—or to justify a price hike.

Explorer, Milgauss and the rest: the forgotten ones

Finally, the outsiders. Those Rolexes that, despite their pedigree, don’t enjoy the same status as their more famous cousins.

Rolex Steve McQueen

Explorer II Ref. 1655: Ironically, Steve McQueen didn’t wear this watch. But nobody minds, because facts should never get in the way of a good story.

Rolex Z-Blue

Milgauss Ref. 116400GV): A watch resistant to magnetic fields. Ideal if you work in a laboratory…

Watches and Stories

In the end, these nicknames are far more than a wink shared between enthusiasts. They humanise objects that are often perceived as symbols of elitism. But let’s not kid ourselves: behind every “Pepsi” or “Hulk” lurks a formidable marketing machine.