Rolex Daytona “Beach” (ref. 116519LN)
The Rolex Daytona “Beach” gets its playful nickname from a series of special editions with brightly colored dials released in the early 2000s. Available in colors like turquoise, pink, and yellow, these dials offer a vibrant twist on the classic Daytona design. Crafted from white gold and sometimes featuring diamond accents on the dial or bezel, the “Beach” Daytonas embody a sense of luxury and fun. Their colorful nature sets them apart from typical Daytonas with more subdued dial options. The limited production and bold aesthetic of the “Beach” Daytonas make them collector favorites, often fetching high prices on the pre-owned market, starting at $70,000 and going all the way up to $150,000.
Rolex Daytona “Pikachu” (ref. 116508LN and 126518LN)
The Rolex Daytona “Pikachu” earns its nickname from its striking yellow gold case and matching yellow dial, reminiscent of the beloved Pokémon character. This bold color choice makes it stand out from the typical steel or two-tone Daytona models. It’s important to note that this “Pikachu” is the model with the champagne dial, whereas the black dial is called the “Neo Paul Newman”. Despite being aftermarket, the “Pikachu” Daytona’s eye-catching look and connection to pop culture has garnered a following among collectors. Its unique appearance and custom nature can command a premium price, especially given the already high demand for Daytona models.
Moving from Rolex’s colorful watches to ones named after characters is like going from reading a vivid storybook to diving into a comic book full of heroes and legends. Each character-themed Rolex has its own cool background, making them super interesting to learn about and collect. Let’s get ready to check out these watches that are not just about telling time but also about telling stories.
Character-Based Rolex Nicknames
Now, let’s switch gears and dive into Rolex watches with character-based nicknames. These aren’t just any watches; they carry names that remind us of iconic figures and stories, making them even more special to collectors and fans.
The “James Bond” Rolex(references 6538 and 5513)
While Bond has sported many watches over the years, it’s the Rolex Submariner that holds the title of the true “James Bond” piece. Specifically, it’s the classic references like the 6538 and 5513, seen on Sean Connery’s wrist in early films like “Dr. No” and “Goldfinger”, that earned this status. This no-nonsense tool watches perfectly suited Bond’s blend of rugged capability and refined style. They often appeared on simple leather or NATO-style straps, emphasizing utility over extravagance. The “James Bond” Rolex isn’t just about a specific model – it embodies the timeless appeal of adventure, elegance, and the ability to handle any mission with flair.
We have to acknowledge that James Bond wore many watch brands across different movies, Breitling, a couple of different SEIKO, Tag Heuer, and as of the last 30 years it was several Omega models, however, since the first James Bond appearance in a movie in 1962 he wore a Rolex, it will always be remembered that the Rolex 6538 is the James Bond watch. This is a rare watch sought after only by collectors, thus we didn’t put the effort to replicate it.
The “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona(ref. 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 and 6265)
The “Paul Newman” isn’t just a Rolex nickname; it’s a collectible phenomenon. Named after movie star Paul Newman, who wore his Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 watch that was gifted from his wife both on and off screen. It refers to specific vintage Daytona chronograph models (references like the 6239, 6241, etc.) featuring a unique “exotic” dial. These dials stand out with their Art Deco-inspired numerals, contrasting subdials with hash marks, and a seconds track around the dial’s outer edge. Although initially less popular than standard Daytona dials, their association with actor and racecar driver Paul Newman turned them into highly desirable collector’s items. True “Paul Newman” Daytonas are incredibly rare and valuable, commanding some of the highest prices in the vintage watch world. They embody a perfect mix of motorsport heritage, celebrity allure, and undeniable vintage charm. The price increased when in 2017 Paul Newman sold his own “Rolex Paul Newman” for $17.8 million, making it the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold.
There is also a “Neo” Paul Newman nickname which refers to the Rolex Daytona reference 116508-0009, but we think it falls into the same nickname.Check out the Paul Newman collection of watches in our shop!
Rolex Explorer II “Steve McQueen”(reference 1655)
The Rolex often associated with Steve McQueen is the Explorer II, reference 1655. Although it’s widely known as the “Steve McQueen Rolex,” there’s no concrete evidence that McQueen ever wore this model. Nonetheless, the watch embodies a rugged, adventurous spirit that aligns with McQueen’s persona. Its distinct design features, like the 24-hour hand and fixed bezel, make it ideal for explorers. This association with McQueen has significantly contributed to its mystique and desirability among collectors. The price for a vintage piece starts at around $20,000, which makes it a great value watch for vintage Rolex collectors.
