Rolex collectors are known for their passion and precision. From subtle variations to rare anomalies, every detail can command major value—and spark lively debate. But beyond the reference numbers and market valuations lies one of the most entertaining elements of the Rolex universe: the nicknames. While none are officially sanctioned by Rolex itself, these creative monikers help fans make sense of the vast catalogue. From cartoon characters and soda brands to celebrities and racecars, inspiration for these names can come from anywhere.
This article breaks down the most iconic Rolex nicknames across various models. Each watch gets its own paragraph and space for imagery, plus added context including collector insights, rarity scores, and cultural relevance. This is your ultimate guide.
Rolex Nicknames Timeline
From the 1950s to now, Rolex nicknames have evolved alongside pop culture, fashion, and watchmaking milestones. Here’s a brief timeline of their emergence:
- 1950s–60s: Birth of tool watches. Nicknames like James Bond, Big Crown, and Freccione emerge from military and cinema exposure.
- 1970s–80s: Sporty personalities take the lead. The Paul Newman, Fat Lady, and Texano gain fame.
- 1990s–2000s: Vintage watch collecting boom. Pepsi, Root Beer, and Blueberry become cornerstone terms.
- 2010s: Colour-forward nicknames arrive—Hulk, Batman, Smurf, and Wimbledon dominate.
- 2020s: Hype culture meets horology. John Mayer, Bruce Wayne, Emoji Dial, and meme-worthy nicknames like Pikachu go viral.
Submariner Nicknames
James Bond / Big Crown
Worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No (1962), the 6538 Submariner is the blueprint for the “Bond watch.” Its oversized crown also earned it the “Big Crown” nickname. Vintage collectors treasure its unguarded silhouette, while auction history has solidified its grail status. (Collectability: 10/10)
Kermit
Introduced in 2003 for the Submariner’s 50th anniversary, the ref. 16610LV features a green aluminium bezel and black dial. The colour combo led collectors to nickname it the Kermit. Its pre-ceramic charm and historic milestone make it a rising classic. (Collectability: 8/10)
Hulk
With its green dial and green ceramic bezel, the 116610LV screamed presence from launch in 2010. Nicknamed the Hulk, this bold, modern Sub was discontinued in 2020, sparking even more demand. (Collectability: 9/10)
Starbucks
The ref. 126610LV pairs a green ceramic bezel with a black dial, similar to the Kermit but in a modernised 41mm case. Dubbed the Starbucks for its espresso-hued contrast, it’s already climbing in value among new-generation collectors. (Collectability: 7/10)
Bluesy
This two-tone Submariner (steel and yellow gold) with a sunburst blue dial and blue bezel has long been affectionately known as the Bluesy. A staple in Rolex’s catalogue, it’s often an enthusiast’s first luxury dive watch. (Collectability: 6/10)
Smurf
The all-white gold 116619LB with its vivid blue bezel and dial earned the playful “Smurf” nickname. Despite the cartoon reference, it’s a serious collector’s piece due to its precious metal case and short production run. (Collectability: 8/10)
Bart Simpson
A quirky dial variation of the 5513 Submariner in the mid-60s had a Rolex coronet resembling Bart Simpson’s spiked hair. While subtle, the nickname stuck with vintage purists. (Collectability: 7/10)
GMT-Master Nicknames
Pepsi
The red and blue bezel on the original GMT-Master ref. 6542 was created to help Pan Am pilots distinguish day and night. But instead of “Pan Am,” collectors dubbed it the Pepsi. Still Rolex’s most iconic colourway. (Collectability: 10/10)
Coke
The 16760 GMT-Master II launched in the ’80s with a red and black bezel. Resembling the Coke logo, the name was instantly adopted by collectors. It marked the debut of the independent hour hand. (Collectability: 8/10)
Fat Lady / Sophia Loren
The 16760 was thicker than prior GMTs, earning it the nickname Fat Lady. Others call it the Sophia Loren for its curves. A key transition model with high charm. (Collectability: 7/10)
“The ‘Fat Lady’ GMT is the missing link between old-school tool watches and Rolex’s modern luxury playbook,” says vintage dealer Alex Kraft.
