Rolex Nicknames Every Collector Must Know
Rolex nicknames add color, character, and storytelling to what would otherwise be cold strings of reference numbers. Saying “GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO” is accurate—but saying “Pepsi” instantly paints a picture, sparks recognition, and starts a conversation.
For Filipino collectors, these nicknames have become part of everyday watch talk—from Facebook groups and Viber chats to dealer listings and auction catalogs. They make watches easier to remember, easier to search, and far more fun to collect.
At Wristlux Manila, we believe understanding Rolex nicknames is a must. It helps you decode listings, negotiate confidently, and appreciate the stories behind the Crown’s most iconic pieces.
By the end of this guide, you’ll recognize the most important Rolex nicknames across GMT-Masters, Submariners, Daytonas, tool watches, and dress icons—and know how to use them smartly.
GMT-Master II Nicknames: Pepsi, Coke, Sprite, and Root Beer
Originally designed in the 1950s for airline pilots, the GMT-Master was built to track multiple time zones. Its signature two-tone bezel—separating day and night—also gave birth to some of Rolex’s most famous nicknames.
Pepsi
The most legendary Rolex nickname of all. The Pepsi features a red and blue bezel, famously seen on vintage references like the 1675 and modern ceramic models like the 126710BLRO. The colors resemble the soda logo, but the appeal goes deeper—Pepsi GMTs represent travel, heritage, and timeless Rolex design. It’s often the first GMT collectors dream of owning.
Coke
With its red and black bezel, the Coke GMT-Master II (refs. 16710 and 16760) offers a darker, more understated look. Discontinued today, Coke GMTs are highly sought after on the pre-owned market, especially among collectors who want something classic but slightly off the mainstream Pepsi path.
Sprite
One of Rolex’s boldest modern moves. The Sprite (ref. 126720VTNR) features a green and black bezel—and a left-hand crown. This “destro” configuration flipped expectations and instantly became a conversation piece. Love it or hate it, the Sprite proves Rolex still knows how to surprise collectors.
Root Beer
Warm, rich, and unmistakably luxurious. Root Beer GMTs feature brown and black or brown and gold bezels, from vintage references like the 1675/3 to modern Everose models like the 126711CHNR. The nickname fits perfectly—smooth, dessert-like, and easy to love.
Why GMT nicknames matter: Many listings are searched and priced by nickname first. Knowing them helps you spot fair deals, understand premiums, and avoid confusion when browsing pre-owned markets.
Submariner Nicknames: From Hulk to Cookie Monster
The Submariner is Rolex’s most recognizable dive watch—and arguably the most nickname-rich line in the catalog.
Kermit
The Submariner 16610LV was released for Rolex’s 50th anniversary, featuring a green aluminum bezel with a black dial. Collectors dubbed it Kermit for its playful green accent. Today, it’s beloved as a milestone Submariner and a bridge between vintage and modern.
Hulk
Bigger, bolder, and greener. The 116610LV earned the nickname Hulk thanks to its green ceramic bezel and green dial. Its muscular case proportions and aggressive color made it one of the most hyped modern Rolex sports watches—and prices followed.
Starbucks
Often seen as the modern Kermit, the 126610LV pairs a green ceramic bezel with a black dial. Collectors quickly nicknamed it Starbucks, using it as shorthand to distinguish it from the Hulk. It’s clean, contemporary, and incredibly wearable.
Bluesy
A classic favorite, the Bluesy refers to two-tone Submariners with blue dials and blue bezels. For many Filipinos, this is the “first luxury dive watch” look—flashy enough to stand out, timeless enough to last decades.
Smurf
Made in white gold, the 116619LB features a full blue dial and bezel. Its playful color inspired the nickname Smurf, but don’t be fooled—this is serious luxury hiding behind a fun name.
Cookie Monster
The 126619LB swaps the Smurf’s blue dial for black, keeping the blue bezel. The contrast earned it the nickname Cookie Monster, and it’s now one of the most talked-about precious-metal Subs.
At Wristlux Manila, we always label Submariners with both reference numbers and nicknames, so buyers know exactly which configuration they’re getting—no guessing, no surprises.