Rolex GMT Master “Clint Eastwood” (references 16753 and 1675/3)
The Rolex often linked with Clint Eastwood is the GMT-Master, specifically models with a “Root Beer” bezel, such as the 16753 and 1675/3. These models, known for their distinctive brown and gold bezel, match the aesthetic and rugged sophistication often associated with Eastwood’s characters and the fact that he is known to wear it on and off the screen. While many think that Root Beer and Clint Eastwood are just different nicknames for the same watch, it’s important to note that only vintage models 16753 and 1675/3 are called both Clint Eastwood and Root Beer, and the newer model 126711CHNR is just nicknamed Root Beer.
Rolex Datejust “Buckley”
The Rolex “Buckley” dial refers to a specific Roman numeral configuration found on vintage Datejust and Oyster Perpetual models. These dials are named after John Buckley, a renowned Rolex dealer and collector known for his distinctive taste. Buckley dials stand out due to their large, bold Roman numerals, often with contrasting colors or serifs, and the fact that the numbers are painted rather than applied. They were produced in limited quantities, making them a coveted piece of Rolex history. “Buckley” dials are highly sought-after by collectors who appreciate their vintage charm and unique connection to a prominent figure in the Rolex world.
Rolex “Patrizi” Daytona (ref. 16520)
The Rolex “Patrizi” Daytona refers to a small subset of vintage chronograph references (primarily 16520) featuring dials where the subdial rings have faded to a unique, warm brown color. Named after Antiquorum auctioneer Osvaldo Patrizi who brought attention to this phenomenon, the “Patrizi” discoloration is believed to have occurred due to a defect in Rolex’s use of Zapon varnish. Among vintage watch collectors, “Patrizi” Daytonas are incredibly rare and desirable. Their unintended color shift tells a story and represents an intriguing intersection of imperfection and beauty, greatly increasing a watch’s value and historical significance.
Material or Special Feature-Based Rolex Nicknames
We’ve explored the colorful world of character-based Rolex nicknames, each telling its own unique story and embodying the spirit of iconic figures. As we shift our focus, we’ll delve into the realm of Material or Special Feature-Based Nicknames. These timepieces are celebrated not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their innovative use of materials and groundbreaking features, marking Rolex’s commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
The Rolex “Rainbow” is a dazzling and extravagant take on models like the Daytona, GMT-Master II, and Day-Date. It gets its name from the dazzling array of sapphires set in a rainbow gradient around the bezel. Rolex also uses diamonds and other precious stones on the dial and sometimes even the bracelet, adding to the watch’s opulent look. Crafted in white or Everose gold, the “Rainbow” exemplifies extreme luxury. Due to the intricate gem-setting process and the use of precious materials, “Rainbow” models are highly exclusive and command top prices in the collector’s market, making them the ultimate statement pieces for those who seek the pinnacle of watchmaking extravagance.
The Rainbow is popular amongst superstars and hyper-wealthy people, and it’s not surprising as a Rolex Daytona Rainbow ref. 116598RBOW price will start from $400,000. There are relatively cheaper alternatives with custom encrustations that will start from $30,000.
Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” (ref. 116508)
The Rolex “John Mayer” Daytona, featuring a yellow gold case and striking green dial, earned its nickname due to musician John Mayer being spotted wearing it, sparking renewed interest in this particular color combination. While not an official Rolex designation, the “John Mayer” demonstrates how celebrity taste and influential collectors can shape the language and desirability of luxury watches. It shares similarities with standard yellow gold Daytonas, but its distinctive green dial commands a premium in the pre-owned market starting at $70,000 , especially as vintage-inspired colors become increasingly popular within Rolex collections.
Rolex Daytona “Eye of the Tiger” (reference 116588TBR/116598TBR)
The Rolex Daytona “Eye of the Tiger” is known for its luxurious yellow or Everose gold case and a dazzling bezel encrusted with diamonds. Its most distinctive feature is the dial, featuring a unique, wavy pattern resembling a tiger’s fur – hence the nickname. Sometimes made with mother-of-pearl or meteorite, this dial sets it apart from standard Daytonas. The “Eye of the Tiger” appeals to collectors who crave extreme opulence and unique craftsmanship. Due to its precious materials and rarity, it commands a very high price on the aftermarket, often around $200,000, making it a true grail for collectors seeking an undeniably bold statement piece.
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