THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROLEX NICKNAMES 2025 Ⅲ
Rolex Day-Date “President” (various references)
The Rolex Day-Date, known as the “President” or “Presidential Watch”, has been synonymous with power and influence since its debut in 1956. It earned its nickname due to its association with world leaders, including several US presidents. The Day-Date is exclusively crafted in precious metals (yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or Everose gold) and features a day display at the 12 o’clock position along with the iconic date window. The distinctive “President” bracelet, with its semi-circular links, adds to its air of sophistication. While similar in design to the Datejust, the Day-Date stands apart as the pinnacle of Rolex dress watches. Its historical significance and luxurious construction make it highly prized by collectors, with prices starting in the tens of thousands and reaching much higher depending on the metal, age, and condition.
A few notable people who wore the Rolex President are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, Warren Buffett, Tony Soprano(TV series character), Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and many more. Check our replica Rolex Day-Date catalog to see which models would suit you.
Rolex Deepsea “James Cameron” (ref. 126660)
The Rolex Deepsea “James Cameron” is a watch built for extreme adventures. It boasts an impressive 3,900-meter water resistance rating, making it capable of withstanding the crushing pressure of the ocean’s deepest reaches. The nickname honors filmmaker James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the Mariana Trench in 2012, during which he wore a specially-designed Rolex Deepsea Challenge watch. While the “James Cameron” isn’t quite as extreme as that experimental model, it shares the spirit of pushing boundaries. Compared to standard Submariners, the “James Cameron” is larger and bulkier, making it ideal for those with a love of oversized tool watches. Its association with Cameron and its technical prowess make it a desirable collector’s item, with prices starting in the high four figures.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Superman” (ref. 126719BLRO)
This unique GMT-Master II combines the iconic “Pepsi” bezel in white gold with a mesmerizing meteorite dial, while many prefer to call it “Meteorite Pepsi”, we consider the Red and Blue color combination with the meteorite dial is more suitable for a “Superman” watch.
Rolex Dato-Compax “Jean-Claude Killy” (Multiple References)
The Rolex “Jean-Claude Killy” refers to various vintage chronograph models featuring a triple date calendar and multiple sub-dials for complex timekeeping functions. It earned its nickname due to French Olympic ski champion Jean-Claude Killy being frequently photographed wearing these highly-complicated Rolexes. Collectors prize “Killy” models for their rarity, historical connection to watchmaking and sports icons, and intricate designs that stand apart from typical Rolex chronographs. At the time of writing this article, the cheapest watch found on the market is $162,000, and up to as mush as $550,000.
Rolex “Bubble Back” (Various References)
The Rolex “Bubble Back” gets its playful name from the distinctly domed, rounded caseback of early Rolex models. This design was necessary to accommodate the innovative automatic rotor introduced by Rolex for self-winding movement. “Bubble Backs” are predominantly found in Datejust and Oyster Perpetual models from the 1930s through the 1950s. The “Bubble Back” represents a pivotal time in Rolex history and holds significant charm for collectors fascinated by the brand’s evolution.
Rolex SARU Gem-Set Models
Rolex “SARU” models feature dazzling gemstone embellishments on the dial, bezel, and sometimes even the lugs and bracelet. The name “SARU” stems from the combination of SApphires and RUbies. Often part of the Datejust, Day-Date, or GMT-Master lines, “SARU” creations represent the apex of luxury and exclusivity, commanding top prices due to their precious materials and intricate craftsmanship. This watch is very popular among celebrities, people like Post Malone, Silvester Stallone, Christiano Ronaldo, Ellen DeGeneres and many more are known to have this watch in their collection, and no wonder, since the lowest entry point would be somewhere around $100,000.
Rolex Daytona “SACO” (Various references)
The Rolex Datejust “SACO” features diamonds encrusting the bezel, lugs, and sometimes even the bracelet, adding a touch of hidden luxury to the classic model. The “SACO” name is said to be short for cognac-colored sapphires set into the bezel as in SAphirs COgnac. Unlike the flashy, multi-colored “SARU” models, the “SACO” offers a more understated way to incorporate diamonds, appealing to those desiring elegance with a touch of sparkle. It comes in 3 references, 116578SACO, 116588SACO and 116598SACO(aka Rolex Leopard). The price for any of the references will start from $100,000.
Rolex Daytona “Leopard” (ref.116598SACO)
Rolex Leopard is basically the Rolex Dayotona Saco with the leopard-printed dial, ref. 116598SACO, a very bright and unusual watch in Rolex’s history as a brand.
Rolex “Meteorite” Dial Models
Rolex models featuring dials crafted from genuine meteorite from the “Gibeon” Meteorite, a Class IVA meteorite, offer a mesmerizing glimpse of space. The unique crystalline patterns within the meteorite, known as Widmanstätten patterns, make each dial a true one-of-a-kind work of natural art. Prized by collectors for their rarity and otherworldly appeal, meteorite dial Rolex watches command a substantial premium compared to their counterparts with standard dials.
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird” (multiple references)
The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph, nicknamed the “Thunderbird”, debuted in 1953 and was notably worn by pilots of the US Air Force’s Thunderbird aerial demonstration team. It’s distinguished by its rotating timing bezel, a feature shared with the Datejust, but the “Thunderbird” often features bolder designs and two-tone variations, adding sporty flair to the classic tool watch concept. The references include 116264, 116261, 116263, 16250 16263 16253 16264, 6609, 6202, and 6309. Even though it’s an interesting vintage piece, you can find one for as low as $5000.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubble” or “Celebration Dial” (Ref. 126000, 124300 and 277200)
This specific Rolex Oyster Perpetual released in 2023 earns its playful “Celebration Dial” or Rolex “Bubble” nickname from the vibrant, multi-colored dials recently introduced by Rolex. These dials feature a unique “bubble” motif in colors like turquoise, pink, and yellow, injecting a sense of fun and modernity into the classic Oyster Perpetual line. Collectors are drawn to these models for their bold departure from traditional Rolex design and their relative affordability compared to other sports and precious metal models. References 124300 for 41mm, 126000 for 39mm and 277200 for 31mm case.
