Rolex never officially named its watches after comic book characters or soft drinks. Those names came from collectors, dealers, and watch enthusiasts looking for an easier way to describe certain models. Over time, many of these nicknames became so common that even Rolex retailers started using them.
Popular Rolex Nicknames at a Glance
| Nickname | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pepsi | GMT-Master II | Red and blue bezel |
| Batman | GMT-Master II | Black and blue bezel |
| Bruce Wayne | GMT-Master II | Black and blue bezel, two-tone Rolesor |
| Sprite | GMT-Master II | Green and black bezel |
| Root Beer | GMT-Master II | Brown and black bezel |
| Hulk | Submariner | Green dial and green bezel |
| Kermit | Submariner | Black dial and green bezel |
| Starbucks | Submariner | Modern green bezel Submariner |
| Smurf | Submariner | Blue dial and blue bezel |
| Panda | Daytona | White dial with black subdials |
| Reverse Panda | Daytona | Black dial with white subdials |
| Paul Newman | Daytona | Vintage exotic dial Daytona |
| Wimbledon | Datejust | Green Roman numeral dial |
| Thunderbird | Turn-O-Graph | Rotating bezel Datejust |
GMT-Master II Nicknames
Pepsi
Probably the most recognizable Rolex nickname. The red and blue bezel reminded collectors of the Pepsi logo decades ago, and the name never disappeared.
The original Pepsi GMT-Master appeared in the 1950s. Vintage examples used aluminum bezel inserts that faded over time, making clean original pieces highly collectible today. The current ceramic Pepsi (reference 126710BLRO) remains among the most desirable Rolex sport watches on the secondary market. Pre-owned on Jubilee with papers: $16,000 to $19,000.
Modern ceramic Pepsi models remain among the most desirable Rolex sports watches on the market.
Batman
The Batman nickname appeared after Rolex released the black and blue GMT-Master II bezel in 2013. Fans immediately connected the colors to Batman's costume.
The first version came on an Oyster bracelet, while later Jubilee bracelet versions became especially popular with collectors. Pre-owned Batman (126710BLNR): $12,000 to $15,500 depending on bracelet and condition. The two-tone Rolesor version with the same color scheme is sometimes called the Bruce Wayne.
Sprite
Introduced in 2022, the Sprite stands out because of its green and black bezel and unusual left-handed crown layout. The color combination quickly led collectors to compare it to the soda brand.
It became one of Rolex's most talked-about GMT releases in recent years. Pre-owned: $14,000 to $18,000.
Root Beer
The Root Beer nickname goes back to vintage GMT-Master models with warm brown and gold tones. Modern versions continue the theme using black and brown ceramic bezels paired with steel and Everose gold Rolesor cases (reference 126711CHNR).
Collectors still use the same nickname even though the modern color palette differs slightly from the originals. Pre-owned: $17,000 to $22,000.
Submariner Nicknames
Hulk vs. Kermit
These two are constantly confused by new buyers.
The Hulk (reference 116610LV) features both a green dial and green bezel. Rolex discontinued it in 2020, which pushed demand even higher. Pre-owned: $11,000 to $13,500.
The Kermit uses a black dial with a green bezel instead. Earlier versions had aluminum bezels, while current models (126610LV) use ceramic inserts. Pre-owned: $10,500 to $13,500.
Some collectors also call the modern green bezel Submariner the Starbucks because of the green-and-black color combination.
Smurf
The Smurf nickname belongs to the white gold Submariner with a blue dial and blue bezel (reference 116619LB).
Unlike standard steel Submariners, this version feels noticeably more luxurious because of the precious metal construction. Pre-owned: $35,000 to $45,000.
Daytona Nicknames
Panda and Reverse Panda
The naming here is simple.
A white dial with black subdials became known as the Panda because it resembles a panda's face. Reverse Panda flips the colors. These terms are now used throughout the watch industry, but Rolex Daytona models made the style famous.
Paul Newman
This nickname comes from actor Paul Newman, who regularly wore a specific style of Daytona with an exotic dial design.
His personal Daytona — reference 6239 with "Drive Carefully Me" engraved on the caseback — sold for $17.8 million at auction in 2017. Today, any vintage Daytona with that dial layout is called a Paul Newman and sells at a significant premium over standard-dial equivalents.
Other Rolex Nicknames
Wimbledon
The Wimbledon Datejust gets its nickname from the dark green Roman numeral dial, inspired by the grass courts of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. It remains one of the most requested Datejust configurations. Pre-owned Datejust 41 Wimbledon: $9,500 to $13,000.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird nickname belongs to the Datejust Turn-O-Graph. The name originated from its connection to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team during the 1950s. The rotating bezel made the watch stand out from regular Datejust models.
Why Rolex Nicknames Matter
These names are more than internet slang. They became universal shorthand within the watch market.
Saying "Pepsi GMT on Jubilee" instantly describes a specific watch to collectors, dealers, and buyers without needing to mention a long reference number. Knowing the difference between a Hulk, Kermit, and Starbucks usually means the buyer has already done serious research — and sellers respond accordingly.
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