Rolex wristwatches like the Rolex GMT-Master II are known for their complex names. The official names of these watches from the manufacturer are often long, alphanumeric combinations that are cumbersome for people to memorize and reference in conversations.
Many collectors and watch experts have no hard time memorizing the complex watch names and reference numbers. However, everyday wearers of this watch may have to check online references each time they see these complex names. This is where nicknames come in.
Collectors and enthusiasts prefer to use shorthand nicknames when referencing some of the most popular Rolex models. In addition to making conversation easier, using nicknames instead of long tongue-twisting names also adds a level of lightheartedness and playfulness to conversations, especially to something as serious as luxury watches.
The Rolex GMT-Master II collection is one of the Rolex watch series with the most nicknames. Most watches in the collection feature bi-coloured bezels, which makes it easy to identify them. The attractive bezel colors of these watches are also the basis for most of their nicknames. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular models of Rolex GMT-Master II and their common nicknames.
Rolex Pepsi
Rolex Pepsi is the nickname given to any GMT- Master II watch with a blue and red bezel color. The current reference number of the Rolex watch that bears this nickname is the Rolex GMT Master II ref. 126719. However, the name has been in existence since 1955 when the original GMT-Master ref. 6542 with iconic blue and red bezel colors was introduced. The nickname is a nod to the iconic blue and red logo of the Pepsi brand.
The Rolex Pepsi is arguably one of Rolex’s most iconic and most sought-after watches. Rolex has continued to offer this famed colorway to date, but the bezel material has been changed several times.
The original watch bezel was made of Bakelite material, the world’sfirst synthetic plastic. This was later changed to aluminum and then to Cerachrom ceramic bezels. More modern variants of this watch feature both stainless steel and white gold bezels. This series is also commonly referred to as a BLRO, which is the French abbreviation for Bleu Rouge or Blue Red in French.
Rolex Superman
Many Rolex watches are named after famous superheroes from the comics, and the Rolex Superman is one of the best examples. The nickname is commonly used to refer to the GMT-Master II ref. 126719 featuring a meteorite dial and an oyster bracelet.
Another common nickname for this particular watch is the Meteorite Pepsi. That’s because it features the same blue and red bezel as the regular Rolex Pepsi wristwatch. The only notable difference between them is the dial material.
Rolex Batman and Batgirl
The Rolex Batman is the nickname for the Rolex GMT-Master II ref 116710 BLNR wristwatch. Rolex released this watch in 2013, and it was the first watch to feature a single ceramic bezel with a two-color finish of blue and black. The watch collection was named after the prominent color scheme of the dark knight in the comics.
The Rolex Batman had an Oyster bracelet, a feature that differentiated it from the very similar Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR, which featured a Jubilee Bracelet instead. The newer model, which was released in 2018, also featured a new movement and had a feminine appeal.
Consequently, the GMT-Master II 126710 was named the “Batgirl” in reference to its new appearance. People sometimes refer to this collection as the “night and day” Rolex. This nickname also refers to the unique color palette, with blue representing the day and black representing the night.
Rolex Root Beer
Like the Rolex Pepsi, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675/3 is another Rolex watch with a soda-inspired nickname. The original GMT-Master II watch, given this nickname, was released in 1963. It featured a unique colorway characterized by yellow gold and steel with a brown bezel. This color palette is similar to the logo and packaging of the classic Root Beer soda, hence the nickname name.
Modern versions of this watch, such as the GMT-Master II ref.126715CHNR, are still made from Everose gold material with black and brown bezels, which is still the same color scheme as the original. The original Rolex Root Beer (GMT-Master II 16753) is also sometimes referred to as the “Clint Eastwood” or the “Dirty Harry”. These nicknames were inspired by the legendary actorClint Eastwood, who was famous for his “Dirty Harry” character. The actor famously wore a Root Beer GMT wristwatch in many of his movies.
Rolex “Coca-Cola” or “Coke”
As expected, Rolex Coke, or Rolex Coca-Cola, was named after its red and black bezel, which is similar to the packaging of the classic Coke bottle. It was introduced for the first time in 1983 as GMT-Master II ref. 16760, then later in 1989 as GMT-Master II ref. 16710.
Although the color scheme of the Rolex Coke is similar to that of the Rolex Batman, a closer look will show that the Coke features a red, triangle-tipped 24-hour hand instead of the blue-tipped hand of the ‘Batman.’ Also, the Coke Bezel was only ever made with aluminum. The series was eventually discontinued in 2008, but it remains a fan favorite.
Rolex Fat Lady
The Rolex Fat Lady is technically the same as the original GMT-Master wristwatch but with several upgrades. The Rolex Fat Lady was released in 1983, and the official name was GMT-Master II ref. 16760.
The most apparent upgrade over the original was that it was 0.5mm thicker than the original GMT-Master. While that might not seem like much to a layman, a 0.5mm thickness is a big deal in the world of horology and was enough to earn this watch a new nickname. The case also had a curvy profile, earning the new watch the nickname “Rolex Sophia Loren.”
Aside from its bigger profile, the Rolex Fat Lady is considered a horological masterpiece and one of Rolex’s most iconic creations. It marked the start of a new era for Rolex because it featured several new technological innovations, such as an improved Caliber 3085. This made it possible to set both hands of this watch independently. The fat lady could tell the time for three different time zones instead of two like earlier models.
This watch was also revolutionary design-wise. Most Rolex watches today feature luminous hour markers surrounded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and white gold appliques. The Rolex Fat Lady was the first Rolex watch with this unique design. The Fat Lady was eventually discontinued in 1988.
Rolex Sprite
The Rolex Sprite is one of the more recent additions to the Rolex family of watches. The nickname applies to the GMT-Master II ref.126720 VTNR watch, featuring a green and black bezel, which was released in 2022.
The Rolex Sprite is also known as the Lefty Sprite because of its left-handed design. It is the first left-handed watch from Rolex, featuring the crown and date on the left side of the watch instead of the typical right side. Although designed specifically for left-handed people, many right-handed watch enthusiasts acquire this watch and choose to wear it on their opposite wrist instead.
Rolex SARU
The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126755 is also sometimes referred to as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II SARU or simply as the Rolex SARU. It is an expensive, limited edition watch with only a handful in the market.
The SARU is so named because it features semi-precious stones in its bezel, notably sapphires and rubies. The nickname is from the first two letters of these two stones. The red and blue in this watch’s bezel mimic the famous Rolex Pepsi bezel colors.
The SARU, which was released in 1980, was the first Rolex sports watch to feature precious gemstones in its bezel. In addition to the rubies and sapphire rocks, the SARU’s bracelet is also adorned with diamonds along its center and its entire dial is paved with beautiful stones.
Conclusion
With an extensive history that goes all the way back to the 1950s, the Rolex GMT-Master series is one of the watch collections with several creative nicknames for the different models of this watch. Of course, Rolex does not officially recognize all of these nicknames. However, passionate watch enthusiasts prefer to use these names because they make it easier for everyone to reference and identify the watches when they need to.