Rolex collectors are passionate about their favorite brand, with rare models fetching millions and entire websites dedicated to cataloging every variation of iconic references. But beyond the serious collecting lies a playful side—quirky nicknames that make tracking these luxury timepieces more fun. (Note: None of these nicknames are official or endorsed by Rolex.)
Ask a friend about the Ref. 116710BLNR, and you might get a blank stare. But mention the Rolex Batman, and the conversation lights up. These nicknames—inspired by colors, celebrities, design quirks, and even technical flaws—add personality to Rolex’s precision.
To help you navigate the world of Kermits, Rainbows, and Wimbledons, we’ve created this definitive guide to Rolex nicknames.
Submariner Nicknames: From James Bond to Starbucks
The Submariner is one of the most recognizable watches in the world, a dive watch icon since 1953. While Rolex keeps its designs consistent, collectors have given standout models some unforgettable nicknames.
James Bond / Big Crown (Ref. 6538)
Sean Connery made this watch famous in Dr. No (1962). Its oversized crown earned it the "Big Crown" nickname.
Hulk (Ref. 116610LV)
With an all-green dial and bezel (2010), this Submariner is as bold as its Marvel namesake.
Kermit (Ref. 16610LV)
A lighter green aluminum bezel (2003) gives this watch its playful "Kermit" nickname.
Starbucks (Ref. 126610LV)
The modern ceramic-bezel Submariner features a deep green hue reminiscent of the coffee giants branding.
Bluesy (Two-Tone Submariner)
A blue dial and bezel on a rolesor (steel and gold) model makes this nickname obvious-yet iconic. 
Smurf (Ref. 116619LB)
An all-white gold Sub with a blue bezel? That’s the "Smurf"—less intimidating than the Hulk!
Bart Simpson (Mid-’60s Subs)
The coronet on the dial resembles Bart’s spiky hair—hence the nickname.
GMT-Master Nicknames: Soda & Superheroes
The GMT-Master collection has some of the most consistent nicknaming conventions, often tied to colors and pop culture.
Pepsi (Red & Blue Bezel)
Inspired by Pan Am Airways, the red-and-blue bezel earned the "Pepsi" nickname.
Coke (Red & Black Bezel)
Debuting in 1982, this GMT-Master II’s color scheme matches the soda.
Batman & Batgirl (Ref. 116710BLNR)
The black-and-blue bezel evokes the Caped Crusader. The "Batgirl" has a Jubilee bracelet, while the "Batman" rocks an Oyster.
Bruce Wayne (2024 Release)
A stealthier GMT with a black-and-grey bezel, perfect for a vigilante’s day off.
Root Beer (Brown & Black Bezel)
The black-and-brown bezel configuration was introduced in 1970 on the ref. 1675/3
Clint Eastwood
While any black-and-brown Rolex GMT is known as a Root Beer, the inaugural aforementioned reference is known as the Clint Eastwood because the actor/director wore it so frequently.
Sprite (Left-Handed GMT, 2022)
A green-and-black "destro" model—will a "Fanta" version follow?
Blueberry
The Blueberry is the name for the incredibly rare Ref. 1675 with an all-blue bezel from the ‘70s. Collectors love Blueberry because the blue bezel was never actually an option offered by Rolex.
Daytona Nicknames: Racing Legends & Gemstones
The Daytona is a grail watch for many collectors, with some of the most coveted nicknames in horology.
Paul Newman (Vintage Exotic Dials)
The ultimate grail, named after the actor’s personal watch, which sold for £13 million.
Big Red
There is a subcategory of the 6263 known as the Big Red. These 6263s differ from the Paul Newman variety due to a different font and the enlarged, bright red ‘DAYTONA’ text that frames the 6 o’clock subdial.
John Mayer (Yellow Gold, Green Dial)
After Mayer showcased his Ref. 116508, prices skyrocketed—now there’s even a John Mayer 2.0.
John Player Special
Formula 1 enthusiasts will be familiar with the term John Player Special, the sexy black-and-gold livery on the team’s Lotus cars from 1972. JPS Daytonas share the car’s colour scheme with a black dial and a yellow-gold case and subdials.
Rainbow (Gem-Set Bezel)
A full spectrum of sapphires makes this Daytona impossible to miss.
Eye of the Tiger
With the Eye of the Tiger (Ref. 116589TBR), Rolex introduced a pave diamond pattern to the black dial, which neatly replicates the stripes of a tiger. The gold subdials represent a tiger’s eyes.
Leopard/John Travolta
The other big cat in the Rolex zoo is the Leopard, complete with leopard print dial and strap, it’s hard to miss this 2004 model (Ref. 116598SACO)
Pikachu (Yellow Gold, Black Subdials)
With its electric color scheme, this watch channels the famous Pokémon.
Panda
Features a white dial with contrasting black sub-dials, which closely resembles the face of a panda bear with its white fur and black markings.
Other Iconic Rolex Nicknames
Wimbledon (Datejust, Green Roman Numerals)
Inspired by the tennis tournament, this watch was famously worn by Roger Federer.
President (Day-Date Collection)
Worn by U.S. presidents, this nickname is reserved for Rolex’s most prestigious model.
Double Red (Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665)
Two red lines of text make this vintage dive watch a collector’s dream.
Jean-Claude Killy (Vintage Chronograph)
Named after the skiing legend, this rare Rolex predates the Daytona.
Final Thoughts: Why Rolex Nicknames Matter
These nicknames aren’t just fun—they’re a shorthand for collectors, making it easier to identify rare and special models. Whether you’re hunting for a "Hulk" or dreaming of a "Paul Newman," understanding these monikers is key to navigating the world of Rolex.
Which nickname is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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