If you’re new to the world of Rolex watches, you might find yourself puzzled by some of the nicknames enthusiasts use. Ever heard someone refer to a watch as a "Pepsi" or a "Batman" and wondered what they meant? This guide will break down the most popular nicknames of the Rolex GMT-Master II, making it easier for you to dive into the watch community.
1. Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 6542) - "Pussy Galore"
- Why the Name? This watch gets its name from the character Honor Blackman played in the James Bond movie "Goldfinger."
- Key Features: It has a Bakelite bezel, a 24-hour rotating bezel, and an extra hand for GMT time.
- Fun Fact: It was the first GMT-Master model developed for Pan Am pilots.
2. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 16760) - "Fat Lady" or "Sophia Loren"
- Why the Name? The nickname comes from its thicker case, designed to house the Caliber 3085 movement.
- Key Features: Independently adjustable hour hand, thicker case, and red and black 'Coke' bezel.
- Fun Fact: You can set the local time without stopping the seconds or disturbing the GMT hand.
3. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 16710) - "Pepsi," "Coke," and "Noir"
- "Pepsi": Red and blue bezel, reminiscent of the Pepsi logo.
- "Coke": Red and black bezel, reminiscent of the Coca-Cola logo.
- "Noir" or "LN": All-black bezel.
- Key Features: Caliber 3185 movement, various bezel color options, and sapphire crystal.
- Fun Fact: This model is highly collectible due to its versatility and bezel color options.
4. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 116710LN) - "LN"
- Why the Name? 'LN' stands for 'Lunette Noir,' French for 'black bezel.'
- Key Features: Black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Maxi dial, Triplock crown, green 24-hour hand.
- Fun Fact: Introduced the scratch-resistant and fade-resistant Cerachrom bezel.
5. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 116710BLNR) - "Batman"
- Why the Name? The black and blue bezel looks like Batman's costume colors.
- Key Features: Black and blue Cerachrom bezel, Caliber 3186 movement, Maxi dial.
- Fun Fact: The 'Batman' is one of the most popular and sought-after models.
6. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 116719BLRO) - "Pepsi"
- Why the Name? The red and blue bezel is reminiscent of the Pepsi logo.
- Key Features: White gold case, red and blue Cerachrom bezel, Caliber 3186 movement.
- Fun Fact: It was the first ceramic 'Pepsi' bezel, marking a return to the iconic color scheme in a precious metal.
7. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 126710BLRO and 126710BLNR) - "Pepsi" and "Batman"
- "Pepsi": Red and blue bezel, reminiscent of the Pepsi logo.
- "Batman": Black and blue bezel, reminiscent of Batman's costume.
- Key Features: Jubilee bracelet, Caliber 3285 movement, optimized Chromalight display.
- Fun Fact: These models reintroduced the Jubilee bracelet, combining vintage aesthetics with modern technology.
8. Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 126711CHNR) - "Root Beer"
- Why the Name? The black and brown bezel resembles the colors of root beer.
- Key Features: Two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel, black and brown Cerachrom bezel.
- Fun Fact: It's a modern nod to the vintage 'Root Beer' GMT-Master models.
Conclusion
The Rolex GMT-Master series is celebrated for its technical innovation, design excellence, and the charming nicknames that add a layer of personality to each model. These monikers reflect the unique characteristics and stories behind the watches, making them even more special to collectors and enthusiasts.