Rolex Nicknames Inspired by Materials & Special Features
By Scottish Clans on Jan 01, 1970
Rolex “Rainbow”
The Rolex Rainbow is a stunningly luxurious version of models such as the Daytona, GMT-Master II, and Day-Date. Its name comes from the vivid rainbow gradient of sapphires set around the bezel, often enhanced with diamonds and other precious stones on the dial and sometimes the bracelet. Made in white or Everose gold, the Rainbow embodies extreme opulence and exceptional watchmaking artistry.
Because of the intricate gem-setting process and the use of rare materials, Rainbow models are highly exclusive and command top prices in the collector market. The Daytona Rainbow Ref. 116598RBOW starts at approximately $400,000, making it a favorite among superstars and the ultra-wealthy. More accessible custom versions with gem settings start at about $30,000.
Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” (ref. 116508)
The Rolex John Mayer Daytona features a yellow gold case with a vibrant green dial and earned its nickname after musician John Mayer was spotted wearing it, boosting its popularity. While not an official Rolex name, it shows how celebrity influence can shape watch desirability. The watch resembles standard yellow gold Daytonas but the distinctive green dial commands a premium in the pre-owned market, starting around $70,000, especially as vintage-inspired colors grow in popularity.
Rolex Daytona “Eye of the Tiger” (reference 116588TBR/116598TBR)
The Rolex Daytona Eye of the Tiger features a yellow or Everose gold case and a diamond-encrusted bezel. Its most striking feature is the wavy dial pattern resembling tiger fur, sometimes crafted in mother-of-pearl or meteorite, setting it apart from standard Daytonas. This watch appeals to collectors seeking extreme opulence and unique craftsmanship. Due to its precious materials and rarity, it commands around $200,000 on the aftermarket, making it a true grail for bold collectors.
Rolex Day-Date “President” (various references)
The Rolex Day-Date, famously known as the President or Presidential Watch, has symbolized power and influence since 1956. Its nickname comes from its association with world leaders, including several US presidents. Exclusively made in precious metals - yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or Everose gold, the Day-Date features a day display at 12 o’clock and the iconic date window. The signature President bracelet with semi-circular links adds a touch of sophistication.
While similar to the Datejust, the Day-Date is the pinnacle of Rolex dress watches, highly prized by collectors, with prices starting in the tens of thousands. Notable wearers include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, Warren Buffett, Tony Soprano, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan. Explore our replica Rolex Day-Date catalog to find a model that suits your style.
Rolex Deepsea “James Cameron” (ref. 126660)
The Rolex Deepsea James Cameron is built for extreme adventures, with a remarkable 3,900-meter water resistance designed to withstand the ocean’s deepest pressures. Its nickname honors filmmaker James Cameron and his historic solo dive to the Mariana Trench in 2012, where he wore a specially designed Deepsea Challenge.
While not as extreme as that experimental model, the James Cameron shares its spirit of pushing boundaries. Larger and bulkier than standard Submariners, it appeals to lovers of oversized tool watches. Its technical excellence and connection to Cameron make it a highly sought-after collector’s piece, 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 vintage chronograph models featuring a triple date calendar and multiple sub-dials for advanced timekeeping. It earned its nickname from French Olympic ski champion Jean-Claude Killy, who was often photographed wearing these highly complicated Rolexes.
Collectors prize Killy models for their rarity, historical significance, and intricate design, which set them apart from standard Rolex chronographs. Prices currently range from approximately $162,000 to $550,000, reflecting their exclusivity and desirability.
Rolex “Bubble Back” (Various References)
Rolex SARU Gem-Set Models
Rolex SARU models are renowned for their dazzling gemstone accents on the dial, bezel, and sometimes the lugs and bracelet. The name SARU comes from SApphires and RUbies. Found in the Datejust, Day-Date, and GMT-Master lines, these watches represent the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, with prices starting around $100,000.
Popular among celebrities like Post Malone, Sylvester Stallone, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ellen DeGeneres, SARU watches are prized for their precious materials and exquisite craftsmanship.
Rolex Daytona “SACO” (Various references)
The Rolex Datejust SACO features diamonds on the bezel, lugs, and sometimes the bracelet, adding a subtle touch of luxury to the classic model. The name SACO likely comes from SAphirs COgnac, referencing the cognac-colored sapphires on the bezel.
Unlike the vibrant SARU models, SACO offers a more understated elegance, appealing to collectors who prefer refined sparkle. It is available in three references: 116578SACO, 116588SACO, and 116598SACO (also called Rolex Leopard), with prices starting around $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, known as the Thunderbird, debuted in 1953 and was famously worn by pilots of the US Air Force’s Thunderbird demonstration team. Recognizable for its rotating timing bezel, the Thunderbird often features bolder designs and two-tone variations, giving sporty flair to the classic Datejust.
Notable references include 116264, 116261, 116263, 16250, 16263, 16253, 16264, 6609, 6202, and 6309. Despite its vintage appeal, Thunderbird models can be found for as low as $5,000.
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 “Autism Awareness Puzzle” gets its name from the whimsical emoji icons replacing traditional day of the month indicator, and because the puzzle pice, or jigsaw pieces in different colours, are both symbols for Autism. 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, however it’s truly attributed to another model with Ref. 6062.
Rolex “Stelline” (ref. 6062)
The Rolex Stelline 6062, also known as the Bao Dai, is a rare vintage watch from the 1950s, celebrated for its distinctive star-shaped hour markers and sophisticated triple calendar moonphase complications. With limited production, its scarcity drives its appeal among collectors, exemplified by the Bao Dai version once owned by Vietnam’s last emperor which fetched a record-breaking price at auction, cementing its status as a horological treasure.
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.