Rolex Day-Date “Emoji” or “Puzzle” (ref. 128238, 128235)
The Rolex Day-Date “Emoji” or “Puzzle” gets its name from the whimsical emoji icons replacing traditional day of the month indicator. Crafted in precious metals like yellow, white, or Everose gold, it features a unique puzzle-piece style dial adorned with emojis, gemstones, and a special keyword for each day of the week. Due to their bold design and exclusivity, “Emoji” Day-Dates are highly sought-after by collectors with a playful spirit and command significant prices on the secondary market at around $290,000 at the moment of writing the article.
Rolex “Nipple Dial” (Vintage References)
The Rolex “Nipple Dial” gets its nickname from the raised, pointed hour markers found on certain vintage GMT-Master and Submariner models. These applied round indexes are always crafted in yellow gold and are made with luminescent material for optimal legibility. Collectors appreciate “Nipple Dial” Rolexes for their unusual aesthetic and quirky place in Rolex design history and since its many references to this feature the price varies, however, it falls between $10,000-$100,000.
Rolex “Padellone” (ref. 8171)
The Rolex “Padellone”, meaning “large frying pan” in Italian, gets its nickname from its oversized 38mm case, a significant size for its era. This rare vintage chronograph featuring a moonphase and triple calendar complication also boasts a unique snap-back case design. The “Padellone” is highly prized by collectors for its rarity, historical significance, and unusual blend of complexity and large size for a vintage Rolex and would cost from $100,000 all the way up to $400,000 since Rolex stopped producing watches with moonphase functionality. This model is also nicknamed “Stelline” because of the stars on the dial.
Rolex GMT-Master “Cornino” (ref. 1675)
The Rolex GMT-Master “Cornino” (meaning “small horns” in Italian) is a rare 1960s variant of the reference 1675, getting its nickname from its distinctive pointed crown guards, a feature not seen on standard GMT-Master models of the era. Highly sought-after by collectors for its rarity and unique design detail, the “Cornino” is one of the most intriguing and collectible vintage GMT-Master variations.
We’ve reviewed Rolex watches known for their special materials and features. Next, we’re checking out watches with unique or unusual nicknames. These names tell us about the cool stories or rare details that make each watch extra special. Let’s find out what makes these watches stand out from the rest.
Unique and Miscellaneous Rolex Nicknames
Rolex GMT-Master II “Fat Lady” (ref. 16760)
The Rolex GMT-Master II “Fat Lady” was the first in its line and earned its nickname due to its thicker case and wider crown guards needed to house a new movement 3085. While initially met with some criticism for its body-positive name, the “Fat Lady” is now prized by collectors for representing a significant technical and design shift for the iconic GMT-Master II. It’s also known as “Sophia Loren” a reference to the Italian actress’s famous curves, and is oftentimes confused with Rolex Coke, as it’s the “slimmer” predecessor.
Rolex Submariner “Bart Simpson” (ref. 5513)
The Rolex Submariner “Bart Simpson” (ref. 5513 from the late 1960s) earns its nickname from specific dials where the Rolex coronet logo has flat, stubby points, reminiscent of Bart Simpson’s haircut. This subtle variation is due to a brief change in dial manufacturing. Vintage “Bart Simpson” Submariners are sought-after by collectors who appreciate their unique place in Rolex design history alongside offering the classic charm of a vintage tool watch combined with the vintage patina. The prices start from $22,000, all the way up to $35,000.
Rolex “Le Mans” (126529LN)
The Rolex 126529LN, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans race, showcases the brand’s commitment to precision and motorsport heritage. Crafted in 18k white gold, with a unique open caseback revealing the Caliber 4132 movement, it features design elements inspired by racing, such as the black Cerachrom bezel with a red “100” marking. This limited edition model connects to Rolex’s legacy in motorsports, highlighted by the Daytona’s deep-rooted association with racing legends. This watch not only commemorates a significant milestone but also embodies the adventurous spirit and meticulous craftsmanship that define Rolex’s esteemed reputation. If you want to know more about this watch, we have a separate Rolex Le Mans review article, and even a Superclone Rolex Le Mans in our catalog.
Rolex “Tiffany & Co.” Dial
Rolex watches featuring the “Tiffany & Co.” signature alongside the Rolex logo on the dial are referred to as “Tiffany Dial” models. This co-branding represents a special collaboration between the iconic jewelry house and Rolex. Highly coveted by collectors, “Tiffany Dial” Rolexes often command a significant premium due to their rarity and partnership with a renowned luxury retailer.
You would expect a model with a Turquoise dial, as with other collaborations, for example with Patek Philippe Nautilus. Still, the Tiffany branding is found on different dials across different collections, such as Datejust, Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, GMT Master, and others. Still, the Turquoise dial is found only on the Oyster Perpetual model, but they don’t have as high value as the models with the dials with the Tiffany & Co writing.
Rolex Daytona “John Player Special” (ref. 6241)
The Rolex Daytona “John Player Special”, specifically the reference 6241 in yellow gold, gets its nickname from its striking black and gold color scheme mirroring the livery of the iconic John Player Special Formula 1 cars. This highly desirable watch is made even more special by its coveted “Paul Newman” exotic dial. Due to this rarity and motorsport connection, vintage 6241 “John Player Special” Daytonas command top prices among collectors.
