In the world of Rolex watches, there are so many terms and nicknames that it can be overwhelming to keep track of them all. But fear not, because Jon Callahan is here to break it all down for you. In this episode of The Classroom, he dives into the mysterious world of Rolex terminology, explaining everything from the Hulk and the Smurf to fluted bezels and spider dials. He also sheds light on the significance of vintage Rolexes and the famous Paul Newman Daytona. Whether you’re a seasoned Rolex enthusiast or just getting started, this episode is sure to answer all your burning questions about those perplexing Rolex terms.
Rolex has its own unique language, and it’s not just limited to the watches themselves. The watch community has also created their own set of terms to describe specific models and interesting features. From the Everose gold to the Cerachrom bezels, there’s a whole range of terminology that might leave you scratching your head. But fear not, because Jon Callahan is here to guide you through it all. Whether you’re interested in contemporary models like the Hulk and the Batman, or delving into the fascinating world of vintage Rolexes, this episode will give you a comprehensive understanding of what all those Rolex terms actually mean. So sit back, relax, and get ready to become an expert in the language of Rolex.
Table of Contents
Contemporary Rolex Models
The Hulk
The Hulk is the nickname given to a specific Rolex model, the Submariner with a green bezel and green dial. It is made of stainless steel and features a date function. The nickname “Hulk” is derived from its vibrant green color, reminiscent of the comic book character.
The Batman
The Batman is another nickname given to a Rolex model, specifically the GMT Master II. This watch features a black and blue bezel, representing the colors associated with the character Batman. It is often referred to as the “Bruiser” as well.
James Cameron Deep-Sea Seat Dweller
The James Cameron Deep-Sea Seat Dweller is a Rolex model named after the famous filmmaker and deep-sea explorer. This watch is specifically designed for deep-sea diving, with a water resistance of up to 12,800 feet. It features a black dial with blue details, honoring the colors of the deep sea.
The Smurfs
The Smurfs refer to a Rolex Submariner model made of white gold. It features a blue bezel and blue dial, resembling the colors associated with the beloved cartoon characters, the Smurfs.
Pepsi GMT Master
The Pepsi GMT Master is a Rolex model known for its red and blue bezel, resembling the colors of the popular soft drink. This particular model was released in 2018 and features a stainless steel case and a Jubilee bracelet.
Vintage Rolex Terminology
Coke
The term “Coke” is used to describe a specific vintage Rolex model with a black and red bezel. This bezel was made of aluminum and was applied to a particular reference at the time.
Pepsi
Similar to “Coke,” the term “Pepsi” is used to describe a vintage Rolex model with a red and blue bezel. The colors are reminiscent of the popular soft drink.
Root Beer
“Root Beer” is a term used to describe a vintage Rolex model with a brown and sometimes brown/silver bezel paired with a brown dial.
Spider Dial
A spider dial is a term used to describe an old vintage dial that is beginning to crack. The appearance of the cracks resembles spider legs, hence the name.
Tropical Dial
A tropical dial refers to the fading and patina that occurs on a vintage Rolex dial, resulting in a brownish color. This phenomenon is not exclusive to Rolex but is often associated with vintage Rolex watches.
Faded Dials
Faded dials are exactly what the name implies – dials that have experienced color fading over time, giving them a unique and aged appearance.
Faded Bezels
Similar to faded dials, faded bezels refer to the color fading of the bezel on a vintage Rolex watch. This can happen to both aluminum and ceramic bezels.
Blueberry
The term “Blueberry” is used to describe a vintage Rolex GMT Master II or GMT Master with a faded blue dial.
The Fat Lady
“The Fat Lady” is a nickname given to a specific reference, the Rolex GMT Master from 1983 to 1988. This watch featured a larger case size compared to its contemporaries.
The Paul Newman Daytona
The Paul Newman Daytona is a highly collectible vintage Rolex Daytona model associated with the actor Paul Newman. It is characterized by its art deco style chronograph registers with little square-hashed indices and a step dial.
