Nicknames for Rolex Watches: A Guide to Popular Monikers

Rolex watches, with their unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless design, and enduring prestige, have earned a prominent place in the world of luxury timepieces. Over the years, certain models have garnered unique nicknames, often inspired by their distinct features, history, or even the personalities associated with them. These nicknames have become a part of Rolex's rich heritage, adding an extra layer of allure and mystique to these already iconic watches. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular nicknames for Rolex watches, delving into the stories behind these monikers and what makes each model so special.

1. The Submariner: "The Hulk" and "The Kermit"

The Rolex Submariner is perhaps one of the most recognized and celebrated dive watches in the world. Among the many variants, two models stand out due to their green hues, earning them distinct nicknames:

• "The Hulk" (Submariner Ref. 116610LV): Introduced in 2010, the Ref. 116610LV features a green dial and a matching green Cerachrom bezel. The combination of these vibrant green tones, along with the bulkier "Super Case" design, led to the watch being affectionately dubbed "The Hulk" by enthusiasts. The nickname perfectly captures the watch's bold and powerful appearance, akin to the comic book superhero.

• "The Kermit" (Submariner Ref. 16610LV): Before "The Hulk," there was "The Kermit," named after the beloved Muppet character. Released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner, this model features a black dial paired with a green aluminum bezel insert. The contrast between the green bezel and the traditional black dial gives the watch a playful yet sophisticated look, reminiscent of Kermit's signature color.

2. The GMT-Master: "Pepsi," "Coke," and "Root Beer"

The Rolex GMT-Master, originally designed for pilots, is famous for its bi-colored bezel, which helps in tracking multiple time zones. Several versions of this model have earned iconic nicknames based on the color schemes of their bezels:

• "Pepsi" (GMT-Master Ref. 1675/16750/126710BLRO): Perhaps the most famous of all Rolex nicknames, the "Pepsi" refers to the blue and red bezel found on various GMT-Master and GMT-Master II models. The color combination is reminiscent of the logo of the popular soda brand, Pepsi, hence the nickname. This model is beloved for its vibrant and instantly recognizable design.

• "Coke" (GMT-Master Ref. 16760/16710): Following the success of the "Pepsi," Rolex introduced a version with a black and red bezel, quickly nicknamed "Coke" due to the similarity in color to the Coca-Cola logo. The "Coke" GMT-Master is favored by those who appreciate a slightly more understated yet still striking design.

• "Root Beer" (GMT-Master Ref. 1675/16713/126711CHNR): The "Root Beer" GMT-Master earned its nickname from the brown and gold color scheme of its bezel and dial. The watch's warm, earthy tones evoke the color of root beer, a popular soda. The modern version, Ref. 126711CHNR, continues to carry this nickname and remains a favorite among collectors.

3. The Daytona: "Paul Newman" and "Rainbow"

The Rolex Daytona, a chronograph originally designed for professional racing drivers, is another model with some of the most famous and valuable nicknames in the Rolex lineup:

• "Paul Newman" (Daytona Ref. 6239/6241/6262/6263/6264/6265): Perhaps the most legendary of all Rolex nicknames, the "Paul Newman" Daytona refers to a specific dial variant found on certain vintage Daytonas. The nickname originates from the late actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, who was often photographed wearing this particular style of Daytona. The "Paul Newman" dial is characterized by its unique Art Deco-style numerals and contrasting sub-dials. These watches are highly coveted by collectors and command some of the highest prices in the vintage Rolex market.

• "Rainbow" (Daytona Ref. 116595RBOW/116598RBOW/116599RBOW): The "Rainbow" Daytona is a modern marvel, featuring a bezel set with an array of multi-colored sapphires arranged in a gradient pattern, resembling a rainbow. This extravagant and eye-catching design has made the "Rainbow" Daytona one of the most sought-after and exclusive Rolex models in recent years.

4. The Sea-Dweller: "Double Red" and "The Great White"

The Rolex Sea-Dweller, known for its exceptional water resistance and rugged construction, has also inspired a couple of notable nicknames:

• "Double Red" (Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665): The "Double Red" Sea-Dweller, produced from 1967 to 1977, is named for the two lines of red text on the dial that read "SEA-DWELLER" and "SUBMARINER 2000." This model is highly prized by collectors for its historical significance and distinctive dial.

• "The Great White" (Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665): Following the "Double Red," Rolex produced a version of the Sea-Dweller with all-white text on the dial, leading to the nickname "The Great White." This variant, with its cleaner and more understated look, has its own dedicated following among Rolex enthusiasts.

5. The Yacht-Master: "Rolesium" and "Blueberry"

The Rolex Yacht-Master, designed for sailors and maritime adventurers, has a couple of nicknames that highlight its unique materials and color schemes:

• "Rolesium" (Yacht-Master Ref. 16622/116622): The term "Rolesium" refers to the combination of stainless steel and platinum used in certain Yacht-Master models. The bezel is made of platinum, while the case and bracelet are stainless steel, creating a striking contrast. This luxurious material combination has become synonymous with the Yacht-Master, earning the nickname "Rolesium."

• "Blueberry" (Yacht-Master Ref. 116622): The "Blueberry" Yacht-Master refers to the version with a vibrant blue dial, paired with the platinum bezel. The rich blue color of the dial is reminiscent of blueberries, hence the nickname. This model is highly regarded for its striking appearance and maritime elegance.

6. The Explorer: "Steve McQueen" and "Polar"

The Rolex Explorer, a watch designed for adventurers and mountaineers, also has its share of interesting nicknames:

• "Steve McQueen" (Explorer II Ref. 1655): The Explorer II Ref. 1655 is often referred to as the "Steve McQueen," despite the fact that there is no documented evidence of the actor ever wearing this model. Nevertheless, the nickname has stuck, likely due to McQueen's association with adventure and rugged masculinity, qualities embodied by the Explorer II.

• "Polar" (Explorer II Ref. 16570/216570): The "Polar" Explorer II is named for its white dial, which is a rare feature among Rolex sports watches. The stark white dial contrasts beautifully with the black hour markers and hands, giving the watch a crisp and clean appearance, reminiscent of polar ice.

Conclusion

Rolex watches are more than just timepieces; they are symbols of status, craftsmanship, and history. The nicknames associated with these watches add an additional layer of character and allure, making them even more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether it's "The Hulk," "Pepsi," or "Paul Newman," each nickname tells a story that enriches the legacy of these iconic watches.

In the world of Rolex, these monikers have transcended their origins to become an integral part of the brand's identity, cherished by those who appreciate the finer details in life. As you explore the world of Rolex, keep an ear out for these nicknames—they're more than just catchy labels; they're a testament to the enduring appeal and timeless charm of Rolex watches.