Walk into any watch meetup in Toronto, and you’ll hear names like the “Hulk,” “Batman,” or “Pepsi” tossed around like everyone’s in on the same secret. These popular Rolex nicknames aren’t just clever, they’re part of a whole language collectors use to connect, trade, and chase down the next crown jewel for their wrist.
But here’s what most people don’t realize. These names have stories. Real stories. And those stories can make a difference in how a watch is perceived, what it’s worth, and how it moves in today’s market.
At Toronto Watch Exchange, we hear these names every day from collectors across the GTA, Yorkville, North York, Mississauga, and beyond. Whether someone is walking in with a Pepsi GMT or asking for a Panda Daytona, those nicknames aren’t just slang. They’re power. They help define the emotional value of a Rolex and, more importantly, help set expectations around resale and collector interest.
Let’s dive into where these names came from, what they really mean, and why knowing them could help you navigate the world of high-end timepieces more confidently.
Why Rolex Nicknames Matter to Collectors
Let’s be honest. Reference numbers like 116610LV or 126710BLNR don’t exactly roll off the tongue. Most people forget them within seconds. But say “Hulk” or “Batgirl,” and it clicks immediately.
These nicknames solve a real problem. They make the Rolex world more human. Easier to talk about. More emotional. And when you’re thinking about moving out of a piece, these names often have a big impact on how quickly it moves and how much attention it gets. If you’re not quite sure which version you have or want to confirm the year it was produced, you can check your Rolex serial number here, it’s a quick way to add clarity before listing or trading your pre-owned timepiece.
What Makes a Rolex Nickname Stick?
- The look is unique enough to stand out
- Pop culture or color references make it easy to remember
- Collectors rally behind it on forums and social media
- Over time, it becomes part of the watch’s identity
People don’t just want a GMT-Master II. They want the Batman. Not just any Daytona, the Panda. That language changes everything.
The Most Famous Rolex Nicknames (and What They Actually Mean)
Here’s a quick guide to the Rolex models that have earned iconic nicknames over time, and why they matter.
Nickname |
Model References |
Origin |
Key Traits |
| Hulk | 116610LV | Marvel character | Green dial and bezel, chunky Super Case |
| Kermit | 16610LV | Muppet reference | Green bezel, black dial, 50th anniversary model |
| Batman | 116710BLNR | DC Comics | Blue and black bezel, Oyster bracelet |
| Batgirl | 126710BLNR | Forum slang | Jubilee bracelet, slimmer design |
| Pepsi | 1675, 126710BLRO | Soda colors | Red and blue bezel, GMT legacy |
| Root Beer | 16753, 126711CHNR | Drink nickname | Brown and gold tones, two-tone case |
| Paul Newman | 6239, 6241, 6263 | Actor and icon | Exotic dial Daytona, art-deco sub-dials |
| Smurf | 116619LB | Cartoon color match | Solid white gold, full blue look |
| Panda | 116500LN | Resembles panda face | White dial, black sub-dials, Daytona format |
| Stella Dial | 1803, 18038 | Original dial name | Bold lacquer colors, vintage Day-Date |
If you’re inspired to see what’s out there beyond your current collection, take a look at our rotating lineup of pre-owned Rolex models. Every watch is vetted, verified, and ready for its next chapter on the wrist of a serious collector.
Quick Stats: What Nicknamed Rolexes Are Doing in Today’s Market
Here’s how nickname recognition actually translates to value and movement in the market.
- Rolex models with well-known nicknames have seen 7 to 15% stronger resale demand than equivalent references without names.
- The Hulk Submariner jumped by over 18% in market value within a year of being discontinued.
- The Paul Newman Daytona sold for over $17 million USD at auction in 2017, the most expensive Rolex ever.
- GMT-Master II models with “Pepsi” bezels typically sell for 10 to 12% more than black-bezel versions, even with similar specs.
Collectors aren’t just buying the watch, they’re buying the legend attached to it.
Hulk vs. Kermit: Battle of the Green Rolex Nicknames
This is one of the most talked-about pairings in Rolex culture, especially with collectors in Toronto and Vancouver who lean into classic Submariner heritage.
The Kermit was released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner. It featured a black dial with a vibrant green aluminum bezel, a huge visual change from the traditional black Sub. Its proportions stayed traditional, which gave it a strong vintage feel.