Daytona Nicknames: Pandas, Paul Newman, and Rock-Star Dials
The Rolex Daytona blends motorsport heritage with pop culture, making it a natural breeding ground for nicknames.
Panda & Reverse Panda
Steel Daytonas with contrasting subdials are called Panda (white dial, black subdials) or Reverse Panda (black dial, white subdials). These are social-media favorites—clean, sporty, and instantly recognizable.
Paul Newman
One of the most important Rolex nicknames ever. Paul Newman Daytonas feature exotic dials with distinctive typography and subdial design. Named after the actor and racer who wore one, these watches have shattered auction records and represent the pinnacle of vintage Rolex collecting.
John Mayer
The yellow-gold Daytona with a green dial (ref. 116508) gained the nickname John Mayer after the musician publicly praised it. That endorsement alone helped transform it from sleeper hit to modern icon.
Rainbow
Featuring multicolored sapphire bezels, Rainbow Daytonas are bold, rare, and unapologetically flashy. They blur the line between high jewelry and high horology—and command prices to match.
Eye of the Tiger
The 116588TBR pairs a tiger-stripe dial with diamonds, earning the fierce nickname Eye of the Tiger. It’s pure statement Rolex.
Some Daytona nicknames—especially Paul Newman and Rainbow—can multiply prices dramatically. Knowing the terminology is essential for serious buyers.
Tool Watch Nicknames: Polar, James Cameron, and Deep-Sea Legends
Not all nicknames are playful. Some reflect exploration, engineering, and extreme performance.
Polar
The Explorer II with a white dial—seen on references like 16570 and 226570—is known as the Polar. Its crisp legibility and understated look make it a collector favorite.
James Cameron
The Deepsea D-Blue commemorates filmmaker James Cameron’s Mariana Trench dive. Its blue-to-black gradient dial is instantly recognizable and packed with symbolism.
Double Red & Great White
Vintage Sea-Dweller nicknames based on dial text variations. Subtle details like red lettering can mean massive differences in value.
Steve McQueen (Debated)
Often associated with the Explorer II 1655. While the actor’s direct connection is debated, the nickname is deeply embedded in watch culture.
This is the serious side of Rolex nicknames—perfect for collectors who value history and tool-watch pedigree.
Dress Watch Nicknames: President, Stella, and Colorful Classics
President
When many Filipinos say “President”, they mean a full-gold Day-Date on the President bracelet. Worn by world leaders and power players, it’s shorthand for ultimate Rolex prestige.
Stella
Vintage Day-Dates with bright lacquered dials from the 1970s are known as Stella dials. Rare, playful, and highly collectible, they’ve inspired today’s renewed love for colorful Rolex designs.
These nicknames aren’t just labels—they’re expressions of personality, taste, and confidence.
For Advanced Collectors: Bart Simpson, Pussy Galore & More
For deep-cut enthusiasts:
Bart Simpson – Submariner dials whose coronet resembles spiky hair
Pussy Galore – GMT-Master 6542 worn in Goldfinger
Jean-Claude Killy – Vintage triple-calendar chronographs
Oyster Sotto / RCO – Extremely rare Daytona dial layouts
John Player Special – Gold Daytona with black dial inspired by F1 livery
These nicknames dominate high-value conversations—but knowing them is a flex at any GTG.
Nicknames vs. References: How Smart Buyers Talk About Rolex
Nicknames are fun—but references are essential.
Smart buyers always pair:
Nickname
Reference number
Material and configuration
Example: “Submariner ‘Hulk’ ref. 116610LV in stainless steel.”
Use nicknames for searching and conversation, but rely on reference numbers, serials, dials, bezels, box, and papers for authentication and value. Serious dealers always prioritize official specs and provenance.
Ready to Hunt Your First “Pepsi” or “Hulk”? Start Here
At Wristlux Manila, our Rolex listings are clearly labeled with both official references and popular nicknames, so you always know what you’re buying.
If you want to go deeper, check out our guides:
Every Rolex nickname tells a story.
And at Wristlux, we’re here to help you choose the story you want to wear on your wrist.