Rolex Batman, Bruce Wayne, and Sprite? You have surely come across these names and might have wondered with amazement that they refer to nicknames for specific Rolex models. But which watches bear these nicknames, and what makes them so special? Let’s take a closer look at the following Rolex nicknames:
1. Turned to the Left – Rolex Sprite
Following the well-known GMT variants “Pepsi” and “Coke,” a new model joined the refreshing mix in 2022: the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR, quickly nicknamed the Rolex Sprite.
The watch owes its name to its green and black ceramic bezel, reminiscent of the famous soft drink. The caliber 3285 drives this 40ßmm Oyster case timepiece. You can choose between a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet.
Why is the Rolex Sprite so special?
It wasn’t the color combination that excited the community, but rather the fact that both the crown and the date display were moved to the left – unique in the Rolex lineup.
Rolex Sprite Value Development
The uniqueness of this model was reflected in its price in 2022. At its peak, a pre-owned Rolex Sprite demanded an investment of between $43,000 and $47,000.
Today – two and a half years later – the situation looks a bit different. Now, if you’re interested in a Rolex Sprite, you can acquire one for around $18,900.
2. Welcome to Gotham City – Rolex Batman and Batgirl
Who is Batman? Not only do the residents of the fictional city of Gotham ask this question, but apparently so do you. Answer: the original Rolex Batman is the GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR launched in 2013. Its name comes from the blue and black ceramic bezel.
Why is the Rolex Batman so popular?
The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman attracted a great deal of attention among watch enthusiasts with its then-novel bezel manufacturing technique. For the first time ever, Rolex was able to create a two-color pure ceramic bezel without the colors blending.
As well as being technically impressive, the black and blue design of the Rolex Batman also appeals to fans of older two-tone GMT-Master variants like the popular Rolex Pepsi.
Rolex Batman vs. Rolex Batgirl
Let’s be honest, the Batman fam would be nothing without Batgirl. The Rolex Batgirl is a successor to the first Rolex GMT-Master II Batman: the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR. It was just as popular among fans, which led to long waiting lists.
The greatest difference between the Rolex Batman and the Rolex Batgirl is the bracelet. While the Batman is worn on an Oyster bracelet, the successor comes with a Jubilee bracelet. Since 2021, however, Rolex has also offered the modern Batman with an Oyster bracelet.
How’s the price performance of the Rolex Batman and Batgirl?
While prices for the classic Rolex GMT-Master II Batman knew only one direction (up) until April 2022, they have steadily declined since that peak. A pre-owned Rolex Batman changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly $14,800.
Prices for the Rolex Batgirl with a Jubilee bracelet also peaked in April 2022. Since then, prices have dropped by about $8,400 and have now stabilized at around $17,000.
3. Identity Revealed – Rolex Bruce Wayne
When Batman isn’t fighting Gotham City’s underworld, he walks the streets as billionaire Bruce Wayne. Until spring 2024, there was no Rolex equivalent.
After Rolex discontinued the black GMT-Master II a few years ago, the new GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR – a.k.a. the Rolex Bruce Wayne – was warmly welcomed this year. Unlike its predecessor, the new reference has a black and gray GMT bezel and is available with a Jubilee bracelet instead of an Oyster bracelet.
A pre-owned Rolex Bruce Wayne will set you back about $19,700 on Chrono24.
4. Rolex Kermit – The Most Famous Frog in the World
The Rolex Kermit is the nickname of Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV – and one look at the green bezel makes it clear why.
Interestingly, the green color was not originally a reference to the quirky frog from “The Muppet Show,” but rather to the Rolex brand color. Rolex introduced this special reference in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner.
Why is the Rolex Kermit so popular?
The Kermit marked a milestone in Rolex’s history of diving watches. Although the striking green initially divided collectors accustomed to the understated elegance of the black Submariner, the success of the new design can no longer be denied.
After the classic Rolex Submariner Kermit was discontinued in 2010, Rolex stayed true to the color green. The Rolex Kermit was followed by the Rolex Hulk in 2010. Ten years later, the Rolex Starbucks – also known as the “New Kermit” or “Kermit Mark II” – was introduced with reference number 1226610LV.
Is the Rolex Kermit stable in value?
In 2022, prices for a pre-owned Rolex Kermit ranged from $18,600 to $21,100 – quadrupling in value since its release in 2003. Though still high, current prices for the Kermit sit at around $14,900.
5. Rolex Hulk – It Doesn’t Get Any Greener
The Rolex Hulk refers to the Submariner ref. 116610LV, which has a green bezel and a green dial. Rolex offered this Submariner variant from 2010 to 2020.
Rolex Kermit vs. Rolex Hulk
They both have one thing in common: the green bezel. For the Rolex Hulk, the designers went one step further and made the dial completely green. The Rolex Kermit, on the other hand, has a black dial.
Another difference between the two watches is the material of the bezel insert. The Hulk’s bezel insert is made of ceramic, while the Kermit’s insert is made of aluminum.
Why is the Rolex Hulk so popular?
Rolex recognized the appeal of the color long before many watchmakers jumped on the green bandwagon. With the Rolex Hulk, the brand successfully continued the popularity of its predecessor while appealing to fans of bolder watch designs who found the Rolex Kermit too subdued.
Is the Rolex Hulk stable in value?
Like the Rolex Kermit, prices for the Hulk soared after its release, reaching a peak in spring 2022. Prices for this “superhero on your wrist” are now around $18,900 – a remarkable 208% increase since January 2011.
6. Resilient Like the Rolex Zombie
The Rolex Zombie, officially known as the GMT-Master II ref. 126713GRNR, is another fascinating model in the lineup. The nickname comes from the watch’s striking black and gray Cerachrom bezel and its two-tone case (yellow gold and Oyster steel) and bracelet. The Cerachrom bezel insert is not only visually appealing, but is also known for its resilience – much like the zombies from any apocalyptic scenario.
Limited availability is another reason for the Rolex Zombie’s popularity. When Rolex released this model in 2023, it was produced in limited quantities, making it more difficult to obtain and increasing its demand on the secondary market.
Its unique color combination and rarity make it a desirable addition to any collection. With a price tag of approximately 20,500 USD, the Rolex Zombie tops our list of nicknamed Rolex watches in terms of value.