The Hulk, launched in 2010, took things further. It introduced a full green sunburst dial to match its green ceramic bezel, all inside a chunkier Super Case. It looked modern, bold, and had wrist presence to spare.
Both watches have strong fan bases. But they tell different stories. One leans classic. One feels current. And in today’s resale space, both are still in high demand, especially if they come with full sets and service history.
Batman and Batgirl: The GMT-Master II Evolution
The “Batman” nickname came fast after Rolex dropped the black-and-blue bezel on a GMT-Master II in 2013. It was the first ceramic bezel with a split-color design. Collectors saw the blue and black and instantly thought of the Dark Knight’s cape.
In 2019, Rolex reintroduced the same color combo, but on a Jubilee bracelet and slimmer case. It was still a Batman, but it felt more elegant. Collectors, as they do, started calling it the “Batgirl.”
Some people love the names. Some roll their eyes. But they stuck. And if you’re trying to understand which model you’ve got, or what buyers are looking for, the difference matters.
Which Should You Know?
- Batman: Oyster bracelet, tougher look, more tool-watch feel
- Batgirl: Jubilee bracelet, dressier finish, newer movement
We’ve helped clients from Etobicoke to Oakville navigate this exact debate, and it can have a real impact when it’s time to explore the value of your GMT.
The Pepsi and Root Beer: Color that Changed Everything
The Pepsi GMT has been around since the 1950s. Red and blue was the original color scheme used for legibility when Rolex partnered with Pan Am Airlines. Over time, it became iconic.
The nickname “Pepsi” came from its resemblance to the soda logo, and that branding power hasn’t slowed down since. When Rolex brought it back with ceramic bezels and Jubilee bracelets, demand exploded again.
Then there’s the “Root Beer”, a warm brown and gold tone GMT that started showing up in the 1970s. The modern versions use Everose gold and black-brown ceramic. They look sleek, rich, and definitely less common.
If you’ve got either of these, especially with clean paperwork, the market is still chasing them. Even more so if you’re holding onto the older aluminum bezel models.
Paul Newman: The Daytona That Changed Everything
There’s no nickname with more weight than “Paul Newman.” These Daytonas aren’t just collectible, they’re the stuff of horological legend.
The story goes that Paul’s wife, Joanne Woodward, bought him a Daytona with an “exotic” dial, contrasting sub-dials, red minute markers, and that unmistakable vintage feel. He wore it everywhere. Decades later, that exact watch sold at auction for over 17 million USD.
Today, any vintage Daytona with similar styling is referred to as a Paul Newman. And yes, collectors are still willing to pay huge premiums if they’ve got the right details.
If you even think you might be sitting on a Paul Newman-style Daytona, don’t sit on it. It’s one of those watches that makes serious waves.
Newer Rolex Nicknames That Are Heating Up
Let’s not forget the recent stars.
- Smurf: The Submariner ref. 116619LB with its full white gold case and bright blue bezel and dial. It’s heavy, luxurious, and a colorway that really pops.
- Panda: The Daytona ref. 116500LN with a white dial and black sub-dials. It’s clean, crisp, and wildly in demand.
- Stella Dials: Vintage Day-Date dials in vibrant colors like pink, turquoise, or oxblood. They were overlooked for years but are now becoming favorites in the fashion and watch crossover space.
These models are often the first to go when they hit showcases, and the nickname recognition helps a lot with visibility in a crowded market.
How Rolex Nicknames Are Born in the Collector World
Rolex doesn’t name them. We do. Collectors. Dealers. Bloggers. Reddit threads. Watch forums. People spot something unique, and the nickname spreads like wildfire.
It usually starts like this:
- Someone sees a dial that looks like a cartoon character
- A celebrity gets spotted wearing a reference, and it catches on
- The community decides a model needs a name, and suddenly it sticks
And once it sticks, it becomes part of the watch’s DNA.
Wondering What Your Rolex’s Nickname Means for You?
If you’ve got a model with one of these nicknames, that detail alone could help you get more interest, more conversation, and stronger value if you’re thinking about upgrading or parting with it.
At Toronto Watch Exchange, we’ve helped collectors from the Distillery District to Richmond Hill evaluate what they’ve got and tap into the exact buyer pool that’s chasing specific, nicknamed models.
Whether it’s a Hulk, a Batgirl, or even a Stella Dial Day-Date, we’re here for those real conversations. Not just about watches, but about what they mean.
Let’s talk watches. Bring yours in. Let’s find out what kind of story it’s really telling.