Rolex’s Terms for Materials
Cerachrom
“Cerachrom” is a term used by Rolex to describe the ceramic material used for the bezels of certain models, such as the Submariner and GMT Master II. It is highly scratch-resistant and resistant to UV rays, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Rolsor (Stainless Steel and Gold)
“Rolsor” is a term used by Rolex to describe a watch made from both stainless steel and gold. The gold can be either yellow gold or the proprietary Everose gold, which is a beautiful pink alloy unique to Rolex.
Everose Gold
“Everose Gold” is Rolex’s proprietary rose gold alloy. It is highly attractive and often used in models like the Sky-Dweller and Daytona.
Rolex Bracelet Types
President’s Bracelet
The President’s Bracelet is a high-end bracelet used on Rolex models made of precious metals. It is known for its luxurious and refined appearance.
Oyster Bracelet
The Oyster Bracelet is the most common bracelet found on Rolex sports models. It is a three-link, heavy-duty bracelet known for its durability and versatility.
Jubilee Bracelet
The Jubilee Bracelet was introduced by Rolex to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Historically, it was used on the Datejust model but has since been introduced on other models, such as the GMT Master II in 2018.
Pearl Master Bracelet
The Pearl Master Bracelet is a modified version of the Oyster Bracelet and is made of precious metals. It is often seen on ladies’ models and features a high polish and stunning luster.
Rolex Bezel Terminology
Fluted Bezel
A fluted bezel is a type of bezel seen on Rolex models like the Datejust and Day-Date. It features ridged peaks and valleys, giving it a distinct and decorative appearance.
Domed Bezel
A domed bezel refers to a flat bezel without the ridged fluting seen on models like the Datejust. The term “domed” is often associated with references that do not feature a fluted bezel.
Ceramic Bezel
A ceramic bezel, also known as a Cerachrom bezel, is made of ceramic material and is highly scratch-resistant. It replaced the older generation aluminum bezels, which were prone to scratching and fading in color.
Sarah Chrome Bezel
The Sarah Chrome bezel is a term used to describe a specific type of ceramic bezel used on the Submariner and GMT Master II. It is known for its scratch resistance and resistance to UV rays.
Vintage Rolex Dial Terminology
Spider Dial
As mentioned earlier, a spider dial is an old dial that has begun to crack, resembling spider legs. This is an interesting characteristic sought after by collectors.
Tropical Dial
A tropical dial refers to the fading and patina that occurs on a vintage Rolex dial, resulting in a brownish color. It adds character and uniqueness to the watch.
Faded Dials
Faded dials are dials that have experienced color fading over time, resulting in a vintage and aged appearance.
Paul Newman Daytona
Definition and Importance
The Paul Newman Daytona is a specific reference of the Rolex Daytona that gained immense popularity due to actor Paul Newman wearing one. It has since become one of the most sought-after and valuable vintage collectible watches.
Art Deco Style Chronograph Registers
The Paul Newman Daytona is characterized by its art deco style chronograph registers, featuring little square-hashed indices. This design element sets it apart from other Daytona models.
Step Dial
The step dial is another distinguishing feature of the Paul Newman Daytona. It refers to a dial with stepped registers, adding depth and visual interest to the watch.
Record-breaking Sale
The Paul Newman Daytona made headlines when Paul Newman’s personal watch sold for a record-breaking $17.5 million at auction. This sale solidified its status as a highly collectible and valuable timepiece.
Other Rolex Nicknames
Cool Nicknames in the Rolex Community
In addition to the mentioned nicknames, there are numerous other cool and creative nicknames given to Rolex models within the watch collecting community. These nicknames serve as a way to describe specific characteristics or distinguish certain references. If you have any additional cool nicknames to share, feel free to contribute them in the comments section or through email. The Rolex community thrives on the passion and creativity of its members, making the exploration of these nicknames a fun and fascinating aspect of the brand.