Root Beer
Originally ref. 1675/3, its brown and gold tone earned it the Root Beer title. Newer variants revived the look, especially in Everose gold. (Collectability: 8/10)
.. STILL GOING..
Clint Eastwood
A subset of Root Beer GMTs worn frequently by Clint Eastwood on and off screen. His affinity for the model helped immortalise the nickname. (Collectability: 9/10)
Sprite
Released in 2022, this destro (left-hand) GMT with a green-and-black bezel was dubbed the Sprite. A rare layout and fresh colour combo make it highly discussed among modern collectors. (Collectability: 8/10)
Batman
The black-and-blue bezel GMT-Master II on an Oyster bracelet is known as the Batman. Introduced in 2013, it blends stealth and boldness. (Collectability: 9/10)
Batgirl
Same bezel as Batman, but mounted on a Jubilee bracelet. The lighter bracelet gives it a more refined feel, hence the feminine nickname. (Collectability: 8/10)
Bruce Wayne
Launched in 2024, this grey-and-black GMT is a monochrome evolution of the Batman. The name suits its sleek, mysterious aesthetic. (Collectability: 7/10)
Blueberry
A mythical GMT-Master with a solid blue bezel—never officially sold to the public. Believed to be military special orders. Ultra rare. (Collectability: 10/10)
Long E
A dial detail on some vintage GMTs with a stretched centre bar on the “E” in Rolex. Subtle, but enough to become a collector sub-classification. (Collectability: 6/10)
Daytona Nicknames
Paul Newman
The ultimate grail watch. Defined by exotic dials with Art Deco fonts and square subdial markers, the Paul Newman Daytona (like ref. 6263) has reached legendary status. Paul’s own sold for $17.8 million. (Collectability: 10/10)
Big Red
This variant of the 6263 Daytona features an oversized red “Daytona” text above the 6 o’clock subdial. Clean, bold, and highly recognisable. (Collectability: 8/10)
John Mayer
When musician John Mayer showcased the 116508 yellow gold green dial Daytona, its desirability exploded. It’s now the most well-known modern gold Daytona. (Collectability: 9/10)
John Mayer 2.0
A 2025 follow-up with gold subdials rather than green, also in yellow gold. Seen as a successor to the original Mayer hype model. (Collectability: 8/10)
John Player Special
Black dial and yellow gold case—this Daytona’s aesthetic mirrors Lotus F1 livery from the 1970s. Glamorous and motorsport-rooted. (Collectability: 9/10)
Big Eyes
Ref. 6263/5 features enlarged subdials, earning it the “Big Eyes” nickname. Subtle variation that serious collectors appreciate. (Collectability: 7/10)
Patrizzi
The ref. 16520 with white subdials that oxidised to brown due to faulty lacquer. Discovered by Osvaldo Patrizzi and now highly collectable. (Collectability: 9/10)
Rainbow
Self-explanatory: gem-set Daytona with multicoloured sapphires across the bezel. The rainbow appears in yellow, rose, and white gold variants. (Collectability: 9/10)
Eye of the Tiger
Features a pavé diamond dial with a tiger-stripe pattern and gold subdials. Ref. 116589TBR. (Collectability: 8/10)
Eye of the Leopard
Ref. 116598SACO stuns with a leopard-print dial and strap. One of Rolex’s most daring designs ever. (Collectability: 7/10)
Pikachu
The 116518LN Daytona in yellow gold with a bright sunburst yellow dial and black Oysterflex strap was nicknamed Pikachu. The pop culture tie sealed it. (Collectability: 7/10)
Datejust Nicknames
Wimbledon
The slate dial Datejust with green-outlined Roman numerals debuted in 2009. Named after Rolex’s Wimbledon sponsorship—and often seen on Roger Federer’s wrist. (Collectability: 8/10)
Buckley Dial
Vintage painted Roman numeral dials found on 1970s–80s Datejusts. Named after collector John Buckley, who championed their value. (Collectability: 7/10)
Thunderbird
Rolex’s Turn-O-Graph Datejust was adopted by the US Air Force’s Thunderbird squadron. The nickname stuck with the rotating bezel variant. (Collectability: 7/10)
Explorer Nicknames
Steve McQueen / Freccione
Though McQueen didn’t actually wear one, the Explorer II 1655 became linked to him through lore. The Italian nickname “Freccione” (big arrow) refers to its orange GMT hand. (Collectability: 9/10)
Day-Date Nicknames
President
Worn by world leaders including Eisenhower and Trump, the Day-Date is universally nicknamed the President. The three-link bracelet is officially called the Presidential. (Collectability: 10/10)
Stella
Bright lacquered dials from the 1970s came from a supplier named Stella. Often found in bold colours like orange, pink, or turquoise. (Collectability: 9/10)
Emoji / Puzzle Dial / Jigsaw Dial
In 2023, Rolex went wild with this Day-Date, replacing weekday names with affirmations and dates with emoji. A true collector’s oddity. (Collectability: 8/10)
Sea-Dweller Nicknames
Double Red
Early 1665 Sea-Dwellers had two lines of red text. Known as the Double Red, this variant is highly sought after by vintage collectors. (Collectability: 9/10)
James Cameron
Named after the filmmaker’s dive to the Mariana Trench, this Deepsea Sea-Dweller (Ref. 136660) features a blue-to-black gradient dial. (Collectability: 9/10)
Polipetto
Only 78 pieces were made of this 2008 Sea-Dweller for the Italian police diving corps. It features a tiny octopus logo on the dial. (Collectability: 10/10)
One-Off Models
Jean-Claude Killy
The Dato-Compax Chronograph with triple-calendar complication was nicknamed after skiing legend Jean-Claude Killy. Four known references exist. (Collectability: 10/10)
Padellone
Italian for “frying pan,” this oversized 1949 triple calendar earned the name for its massive-for-its-time 38mm case. (Collectability: 9/10)
Texano
The full-gold, quartz-powered ref. 5100 was nicknamed Texano for its large, bold proportions and American-style excess. (Collectability: 8/10)
Why the World of Rolex Nicknames Still Reigns Supreme
Behind every nickname lies more than clever wordplay—it’s a glimpse into how Rolex has embedded itself into culture, sport, cinema, and the imagination of collectors worldwide. From the adrenaline of Daytona’s racetrack legacy to the pop charm of the Hulk and Pikachu, these monikers don’t just identify models—they immortalise them.
Nicknames help define eras, express rarity, and anchor watches into our personal and cultural timelines. A Pepsi bezel isn’t just a colour combination; it’s aviation heritage on your wrist. A Paul Newman isn’t just a dial—it’s a million-dollar icon tied to cinematic legend. And the Fat Lady? She sang the song of transition between rugged tools and luxury symbols, paving the way for today’s ultra-modern Rolex aesthetic.
Whether you’re deep into vintage rarities or just entering the world of modern hype references, understanding these nicknames turns casual interest into collector-level appreciation. Each term is a story, a shortcut to deeper knowledge, and a nod to the community’s shared language.
As the world of Rolex continues to evolve—with new models, influencers, and cultural waves—you can bet that the nicknames will keep coming. And next time you hear someone mention “the Bruce Wayne,” you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about—and why it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rolex Nicknames
A: Rolex nicknames are created by collectors, enthusiasts, and the watch community to describe unique features, colours, or stories behind specific models. They make it easier to refer to popular watches without using long reference numbers.
A: No. Rolex has never officially endorsed or used these nicknames. However, terms like “Pepsi,” “Hulk,” and “Batman” have become globally accepted shorthand among dealers and collectors.
A: The “Paul Newman” Daytona is widely considered the most collectable Rolex nickname watch due to its rarity, design, and cultural legacy. Other top contenders include the “James Bond” Submariner and the elusive “Blueberry” GMT-Master.
A: Absolutely. Nicknames tied to rare or discontinued models—like the “Smurf,” “Fat Lady,” or “Rainbow”—can significantly increase demand and value on the secondary market. Some nicknames are synonymous with grail status.
